Downtown Napa Gallery Garners Countywide Recognition

By Linda Bausch

Destiny by Monica-Currie Johnson

Each April, Marketplace Magazine highlights the work of local artists, art news of interest, exhibits or events; while also taking time to learn more about those who create the art that touches our emotions, heighten our curiosity, and bring well-deserved attention to something we need—a deeper connection with the visceral beauty of art and to those who create.

This year, let’s take note of a little gem on Napa’s First Street.

Last November, the results of The Press Democrat 2nd annual Best of Napa County 2024 Winners were announced. Art Gallery Napa Valley (AGNV) received the highest vote count in the Art Gallery category (diRosa Preserve won in the Contemporary Art Gallery category). The publication, with much appreciated sponsorship and support of Redwood Credit Union and Napa Chamber of Commerce, honored 282 Napa County businesses—being voted as Best in their respective categories.

Art Gallery Napa Valley, located at 1307 First Street, earned the award with the lion’s share of 24,000+ ballots cast. But what really captured the award is the quality and diversity of the art on display. The storefront currently accommodates exhibit space for 50+ local artists; all of them are members of Napa Valley Art Association.

The gallery is currently co-managed by the Association’s Board of Director members, Jeanne Dillon and Katherine Zimmer, who reflects on her role, “I love co-managing the gallery with Jeanne. We make a great collaborative team of operations and marketing. Our goal this year is to gain a wider awareness of this amazing gallery right in the downtown core of Napa and support our member artists and winning the ‘Best Of’ award is a fantastic boost to start!” They have been overseeing the workings of the busy location, managing staffing, website upkeep, media communications and more. Of course, there are many other tasks and volunteers assisting with details behind the scenes; they’re always working together.

The gallery website (artnv.org) includes a collection of the artists’ profiles, self-descriptions with bold images that forge a connection between the viewer and the artist bringing them even closer. The running collage of artist images on the home page gives a quick peek of some of the phenomenal art—but, be sure to click on each artist’s page to view their impressive and impactful works. Many artists have websites with more detailed bios and many more images. This is how I discovered the vibrant, thought-provoking mosaic art of Monica Currie-Johnson, MD.

Monica is a mosaic artist who is relatively new to the field of art. As she mentions in a video on her own website (monicasmosaics.com), until she retired as a medical doctor, she had never drawn a picture or shown a proclivity toward art in any way. She only became a full-time mosaic artist about 12 years ago. Monica stated, “I have found a profound sense of purpose and expression through my work. I channel my passion for creativity into colorful, intricate mosaics that celebrate the beauty of repurposed materials. Each piece I create is a testament to the power of transformation—both in the materials I use and the artistic journey itself.”

Monica’s mosaics are created with textures deeply rooted in her creativity and ability as a glass worker. She uses varying mediums, patterns and colors in way that leads your eye up and through and around each image. These works are powerful in their draw.

“My art is a reflection of my deep commitment to sustainability and community involvement. By incorporating recycled glass, ceramics, stone, and metal into my work—I breathe new life into discarded objects, reimagining them into something meaningful and beautiful. This process of recycling and reimagining is not just an artistic choice, but a conscious effort to contribute positively to the world around me, honoring the value in all things, even those that have been cast aside.”

She continues, “Inspiration flows from the connections I’ve cultivated within my community and my desire to give back. My mosaics are not just personal expressions but also a way to engage with and uplift those around me. Whether it’s through public art projects, collaborative works, or teaching others the art of mosaic, I am driven by the belief that art has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. In every piece, I strive to capture the vibrancy of life, the beauty of diversity, and the strength of resilience. My journey from medicine to art has been one of discovery and renewal, and through my mosaics, I hope to inspire others to see the potential for beauty and creativity in the world around them.”

Photo by Katherine Zimmer PhotoArt

Organized by category, in the portrait section you can feel the exuberance with which the pieces have been created. You can virtually hear the laughter; imagine the muscles tightening as the ballerina leaps. You can almost feel the texture of the thick, dark hair, so lovingly coiled and braided as depicted in Monica’s 2022 image portrayed in this article, Destiny. In the categories of mixed media and slate and stone pieces, the large-scale works fill space with certainty—with solid determination to explore existence—as artist’s thoughts become viewer’s image.

Monica has volunteered on large-scale urban mosaic projects all along the west coast and in Detroit and Nashville. She serves on multiple Boards of Directors, including Art Association Napa Valley. Monica has taught workshops and exhibits her work, extensively.

Exhibitors volunteer to staff the gallery which is open seven days a week. This personal investment of time, a few hours each month, is imperative to the successful operation of the shop. On a recent Sunday afternoon, Maggy Walton graced the front desk with her bright personality and contagious smile welcoming all who entered the shop. She told me, “For 13 years, I have exhibited my art at Art Gallery Napa Valley. Being a part of a cooperative gallery means I meet visitors and locals who stroll in and buy directly from the artists. I enjoy chatting, sharing stories, or just commiserating about the variety of art, the downtown vibe, or sometimes, just the weather.” Her artistic talents vary in medium as well as subject matter, as Maggy finds inspiration in her up-close and personal floral photography and the capturing of unusual images found in items of ordinary simplicity. Her photographs, paintings, scarves and images on metal are on display at AGNV as well as in shows throughout the Bay Area, which include:

Napa Valley Museum, Yountville: “Mini Masterpieces” June 2023-present

Hampton Inn, Napa: Art Association Napa Valley Exhibit 2024

The Westin Verasa, Napa: Solo exhibit 2018, Mustard Festival 2024

Arts Benicia, Benicia: “Art of a Community Annual Exhibit” 2019-2025

Stonehedge Winery, Napa: 2019

Cornerstone Winery, Napa: Solo exhibit 2018

Gallery artists showcase their paintings, ceramics, pottery, textiles, jewelry, glass and metal art in tasteful and dynamic displays. All are encouraged and supported in their efforts to market their work. Many participate locally and across the country, all throughout the year. There’s the Art Around Napa program where artists set up at venues in town and create art, live, while people visit and engage. Open Studios is, of course, the very popular two-weekend event that is held each September, throughout the Valley; not to mention the varied workshop opportunities that Association members may participate in throughout the year at the 1520 Behrens Street location. See website for a detailed calendar of upcoming meetings or workshops.

Young, high school students have long-been the recipients of an annual Art Scholarship sponsored by the Napa Valley Art Association. Please consider making a donation.

Art Gallery Napa Valley is proudly supported by Napa County Board of Supervisors and the Napa County Arts and Culture Committee, Downtown Napa Merchants Association and Yountville Arts.

....................................................................................................................................1307 First St., Napa  |  707-254-2085  |  OPEN DAILY 10 am – 6 pm  |  artnv.org

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