The bidding got started at a lively event honoring the artists who have donated works to di Rosa’s 11th Annual Benefit Auction. The Hot Frittatas serenaded with accordion and violin while guests sipped Ancien Wines and delicious Dadalixir cocktails created by Square One Organic Spirits. Artists in attendance included Brad Brown, Lewis deSoto, Michele Pred, Norma Quintana, Timothy Berry, John Casey, Liz Hickok, Larry Thomas, Sheila Ghidini, and Richard Reisman. The excitement is building towards the main event to take place October 20th! Click here for more info.

di Rosa and Nimbus Arts presented a day of family fun at the 2012 Creativity Jam, hosted by the Onward!, di Rosa’s Young Collectors Group. This fun-packed event encouraged families to jump in and get creative! Art stations were scattered around the inspiring di Rosa galleries and grounds. Familiescreated their own peacock block prints, mosaic tiles, and mixed media masterpieces. Live music provided by Comfort Slacks was followed by a performance by Sunglow Hoop Dance and a group Hoop Jam.

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Di Rosa began its 2012 exhibition season with the opening of CYCLE: New Works by Hung Liu. The work in this exhibit dates from the past five years, including art not previously exhibited, or seen in the Bay Area. Since 2003 Hung Liu has been working with master printer David Salgado at Trillium Graphics. Liu’s colleagues and students from Mills College in Oakland enjoyed food prepared by Winery Chefs and wine from the Hess Collection on a beautiful Saturday evening.

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Berets and bongos were everywhere at di Rosa’s beatnik-inspired 10th Annual Benefit Art Auction. The crazy scene began in the Main Gallery with a jaw-dropping performance by Conspiracy of Beards and a superb dinner accompanied by the sounds of The Real Jazz Trio. The event moved to the tented courtyard with a parade of go-go dancers and drummers from Cosmos Percussion Orchestra. Auctioneer Greg Quiroga ordered bidders “Don’t be square. Put your paddles in the air” for live lots including some of the 45 works donated by notable Bay Area artists. Spirited bidding in the Silent Auction led to dancing to the lounge sounds of Project Pimento. A groovy time was had by all the hepcats.

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Onward! Young Collectors group hosted another great evening of forward thinking food, wine, art and fun. With eats by Le Truc and Kingdom Cake, wines by ZD Wines, Blue Plate and Picayune, coffee by Yo el Rey Roasting and an amazing musical performance by Deluna. Competition was fierce in the scavenger hunt that asked teams to identify collection artists, draw self-portraits and transform into zombies. Artists Porous Walker, David Hopp, and Dan Graham aided people in burying their fears and setting free their dreams. A full moon capped off the night.

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The crowd at this opening was very much alive–exploring the tail section of a plane constructed of found materials; watching videos of taxidermy animals and zombie office workers; and sharing personal zombie stories. Many of the artists were there including Joshua Short and Joel Dean Stockdill, Carol Selter, Lucy Puls, Julio Cesar Morales, Packard Jennings, and Anthony Discenza. Special thanks to Tieton Cider Works and Hess Collection for providing cider and wine. We’d also like to thank the artists and the lenders to the exhibition: Catharine Clark Gallery, Charlie James Gallery, Electric Works, Frey Norris Contemporary & Modern, and Recology San Francisco.

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di Rosa and Nimbus Arts presented a day of family fun at the first ever Creativity Jam, hosted by the Onward!, di Rosa’s Young Collectors Group. This fun-packed event encouraged families to dive in and get creative! Art stations were scattered around the inspiring di Rosa galleries and grounds. Families made outrageous feathered hats, decoupage art cars, and a primary colors collaborative sculpture.  Live music provided by 5 Cent Coffee and Cosmos Percussion Orchestra was followed by a percussion lesson and jam session.

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Friends of di Rosa, including 65 collection artists, gathered on the birthday of Rene di Rosa to celebrate his life and legacy. Folks from Art Car Fest turned the courtyard into a bizarre car lot. Trio Soleá warmed up the crowd followed by a jam with Mike Henderson, William Wiley and friends. Artists spoke of their fond memories and deep connections to this wonderful place that Rene has entrusted to all of us. Many thanks to all of the volunteers, wineries, entertainers, and artists who made this day so special.

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An enthusiastic crowd turned out for the opening of Surviving Paradise/Sobreviviendo el Paraíso featuring impressive new works by Enrique Chagoya curated by Robert Wuilfe. Attendees incuded Ed Gilbert of Gallery Paule Anglim, Don and Era Farnsworth of Magnolia Editions, Noah Lang and Anthony Luzi of Electric Works and many di Rosa supporters. Special thanks to Amelia Ceja of Ceja Vineyards and Catherine Bergen of C CASA.

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Guests enjoyed a delectable feast of street food from Chairman Bao, Cochon Volant, and Soul Cocina while sampling wines from El Molino, Kristine Ashe Vineyards, Saunter Wines, Toolbox Wine Co., Westwood Wines, bubbles from Domaine Chandon, and mocktails with The Perfect Purèe of Napa Valley. Junkyard blues by 5 Cent Coffee played while teams formed to hunt through the garden for hidden eyeballs, identify clues in “Eye Spy Bingo” and create barely visible sculptures with artist Porous Walker. Desserts provided by Sift Cupcakery and Three Twins Ice Cream were the perfect ending to this lively night of forward thinking fun. Onward! di Rosa’s young collectors group, promotes creative encounters and connections between a new generation and the artists of our time and place.

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Spring and fall provide opportunities to join experienced guides at di Rosa for hikes to the top of Milliken Peak, the highest summit in the Carneros region, with sweeping views of the North Bay, including vistas of the Napa River and San Pablo Bay. Guides share their extensive knowledge of the di Rosa’s outdoor sculpture collection and provide information on native flora and fauna. The hikes are moderately strenuous, and children under the age of 16 come with an adult.

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