NAPA, CALIF.- An owl and an armadillo exploding from a tapestry of acrylic, a watercolor that mirrors a 3D astroturf creature, an assemblage of historic photos with the subjects erased. What on earth could bring such disparate artworks together under one roof? The ever vibrant di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. These are some of the many visual delights awaiting us at the di Rosa’s inaugural juried exhibition of North Bay art - True North. Over 40 artists from California’s North Bay counties: Napa, Sonoma, Solano and Marin are now being featured in di Rosa’s expansive galleries since December 16, and will continue to January 15, 2023. Family friendly, this is a show (and destination) only on display for one month and not to miss!

Celebrating a regional identity is in the very DNA of di Rosa. Located at the geographic center of the four counties, the center was founded on a diverse collection of Bay Area associated artists and on a piece of land preserved in perpetuity. But this show, True North is also a launching pad for di Rosa’s vision for art in the North Bay into the future. As di Rosa’s Executive Director and Lead Curator Kate Eilertsen explains, “Our aim at di Rosa is to serve as a platform and incubator for art and artists in our region. True North is key to this vision. A biennial exhibition of art from the North Bay, it will connect, and empower artists across Napa, Sonoma, Marin and Solano counties for years to come.”

Providing insight on where the North Bay sits in the art world’s imagination, Curatorial Associate Twyla Ruby adds, “The North Bay is too-often seen as peripheral to the Bay Area art world. But - especially as gentrification of our region displaces creative communities - the scene is no longer confined to urban centers like San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose. In fact, some of the region's most exciting new work is emerging from its northern edges."




In keeping with the inclusive incubator spirit of True North, the closing reception will be held an Art Slide Slam for artists in the North Bay to share their work in a poetry slam format. This will happen 2:30-4pm January 14th. Submission details can be found on the di Rosa’s True North exhibition page.

di Rosa’s 217 acres provide a spectacular setting for shows like True North as well as the organization’s collection of approximately 1600 artworks—one of the leading collections of art produced in Northern California since 1960. “Rene wasn’t afraid to take risks with his support of young, provocative artists who are now international art world icons,” Executive Director Kate Eilertsen states. Going forward, “these artists will continue to give us the ability to understand the world in new and profound ways.” With True North and other programming, di Rosa is charting a new path for the next generations of “provocative artists” as we continue to work on the question – what defines North Bay art?

Reviewing and selecting the works for this show reminded me of how broad a spectrum of ideas and practice survive all around us,” says one of the jurors Chester Arnold, “No one style or concept dominates what happens here. Rene diRosa knew this, and he collected a spectacular array of local art species voraciously. As one of three True North jurors, each uniquely experienced, I feel an affirmation of the same diversity and eccentricity that Rene lionized in our selections; the excellence of the work and the adventures it offers us ensures an inspiring ride.

DI ROSA CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is located at 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa. The campus is open to the public Friday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM through Labor Day weekend, and by appointment Tuesday through Thursday. For more information visit www.dirosaart.org.