Sheri Ziebell, Richard Thomas, Sculptor with Andrea and Jay Sternberg at O'Brien Estates

Richard Thomas and his wife Sheri Ziebell were fortunate to visit O’Brien Estates with their friends as well as collectors, Andrea and Jay Sternberg.  Of course, some wine tasting was in order (oh, so delicious!) as well as a fun and informative tour of the wonderful O’Brien’s estate by delightful Rena.

Richard Thomas, Sculptor with Rena from O'Brien Estates

Sheri Ziebell, Amanda Safford, Richard Thomas, Sculptor

Richard Thomas, Sculptor and his wife, Sheri Ziebell, had the pleasure of visiting Raymond Vineyards in beautiful Napa Valley on July 24th.  They were given a personal tour by Amanda Safford, the incredible Tasting Room Manager.  Amanda treated Sheri and Richard to a delightful and delicious wine tasting while taking in the 95-acre vineyard with spectacular breathtaking views in every direction.  Richard and Sheri also had the great fortune to meet Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset Family Estates, a family-owned collection of estate wineries.  Jean-Charles was gracious enough to share his vision of the property improvements at Raymond Vineyards which sound fascinating and will bring an even richer family, community feel to the winery. The visit was inspirational for Richard Thomas, as he is always thinking of his next sculpture.   Sheri Ziebell, Richard Thomas’ wife was clad in purple; her favorite Napa color and Jean-Charles was captivated by the purple and emphasized his love for purple by showing off his purple socks as well as purple shoes laces!!

Sheri Ziebell with Jean-Charles Boissett showing off their Purple!

Admirers of "The Offering" at the Artist Reception

Richard Thomas discussing "The Offering" with Natalie and John from Grgich Hills Estate

All the artwork submitted into the juried competition is placed on display at St. Supery’s second floor gallery where the artwork will remain until the end of March, 2010.  The event is a time for the artists to present their work and mingle with guests.   Richard Thomas, Sculptor and Sheri Ziebell toasted with Tim Howe, Artist, and his wife, Patricia Radford.  Tim Howe (www.timhowestudios.com) is a painter who is also represented by Art on Main in St. Helena (www.imagesnapavalley.com).

Tim Howe, Artist and Patricia Radford congratulating Richard Thomas on "The Offering"

Tim Howe, Patricia Radford, Richard Thomas and Sheri Ziebell

Richard Thomas, Sculptor, Barb and Bart O'Brien celebrating and enjoying "A Night of Unrestrained Reserve"

Saturday evening, October 17th, was ”A Night of Unrestrained Reserve” hosted by Bart and Barb O’Brien at their beautiful estate winery in Napa, CA.  (www.obrienestates.com) The evening began with wine, of course (!) and a dazzling sunset.  Bart and Barb O’Brien very graciously offered to display Richard Thomas’ sculptures in their tasting cellar where the event was held.  Richard’s bronze sculptures, “Loving Life” and “Early Harvest” were a hit with party goers.  The romantic theme of the sculptures and Bart and Barb’s love story seem to go hand in hand.  The O’Brien’s  visited Napa Valley on their third date over 20 years ago and fell in love with each other as well as Napa Valley.  The rest is history! For a real treat, you must sample their flagship wine, “Seduction”, which is absolutely amazing!!

Richard Thomas, Sculptor with David Yorgensen, Winemaker at O'Brien Estates

Richard Thomas, Sculptor with his wife Sheri Ziebell, toasting to O'Brien's Seduction (with "Loving Life" in the background!)