This week: Brian and Patricia head up to wine country to imbibe—if you will—one of the most unique public collections of art in California. Sited on over 200 extraordinary acres of vineyard, gardens, and natural landscape in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley, di Rosa originated as the shared vision of Rene and Veronica di Rosa, prolific collectors whose personal passion for art and adventuresome spirits fueled their support of art and artists. Their home and the famed vineyards around Winery Lake became the focal point not only for their life and a noted gathering place for artists, but the development of the art collection that is now housed in three buildings, both contemporary and historic, as well as on the surrounding landscape.
Considered the most significant holding of Bay Area art in the world, di Rosa houses approximately 2,000 works of art by more than 800 artists. Our friends at Art Practical are the lucky recipients of a year-long writing residency at di Rosa, and Patricia shares some of the insights she’s gleaned in her weekly forays. In this episode’s conversation, she and Brian meander through the residence and main gallery with Amy Owen, Curator, and Meagan Doud, Curatorial Assistant, reflecting on the collection, its history, and the bucolic landscape surrounding them. The serenity of the setting was only disrupted by the potential for lingering aftershocks following the 6.1 earthquake that hit the area early Sunday morning, August 24. di Rosa was the closest cultural center to the epicenter in downtown Napa, and while the buildings were unscathed, about 10% of the work on view (3% of the collection) sustained some damage. Generous efforts are underway to support the repair and restoration of the collection; you can learn more here about how you can help out!
Images:
1. di Rosa's Gatehouse Gallery overlooking Winery Lake. Photo: Erhard Pfeiffer.
2. di Rosa's Sculpture Meadow. Photo: Steven Rothfeld.
3. di Rosa's Courtyard. Photo: Steven Rothfeld.