What happens when Napa Valley artists, policymakers and community leaders come together to make art?
Sunday, April 7th: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Monday, April 8th: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Willis Art Studio
1830 Soscol # D, Napa CA 94559
Liz Alessio : Maira Ayala-Calderon : Sue Bradford : Chandra Cerrito : Arminée Chahbazian : Anne Cottrell : Susan Dix-Lyons : Dawnine Dyer : Kimberly Howard : Jeni Olsen : Jennifer Owen : Torence Powell : Ruby Rose Lyons : Annette Shafer
With early support from an ACNV grant in 2023, I began The Artists’ Trellis, an awareness project for Napa arts. As a thirty five year resident of Napa, I have advocated for more inclusion and support for local artists. Affordable studio space, dedicated exhibition venues and a seat at the table around planning and civic policy are critical to keeping artists living and working in Napa Valley. When I didn’t feel like I was being heard, I created my own table and asked local policymakers and leaders to join me in my studio to make art.
What began as an advocacy plan developed into meaningful, intimate printmaking sessions where both the artists and non-artists created a bond through art making. Most of the guests had little art experience but was supported by one of a core group of local artists, each with over 20 years’ experience living and working in Napa Valley. Shedding light on the challenges that artists face on a daily basis with community and civic leaders can help shape policy and affect change.
"I asked each participant to choose from two motifs: Napa Valley botanicals & foliage or native wildlife. The exhibition is a curated selection of monotypes from each of the six sessions. It creates a collective portrait of the Napa Valley that memorizes something we all value about living here. In this fractured world, I want to remind others that art can be a bridge to connect us.
