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!

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"

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

High Level Meeting between Suzanne Perkins, Art on Main and Richard Thomas, Sculptor

Richard Thomas, Sculptor  and Suzanne Perkins from Art on Main in St. Helena, California, www.imagesnapavalley.com (click on ”What’s New” under Art on Main for Richard Thomas) are in a high-level serious meeting discussing the next sale!  Suzanne had just completed a sale of Richard Thomas’ “Loving Life” so Richard and Sheri stopped into Art on Main to congratulate her.  We really appreciate Suzanne’s efforts in representing Richard’s sculptures and feel we have a great team supporting us!

As we always say, “Life is just too short to be taken too seriously!”

Suzanne Perkins with Richard Thomas, Sculptor, on a more serious note - but not too serious!

David and Judy Breitstein

Our good friends and collectors, David and Judy Breitstein, proprietors of the Duke of Bourbon www.dukeofbourbon.com in Canoga Park, CA  have donated an extraordinary wine collection to the Culinary Institute in Napa Valley.   “A History of California Wine:  The David and Judy Breitstein Collection,” was unveiled on February 20, 2009 at the Vintners Hall of Fame at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, in St. Helena, CA.  This exhibit is the first major educational exhibit to document the rich history of the California wine industry as told through unopened bottles and informational placards.  Quite an honor for the Breitsteins to have it placed in the Vintners Hall of Fame!

David Breitstein says, “I see wine as art, and each bottle in the Collection has a story to tell of places, people, varietals and moments in a continuum of the California wine industry.  I hope that visitors will come away with a new sense of the unique history of California wine as told through these treasured bottles so expertly displayed at the CIA.” 

Richard and Sheri are proud to be associated with the Breitsteins and raise a glass to toast them in their honor!

“Wine Country This Week” Magazine ran a feature article about Richard Thomas and his sculptures.  You can read about Sheri and Richard’s evolving Napa adventures too!  Just click on the article to learn more…