Veronica di Rosa
Veronica di Rosa (1934–1991) was a Canadian-born artist whose life and work became deeply connected to the Napa Valley. Raised on her family’s farm in Kelowna, British Columbia, she grew up surrounded by orchards, livestock, rolling hills, and a large lake—a landscape remarkably similar to the Carneros region she would later call home.
After settling in Carneros with her husband, René di Rosa, Veronica worked across watercolor, painting, sculpture, printmaking, assemblage, and mixed media. Animals were a recurring subject, reflecting her lifelong fascination with the natural world and the relationship between people, animals, and place.
Veronica was also a passionate advocate for Napa Valley’s arts and landscape. She supported local artists and charitable causes, created Napa Valley Wine Auction posters, and championed the restoration of the Napa Valley Opera House. Her creativity, humor, and community spirit helped shape what would become di Rosa.
Photo: Jock McDonald Photography, 1989.
Photo: Richard Reisman, 1986.
The Sheep Come Home
Veronica’s sheep grew from her memories of seeing livestock silhouetted against the hillsides. She drew the outline of a sheep and experimented first with a cardboard cutout, then steel sculptures and a miniature flock in her studio. With René’s support, the idea grew into a full-size flock installed across the dam overlooking Carneros Highway—including a black sheep representing René himself, the family’s renegade, outlier and provocateur.
Visible from the highway, the sheep became a beloved Carneros landmark and unofficial symbol of di Rosa. Veronica’s daughter, Andrea Common, remembers their universal appeal: children, art lovers, locals, and passing motorists could all connect with the flock. Her son, photographer Jock McDonald, has called them “the flag of the preserve.”
Photos: Michael Cuffe for di Rosa.
The sheep were removed in 2017 after decades outdoors. Now, following a complete restoration by Napa artist Gordon Huether, Veronica’s sheep are coming home.
Their return restores a familiar landmark while reconnecting di Rosa with Veronica’s legacy and her belief in bringing art and nature together. As Andrea described the flock, “It’s a gift to everyone in the community.”
Join us in welcoming the sheep back to di Rosa! Celebrate with us at the di Rosa Sheep Roundup on Sunday, October 25, with barbecue, music, art, and family fun. Learn more and reserve your tickets here.
Can’t make it to the Roundup? You can still help bring the sheep home. Adopt a sheep or make a contribution here.