Quent Cordair Fine Art, Director's Corner

Happy Holidays

2010-12-02T23:10:00.001-08:00

Where does the time go? I can hardly believe that it is December already. And, like the months that preceded it, this one is packed full. We have a lot of beautiful new art for you to enjoy, our son Josh, graduates with his Master's degree from Florida State University, our daughter, Sarah, is coming for a visit and Christmas is only a few weeks away.

The cold and rain have arrived in northern California so I'm cooking up a storm of comfort food whenever I get the chance. Just the other night, I prepared a dozen beef short ribs using among other things, a bottle of Honig Wine Cabernet Sauvignon. Yumm!

More exciting news: We hired a new employee last month who is looking forward to meeting and working with all of you. Christine McMillan is from St Augustine, Florida and recently relocated to Napa with her family. She is proving to be a valuable addition to our team. Together with Shawn and myself we recently completed this year's holiday window display at the gallery. Lots of work and lots of fun. Like the art in the gallery, it is difficult to capture a really good image with a camera, but for those of you who can't make the trip to see the windows in person without the replections, here is a glimpse into our "Vintage Christmas."

I am still struggling to find enough time to post here on a more regular basis, so if I don't get the chance in the next few weeks, (our schedule is packed), I want to wish you and yours a spectacular holiday season filled with joy, laughter, good friends, amazing food & wine, and of course, the finest Romantic Realism.

Happy Holidays My Friends!

Pumpkin Everything

2010-10-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Well, it is for me anyway. The first pumpkin sighting of the season always makes me smile, giggle like a little girl and gets my creative juices flowing. I LOVE pumpkins. I love the way they look, the way they taste and the way they make me feel. Combine that with cooler weather, fall foliage, hot beverages (pumpkin lattes come to mind), and lots of comfort food and you have my favorite season of the year.

Pumpkin is so versatile. You can stuff it, (see my recipe for savory stuffed pumpkins), make pumpkin bread, cookies, currys, soups, cake, gnocci, pasta and so much more!

In addition to decorating the house with this colorful seasonal fruit, I will be cooking up as many pumpkin recipes as I can find time to do over the next few weeks. Pumpkin muffins graced our breakfast table this week as well as the palates of a few of my friends this week. While I enjoy and prefer cooking with fresh pumpkin, I had some canned pumpkin in the cabinet that is perfect and a lot faster for morning baking.

Pumpkin Muffins

1 14 oz. can pumpkin

3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg beaten

1/3 cup melted unsalted butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 cups flour

raisins (optional)

nuts (optional)

toasted pumpkin seeds

Whisk the pumpkin, sugar, egg and butter together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together. Do not over stir. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds. For this batch, I used honey roasted sunflower seeds instead, because it's what I had in the pantry. Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. This recipe makes approximately 12 large muffins.

Serve warm, with or without a bit of butter or softened cream cheese. Leftover muffins (if you have any) can be stored in an airtight container. The flavors are often even more intense the next day.

Check out "Pumpkin Fesitval" at Quent Cordair Fine Art by Dale Momii. I really think this painting should be hanging in my kitchen.

Good Times with Good Food, Good Wine & Good People

2010-10-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday night was an evening filled with food, friends, fun and yes, soup! Thanks to Chef Robin White's brilliant idea to have a world-wide virtual soup tasting, aka #soupweek, we spent a lovely evening with great friends by the fire on the patio, while we enjoyed among other things, some delicious carrot-ginger soup that I made from one of Robin's recipes. Sure, Robin's picture see below) looks better than mine, but we were so excited to eat the soup that we stirred in the garnishes before we took the pictures. ;-)

We paired the soup with two Napa Valley wines. Cynthia Cosco and Margo brought Cynthia's bright and beautiful unoaked 2009 Passaggio New Generation Chardonnay. Marissa Holmer and Chris Foster brought an abundantly fresh and fruity 2009 Goosecross Viognier. Both wines went very well with the soup, a beautiful salad prepared by Deidre Bourdet, a sumptuous cheese plate brought by Michael and Christine McMillan as well as some very sexy chevre-stuffed figs and chevre and orange corn muffins made by yours truly. With all the fuss about #SoupWeek, dessert seemed to take a back seat, but several spoons, a pint of vanilla ice-cream and some figs turned out to provide the perfect ending. Yes, life is very good - especially in Napa!

What does any of this have to do with art? Everything! We would not have met any of these wonderful people, had it not been for our having moved the gallery to Napa in 2008. Here's to life's tasty choices.

If your a foodie and you love art, check out some of the paintings on our website by Alfredo Gomez, Dale Momii and Jerry Rough. Some of their paintings are sure to have you thinking about that next wonderful bite.

Are You Ready for Soup Week?

2010-09-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Where do you find comfort? Is it in a nice cozy pair of slippers, on your favorite chair, while cradling your favorite book in your hands? What if you added being in the presence of your favorite piece of art while enjoying a bowl of home made soup? Now that's what I call comfort!

“Soup Week” is an online event and it's almost here. For 8 consecutive nights, (October 2nd – 9th) Chef Robin White will host a LIVE twitter conversation around her original soup recipes and wine pairings. I am honored to have been asked to be a sponsor of what promises to be a fun and well attended virtual event. As one of Chef Robin's foodie and Twitter friends, I've been given Sunday, October 3 and will be preparing her Fresh & Local Carrot with a Ginger Creama.

I'm going to invite a few of my Twitter pals over to celebrate, to help eat the soup and to Tweet about our soup and wine pairing experience. Now all I have to do is round up the ingredients and do her recipe justice.

Here is the Soup Week line up:

Saturday, Oct. 2 – @thedailybasics | www.thedailybasics.com
“Jutta’s Elegant Chicken Soup” with Mango Curry Cream

Sunday, Oct. 3 – @CordairGallery | www.cordair.com
Fresh & Local Carrot with a Ginger Creama

Monday, Oct. 4 –@smalllotsbigwine | www.smalllotsbigwines.com
Lentil Rustica

Tuesday, Oct. 5 –@gimmeMoreWine | www.gimmemorewine.com
Authentic Sicilian Swordfish Stew

Wednesday, Oct. 6 — @NatalieMacLean | www.natdecants.com
Vegetarian Black Bean with Lime
Serve with Syrah

Thursday, Oct. 7 – @BostonWineDiva | www.cocktailsforeveryone.com
Sexy Six Mushroom Soup

Friday, Oct. 8 — @MyFoodThoughts | www.athoughtforfood.net
Chef Robin’s Law New England Clam Chowder

Saturday, Oct. 9 – @Passagio | www.passagiowines.com
Roasted Butternut Squash and Grilled Corn Chowder

Meet us online every night at 8pm Eastern and use the Hashtag #SoupWeek if you are Tweeting with us. Bring up our website and enjoy the art too. Why should we have all the fun?

Chef Robin's recipes will be available on her web site and I will post the Fresh & Local Carrot with Ginger Creama recipe here on Sunday.

My Other Passion

2010-09-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

All work and no play makes me, well shall we say, a little cranky. So I am going to do something about it. If you know me, you know I love food and wine. When I originally started this blog, I managed to get a little food blogging in here and there, but the landlord likes to receive a monthly check, so I spent much more of my time focusing on the gallery. Oh, I'll still blog about my "Galt's Gulch," but I am also going to tease you with some of the yummy things that please me. After all, I do live in one of the most wonderful food and wine destinations in the world. Why shouldn't you benefit from that too? Some of the posts will feature my culinary creations, while others will be about my culinary experiences that were prepared by others.

We're going to kick things off this week with one of my favorite new places in downtown Napa, Dim Sum Charlies. Sure, we have plenty of places where you can go to enjoy a decadent meal, complimented by some of Napa Valley's finest fermented nectar and a bill that will set you back a few bills. But what we really needed was a Dim Sum Truck. Yes, I said Dim Sum Truck. Technically it's an airstream trailer, but you get the idea and so do these guys. Clayton and Andrew have delivered an Indian Summer gift to those of us who enjoy this traditional preparation of Chinese food consisting of a variety of items usually steamed and served in small portions.

I have to admit, I've already been there several times and made it through most of the menu. Everything is wonderful. I'm even the current mayor on Four Square. We'll see how long that lasts.

In honor of their arrival, I've even thrown together a last-minute, Dutch-treat party at their place. It's Thursday night and everyone is invited. What a great way to welcome Dim Sum Charlie's to the neighborhood. It's BYOB, so grab a bottle of your favorite liquid refreshment and RSVP so the guys will prepare plenty of food.

The lovely pictures are courtesy of my good friend and fellow foodie Deirdre Bourdet, aka @HedonismInk, who had the good sense to go during the day when the sun was out. If you are passionate about food, be sure to follow her blog too. Now she's a foodie!

Stay tuned for more food, more art and more fun. Remember there are no calories in the written word. I'll enjoy those for you too!

Better Late Than Never

2010-09-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

After years, yes years, of Quent cajoling me to do so, I have finally completed and posted the first in a series of videos for the gallery. Why did it take so long you ask? It was mainly a time and know-how issue, and the fact that I wasn't ready to spring for the software. Then, low and behold, thanks to my assistant Karen, I found out that I already had adequate software that came pre-loaded on my laptop. Duh! The frosting on the cupcake? Karen knew how to use it. The result, no more excuses. I found myself being catapulted into the 21st century - no kicking, no screaming.

So without further adieu, I bring you the first video sneak peek into our wonderful sunlit world. Enjoy!

Stay tuned for the next installment. It's no where near as wonderful as being in the physical gallery, but we hope it will enhance your experience with us and maybe even tempt you to come for a visit.

Mean while, our virtual doors are always open and the welcome mat is always out.

A Peek Inside

2010-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

We understand that not everyone can make it to Napa to experience the gallery, so we are working on some visual treats for you. The next gallery update will feature the first of our new video series. We will be creating videos that are mini tours of the gallery's interior, as well as videos that focus on individual artists and their work. They will be posted in our gallery updates, on Twitter and on our Facebook page. Until then, I will treat you to a picture one small corner of our 3600 square foot gallery; an amuse-bouche. Maybe these lovely images will tempt you to come visit us in wine country. We would love for you to come stay and play with us. Our friends in the wine industry would love to meet you and treat you to some of what they do best and our friends in the hotel industry will gladly extend a "Cordair" discount to you. Let us know if you are headed our way and we will make sure you have a wonderful Napa experience.

It us easy to keep in touch with us. You can check out new arrivals in the gallery, sign up for our gallery updates and send us the occasional e-mail to let us know how we can assist you.

Most importantly, if you enjoy our collection of Romantic Realism, share us with a friend. You'll both be glad you did!

Check back for more images, videos, random thoughts and yes, I will eventually get beck to the recipes. Life is keeping me very busy these days. :)

Bubbles Galore!

2010-08-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get any better than sharing the art with our friends and fans. Our monthly social media events bring in an average of 100 people each month who enjoy celebrating life with art and wine. Last month's event was all about bubbles. We enjoyed tasting sparkling wines from all over northern California as well as some from as far away as South Africa.
The AVIA Hotel in downtown Napa provided some delicious appetizers to pair with the wine. Needless to say, a good time was had by all!

Join us for our next social media event on August 12, 2010 where we will be celebrating Pinot Noir. http://twtvite.com/CelebratePinotNoir

We Won & It's All Thanks To You!

2010-07-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

We have been named Best Wine Country Art Gallery by the San Francisco Chronicle. Our thanks to everyone who voted for us.

I can hardly believe that we have been in Napa for two years already. We celebrated our two year anniversary with an amazing fireworks display at Louis Martini Vineyards. No, the fireworks weren't just for us, our Napa anniversary happens to fall on July 4th. And yes, that was completely intentional. It is so much fun to commemorate the birth of our country each year with our decision to relocate to Wine Country.

Now that we have 3600 square feet to display the art in, we are hosting even more events in the gallery. Among them is our Summer Nights Wine Tastings. Every Friday & Saturday night from 6-9pm we have a different winery pouring complimentary tastes of their pride and joy. We have also become one of the places downtown for Social Media events. Each month we host a TweetUp that celebrates a different kind of wine. This month we are celebrating sparkling wine with a BubbleUp Tweetup. Of course, we still make the gallery available for private events and by private appointment.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out here and celebrate life with us. You'll be surrounded with some of the finest art, wonderful people and great wine. That's about as good as it gets!

Let me know if you need any assistance with your travel arrangements. We have lots of friends in the valley who would love to meet you.

Don't forget to vote for us; there are only a few days left!

2010-05-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

We're still in first place but another gallery is hot on our tail. You can guarantee that our gallery gets the recognition that it deserves by casting you vote today! http://baylist.sfgate.com/quent-cordair-fine-art/biz/413758/contest

And, there will be a great big "Thank You" in it for you too!

Art, Wine & Fun

2010-05-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

One of the many things that they know how to do well in the Napa Valley is celebrate life! That's why living and relocating the gallery here was such a good idea. It is truly a perfect fit.

Last summer a friend convinced me to try Twitter. With my hands already full, I argued that I really did not need anything else in my life that was going to take precious time away from what was already a very full plate. "Just try it" was but the beginning. I tried it and I liked it; very much! What a wonderful way to "reach out and touch someone." Many of you are too young (I can't believe I said that) to remember the old telephone jingle "Reach out, reach out and touch someone." One tweet led to another and then to another and now I have "Tweeted" over 4000 times! Often it is about the gallery but sometimes it is just a random comment about what I am up to, where I am going or a reply to another user's tweet. Every day I tweet at least one work of art as the "Art Du Jour" QCFA style, an uplifting new arrival in the gallery and sometimes an old favorite.

Tweeting eventually led to TweetUps which are social media events where those who tweet can get together, meet, socialize & promote their businesses. What do most people in the Napa Valley tweet about? Wine of course! What goes great with wine? Art! I noticed these TweetUps being held around the valley and thought it would be fun to have one in the gallery. I did and it was! So much so, that we have now had four of these social media events in the gallery, with each one bringing in around 100 guests. Each month we feature a particular kind of wine at the event. Our last TweetUp was held on May 6 and was all about Chardonnay. Everyone brought with them at least one bottle of Chardonnay to share and tweet about while surrounded by the largest and best art collection in the Napa Valley. Can you say fun? Next month's event is Jun 9 and the theme is Celebrate Rose'.

If you think you might enjoy following my posts, follow me @CordairGallery. And if you are tweeting in our area, here is an invitation to our next TweetUp. http://twtvite.com/CelebrateRose Cheers!

Best Wine Country Art Gallery - Vote For Us, Our Artists and Our Beautiful Gallery

2010-05-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Moving to Napa was one of the smartest things we've ever done. What a wonderful place. We have made some wonderful friends, created an amazing gallery space and feel more and more at home every day.

Our efforts to be the best and most beautiful art gallery in Napa have not gone unnoticed. The San Francisco Chronicle has an annual "Best of" contest and we have been nominated for Best Wine Country Art Gallery. We are currently in first place and would really love to stay there. You can vote for us too at http://baylist.sfgate.com/quent-cordair-fine-art/biz/413758.

There is a great comment section under the ballot too. Feel free to sing our praises there and copy and paste them as comments here on the blog if you're so inclined. We'll just love you even more for it. ;-)

Cheers!

Our Artists Continue To Make Us Proud

2010-04-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

We have wonderful news! Two of our artists have been recognized by the Art Renewal Center for their beautiful work. Karl Jensen for his sculpture Unbound and Bryan Larsen for his painting Contrast.

Unbound was awarded first place in the Art Renewal Center's 6th International Salon competition. This wonderful 45" bronze sculpture is a limited-edition of only 50 castings. Order yours before they "break the mold."

Contrast was named as a finalist in the oil painting category . The painting is a 18" x 30" oil on linen that has been custom framed by the artist. It would be a lovely addition to a home or office.
Since this is an original, we will be happy to reserve "her" for the first person who places a deposit on the painting.

The Art Renewal Center strives to provide impetus for the reestablishment of high standards of performance in the visual arts of painting, drawing, and sculpture, and to promote the concept of recognizable quality as a primary criterion for the judgment of Fine Art. The ARC also works to promote a return of training, standards and excellence in the visual arts and to advance the understanding that great art begins with great themes and expresses them poetically through mastery of all aspects of technique.

Congratulations gentlemen! Quent Cordair Fine Art is proud to represent you.

Finishing Touches!

2010-04-03T14:20:00.001-07:00

It took a while, but it was worth the wait. Our new logos have been installed on the exterior of the gallery. Created by the one and only Quent Cordair, our beautiful friend anchors the gallery name and adds a touch of elegance to our downtown Napa location.

With her face up-stretched, she warms herself in the Napa sun and sets a tone for the lovely art to be found inside. Nothing abstract, nothing impressionistic, just uplifting & inspirational, life-affirming art. Romantic Realism at its very best!

The signs were created by one of our new Napa friends and gallery enthusiasts, Toby Gewertz. Toby owns MetalFormz, www.metalformz.com, in Napa and specializes in metal design & fabrication for both commercial & residential use.

Our gallery is located on a busy corner in downtown Napa. Having the signage complete on both sides of the building should help us attract the attention of passers by, both on foot and by car. I think it looks great and I am very happy to have made another positive step towards becoming a landmark in our new Napa Valley home.

Next step, better lighting for our exterior signage! :) Stay tuned.

Springing Forth with New Ideas

2010-03-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

The rains have ceased for the most part and the Napa Valley is bright with the color of mustard blossoms. Bud breaks are beginning to appear on what were dormant vines and the tourists are returning to help us drink the many barrels of wine that have been patiently aging in cool dark places. Someone pinch me; I live in Napa!

See what I mean? This beautiful picture was taken by one of my new Napa friends, Bob McClenahan. He is a very talented photographer and fellow wine enthusiast. Check out some of his favorite shots on his web site.

Yes it's true. As you can tell by a lack of recent posts, I have been cheating on my blog by experimenting with some other forms of social media these days. (blush) As you know, we are always looking for more ways to tell the world about our amazing gallery and the wonderfully talented artists that we represent. In an effort to find those who share our passion, I spend a considerable amount of time on line researching various forms of marketing and advertising possibilities. In spite of being encouraged by several web savvy friends, I swore off Twitter for the longest time. I finally succumbed to the peer pressure and now I find myself completely immersed in this, the most recent phenomenon in social media. Armed with my laptop or my iPhone, I am now in near constant touch with people near and far, sharing thoughts, ideas and marketing strategies.

Follow & be followed is the primary premise. Read 140 character or less quips by people you find interesting, follow news, see what your friends are up to etc. On the flip side you can post comments, share thoughts, keep track of your friends, promote your business and so on. So far I have posted nearly 2300 times. Who knew I had so much to say? lol

We have hosted some very successful Twitter events (Tweetups) in the gallery, with plans for more. The next one is scheduled for April 1. We expect around 100 people from all over the Napa Valley to attend. They will be here to meet their fellow Tweeps, network, drink wine and of course, enjoy the art. If you're close by, a Tweeter and would like to attend, here is the invitation. The event promises to be a lot of fun.

You can follow me on Twitter via CordairGallery. If you're already a friend and/or interesting, chances are that I will follow you back. I have made a lot of wonderful new friends since venturing into Twitter land and have found some new art customers too.

Here's to social media and to spreading the word about our sunlit world. Cheers! >clink<

Celebrating an "Art-Full" Holiday

2009-12-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

The holidays are nearly here. We've decked the halls both here in the gallery and at home and have enjoyed sharing our holiday spirit with friends, family and gallery guests. Last year's Christmas windows at the gallery were a big hit and I could not resist the temptation to out do them this year. With a little help from Home Depot, The Loose Caboose and the Napa Valley Historical Model Railroad Museum, I think we did it.

We managed to feature a lot of art in the windows. Several of Karl Jensen's beautiful sculptures, Quent's "Henry's Night Out," "Elegance" in natural sand by Bill Mack, "New Year's Eve" by Bryan Larsen, "A Paige in My Book" by Perrin Sparks, "Vow" by Michael Wilkinson, "There's Opportunity Here" by Bryan Larsen, "Holiday" by Jerald Rough' , "Les Filles D'Avignon" by Danielle Anjou and "Something Worth Celebrating" by Thomas Arvid. You can click on the photos to enjoy larger versions.

If you are still hunting for that special something? Remember that our gift certificates are a popular way to give that someone special a present that will last a lifetime.

Happy Holidays from all of us at QCFA. We hope that your celebrations are joyful and that 2010
brings with it health, happiness & success.

Bryan Larsen Appreciation Week

2009-11-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I proclaimed this"Bryan Larsen Appreciation Week." I'm part owner of the gallery and representative extraordinaire, so I'm allowed to do that! :)

In honor of this auspicious event, we are offering a selection of Bryan Larsen originals via silent auction. Or if you prefer, "esthetic adoption." You are invited to contact the gallery, on or before 3pm Pacific time, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 with your bid on any of the artwork posted here. Be fair. If you are the highest bidder over the private reserve price, you win! If you bid retail or higher, we will also include a personal dedication on the art to you from Bryan. How sweet is that?

All of these originals are very affordable to begin with and may make the perfect holiday gift for your favorite Bryan Larsen fan. Unless of course, you want one all for yourself! ;)

Here are the items up for adoption: (including the one above)

Each of the images links to its corresponding page on our site which includes the dimensions and retail price. These pieces are unframed. We do have a terrific framer available if you would like us to have your art framed for you before we ship it.

Bids must be received by e-mail (linda@cordair.com) on or before 3:00pm (Pacific Time) on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. Bids will be acknowledged via e-mail and winners will be notified by e-mail or telephone. Please feel free to call or e-mail me at linda@cordair.com with any questions. Winning bids do not include nominal shipping charges.

Have fun, bid well and good luck! This is a great opportunity to own a Bryan Larsen original and provide the artist with some well deserved capital.

As always, we appreciate and look forward to earning your business!

Harvest in Napa, And We Helped!

2009-10-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

This year's grape harvest in Napa is drawing to a close. Most of the vintners are now busy processing their grapes with hopes that this year's bounty will yield award winning wines.

It has not taken us long to make ourselves at home in this beautiful valley. Quent and I, along with one of our dearest friends, Jody, recently lent our unskilled grape-picking hands to some of our wine-making friends. The results? Well let's just say that we still have all of our digits, even though I proudly bear a small scar on my left hand from my first attempt.

Working shoulder to shoulder with the hard working people who do this for a living, you gain a far greater appreciation for the amount of back-breaking labor that goes into making these amazing elixirs. My first picking experience was thanks to our good friends who own Ceja Vineyards. Jody was visiting us from Michigan and together we learned how to properly wield a harvest knife. Its short, curved blade and lightweight handle are typical of knives used during the annual harvest of wine grapes in the area. Although grape-picking machines are used in the large vineyards of California's Central Valley, hand tools like this are preferred on the estate vineyards in Napa.

Jody and I helped the Cejas pick Pinot grapes that were being sold to Mumm Napa to make sparkling wine. After about an hour and a half, Jody and I had picked about 400 pounds of grapes. And there is no telling how many we ate in the process.

A ton of grapes yields about 143 gallons of wine. There are 2.38 gallons of wine in a case (12 bottles), so a ton of wine will produce about 60 cases. Since there are 12 bottles in a case, a ton of grapes makes roughly 720 bottles of wine. The average wine bottle holds .750 ml, and one gram = 0.0044092 pounds, so for each bottle of wine, one needs about 2.78 pounds of grapes. It takes about 630 grapes to produce one bottle of wine. Jody and I picked enough grapes to make approximately 144 bottles and I think we each ate a bottle's worth of the tasty little jewels. Soon after we were rewarded with a delicious lunch prepared by Mamma Juanita, the Ceja family's matriarch. She prepared lunch for all of the pickers. It was the most wonderful chicken mole that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying!

A week or two later, Quent and I were invited by our friend Chuck Custodio, a.k.a Trahan Winery, to an after-dark harvest party at Carneros Della Notte. There, we were treated to a lovely outdoor-dinner adjacent to their vineyards. After wards, a live band played, while, armed with our harvest knives, we picked grapes under a beautiful harvest moon. Extra lights illuminated the many rows of juicy clusters that would soon fall victim to our blades. The grapes at this stage are so ripe, that often, when you take them in your hand to separate them from the vine, the plump orbs burst, spilling their juices before you can place the cluster in the bin. I was having so much fun that I even forgot about some of the eight legged creatures that like to hang out amongst the vines. Upon filing several bins, and bidding our new friends a good evening, we left for home, covered with dust from the vineyards and sticky with the juice that got away.For weeks the air was sweet with the smells of harvest. The rains have come now and soon it will be time to prune the vines in preparation for their winter slumber. While we wait for signs of Spring next year, we will enjoy the fruits of those who labored years before us. We now enjoy each sip with a new appreciation for the efforts of so many that go into making incredible wines.

Inside the Gallery

2009-10-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

I am often asked what it is like to work in such beautiful surroundings. Frankly, I can't imagine doing anything else. At least not now. Sure, some day I'll squeeze in some of those culinary classes I talked about, but for now, I am definitely in my happy place.

It occurred to me today that those of you who are unable to make the journey to Napa to see what I'm talking about, might like to enjoy a peek inside our sunlit world and see the art as we have it displayed in the gallery.

We rotate the art in the gallery often. With so many wonderful paintings and sculpture on display, it can be an all day project. But what a fun and rewarding project it is. More than one guest in the gallery has caught us in the process of rearranging the art when they have come to visit and they are amazed at how many different displays we can create in our 3600 square feet of space.

Have I tempted you yet? You know you want to be here too. Keep us in mind when you start talking about your next vacation. Ten months out of the year, Napa is incredibly beautiful. The other two months, December and January, are pretty wet, but the gallery and the wine-tasting rooms are all indoors! :)

Let us know if you'll be heading in our direction and we'll help you find places to quench you thirst, satisfy your hunger and rest your head when you are not enjoying the gallery. Come explore our valley and experience our art in person! Don't worry, if you don't make it to Napa, I'll continue to post the occasional sneak peek.

Celebrating Art Napa Style!

2009-09-27T14:03:00.001-07:00

We spent Friday evening enjoying wonderful wine and great food among friends and art lovers. Thomas Arvid was in town for a reception that we put together for him at the new AVIA Napa Hotel. Wine for the event was poured by Grgich, Ceja and St Supery, three wonderful Napa Valley wineries.

Mr. Arvid worked on his latest original, graciously answered questions and posed for pictures with his adoring fans and collectors. In this picture from left to right: Robert and Celia Stewart, Linda Cordair, Thomas Arvid, Dr Dae Hyun Chung and Quent Cordair.

Thanks to everyone who came out for the event. We'll be offering a copy of Thomas Arvid's wine journal and a bottle fabulous Ceja wine to anyone who purchases any of Thomas Arvid's work this month.

You can view Thomas Arvid's paintings in our beautiful downtown gallery, on our web site and in the AVIA Napa Hotel.

We look forward to seeing and posting (with your permission of course) pictures of your favorite Thomas Arvid painting hanging in your home or office. Celebrate the wonders of Thomas Arvid's work with us. Each is a very limited-edition and something you will treasure for many years to come.

"A New Height" by Bryan Larsen, Remembering the WTC

2009-09-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

Like most of us, I remember exactly where I was on 9/11. Living in Florida at the time, I was busy at work when someone came in into the office from the break room with the news. The rest of the day was spent watching in horror as the day's events unfolded.

Shortly before that tragic day, a wonderful artist named Bryan Larsen, completed a painting that featured a dashing young architect taking pride in his greatest masterpiece. In "A New Height" the World Trade Center is featured prominently in the painting. (follow the link to see the entire painting) The original oil on linen was purchased very quickly, after which Bryan Larsen made a limited number of signed and numbered prints on canvas available. In an effort to make this image available to almost anyone, Bryan even offered a poster of the painting. It was obvious that people would need and want something positive to remember these beautiful buildings and those who lost their lives in the attack. A limited number of these prints are still available.

On September 14, 2001, my husband Quent, wrote a profound letter to our friends, family and associates. The letter is posted on our web site just below the image of the painting. Each year, I read with pride the words that my husband so eloquently wrote. Thank you Bryan and Quent for giving us all something wonderfully positive to share with each other.

My goal is to circulate both the image and the letter around the world this week. The world needs more Rational Art and we aim to provide it. Feel free to blog, Tweet, e-mail or Facebook the link. We appreciate your assistance in getting this image to anyone who will benefit from seeing it.

What a Busy Month

2009-07-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that today is the last day of July. Where did the time go? We certainly have enjoyed a busy month. Between gallery events, visiting family members, AVIA's opening and gallery guests, we have hardly stopped. What fun! A few days away would be nice, but I do have a hard time tearing myself away from the gallery. Who can blame me? I love my job.

Ok, I know you're jealous that I get to spend every day here. If it will make you feel better, I had to wade through sales tax today all by myself. :( Yuck! Our delightful book keeper broke her foot recently and my trusty business consultant, Tina, was nowhere to be found. Mind you, it took me a lot longer to complete the forms than it would either of them, but it had to be postmarked today. So I hunkered down, held back the tears and dug in. I'm actually quite proud of myself for figuring it out. But don't worry ladies, I do NOT want your job. The sales tax paperwork is all yours next quarter.

After finishing the aforementioned, I was treated to a visit from QCFA artist, Thomas Arvid, his right hand, Rob Preiditsch and a few of his friends. After enjoying the gallery and a little business, I walked them down to the AVIA Hotel, where, courtesy of the hotel's General Manager, Kristine Youngberg, we shared a lovely bottle of Schramsburg's bubbles. Ahh, cold sparkling wine on a warm summer's day, atop Napa's newest hotel with some wonderful people. What a treat! I'm sorry you missed it. Seriously, you should come next time. It's what we do here. :)

Earlier this month we hosted the VIP reception for the Festival del Sole in the gallery and even managed to find time to attend a couple of their wonderful events. The Festival features concerts by some of the world’s most celebrated musical artists, five-star cuisine, art exhibits, and wines from Napa’s top vintners, blended in a unique celebration of the art of life. We thoroughly enjoyed Sarah Chang's performance at the Lincoln Theater. I even stood in line after wards to have her sign a cd for us for the gallery. Later, we enjoyed a very nice winemaker's dinner at Far Niente, where I was fortunate enought to be seated next to Mr. Jan Schrem, the owner of Clos Pegase Winery. What a delightful man. I hope to have the pleasure of getting to know him better and plan to visit his winery very soon.

So yes, Quent and I are a little tired, but Napa's season has just begun and we look forward to sharing it with you. Our beautiful gallery, the art within it, the wine, new friends and so much more. Just let us know when you will be here!

Sarah's Summer Visit

2009-07-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

We just enjoyed a month-long visit with our daughter Sarah, who is 22. She took a break from hot and rainy central Florida to hang out with us in beautiful, dry and sunny Napa. The first two weeks she had her boyfriend Eddie with her. It was Eddie's first trip to Napa, so we made sure that he enjoyed a proper tourist experience. The last two weeks, Sarah and I squeezed in as much mother/daughter time as we could manage considering my busy gallery schedule.

One of Sarah's favorite works in the gallery is "How Far We've Come" by Bryan Larsen. She enjoys the uplifting nature of the painting and considers the painting a window to the future. I love watching her enjoy it when she spends time in the gallery. She is also a big fan of "Deliberation." She was flattered when several gallery guests asked her if she modeled for the painting. We should have taken a picture of her with the painting to share with Bryan. We'll have to do that next time.

One of Sarah's favorite summer activities in Napa is our weekly Chef's Market. If Sarah were still here, she would be across the street from the gallery tonight purchasing her favorite Armenian Cucumbers. I would love to send her some, but who knows what they would look like, much less what they would taste like by the time they arrived in Florida.
Here is a picture of this week's crop, just for you Sarah. By the way, Mark (the produce guy), says hi and wants to know when you'll be back for more.

If you have never tasted one of these striped Armenian delights, and you can find one, Sarah and I highly recommend them. They are crunchy, light and very flavorful. Something tells me that Sarah may be back for more before the season is over.

Happy Birthday To Us Too!

2009-07-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day indeed! As our country pauses to celebrate the adoption of our Declaration of Independence, Quent and I enjoy additional reasons to raise our glasses. One year ago today, after many months of hard work and a few sleepless nights, we opened the doors to our Napa location and enjoyed our own 4th of July parade into 1301 First Street. Downtown Napa had never seen anything so beautiful. Later that evening we joined our new neighbors for some fireworks and toasted our success with a glass of Ceja Vineyards finest. Standing there watching the sky fill with color, I had time to reflect on how much this day has always meant to me and the wonderful new meaning that we had added that day.

It has been 14 years since Quent began his quest to bring Romantic Realism back to the forefront of the art community where it belongs. From a small studio on the San Francisco peninsula that he rented to complete "Lunch Break", came an opportunity to market not only his art, but art that was being created by some of his friends. Several years later, along came a woman who fell in love with the Man and his gallery. Three guesses who that was. ;) I decided that the world needed to know about this incredible place and the art within it. Two years later we would double the size of the gallery, expanding into the newly vacated space next door. Three more years and it was time to spread our wings again as we began plans to expand the gallery once more.

After months of searching the country and our hearts for the perfect location, we found opportunity just up the road in Napa. This quiet little town in the heart of California's wine country was on the verge of something wonderful; positive growth. Two new luxury hotels were under construction as well as two major high-end retail projects. Our gallery would be the perfect fit with the romance of the Napa Valley and a wonderful destination for our clients from around the world.

So here we are in downtown Napa celebrating fourteen years of providing the world with the Finest Romantic Realism and our first full year in Napa. In the past seven years we have expanded our business twice, gotten married, relocated our business and moved to the wine country. Happy Fourth of July America and Happy Fourth of July to us!

I love you Quent! Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!

Ahhh...VIA - AVIA Hotel Opens in Downtown Napa

2009-07-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

The moment we (QCFA) have long awaited has finally arrived. The AVIA hotel opened their doors today and I made sure to stop in this morning with an official congratulations and welcome to the neighborhood. After which I watched with delight as a crew installed the "Now Open" sign on the hotel's exterior.

When Quent and I were looking to relocate the gallery, Lodgeworks L.P., which owns several major hotel chains, had just broken ground on their flagship hotel, right down the street from
the vacant commercial space that we were looking to rent. The rest as they say, is history.
Here we are and now here they are too!

We are pleased to announce that plans are underway to have art from the gallery displayed in the hotel. Stay tuned for more information. In the mean time, what are ou waiting for? Check out their web site, after you finish enjoying ours of course, and book yourself a wine country get away. We have made some wonderful friends at the AVIA Hotel and look forward to introducing you to them.

When It's Really Hot Bubbles Hit The Spot

2009-06-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

We've had a couple of real scorchers in Napa this week. Yesterday the thermometer in our car said that it was 108. Geez Louise, that's hot! It was supposed to be warmer today, but I don't think the mercury had the energy to climb that high again.

We don't often see temperatures like that so air-conditioning is not needed most of the year. This weekend was definitely an exception.
I think what we should have done was found some wonderfully cold bubble like the ones in Thomas Arvid's painting "Something Worth Celebrating." Just looking at this wonderful work of art makes me feel cooler already. :) Offered as a limited-edition canvas print, signed and numbered by the artist, this affordable luxury will serve as a constant reminder to celebrate the good times and enjoy life!

We have so much to celebrate. Our lives, our families, our beautiful gallery and you, our adoring fans. ;)

We'll be announcing a new artist very soon, so keep checking our New Art page or sign up to receive our monthly gallery newsletter via secure e-mail.

Our gallery continues to grow and bring you the best in Romantic Realism. Drop us a line and let us know who your favorite artists are; we'd love to hear from you. Write to us: art (at) cordair.com

Cheesy Goodness!

2009-06-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, it has been a while since I posted a tasty temptation. Those who know me well are quite familiar with my love of comfort food. Here's one of my favorite recipes for when you want something really decadent. Paired with a nice beef fillet and a beautiful side salad, this dish never disappoints. Great for company or complete self indulgence and definitely not on the Weight Watcher's menu. ;)

Roasted Asparagus and Red Pepper Lasagna

Serves 6 to 8

1-1/2 lbs. fresh asparagus
1 large red pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil such as canola of safflower
Salt and pepper

Sauce:

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
8oz of goat cheese
Salt, to taste

For Assembly:

3 or 4 large fresh lasagna noodles or parboiled regular lasagna noodles (no boil lasagna noodles work too, but I soak them in water for 15 minutes first)
1 packed cup grated mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz.)
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trim woody ends from asparagus and discard. Cut asparagus spears into 2” lengths. Toss with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Lightly brush red pepper with olive oil.
Spread asparagus pieces on a baking sheet in one layer. Lay red pepper on rack next to baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 12 minutes, until vegetables are just beginning to soften. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel and seed red pepper, then cut into 2" lengths.
While asparagus and peppers are roasting, prepare sauce. In a large saucepan, heat butter on medium heat until fully melted and beginning to bubble slightly. Add flour and whisk briskly until incorporated into butter.
Cook butter and flour mixture for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, whisking constantly. As the mixture begins to thicken slightly (about 2 minutes), add the goat cheese and the heavy cream. Continue to stir sauce until smooth.
Season with salt to taste. Remove sauce from the heat.
In a dish approximately 9” X 12” X 3”, spread 1/3 of the roasted asparagus spears evenly on the bottom. Drizzle 1/3 of the sauce over asparagus, top with 1/4 of the parmesean cheese and 1/4 of red pepper strips. Top with a layer of fresh lasagna noodles, cut to fit the pan.
Repeat the layers: asparagus, peppers, sauce parmesean and noodles, asparagus, peppers, sauce. Make sure the final layer is sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Bake at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
To serve: let the lasagna cool for about 20 minutes. Use a very sharp knife to slice through the asparagus. Accompany with a salad and crusty bread.

Come Stay and Play with Us

2009-06-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been considering a visit to see us in Napa, we’re pleased to entice you with a special partnership we’ve developed with the new AVIA Hotel – opening July 1 – just 1 block from the gallery. AVIA is downtown Napa’s newest retreat and is pleased to offer guests of the gallery 20 percent off their best available rates and a host of other benefits. This boutique hotel combines understated elegance with the enthusiasm of a local host – eager to share savvy local connections and the best of Napa Valley.

Ornate, wrought-iron doors open to reveal an enchanting living room complete with knotty, blackened oak and tufted sofas with a modern flair. The overall aesthetic borrows from the winemaking tradition – it's natural and not uptight, but perfect for a sophisticated palette. Guests can sample regional fare and local vintages inside the AVIA Kitchen + Wine Bar or host a gathering amid striking and sophisticated event space. The hotel features an outdoor Terrace - an urban oasis with hardwood decking, porch swings and fire pit.

With 141 rooms + suites, AVIA provides sensuous details like hickory hardwood floors, fireplaces and soaking tubs for two. And modern amenities like generous eastern white marble bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

At AVIA Napa, you’re exactly where you want to be after visiting the gallery and a full day of tasting, in the very walk-able heart of downtown Napa, steps from world-class wine tasting venues, celebrated California cuisine and the new Oxbow Public market with artisanal food and shopping. To learn more, visit www.aviahotels.com or to book our special rates, www.aviahotels.com/packages/quentcordairfineartgallery.

Can't Stop Smiling!

2009-06-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

I love my life! Each day I celebrate who I am, who I'm with and what I do. I have a wonderful husband, two great kids and I get to spend my days (and some evenings) in the world's most beautiful art gallery. Sure, many days bring with them a variety of challenges, but I have learned that I am capable of most anything I set my mind to and that most obstacles are indeed surmountable. Now, if only I had the means to resurrect the economy. ;)

This week, like so many, was extra special. I'm almost positive that the man who delivered our latest gallery arrival, did not enjoy a warmer welcome anywhere else on his route that day. After months of anticipation, "Unbound" by Karl Jensen is finally here. Cocooned in her custom built crate, tailored just for her like a designer gown, she arrived in perfect condition. I could hardly contain my excitement. It was like being 5 years old and the proud recipient of a real live pony.

I've known about her for a while. I'm honored that Karl Jensen created her after I suggested to him some time ago that a larger version of "Dream Flight" or something similar would be a wonderful addition to the gallery. She is incredible; even more beautiful than I imagined she would be. Thank you Mr. Jensen for the tears of joy and the smile that continues to decorate my face.

So, while writing this post, I have enjoyed another delightfully fun day at QCFA. Last week, a local vintner and his wife inquired if they could include the gallery as one of several stops in a treasure hunt that they were planning. Rather than a back yard BBQ or a sit down dinner, the happy couple decided to celebrate their 10 year anniversary by sending their family and friends on a downtown adventure. There were to be four groups, of around 20 people each, that would visit the gallery between 2 and 4pm.

As each group arrived they were to browse the gallery and find a piece of art that reminds them of love, makes them smile and perhaps even laugh out loud. They had several other stops on their list and could only stay a short while, but while each group was here, the gallery buzzed with excitement as the participants discovered and enjoyed their favorite paintings and sculpture.

Prior to the event, Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffey (a.k.a. the happy couple) delivered 80 spectacular roses to the gallery. Well over two feet long, each rose was perfect. Half of them were a lovely shade of pink the others were reminded me of the orange that you see in a very memorable sunset. Once each group was finished enjoying the art, my instructions were to present each person with a rose. Their next task was to find a complete stranger outside the gallery and gift them their rose. Kathryn (our new gallery intern) and I, very much enjoyed watching these random acts of kindness and the resulting smiles from the unsuspecting passers by. In between groups, I strolled outside for a little sunshine and noticed that one shy participant had left their rose with "Carefree" who stands outside the gallery doors each day to greet our gallery guests. :)

What fun! Some of their other stops included a local wine tasting room, where the proprietor would pour two tastings of wines made in 1999. (the year that they married) A local candy shop where each participants received a hand-made truffle bearing the Mahaffey's initials and a local thrift store where they were to spend no more than $10 on a "romantic gift." I managed to see some of $10 gift bags. Each of them contained some very clever and amusing items.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffey. Thank you for including us in your anniversary celebration!

So much to smile about! What a fun day!

Celebrating the Arts, Napa Style

2009-06-05T19:27:00.001-07:00

QCFA has partnered with the Napa Valley Festival Del Sole which is being held July 17-25, 2009. The Festival features concerts by some of the world’s most celebrated musical artists, five-star cuisine, art exhibits, and wines from Napa’s top vintners, blended in a unique celebration of the art of life. Concert tickets and VIP packages are on sale now. Tickets for Festival del Sole concerts range from $35-$125. Mention Quent Cordair Fine Art and receive 15% off your tickets.

This year’s festival kicks off with an opening night concert July 18 at the Napa Valley Opera House featuring three remarkable young artists – violinist Sarah Chang with pianist Andrew von Oeyen, and 14-year old pianist Conrad Tao. The concert is followed by a twilight dinner on the terrace overlooking Napa Valley at Palmaz Vineyards, a new Festival Partner Winery.

Chang performs again on July 19 with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas under the baton of its conductor and director, Alondra de la Parra. Founded in 2004 to promote the work of talented young soloists and composers, the New York-based Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas has since performed around the world to critical acclaim. The evening’s program includes Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Historic Far Niente Winery opens its doors for a dinner following the concert, featuring a special private performance.

On July 20, Darioush winery welcomes guests for an “Evening of Persian Hospitality,” a night of Persian cuisine and music that is fast becoming a favorite Festival del Sole tradition. Anoushirvan Rohani, one of Iran’s finest composers and pianists, performs.

Festival del Sole teams up with Robert Redford for a concert benefiting the Redford Center on July 21. The benefit concert takes place at Castello di Amorosa, vintner Dario Sattui’s dramatic medieval-style Tuscan castle and winery. Patrons and artists will be treated to a post-concert dinner at Agustin and Valeria Huneeus’ home on the grounds of Quintessa winery.

On July 22, Alondra de la Parra and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas perform at Castello di Amorosa with violinist Nikolaj Znaider, followed by dinner in the caves at Rudd Vineyards & Winery.

Renowned soprano Renée Fleming makes her Festival del Sole debut on July 23, in a recital at Castello di Amorosa. Festival del Sole’s star power continues throughout the evening, with pianists Leif Ove Andsnes and Antonio Pappano, cellist Nina Kotova, and violinist Nikolaj Znaider performing. Following the performance, a dinner honoring Ms. Fleming takes place at The Napa Valley Reserve. Proceeds from this evening benefit Napa Valley performing arts organizations.

On July 24, Festival del Sole guests will be treated to an intimate jazz performance at the Robert Mondavi Winery, along with dinner in their historic vineyards.

On July 25 Antonio Pappano, in a rare North American appearance, conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and cellist Nina Kotova in Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture, Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Mozart’s 31st Symphony. The concert takes place at Lincoln Theater, followed by the Festival’s closing night dinner on Signorello Vineyards’ dramatic terrace overlooking Napa Valley.

Join us for the fun. Quent and I will be attending several of the events. We hope to see you there!

Pride of Ownership

2009-05-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of my job is pretty obvious. Each day, unlocking the front door and walking into the gallery is an uplifting experience. Those who have found the gallery, understand what it feels like to surround themselves with some of the best art being created in the world today. Finding that special painting or sculpture, and in some cases multiples of each, is a very rewarding experience. Treating yourself to something that you love and deserve to own, now that's living!

