DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends,

On October 3, 2010, Rene di Rosa, Founder and visionary, passed away peacefully at age 91.

photo by Jock McDonald

An inspiration for all of us, Rene lived life more fully than most, and achieved unconventional success in the worlds of art and wine. A passionate and omnivorous art collector, he became equally renowned for his famed Winery Lake vineyards, and his engaged philanthropy. In 1960, he purchased 450 acres in the little-known Carneros region of Napa and despite his city roots, embarked on love affair with the land, becoming a leader in the fight to preserve the region’s agriculture and open space.

Rene di Rosa touched many lives in the Bay Area—there are as many stories as there are people who knew him. Many of us encountered him as the ubiquitous figure in a tractor cap at art events, and through his service on the Boards of the Berkeley Art Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as well as the National Advisory Board of the Whitney Museum. He was a generous friend, and a champion, and indefatigable patron of Bay Area artists, many of whom are now recognized nationally and internationally.

More than 25 years ago, Rene and his late wife Veronica shared a dream of building a unique museum at Winery Lake in which art could be enjoyed in concert with nature. The nonprofit organization that bears their name opened to the public in 1997 and was fully incorporated as an independent museum in 2000. Today we are proud to continue his legacy through engagement with the art of our region and commitment to celebrating and supporting the artists who make Northern California their home.

Kathryn Reasoner, Executive Director

di ROSA STAFF

Kathryn Reasoner, Executive Director
Kristin Baird, Gatehouse Gallery Coordinator
Allison DeLauer, Development Director
Cynthia Drennan, Curatorial Assistant
Gregory Gazaway, Visitor Services Representative
Miki Hsu Leavey, Education and Volunteer Manager
Steven Koski, Site & Facilities Manager
Mimi Lang, Development Assistant
Gonzalo Magdaleno, Maintenance
Johanna Pearson, Visitor Services Coordinator
Jose Perez, Grounds Manager
Michelle Lounibos Russell, CFO & Administrative Director
Ann Trinca, Marketing & Events Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS