Sunday E-dition: Yäger Galerie Hosts Sacred Icon Exhibit for Christmas

By Dave Stoneberg

Dec 01, 2024

Before we step into Dave Stoneberg’s discussion of Judith Caldwell’s next art exhibit, here’s a quick reminder: Napa Valley Features is a reader-funded publication. Without support from new and returning subscribers, stories like these could become fewer, or we might be forced to close altogether. If you enjoy our ad-free, independent local reporting, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. For as little as 16 cents a day you can help keep stories like this alive and vibrant.

CALISTOGA, Calif. – Yountville resident and artist Judith Caldwell has been invited to exhibit 36 of her sacred icons at the Yäger Galerie in downtown Calistoga from Sunday, Dec. 8, through Monday, Jan. 6. Caldwell created the icons, or images, in the past six and a half years, often working on three or four at a time. She said it takes between four and six months to finish each one.

Judith and Jay Caldwell have been Yountville residents since 1992 — Submitted Photo

“It’s not something that can be done in a day or an hour or a week,” she said. She added that the act of creating the pieces is called “writing because it is a pictorial or visual representation of sacred figures. So rather than using a pen and paper, I use a brush and egg tempera paint.”

The paint is made with one part egg yolk, three parts wine and a ground pigment.

The title of the exhibition is “In Dolci Jubilo,” which is Latin for “In Sweet Joy.” The gallery is located at 1312 Lincoln Ave. in downtown Calistoga. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The icons are based on the Byzantine tradition, popular in the 15^th century, and students are currently being taught by teachers from the Prosopon School of Iconology. According to the school’s website, the school “introduces students to the practice and theory of the ancient Christian art of Byzantine icon writing. Apprenticeship in this discipline of the hand, mind and heart can lead beyond technical competence. The method of study promotes the incarnation of the principles of the painting experience into other spheres of one’s life.”

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Russian-born Vladislav Andrejev founded the school in 1985, after he immigrated to the United States. His oldest son, Dmitri Andreyev, is one of the school’s teachers.

In the past, Caldwell and her husband, Jay, have attended numerous Prosopon School workshops, including in Agen, France; Baltimore, Maryland; Guatemala; Southern California; Louisiana; and at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena, which held a weeklong workshop this past August. Caldwell said she would like to see “these classes blossom in the Napa Valley so that a larger portion of the population who are drawn to spirituality would be able to create an icon of their own.” She’s hoping to sponsor another summer class at Grace Church. If you’re interested in more information or attending, please contact Caldwell at 707-815-6192.

The Caldwells have been married for 32 years and have lived in Yountville since 1992, although Jay has lived in Yountville most of his life.

“The beauty of iconography is that Jay finds it a way to turn off the mind chatter, all of the things he’s thinking about, either professionally or personally,” Caldwell said. “When a person writes an icon, they are totally immersed in the process of creating that icon. You can’t think of anything else, other than the brush stroke or the consistency of the egg tempera paint.”

Thirty-six of Judith Caldwell’s sacred icons, including this one, will be part of a Christmas season exhibit at Calistoga’s Yager Galerie, 1312 Lincoln Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit opens Sunday, Dec. 8. — Submitted Photo

She said she thinks only about the creative act, nothing else, because the mind can’t wander away from it.

According to the Prosopon School’s website, natural materials are used for the icons: wooden panels covered with a hard compound of plaster of Paris called “gesso,” a clay mixture called “bole” used to apply gold leaf, the egg tempera paint and a linseed oil finish.

“The iconographic method of the school is characterized by a multistep process in which the succession of steps is concrete and definite as in the liturgical services of the church,” according to the website.

When Caldwell began her iconography, Ira Yeager (1938-2022) visited the Caldwells’ home in Yountville.

“We knew each other as pals,” Caldwell said. “He really enjoyed being with Jay and me, and he actually saw my first two icons that I had ever done.”

He told the artist to keep going because she “had it.”

“Ira was an honest guy,” Caldwell said, “and if he didn’t think there was potential there, he would never have said it.”

Yeager opened his studio in Calistoga in July 2018 with his business partner and studio director Brian Fuller. Caldwell recently invited Fuller to her home to view the icons, and she said he really appreciated them.

“As any iconographer knows, we put our entire heart and soul into the creation of these icons,” she said. “When someone appreciates it, it makes your heart sing.”

When Fuller said he wanted all 36 for an exhibit, Caldwell said she had tears in her eyes.

“I think it’s great to do this over the holiday season,” she said. “I think it’s the perfect theme.”

The Prosopon School has released a new film about Vladislav Andreyev made by the efforts of Lynette Hull and filmmaker Yevgeniy Vaskevich. You can watch it here.

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Dave Stoneberg has been a journalist and editor for many publications in Napa and Lake counties, most recently for Napa Valley Features.

Levity Corner

Caption contest: Pick your favorite caption or add your own in the comments below.

Possible captions:

"If I can’t catch the mouse, I’ll just immortalize it."
"They said, 'Paint what you love most.'"
"Step one: Paint the mouse. Step two: Frame it as 'Wanted.'"
"I call it ‘The One That Got Away.’"
"My inner muse whispered, 'Paint your frustrations.'"

Last week’s contest results

In “Sunday E-dition: Gnomes? On Mount St. Helena?” the winning caption was, “The secret to happiness: a quiet cave and no WiFi.” with 27% of the votes.

"It’s a quiet life, but somebody’s gotta do it.”
"They say not all that glitters is gold, but I’m not taking chances.”
“The secret to happiness: a quiet cave and no WiFi.”
“They call it a hidden treasure, but I call it Tuesday.”
“Welcome to my TED Talk: ‘Hoarding or Self-Care? You decide.”

Last Week

Tim Carl’s “A Quiet Thanksgiving” reflected on the evolving meaning of the holiday as life changes and traditions shift. Set against the backdrop of a quiet, rainy day, Carl shared a tender moment with his wife, Lynn, as they prepared a simple Thanksgiving meal, reflecting on past gatherings filled with family chaos and warmth. The story explored themes of connection, memory, and grounding rituals such as baking sourdough and savoring moments of togetherness. In a time of global uncertainty, Carl emphasized the value of small traditions as anchors in fragile times.
In “The Call of the Pileated Woodpecker,” Kathleen Scavone reflected on the beauty and ecological significance of pileated woodpeckers in Napa Valley’s oak woodlands. Describing their striking red crests, distinctive calls and impressive drumming, Scavone highlighted their role in forest ecosystems and shared tips for supporting woodpecker habitats, such as preserving tree snags. She also noted their year-round pair bonds and diet of insects like ants and termites, emphasizing the joy of spotting these birds in local parks. Scavone encouraged readers to explore Napa Valley’s rich birdlife and appreciate the interconnectedness of its natural systems.

Tim Carl’s article, “Joanne DePuy: The Woman Who Helped Change Napa Forever,” spotlighted the vital yet often-overlooked role DePuy played in Napa Valley’s rise to global prominence. DePuy facilitated connections that were instrumental in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Napa wines triumphed over French rivals, redefining perceptions of American winemaking. Her efforts ensured the event’s success, from introducing key figures to managing the complex logistics of transporting wines to Paris. Beyond this historic moment, DePuy championed Napa’s potential through wine tours and her behind-the-scenes work in an era when the region’s reputation was still emerging. At 97, she remains an enduring link to Napa’s transformative history.
Tom Hixson, in “Trees of Heaven Are Not So Divine,” highlighted the invasive and destructive nature of tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), a fast-growing tree introduced to California during the gold rush. While initially valued for its resilience, the tree has since spread aggressively, emitting an unpleasant odor and serving as a host for destructive pests such as the spotted lanternfly and brown marmorated stink bug. Hixson detailed strategies for controlling its proliferation, emphasizing early removal of seedlings and proper disposal of its seeds to prevent further spread. Efforts by California Master Gardeners to map and manage the tree aim to curb its impact, though widespread control remains a significant challenge.
Tim Carl’s “A Taste of Napa’s Legacy: Brunch at Davies Vineyards” detailed the unique Wine and Caviar Brunch hosted by the St. Helena winery, blending fine pairings with family heritage. Featuring dishes like Osetra caviar with sparkling wine and tenderloin with pinot noir, the brunch highlights Davies Vineyards’ evolution from Schramsberg’s sparkling wine legacy to its focus on reds. Guests appreciated the thoughtful experience, whether celebrating milestones or exploring the valley’s flavors. Locals benefit from a discounted rate, reinforcing the winery’s commitment to fostering community connections through food, wine and shared stories.

Next Week

Next week we have more engaging articles from Napa Valley Features contributors. The UC Master Gardeners of Napa County will offer tips for “Green Wednesday,” while Dan Berger highlights his latest Napa Valley wine pick. Tim Carl will examine free pest-control services available across Napa County, and Tony Poer will delve into Chimney Rock Winery’s focus on sauvignon gris. The team at Mentis will also share mental health strategies, with even more coverage included.