Clockwise Top Left: Kristina Young, Executive Director; Christy Bors, Administrative Assistant; Kate Demarest, Office Manager; Kristine Cummins, Marketing & Webmaster.
Photo by Kelly Dunn.

Happy holidays! As we look back at 2010, it is truly amazing to see how much has happened in our local arts community. We launched new initiatives and programs, witnessed the birth of new arts venues and organizations, passed the first Public Art Ordinance in Napa County, and celebrated ACNV 30th year of operations. Most significant is the way that we've come together as a collective, as never before. Napa Valley ARTS 2010 not only gave the greater community a reason to support local arts and culture, but provided tangible proof that we are stronger when we work in collaboration. As we continue to recover from economic cutbacks, there has never been a better time to work together in pursuit of our common goal: a strong, vibrant arts sector in Napa Valley.

You can support ACNV's important work by making a tax deductible contribution today. Any level of contribution is greatly appreciated. Make your voice heard today and support your local arts community:

We wish you and yours a wonderful, warm holiday!

Sincerely,
Staff and Board of Arts Council Napa Valley

2010 Highlights

	NAPA VALLEY ARTS 2010 In the last year, ACNV successfully created and coordinated this new, annual, countywide celebration that will serve as model for years to come. This celebration delivers a strong, collective message to the local and visitor alike: the Napa Valley's arts sector is thriving. Besides wine and food, Napa Valley offers cultural activities at all price points and for all audiences and interests. This year's inaugural Napa Valley ARTS 2010 (October 15-Novemeber 14) saw the participation of over 65 partners in the arts community and offered over 115 events over the period of a month. In its first year, ARTS 2010 proved to be a financially successful program model, and ACNV and is already in plans to expand the participation and marketing reach for Napa Valley ARTS 2011. Learn More
ARTS 2010 Launch Party mostly comprised of Napa Valley Arts coalition members.	NAPA VALLEY ARTS COALITION Over the last three years, as a main goal of the Cultural Plan, ACNV has worked diligently to unite the local arts community. In Jan 2010, in order to expand its reach, ACNV renamed the group that had previously been its Advisory Board, as the Napa Valley Arts Coalition. Throughout the year, ACNV facilitates regular meetings of this diverse group representing venues of all sizes, dance and theater companies, individual artists and collectives, galleries and museums, government and media partners, cinemas, wineries with arts programs, arts education focused schools, and historical and cultural organizations. These meetings provide opportunities for creating partnerships and leveraging funding, staff, space and other precious resources.
"Fish On" by Terrence Martin located at Main and 3rd Streets. Mild steel, 9' x 3' x 3', $30,000, 2006.	NAPA ARTWALK After a year of planning, ACNV launched this new program in partnership with the City of Napa in April 2010. The inaugural ARTwalk has been extremely successful, receiving national media attention an incredible local support. The first year's theme "Celebrating the Napa River" provided an opportunity for ACNV to create additional related programming in partnership with the Friends of the Napa River, the Napa County Historical Society and other local environmental groups. ACNV has received a second contract with the City of Napa to coordinate the next exhibition (to be installed in May 2011), with an increase in the number of installations. NapaArtWalk.org
	MEET THE MAKERS: PORTRAIT OF A CREATIVE COMMUNITY As the kick-off reception for Napa Valley ARTS 2010, ACNV mounted this new exhibition of portraits taken by four local photographers, each asked to capture 15-17 important, influential or intriguing "makers" in Napa Valley's creative community. ACNV chose the title of "maker" and encouraged the photographers to broaden the traditional definition of "artist" in their selection process, resulting in wonderfully diverse collection of portraits. Subjects chosen varied from well-known arts funders and local icons to young, emerging performers and activists. To include an arts education component, we also invited four young art students, the self-named "Art Girls", and their teacher to interview selected subjects and created a companion audio tour for the exhibition. The opening reception served to re-introduce ACNV to the Valley as a supporter for all local arts and culture. This successful exhibition will serve as model for an annual ACNV exhibition spotlighting our diverse creative residents.
ACNV Board President, Harry Price speaking at the Public Art Ordinance review at the City Hall in December 2009.	PUBLIC ART POLICY FOR THE CITY OF NAPA In February 2010, the City of Napa passed a 1% Public Art Ordinance, the first in Napa County. ACNV spearheaded this initiative, and worked closely with City staff to draft and workshop the ordinance for the City of Napa. The first public dollars will be collected this winter when the City breaks ground on a new transit center in downtown Napa. ACNV will play an important role in helping to create and serve on the Selection Committee. Learn More
	ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY OF THE ARTS IN NAPA COUNTY In January 2010, ACNV completed and distributed the results of the first Economic Impact Study, in partnership with Americans for the Arts. The survey results deliver powerful evidence that the arts sector brings huge economic gains to our valley: over $32 million, annually. ACNV posted the study on our website and made the results available for use by the entire Arts Coalition for grant writing and strengthening partnerships with the business community. Learn More
Please consider making a tax-deductable donation to Arts Council Napa Valley to continue to strengthen these programs and services and much more today!

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Photography credits: Top header lower right photo by Rob Mc Donough. All others by Kristine Cummins.