Luxury home tours will benefit Calistoga Art Center
By Aime Dunstan
CALISTOGA, Calif. — Where the agrarian landscape of Kenefick Ranch meets the foothills of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park a modernist estate juxtaposes steel and concrete with chaparral. Its vast plate-glass installations and an open indoor-outdoor floor plan merge seamlessly with the natural surroundings to create an unexpected union between nature and industry.
As part of a new fundraising event for Calistoga Art Center, owners of this home — David Gates and his family — and those of two other prominent estates will welcome supporters and guests for a series of intimate tours on three Saturdays — Aug. 26, Sept. 30 and Oct. 28. Visitors will also enjoy wines from four Calistoga winemakers. The proceeds will support adult and youth programming at the art center as well as public art projects.
“Calistoga Art Center is a treasure,” said board member Babette Pinsky. “We believe this event will bring together artists, architects, wine-lovers and philanthropists for a unique experience to support a worthy cause.”
Pinsky and fellow board member Christine Arthur sought to offer guests an array of artistic expressions through the selection of hosts. By opening their doors, the collectors hope to add to the vitality of the community, celebrating the arts and cultivating the next generation of supporters for Calistoga Art Center.
“We will begin with this modern estate surrounded by sculpture, vineyards and lush landscaping, followed by an elegant European collection in a modern home in the heart of town and finally a contemporary collection in a Tuscan-style estate,” Arthur said. “No two experiences will be alike.”
Four years ago Gates, president and founder emeritus of Gates + Associates Landscape Architecture in Walnut Creek, happened upon the property near Kenefick while commuting from his home in the East Bay to the family ranch in Cloverdale. Since he was approaching retirement, the former Schrag estate piqued his interest as a second home.
A landscape architect and urban planner with a project resume that spans from San Francisco and Healdsburg to China and the Philippines, Gates said he and his family enjoy entertaining and exploring their passions for art, design and land conservation here. Many of his own impressionist landscapes — a collection of scenes of Wine Country and Sea Ranch — adorn the walls. His collection of vintage Porsches also will be on display.
The estate originally belonged to beloved Napa landscape architect and artist Jack Chandler. He was known for his large-scale sculptural metal works, and several pieces of his personal collection remain on the property.
Renowned San Francisco architect Anne Fougeron later reimagined the structural elements of the home, enhancing its contemporary features while expanding outdoor spaces and adding a skylight that runs the length of the roofline.
Wines by Rivers-Marie Vineyards and CaMi Wines will accompany light bites and a tour of the property on Aug. 26.
On Sept. 30 a contemporary home in the heart of town will feature 20th century to modern European paintings, lithographs and sculpture along with extensive gardens. The contrast of the Marmol Radziner-designed home with the classical art and furnishings represents an avant-garde juxtaposition. Wines will be provided by Picayune Cellars + Mercantile.
On Oct. 28 a Tuscan-style haven adorned with a prolific contemporary art collection featuring works by David Hockney, Roy De Forest, Tony Bennett and Tony Natsoulas are shown in this salon-style home gallery. Prints, paintings and ceramics adorn every surface of this incredible home, showcasing a lifelong passion for collecting. INIZI Wines will complement the experience.
“There are many fundraisers in the Napa Valley for good solid causes, but this series of Art + Wine + House tours is different,” said Calistoga artist Anna Johansson, manager and matriarch of the Calistoga Art Center. “The offer to tour these homes and collections satisfies a curiosity many of us feel when we see a house that is architecturally unusual and also get a glimpse of what folks collect to create their interior space. Add small bites and wine into the mix, and you have me. It's a fun and inspiring way to raise to which benefit all aspects of the Calistoga Art Center.”
Calistoga Art Center was founded in 2002 by community members and art enthusiasts to expand and enrich the arts in the Napa Valley through education, experience, awareness and involvement. It is a place for all ages and cultures to enjoy the arts.
Programming includes ceramics, painting, stained glass and printmaking, as well as activities for youth and seniors. In addition to holding classes, the center is used as an open studio area for lectures, exhibits and special events.
All tours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. A limited number of tickets will be sold for each date, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience for all attendees. Tickets are $125 per person per tour or $300 for the series. For tickets and more information, visit Calistoga Art Center or call 707-942-2278.
Aime Dunstan is a journalist, copywriter, author and marketer living in Calistoga. She is the founder and creative director of Dunstan Creative.