2022 marks a milestone 25th Anniversary for di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art as a public arts organization. During the past quarter-century, di Rosa has originated groundbreaking exhibitions and programs, supported emerging and established artists, while preserving its stunning 217 acres in Napa Valley.
Di Rosa will be commemorating the silver anniversary all year long with a series of special events ranging from artist talks and films to concerts and theatrical performances. On May 14, patrons are invited to attend a talk by Executive Director Kate Eilertsen and guests on the anniversary of Rene di Rosa’s birthday, reflecting on the importance of di Rosa’s collection and site. On December 3, the festivities will culminate with a 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala honoring Eleanor Coppola and Lynn Hershman Leeson for their extraordinary lives in the arts. A complete listing of 25th Anniversary events can be found on the 25th Anniversary webpage.

In anticipation of this banner year, the organization adopted a new mission statement in late 2021, promising to “engage its community in the connective power of art and nature” through its permanent collection, contemporary exhibitions and educational programs. This evokes the vision of founders Rene and Veronica di Rosa, who sold their famed vineyards to Seagram in order to build a public “art park,” which opened
in 1997. Originally known as the di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature, the organization changed its name to the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in 2017.

Di Rosa’s 217 acres provide a spectacular setting for the organization’s collection of approximately 1600 artworks – one of the leading collections of art produced in Northern California since 1960. “Rene wasn’t afraid to take risks with his support of young, provocative artists who are now international art world icons,” Executive Director Kate Eilertsen states. Going forward, “these artists will continue to give us the ability to understand the world in new and profound ways.”

Looking forward to its next 25 years, di Rosa is committed to engaging new audiences within wine country and beyond through dynamic community partnerships and a renewed commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Rene and Veronica di Rosa gave our community a legendary gift when they not only supported artists from the Bay Area but also a beautiful art park for hikes, picnics, bird watching and watching the sun set,” states Liz Dietz, di Rosa Board of Directors Co-President.

Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is located at 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa and is open to the public Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information visit www.dirosaart.org.