Summer Nights

The beginning of what we hope will be a very busy season in Napa is upon us. While it has been very warm during the day, (my apologies to those of you who live in Las Vegas) we are enjoying some beautiful summer nights. It has been perfect weather for evening strolls, dining on the terrace or walking to an amazing art gallery in downtown Napa. :) Seriously, you'd have a hard time finding more pleasant evenings than the ones that we have been enjoying lately. Being from Burlingame, where an evening stroll in the summer required a jacket or sweater, Napa continues to delight us. In an effort to cool things down a little, I have designed a new gallery window display featuring Quent's "Autumn" and Danielle's "Les Filles D' Avignon" to celebrate the approach of fall. "Autumn" is available as a limited-edition print on canvas and "Les Filles De Avignon" is available in three sizes; 26", 36" and 5'6".

This evening, we will be open late, and look forward to the tourists dropping in on their way to or from dinner. Our little corner of the neighborhood is delightfully diverse. Besides fabulous art, Ceja's tasting salon and wine bar is across the street, as is Ben and Jerry's ice cream store. Cafe Cicero is on the opposite corner and our friend Bernie Zipp's store, Accents Napa Valley,(I'm still trying to convince him that he needs a web site) is two doors down. So come visit us; wine, dine, shop and enjoy dessert all on one corner. Afterwards, stroll down one of the many lovely tree lined streets to one of Napa's lovely historical bed and breakfast inns. They're expecting you, we already told them that you would be visiting soon.

Thanks for the Ride

Like many Americans, I have spent the last 2 weeks glued to the television watching Michael Phelps and his fellow Olympians earn medal after medal at this year's Summer Olympics in Bejing. In celebration of their achievements, I created a tribute to these amazing atheletes using some of the wonderful Olympic sculptures created by Danielle Anjou. Three of the sculptures, "The Archer," "The Swimmer" and "The Gymnast" are prominantly displayed in our front window. I have adorned "Mr. Phelps" (The Swimmer) with eight gold medals, designed by yours truly and have enjoyed the reactions of those who stop to enjoy the display. The Olympians are available in four sizes and are a lovely way to remember your favorite athelete or Olympic moment. The reflection on the gallery windows has made it difficult to get a good picture of the display, but I've posted the best ones for you to enjoy.

As the games of the XXIX Olympiad came to a close last night, I found myself wondering what I was going to do on Monday night. That question was quickly answered when I realized that I had a garage full of boxes to unpack. Quent and I closed on our new home in Napa last week and today was the first day that either of us has had any time to begin moving in. Quent spent the day changing locks and I tackled the kitchen this evening. There were no diving, no hurdles, no volleyball or swimming events to keep me glued to the television this evening. Instead, I participated in my own Olympic events. Box toting, mop wielding and furniture arranging are among the many events taking place in the Cordair household this week. By week's end, we should be well settled and enjoying our new home. 2008 has been quite a year for us; we are looking forward to many more adventures around the corner.

Looking Good!

This week we took another step towards becoming a fixture in downtown Napa. Quent added our exterior signage which looks quite wonderful. We may eventually add a logo to the left, but for now, people approaching from down and across the street will be able to identify that there is a fine art gallery on the corner of First and Randolph.

Beneath the signage, in the window, you can almost make out our Olympic tribute featuring three of Danielle Anjou's Olympian sculptures. Special recognition is being given to Michael Phelps, who is centered in front of the American flag and is surrounded by eight gold medals. Due to reflections from across the street, I have yet to get a good picture, but have I plans to try again this evening. If all goes well, I'll post it here.

Yesterday, Napa resident, Donny Robinson, earned a bronze medal in the Olympic BMX competition in Bejing. Congratulations Donny!

The Carefree Days of Summer

"Carefree" was used in an earlier blog post, but I could not resist featuring her again after Alexandra made friends with her outside the gallery this week. Walking down the sidewalk with her Mother, Alexandra gasped with delight when she saw her new friend. Without missing a beat, she removed her own sandals and took hold of "Carefree's" hand, all while insisting that "Mom" take a picture. Alexandra's Mother attempted to capture the moment with an uncooperative cell-phone camera, while Alexandra, without disturbing her pose, gave detailed instructions on how to take a proper picture. Seeing that this lovely moment might be heading south, I reached for our gallery camera and leapt to the rescue. As I snapped the picture, a wave of relief swept over "Mom's" face and Alexandra's smile was as sweet as the ice cream that stained her rosy cheeks. Following the photo shoot, I was joined in the gallery by two of its newest fans. Everyone was happy, especially me as I was able to enjoy someone new discover our sunlit world.

Life's Small Pleasures...What makes you smile and warms your heart? In the midst of getting our new Napa location open, I am reminded why we brought the gallery to Napa. In addition to it being a wonderful place to showcase the art, it is a beautiful place to live. I found myself gazing at Damon's latest work today and reflecting on how much I enjoy being here. Yes, it has been a lot of work and there is still much ahead, but the reward is worth all of the effort and energy that we have put into this project.

Each day brings with it fabulous weather, good people and the opportunity to keep our artists working as we find new homes for their amazing work. Yesterday's walk-in traffic consisted of people from all over the country. Some celebrating special occasions, others just enjoying a slice of paradise Napa style. Many of whom took home with them a little QCFA in the form of our catalogue and the knowledge that while their vacation may be limited to only a few more days, once home, they will be able to continue to do business with us from the comfort of their offices and living rooms.

Quent is enjoying a much-deserved round of golf today with Bernie. Sarah is home taking a nap to recover from a late night of Salsa dancing with her new California friends. And me? I'm enjoying another lovely day surrounded by some of the most beautiful art in the world. So if you find yourself wandering around Northern California, driving by the many thousands of acres of juicy orbs destined for a long soak in an oak barrel, stop in and say hello and enjoy Life's Small Pleasures with me. :)