Many of our customers around the world enjoy sharing their pride of ownership. This photo comes to us from the proud owners of three of Karl Jensen's lovely maquettes. "Joy," "Flower Basket" and "Carefree" were all adopted by a wonderful couple in southern California. Each of the girls stands in a lovely niche that looks as if it was created just for them. Beautifully displayed, these Jensen sculptures are treasured by their new owners. Thank you friends, for letting us into your home and sharing your art with us. We appreciate your business and your trust.

Other proud owners have also sent me images of their newly acquired art. With their permission, I will post some of those images here for you to enjoy.

Be good to yourself! Spend some time on our gallery website today. Enjoy the art and if you find something that would be perfect for that unfilled niche, available corner, vacant coffee table or empty space on the wall, reward yourself and enjoy some pride of ownership too. :) If you are one of many feeling the economic crunch, don't fret, our interest-free layaway plan can have you enjoying that perfect addition to your home or office sooner than you think.

Spring is Back and So am I

2009-04-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

The cold and blustery days of winter are gone. The rains have ceased and spring is evident everywhere in the Napa Valley. As a result, the vineyards have awakened from their lengthy slumber. Just a few short weeks ago, the vines were void of anything green. Today, an abundance of small leaves have replaced the tiny buds that were the first signs of life on the dormant stalks earlier this month. Spring has also presented us with the first roses of the season. Napa's climate must be perfect for growing one of my favorite flowering shrubs. I can't recall having seen them flourish anywhere else the way they do here. They bloom over and over again from spring through early fall.

To celebrate the arrival of the season's first roses, I am sharing with you one of my favorite floral paintings in the gallery. "Glass Cat" is a lovely pastel by Tom Sierak, beautifully framed and protected by museum glass. With the frame it measures 31" x 38" and would be a delightful addition to almost any room in your home or office. I would love to find the perfect home for this beautiful painting and will offer a special Spring Savings by deducting the cost of the frame ($425) from the price. To take advantage of this special offer, you will need to place a deposit on the painting by May 1, 2009. Mother's Day is right around the corner. Give her flowers that will last a lifetime.

The warmer weather has brought life to our downtown as well. The tourists have begun to return to Napa after a rather slow and uneventful winter. We do enjoy some visitors in the off season, but nothing compared to what the warmer weather brings. Boots, scarves and umbrellas have been replaced with sandals, shorts and sun dresses. And hands that once cradled steaming cups of coffee, now embrace cups and cones of ice cream and other warm weather treats. Two cupcake stores have opened in downtown Napa recently. Both of which I have taste tested for you (I'm so thoughtful) and both receive very high marks from my sweet tooth. Among my favorites are Ooh La La from Sift and Fleur De Sel from Kara's Cupcakes.

A host of events and festivals are scheduled in the valley this year. Among them is the Festival del Sole which will be held July 17-25. 2009. The festival features concerts by some of the world’s most celebrated musical artists, five-star cuisine, art exhibits, and wines from Napa’s top vintners, blended in a unique celebration of the art of life. Our clients are eligible for a 15% discount on concert tickets and VIP packages. Be sure to mention "Quent Cordair Fine Art" when you call for tickets.

The new Avia Hotel, located one short block from the gallery, will open very soon and will be a great place to stay if you are going to come to Napa for any of the events. They will also be offering special rates for the festival and the gallery.

So what are you waiting for? The gallery is full of uplifting and inspirational art and we are perfectly situated in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Come experience Napa! The first glass of wine is on us. :)

One, Two, Three Lovely Ladies

2009-01-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

Karl Jensen has a wonderful new sculpture series available. "Wrap," "Sleeping Nude" and "Reminiscing" are lovely as individual pieces and stunning as a set. I currently have them displayed together in the front of the gallery with our guest book. Unlike most traditional cast bronze sculpture, these beautiful ladies have a special patina that makes them look as though they were carved from stone. To celebrate their arrival, we are offering a special $350 discount on the set. If you order before February 14, 2009, we will also include free shipping.

If you are thinking about coming to Napa for a visit, let us know. In addition to informing you about special events and making lodging recommendations, we are happy to help you out with suggestions for sightseeing and of course, wine tasting. A very popular way to enjoy the Napa wine tasting experience is by private limousine. Last night I met the owners of Cristal Blue Carriage, a limousine company that specializes in providing personalized tours to boutique wineries around the valley. Sit back, enjoy the wine, take in the scenery and leave the driving to them. The owners, Bill and Chris spent about an hour in the gallery enjoying the art and sharing
their knowledge of the valley with me. They are committed to ensuring that their customers receive a unique and wonderful experience and are proud to have an abundance of repeat business.

The Napa Valley Mustard Festival kicks off January 31 and lasts through March 28. There will an abundance of activity throughout the valley including "The Weekend of Fine Art" on February 7 and 8. So put those snow shovels down and come celebrate with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Let the Sun Shine!

2009-01-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you have hundreds of wonderful and uplifting works of art, all under one roof, in one of the most beautiful places in the world? (Is this what they call "leading the witness?) Our gallery continues to impress and even astound the many who happen upon us. Recently, a young man in his early twenties was overheard to say, "I did not know that beautiful art like this was still being created." Indeed it is young man. Tell your friends!

The sun has come out in Napa and the last few days have been glorious. This is supposed to be rainy season and yet we have not seen any precipitation for over a week. Mind you, I'm not complaining. Quent and I even managed to get in a round of golf with a friend yesterday (thank you Sarah for the gift certificate) and to my delight I had a great round. I even edged out Quent by a couple of strokes.

We dismantled our popular Christmas window last week (see Dec. 17 post) and I replaced it with a romantic Valentine's Day themed display. I think that I am really starting to get the hang of this window dressing thing. Fifty feet of window space is a lot of space to fill. Fortunately we have a lot to choose from. I still have a few touches to add this week but all in all I am quite pleased with myself. :)

Despite the lovely weather, winter is proving to be relatively slow in Napa; Ok, really slow! It has been very challenging trying to calculate what our walk-in traffic will be like from one week to the next. I think that next winter will be much different since the new hotel will be opening this summer and with any luck the economy will have improved by that time. I guess that means that two weeks in Puerta Vallarta next January is out of the question. In all seriousness though, we are thrilled to be in Napa and there is rarely a day that goes by that we don't enjoy someone new discovering our sunlit world. In addition to our posted ours, we gladly make the gallery available by private appointment. Imagine this, you've just enjoyed one of the most amazing dinners that you've ever had at one of Napa's finest resaurants and now you have 3600 square feet of uplifting and inspirational art all to yourself. Now that's living!

And speaking of food, today's culinary offering from Linda's busy kitchen comes courtesy of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. The next time you want to enjoy a shrimp cocktail, don't steam or boil your little shellfish buddies. Roast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes with a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Delicious! The shrimp don't lose any of their flavor to the water. Instead, they retain all of the yummy flavor and the texture is so much better. Let me know if you enjoy them this way too.

Happy New Year! Good Times and Good Food!

2009-01-04T15:36:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that the last quarter of 2008 presented us with a plethora of new challenges. I am excited that 2009 is finally here and look forward to the good times ahead.

These last several weeks Quent and I have been entertaining our children Josh (23) and Sarah (21) as well as Josh's girlfriend Michelle (19). We enjoyed a lovely holiday together and the kids have even pitched in at the gallery from time to time. Our adventures have included a trip to the city, to the coast and all around the valley.

It's always interesting to learn what their favorite pieces in the gallery are and to keep mental notes for possible gift giving occasions. Josh and Sarah rarely have much in common, but I am pleased that they are both big fans of Bryan Larsen. Josh recently announced that one of his new favorites is "There's Opportunity Here" and Sarah really likes "Deliberation." Both of them have enjoyed "How Far We've Come" since the first time they laid eyes on it. Both of them recently graduated from universities in Florida and will be entering the work force or going on to grad school. Hopefully each will be successful and some day be the proud owners of their favorite Bryan Larsen painting.

It's been pretty chilly in Napa these past couple of weeks. I've been enjoying the opportunity to cook a variety comfort food for my hungry family. After all, watching football on television, driving through the vineyards and playing Wii can build up quite an appetite. Tonight we feast on one of my all-time favorites, braised lamb shanks. There's nothing quite like the aroma of braised meat suffusing your home to get you salivating in joyous anticipation of the coming meal.
It's part ecstasy, part torture, as a great braised lamb shank recipe takes 3-4 hours to prepare.
My favorie recipe features a bottle of my favorite Bechard Zinfandel; half for the lamb and half for the chef.

If you have the need for some cold-wether comfort food, try this recipe and let me know what you think.

Linda's Braised Lamb Shanks

2 lamb shanks -- closely trimmed of fat
2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions -- cut into eighths
3 medium carrots -- peeled and cut into 1" chunks
1 celery stalk -- cut into 1/4" pieces
2 cloves garlic -- sliced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp dried Herbes de Provence
2 c Zinfandel or other good red wine
1 - 2 c beef stock
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 325F.

Open the wine and pour yourself a glass

Generously season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat. Add lamb shanks and brown on all sides. Remove to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add onions, carrots, and celery to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until ingredients begin to brown. Add tomato paste, herbs, and garlic. add salt and pepper to taste. Cook an addition 1 1/2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add wine, deglaze pan, and reduce by half. Return shanks to the pot and add enough beef stock to come halfway up the sides of the shanks.

