Home for the Holidays

Along with so many other folks, Napa Valley is my adopted home. And though my work brought me here, I am not in the wine and food trade. Over the last ten years, the arts community has given me a home that I never knew existed, and one I didn't know I was seeking. Everything I do at work and at home aims to give back to this community what it has given me. I would love to see it continue to grow into a healthy, vibrant place that draws other people to it, so they may also share in its physical beauty and quirky charms.

What makes a place feel like home will of course vary a lot from person to person. Communities come in every size and shape. But one thing that binds people together is the chance to be together with other like-minded people. As we gather together this holiday season, let us take the time to relish what bounty we already have here and what we continue to build together every day.

Sincerely,
Kristina Young
Acting Executive Director
Arts Council Napa Valley

Cultural Plan Activity Update
December 2009

In order to keep the local community informed on the progress to implement the Napa County Cultural Plan written in 2008, Arts Council Napa Valley (ACNV) will publish a monthly update. Below you will find the plan’s four major strategic directions, which includes the work ACNV and their partners have done to reach these goals in the past month. The Cultural Plan was drafted in 2008 entirely from community input.

Build Effective Awareness of the Arts and
Increase Cultural Tourism

Starting in December 2009, the Monthly ACNV Cultural Plan Activity Update will be published in The Napa Valley Register on the first Wednesday of each month. The Activity Update will highlight ACNV's work to implement the Cultural Plan. An expanded Update will also be posted on our website (ArtsCouncilNapaValley.org), along with an archive of past updates.

ACNV received the results for the recently completed Economic Impact of the Arts Study for Napa County. After collecting data for the last two years and submitting it all to partner Americans for the Arts, the national organization that publishes an annual Arts & Economic Prosperity Report, we have received the summary and information that demonstrates the impact of the arts on our local economy. A full press release will go out shortly.

To raise awareness of NVarts.com, our Arts & Culture Event Calendar, we have implemented video screen advertisements throughout Napa with the help and sponsorship of Daniel Dixon of Dojobi.com in local venues such as First Squeeze and The Napa Roasting Company.

ACNV is also utilizing the social networking tool, Facebook, to raise awareness of NVarts.com. We announce arts and culture event updates daily to over 1,000 Fans and 600 Group members. The public is welcome to submit events at NVarts.org with potential for further promotion through our Facebook page for free.

Our new arts blog, "This Week's Napa Valley Art Picks", written by freelance writer Louisa Hufstader, is now posted weekly on both the ArtsCouncilNapaValley.org and NapaValley.com websites. Check back every week for a new installment highlighting local arts events and activities.

Media appearances are slated this winter to discuss local arts and events. Keep an eye out for us on Napa's TV Channel 28, "The Arty Party Show", on-air with "Kellie in the Morning" on KVYN, and an article in Napa Valley Marketplace magazine this January.

Ensure Inclusion & Expand Local Arts Education

ACNV received Arts Education funding from The Jewish Community of Napa Valley to develop music education programming in our schools. With support from Silverado Winery, this grant will bring musicians from The Napa Valley Symphony into Yountville Elementary School for a series of special performances.

In partnership with California Arts Council and Barbara Nemko, Napa County School District Superintendent, ACNV signed on four Napa County High Schools (Valley Oak, Vintage, New Tech, and Justin-Siena) to participate in "Poetry Out Loud", an annual National Poetry Recitation contest created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The Napa County contest will take place in the spring, with winners moving on to the state and then national finals.

Wandering Rose, in partnership with fiscal sponsor ACNV, launched new online "Underground Calendar", supporting pop, indie and experimental art events and activities. Find it at: NVarts.org.

Establish Effective Arts Public Policies & Build Arts Advocacy Coalition

As reported last month, Napa City Council accepted a proposal for the first ARTwalk in Downtown Napa, an annual exterior sculpture program ACNV created in partnership the City of Napa's Redevelopment Agency. After the Council approves the final contract (scheduled for vote in December) the program will begin in 2010.

ACNV continues to build a strong coalition to speak in support of the Public Art Ordinance for the City of Napa, scheduled to go before the City Planning Commission for vote on 12/3/09, 7pm at Napa City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. Click here to add this event to your personal calendar or get email or text message reminders.

ACNV created "Support the Arts" stickers to be worn by arts supporters at public meetings. Stickers were first distributed at the 2nd Napa Downtown Specific Plan Community Workshop as a way for participants to identify themselves as arts advocates. At this meeting, there was overwhelming support for more arts and culture downtown. Next community meeting is scheduled for January 13, hosted by the County of Napa.

Maximize & Mine Arts Resources

Continued discussions to pursue creation of a Community Art Center and work committees are being formed at Wandering Rose Public Forum. To participate, .

Our Student internship program application was approved by New Tech High School to support ACNV with Cultural Plan projects.

Other Arts News

NVarts.org (ACNV's Arts & Culture Event Calendar) was redesigned with great new tools to make searching for events easier. It's chock full of events and being maintained 24/7 for your event-surfing pleasure! Special thanks to James Curt Byrum as the new Volunteer Calendar Manager and Spokesperson.

ACNV would like to thank Nancy and Melissa Garden of The White Barn, for their support and donated proceeds from their White Barn Winter Fair on Nov 20-22, 2009.

Also, a big congratulations to the Town of Yountville on the opening of their New Community Center, which includes an Art Room, new Library, Teen Room, Public Meeting Spaces, and four exterior sculptures on loan from local artist, Gordon Huether.

ACNV welcomes new staff member, Olivia Everett of Wandering Rose as Administrative Assistant.

Become a Member and/or Donate

ACNV is a support and promotional organization for arts and culture in Napa County. Consider becoming a member and/or donating. Your membership sustains Arts Education, supports NVarts.org calendar—which increases the local and cultural tourism industries and thrusts new programs into action such as ARTwalk and more! Benefits.

Donate To: Arts Education	Student/Senior $25	Member Artist/Supporter $25	Registered Artist $50
Non-Prof Annl Bdgt $100-500k - $100	Non-Prof Annl Bdgt $500k-1M - $200	Non-Prof Annl Bdgt $1M+ - $300	Corporation $300

Thank you Major Donors, Sponsors & Arts Associates

BECOME A PARTNER For those interested in directly supporting the arts, please consider becoming a partner with the Arts Council by offering discounts to ACNV members. Click here for more info.

Graphics by Kristine Cummins.