"The Offering"

 With over 100 entries from other artists, only six works of art were selected for an “Award of Excellence”.  Richard Thomas’ “The Offering” received an “Award of Excellence”!   Richard entered The American Juried Art Salon 2009 Spring/Summer Show and last year he received an “Award of Merit”.  Thank you to The American Juried Art Salon for the recognition!

Richard Thomas, Sculptor, working on "Rush to Crush"

Carolyne Hawley (www.hawleyfineart.com) , a local artist from Morongo Valley, also participated in the El Paseo Art Walk at Richard Danskin Galleries.  She is a renowned equine artist and produced a beautiful equestrian figure while demonstrating her talent to the crowds.

Richard Thomas, Sculptor, with Carolyne Hawley, Painter

Over 250 people came into Richard Danskin Galleries for the Art Walk and were warmly greeted Geoff and Val Douglas, gallery owners and Jeanie Faillers, gallery administrator.  The patrons were very friendly and we appreciated the opportunity to share our work.  It’s always a pleasure to welcome new collectors. 

Carolyne Hawley, Painter, Richard Thomas, Sculptor with Geoff Douglas, Owner of Richard Danskin Galleries

Richard Danskin Galleries, Palm Desert, CA

In addition to the two sculptures currently featured at Richard Danskin Galleries, two other sculptures, “Grand Opening” and “Grapes of Joy” will be presented  for this special event.  Richard plans to introduce to the public for its premier debut, his latest work-in-progress, “Rush to Crush”  This sculpture highlights Richard’s creative sculpting techniques while bringing together a playful trio;  Bacchus and a pair of Muses, for a grape crushing full body hug of joy!  Please come join us on Thursday, May 6th for a delightful evening.

Richard Thomas, Sculptor with Suzanne Perkins, Art on Main Gallery Director, discussing "The Offering"

On a recent visit to Napa Valley, Richard Thomas, Sculptor and his wife Sheri Ziebell, had an opportunity to visit with Suzanne Perkins and “The Offering”.  The sculpture looks wonderful in the gallery and has received a lot of attention since her arrival.

Sheri Ziebell with her husband, Richard Thomas, Sculptor, posing with "The Offering"

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

Blooming Mustard in January!

 This now common vineyard plant adds nitrogen to the soil and helps keep the dirt in place during the rainy season.  The Napa Valley Mustard Festival coincides with the blooming wild mustard as it runs every year from late January through March which means we get to enjoy the wonderful blooming mustard at its peak!  Richard Thomas, Sculptor and Sheri Ziebell, Richard’s wife, captured these pictures at a popular photograph viewing spot off Highway 29 just north of Yountville in the center of Napa Valley.

Magical Mustard Nestled Among the Old Vines

The Offering at Mustard Magic

We’re pleased to announce that Richard Thomas’ latest sculpture, “The Offering” was accepted into the juried Napa Valley Mustard Festival Visual Art Competition and was on display at the opening night of the Mustard Festival at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, CA.  The opening event for the Mustard Festival is  “Mustard Magic”, a gala event to kick off a two-month season of sensational food, wine and art events.  Richard’s sculpture, “The Offering” looked incredible under the lights in the Vintners Hall of Fame at the Culinary Institute.  Since the evening was “The Offering’s” premier debut, she drew a lot of attention and admiration from the party goers.

"The Offering" Being Admired

After an evening of fun and frivolity, “The Offering” was taken to St. Supery Vineyards and Winery where she will remain on display through March, 2010.  Another edition of “The Offering” was delivered to Art On Main Gallery in St. Helena (www.imagesnapavalley.com) where the sculpture proudly stands to greet all visitors to the gallery!

Richard Thomas with his wife, Sheri Ziebell at Mustard Magic

Barb and Bart O'Brien of O'Brien Estates (www.obrienestates.com) with Sheri Ziebell and Richard Thomas

Richard Danskin Galleries, Palm Desert, CA

Richard Thomas, Sculptor, is very pleased to announce his bronze sculptures are now featured at Richard Danskin Galleries(www.richarddanskin.com)  on El Paseo in Palm Desert.  Geoff and Val Douglas, gallery owners , along with Jeanie Faillers, graciously welcomed Richard’s bronze sculptures, “Loving Life” and “Early Harvest” into their beautiful gallery.  Richard Thomas and his wife, Sheri Ziebell, delivered the sculptures personally and were very impressed with the gallery as well as the surrounding prestigious El Paseo area.  Richard and Sheri are delighted to be represented in Palm Desert by Richard Danskin Galleries and can envision the bronze sculptures enhancing wine cellars throughout Palm Desert.

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!)

Sanford and Karen Decker at The Getty Center

Decker Studios, a  Fine Arts Foundry is the foundry that fabricates Richard Thomas’ bronze sculptures.  Decker Studios, located in North Hollywood, CA, (www.deckerstudios.com) , is owned and operated  by Sanford Decker, a hands-on sculptor himself, as well as a consultant to the Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA.  Richard Thomas, Sculptor and Sheri Ziebell, Richard’s wife, had the honor to hear Sanford Decker talk about the art and fabrication of bronze sculpture in conjunction with the exhibit:  “Cast in Bronze:  French Sculpture from Renaissance to Revolution”.   His talk was interesting, informative and he had the audience captivated as he traced through the history of bronze sculpture.  Richard and Sheri had the pleasure of spending some time with Sanford and his wife Karen and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together.