Cover and place in the center of the oven, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning shanks over about halfway through the cooking time.

Serve with your favorite starch such as mashed potatoes, cous cous, polenta or rice.

Enjoy!

Holiday Joys and Holiday Toys

2008-12-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have often enjoyed and admired department store windows, especially during the holidays and thought that it would be enjoyable to create something fun and festive to share with passers by. This holiday I got my chance to compete with the likes of the Macy's, Sax and Neiman Marcus holiday window designers. Quent came up with the brilliant idea and it was my job to execute it.

Our story dates all the way back to 1952 when the Napa Toy Shop occupied the building that is now home to Quent Cordair Fine Art. For nearly 40 years, the Napa Toy Shop was a favorite desitnation for the local children, who according to toy shop owner Joyce Brown, would bring in their allowances to purchase their favorite toys. Each year, Napa parents purchased many items from Christmas wish lists that would later be found nestled under the family Christmas tree wrapped in the familiar Napa Toy Shop red and white striped wrapping paper.

Back in April of this year when we signed the new gallery lease and learned of the building's history, Quent suggested that we create a tribute to the Toy Shop as part of our holiday window display. In November we solicited Napans via word of mouth and the local newspaper to bring us toys that were purchased at the Napa Toy Shop to display in our holiday window. Much to our delight, the phone began to ring and the toys began to arrive from all over the Napa Valley. Mrs. Brown brought in some of the now famous wrapping paper and with some help from my assistants, Shawn and Kristen, we began to assemble our tribute to Christmases past. Toys dating from the early 50's through the early 90's were catalogued and taged with the owner's name and carefully displayed amongst the red and white striped boxes. The walls are decorated with Bryan Larsen's "There's Opportunity Here" and "Young Builder" prints and "Holiday" by Jerry Rough. Nestled amongst the toys is Karl Jensen's "Man of the Future" and Danielle Anjou's "Arielle" which has been adorned with a garland tiara.

Young and old can be seen enjoying the display. Some sharing memories of Christmas mornings past and some younger admirers making amusing inquiries like "where is the remote control" and "what, no batteries?" We have received a plethora of positive comments and thanks for our efforts. Only one little boy about four years old was very disppointed when upon entering the gallery he discovered that it was not a toy store after all.

If you'll be in our neighborhood before the new year, stop by and enjoy a trip down memory lane outside and then come inside for an uplifting treat of Romantic Realism. The toys will warm your heart and the beautiful art will surely fuel your spirit.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! We wish you all the best in health and wealth for the coming year and beyond and as always, we look forward to earning your business.

A Great Pairing!

2008-12-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you cross an
incredible art gallery with great wine? The makings for a terrific party!

Last week we hosted Ceja Vineyards' December wine club pick up party in the gallery. On Saturday and Sunday, nearly four hundred people enjoyed a festive holiday party surrounded by our uplifting collection while sampling the latest release from the Ceja family. Accompanying the Ceja wines were incredible homemade tamales made by Pedro and Armando Ceja's mother, an assortment of delectable artisan cheeses and other tasty treats.

Wine club members, including ourselves, attend quarterly pick up parties to acquire their pre-reserved selections of Ceja wine. The Ceja family treats their wine club members like family. Their attention to detail and dedication to their business ensures a positive experience from the warm greetings provided by their family and staff to the exceptional wines that they make.

Our guests seemed to enjoy the opportunity to discover that a beautiful new gallery had arrived in the wine country. It was our pleasure to host such a wonderful event for such a wonderful family.

Welcome Back!

2008-11-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

We are very fortunate to have two celebrities back in the gallery again. My wonderful husband and "Spring Dance" by Karl Jensen. Each has me smiling with their presence.

Quent has returned to the easel and is painting in the gallery on the weekends much to the delight of our gallery guests. He is currently working on two small wine country themed pieces. And with all of the surrounding inspiration, who could blame him.

"Spring Dance" has been a very special part of the gallery for many years. When I arrived in Burlingame nearly 6 years ago, "Spring Dance" was there and one of the first QCFA sculptures that I fell in love with. We used her image in advertisements for the gallery and enjoyed how the neighborhood children would respond to her when they walked by with their parents. We eventually sold that casting and have since missed having her about. I could hardly wait for her to be uncrated when she arrived recently. She is every bit as lovely as I remember.

Autumn is in full swing in wine country. The grapes have all been picked, the rains have arrived and the ornamental pear trees outside the gallery have shed most of their leaves. Soon all that will be left are the twinkle lights that illuminate the sidewalk in the evenings. The tourists and locals have traded in their shorts and flip-flops for sweaters and scarves and their evening strolls for fireside chats. As a result, we are no longer keeping the extended evening hours on the weekends but we gladly make the gallery available by appointment most anytime.

The Art of Cooking

2008-11-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

The rains have finally arrived in Napa, washing the summer's dust from the streets and unveiling a rainbow of umbrellas that have spent the last several months in seclusion. By mid-afternoon, sheets of water fell from the sky creating little rivers that cascaded down the streets towards the drains, carrying with them a flotilla of leaves on their way to the bay. While walk-in traffic was definitely down today, this season's first downpour did not prevent some of the tourists from venturing into downtown to enjoy their Napa Valley vacation. Some of the guests in the gallery today were from Vermont, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida and even Norway.

When the weather turns cold and damp, my thoughts turn to comfort food. Chicken soup with grilled cheese, fresh baked breads, homemade mac-n-cheese, lasagna, osso bucco, stuffed pumpkin and oh, so much more. Put away the salad spinner and bring me some warm and yummy goodness. What does this have to do with art? Not much unless you really know me. I am as passionate about the food that I love as I am about the wonderful art we represent. Our art fuels my spirit and my love of food fuels my tummy. That being said, it will be hard to resist sprinkling this blog with the occasional recipe. Consider it my tasty gift to you just for stopping by.

One of my favorite ingredients is pumpkin. It's not just for pies anymore! This week I made my annual stuffed pumpkin to celebrate Halloween. Ok, I worked on Halloween so we had it a couple of days early. I recommend using a small pumpkin, often referred to as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins. Cut off the top and scoop out the inside, reserving the seeds for toasting later. Prepare your favorite stuffing. I make mine by sauteing onions and celery in butter with some pressed garlic and fresh pork sausage. This time I added some chopped fresh eggplant that I had in the fridge along with about a cup of white wine and a little chicken stock. Toss with salt and pepper to taste, some poultry seasoning and a half-loaf of whatever bread you have on hand cut into one-inch pieces. Pack the stuffing loosely into your pumpkin shell, replace the top and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 1 hour. Any stuffing mixture that did not fit into the pumpkin can be baked in a greased casserole dish for 30 minutes and enjoyed as a side dish later in the week.

To serve, cut the pumpkin in half from top to bottom creating two beautifully filled bowls of steamy stuffing goodness. Enjoy with a glass of wine, your favorite person and in a room where you can enjoy your favorite work of art. See, I did not forget to come back to the art. And speaking of art, here's my favorite pumpkin painting, "Pumpkin Festival" by Dale Momii.

Where's Linda?

2008-10-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

I'm here, I've just been very busy marketing the beautiful art in our gallery and enjoying life in Napa. It has been an exciting month at QCFA. The Napa Valley is buzzing with tourists enjoying this year's harvest and the gallery is brimming with beautiful new art. We are honored to have Michael Wilkinson join our family of artists.

Mr. Wilkinson is the pre-eminent figurative sculptor working in clear acrylic today. Represented in private and corporate collections world-wide – with literally thousands of collectors – he has created a body of work known for its unique beauty and universal appeal.

With international shows and numerous one-man gallery exhibitions, in two decades Michael Wilkinson has become one of the prominent sculptors of our time, creating beautiful and powerful works unique in the history of art.

When asked about his work, Mr. Wilkinson said, "I believe art should uplift the human spirit, show us what is possible. That is why I seek the ideal in my art; the ideal illuminates our potentialities and acts as an affirmation of the best within us."

I've posted the image of one of my favorite Wilkinson sculptures."Forever depicts the moment of anticipation and profound connection just before a kiss." - M. Wilkinson

Forever is from an edition of only 200 and is currently being offered at $2800. As the edition sells the price will surely increase. If you would enjoy owning one or gifting one to a treasured loved one, please place your order now before the price changes.

Attitude Adjustment

2008-10-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

This morning I found myself enjoying one of my favorite paintings by my wonderful husband. "Molly's Swing" hangs in the living room of our new home. While relaxing by the fire, and enjoying the warmth and aroma of the cup of coffee I held in my hands, I recalled the day that Quent gave me this beautiful print. I had admired it for so long and now it was mine. It's not the original painting, (that is proudly displayed in the home of our friends in the East Bay) but it is one of my favorite possessions.

