OCR Text |
Show X by BARBARA CLARKE jt di Rosa Delivers for Emerging Artists Unknown artists traditionally find it hard to all Rosa has helped change gain recognition, but in northern California Rene di that. Di Rosa, a former Napa Valley grape grower turned art collector, has for nearly 20 years been championing the work of emerging regional artists by buying their works and giving them public exposure at his Napa art museum. Barbara Stafford, a 1 weaver, is one of many di Rosa has helped. Last September, Stafford decided it was time to show her work to the public and signed on for the Napa Valley Open Studio tour, where local artists invite the public into their workspace. Student shows and studio tours are among di Rosas favorite ways to discover new artists, and Stafford couldnt believe her eyes when di Rosa entered her studio on the last day of the tour. He quietly canvassed her weavings and pointed at one titled A Hairy Rug, woven from horse, goat, and llama hair. That one, he said, purchasing the work. And then he left. Introduced in 1913, this distinctive coin celebrates the romance of the early west was The unique and charming Buffalo Nickel (1913-193designed by James Earle Fraser, one of Americas greatest artists. Mint Mark Sets of this historic coin are among the most popular of all U.S. coin collections. Only Di Rosa, the champion of unrecognized artists, with one of the pieces at his art preserve. Just like that, recalls Stafford, still amazed. I havent really had great confidence in my work. The validation he gave me, and the impetus to continue, is such a gift. 1 thank him for that. Staffords work joins 2,000 other art objects in di Rosa's collection most of them paintings, photographs, and sculptures which represents more than 700 area artists. Di Rosa limits his collection to northern California art to keep it regional. Many larger pieces are permanently displayed, while new works and old favorites rotate on a regular basis. Now in his 80s, di Rosa, born in Boston and a Yale graduate, lived in Europe as a young man before moving to San Francisco as a newspaper reporter in the 1 960s. Following a passion to work the land, however, he moved to Napa, purchased 460 acres, and began growing grapes. Di Rosas offbeat approach to life is reflected in his determination to successfully grow pinot noir grapes on difficult terrain. He not only succeeded, but the pinot noir grape cultivation continues to this day. While learning about viticulture (grape cultivation) at the University of California in Davis, di Rosa began forming the nucleus of his associations with artists whose work he began to purchase. For small amounts of money, he found he could help support new and as yet unacknowledged artists. To finance his burgeoning passion, di Rosa sold all but 50 acres of his vineyards in 1986 and, along with his wife artist Veronica di Rosa began devoting his life to collecting. The preserve consists of a 1 1 stone winery di Rosas former residence lake in later and a gallery several newer buildings, lush gardens, and a a picturesque setting. Dozens of peacocks wander freely on the grounds and a tram travels from building to building, as guides conduct tours passenger bus-liand answer questions about the preserve and its art. Di Rosa often quietly appears at the start of a tour and gives his own take on the preserve. He stays to answer questions but mostly to experience visitors reactions. My greatest pleasure is seeing the public smile when they see a piece and also to see them weep. Then I know my collection is truly resonating with them. Di Rosa feels a personal connection with his art collection. "Ive never sold a piece Ive collected. How could I?" he admits. I feel the same affection for the artist and the work as the day it arrived and couldnt possibly say goodbye. William Allan, an internationally recognized painter from San Rafael, Calif., says di Rosa "is as close to being an artist as you can get without being one. It s his passion that makes the preserve such '.j 'J1 35-ac- re ke I Genuine U.S. Mint Coinage! I Set Includes all three mint marks! Handsome Luctte Case Displays both obverse and reverse of coins! MWoHctt (DaMtttnQ I BulWoWcM (SaiFnndnMM) coins ate 60 years old or more! Certificate of Authenticity! AD When You Order Now By Toll-Fre- e Phone S i vou'd like lo mail m your order, send void name, address, zip code and check to Rogers Webster Collectibles, Box 4175. Dept L33I AC, HunOnston Station, NY 1746 Historic Buflalo Nickels - Onh 54 95. Please add $2.95 p&h for each collection ordered. CA and NT residents please add sales tax. In vour package you II also receive another com nsk free, for your approval no obligation to puryou may decide to pas tor it and receive future shipments tor which there chase anything, or return it at our expense and owe nothing. If TBT a joyous place. ForVNTacaon cjvisiting - recall s tint Button tictot a tototiln only to cu$&ntntoio onto by ptont) no questions asked masietim your purchase lor a prompt refund of your pwchase price (Nott: Fret Ptntotophii I not totalh IS delighted, you 200? National Syndications Inc General Offices 6 Commercial Street Hicksville NY 801 Barbara Clarke Townsend, Wash. is a freelance writer from Port (7:7) onto |