Rather than dwell on what's happening to the US economy these days, I'm choosing to take the high road and appreciate who I am and how Quent and I are able to provide such a wonderful uplifting place for our fans and customers around the world. When I need an attitude adjustment or a change of atmosphere, I often find myself longing for a hammock on a sunny beach, (cabanna boy optional) along with a pitcher of tropical refreshment and some homemade guacamole. Relaxing on a hammock in Puerto Vallarta is not an option this week, but being in the same room with "Molly's Swing" can transport me to a happy place in my mind's eye. A beautiful place where I can enjoy the wind in my hair, the beautiful scenery at hand and the freedom to enjoy my moment, my day, my life. Today's strife can wait until after I enjoy this pleasure.

We've had a few Napans (that's what we call the locals around here) stop by the gallery for their attitude adjustments this week too. Just crossing our threshold can be a breath of fresh air, especially for some of our neighbors in the banking and investment businesses. Quent Cordair Fine Art is and will always be a warm and inviting place; one that can offer temporary refuge from all of the current economic nonsense and help one remember that life is wonderful and should be celebrated.

We'll all get through this mess at hand, but in the meantime, Quent and I are happy to share our sunlit world with those of you who share our passion for beautiful art. Consider gifting yourself something wonderful from the gallery; you deserve it. If an original work of art is outside the current budget, consider one of our very affordable fine art prints on canvas. The artists will appreciate it and so will we. Most importantly, you will add something wonderfully positive to your life that you can treasure and enjoy for years to come.

It's a Man!

2008-09-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

How do you fit a 10' sculpture through a 7' door? (Those of you who traveled with us on the QCFA Arts Cruise just smiled as visions of a 7' piano in a 6' elevator crossed your mind.) :)

This week we became the proud foster parents of a 800 lb, 10-foot cast bronze, Self-Made Man by Bobbie Carlyle. Bobbie and her fiance drove him here from Colorado, strapped to a flat bed trailer along with a host of other sculpture. What a vision he was rolling down First Street on the way to his new
home away from home. It took several of our new neighbors and two friends visiting the gallery to
move him from the trailer, down the sidewalk and through the gallery doors. Then there was the exciting task of helping him stand. Once that was completed, we all stood back in awe and admired our accomplishment.
Our good friends Joe Sanders and Ali Howard were on hand for the event. And I do mean "on hand." Both of them pitched in to help move the sculpture and were most happy to pose with him for his first official QCFA portrait.

Available in 10 sizes from 12 inches to 14 feet, this sculpture definitely makes a statement. When I admire him, I often think about my wonderful Quent; he is the most amazing Self-Made Man that I have ever met.

East Meets West

2008-09-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

As I approach my office each day, I am greeted by one of my favorite paintings in the gallery. Ok, so I have a lot of favorites, but how adorable is "Hometown?" What a fun way to start my day. I especially enjoy the reactions from young and old as they discover this delightful jewel that graces the wall outside my door. It's not a small painting, measuring 57" x 43", but the person who comes along with the right amount of wall space that needs adorning is in for a lifetime of joy from this original painting by Han Wu Shen. I'll be a little sad to see it go, but then we're really just foster parents and enjoy finding homes all over the world for our wonderful 'children.' Han Wu's collectors are snapping up his originals as some of his paintings make it to auction and are bringing higher than his normal asking prices. If you have been contemplating purchasing an original oil painting by Han Wu Shen, treat yourself soon. You'll be glad you did.

Summer Nights

2008-08-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

"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.

2008-08-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

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. :)

Taking a Break

2008-07-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

The "baby" came to visit us this week. Sarah, 21, is a criminal justice major at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She will be here for 2 weeks, exploring Napa and taking a well deserved rest from her studies. She graduates in December with what will be her third degree (you go girl) and is trying to decide if a Master's Degree in Psychology is next or if it's time to get out there and strike some fear into the criminal population.

Last night, after closing the gallery, we strolled across the street to Ceja's tasting salon and wine bar for "Hot Salsa Nights." I have been telling Sarah how much fun salsa can be, but have been met with the usual resistance when a parent suggests that something is "fun." I know my daughter, all she needed was the right environment, and a terrific salsa partner to help her loosen up a bit. To my delight, both were present and as it turns out, she's a pretty quick study. Ariel Ceja had her on the dance floor and doing fairly well almost immediately. The best part was the smile that stretched from one side of her face to the other for the whole evening. She was having fun and so was I.

When they are small children we marvel at their accomplishments, console their pains and encourage their growth. Last night, I watched my daughter take "first steps" of a different kind and found myself enjoying parenthood all over again. Afterwords, we talked and laughed about the evening's events and made plans for this evening's encore.

Deliberation

2008-07-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you know when something wonderful is going to happen, and the mere anticipation can have you behaving like a child at Christmas. We celebrated our own little Christmas in July this week when the much awaited "Deliberation" by Bryan Larsen arrived. She had been perfectly crated, and it appeared that the shippers had paid mind to the fragile stickers that called for special handling. I carefully removed each of the 3 dozen or so wood screws, knowing that each brought me closer to the moment I had been waiting for since March.

Quent and I had the pleasure, no make that honor, of visiting Bryan, Sara and Asher Larsen in their home earlier this year. While there, Bryan treated us to a sneak peek of "Deliberation" yet unfinished in his studio. There among the brushes, easels and paint was a site to behold. A vision so lovely despite its being incomplete. For me, it was love at first site. This was to become one of my favorite paintings ever and I know the artist! How cool is that? Thank you Bryan Larsen for creating and creating and creating. :)

I already had a spot reserved for "her" prior to her arrival. An alcove right next to the area where I often write these posts, greet gallery guests and return e-mail. She keeps me company and reminds me how wonderful life is and how much there is to enjoy. Sitting next to the painting, I find myself remembering to breathe and relax in the midst of our very full schedules and daily agendas. There has been much deliberating for us these days, both as we've created this beautiful gallery and as we continue to make major changes in our lives with respect to our Napa relocation. "Deliberation" is an ideal moment in time. Whoever purchases this painting is in for a lifetime of joy and inspiration and maybe an occasional guest. ;)

Another Milestone

2008-07-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Thursday afternoon we took another step towards making Napa our official home. After months of preparation, perspiration and even a little trepidation, Quent and I celebrated our new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony surrounded by our new friends and business acquaintances. We hope to have a Grand Opening event later in the year after we have completed all of the details that remain on our to-do list. This event was the city's way of welcoming us to downtown.

Each day it seems like the number of tourists grows, which is a welcome site. Although, I'm almost convinced that the price of gas alone is affecting the amount of foot traffic in downtown. Area merchants have confirmed that things are definitely slower than usual and that the number of visitors from elsewhere in California is down compared to this time last year. I am however, optimistic that we will still enjoy a very busy summer.

This afternoon a gentleman in his 80's took rest on one of our comfy sofas while the two ladies that he was with wandered through the gallery. He motioned that I should come over. "Young Lady," he said (I loved that part), "you may not believe me, but I have never been one to appreciate art. Today, that changed. As you can see, I am not a young man, but sitting here looking at these two beautiful paintings, (Deliberation and Rendezvous) I feel young again. What beauties they are and what talent it took to create them. Thank you for being here and for making an old man smile. "

I have nothing that can follow that. :)

Good News...No Snooze

2008-07-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

Over the last several weeks we have only taken a day off here or there, and now that the doors are open, we scheduled yesterday as our first official day off and closed the gallery. I'm not sure what Quent had planned, but I was looking forward to a day of jammies, movies and lounging. Mix in a little reading, a nap and maybe a mani-pedi and voila, instant revitalized Linda. Ok, yes that seems like a lot to squeeze into a relaxing day, but it would likely be another week before I got another one so I had to make the best of it.

The day turned out a bit differently than I planned. Tuesday morning when I rolled out of bed, Quent greeted me with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. As it turned out, the local Napa Valley Register had decided to place us on the front page of Tuesday's edition. So...off to work we went. The employees had the day off since we were supposed to be closed, so it was Mr. and Mrs. Cordair, side by side, all day. Thanks for being there Babe! We enjoyed a fair amount of foot traffic as a result of the article and the traffic has been pretty good again today.

Today's gallery pic is of our lovely "Carefree." She stands outside the gallery welcoming those who pause and contemplate a stroll through the gallery. She has been a very popular and patient model for those who have posed with her to have their picture taken. More than one dog out for a walk has barked at her in frustration when she will not move or respond to them. Thank you Karl Jensen for such beautiful work. We love "her" and it appears that Napa loves "her" too.

Groupies

2008-07-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday brought us among many wonderful things, friends and fans from our Burlingame location. We were honored to have Dave, Portia & Paul spend part of their afternoon enjoying a beautiful new surroundings. We are also starting to enjoy repeat guests, which is a real compliment. The word is out; the Cordairs are in town.

This week we will be working on many details in preparation for Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the last of the art now here from Burlingame, the finishing touches are in the works. New elegant tags accompany each work of art, the comfy sofas are in place and at this very moment, the incredible voice of Pavaratti adds the perfect touch as we welcome more
visitors today.

We know that you can't all make it here to celebrate with us this week. We encourage you to
visit the gallery on line and celebrate your life with uplifting art. Let us know if there is a special piece that you would like to own and we'll put it aside for you before one of the tourists buys it.

Accolades

2008-07-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Since opening our doors seven days ago, we have enjoyed a plethora of positive comments from both Napans and tourists. Comments such as the very popular "wow," "this is incredible" and "thank you so much for bringing this gallery to Napa" are just a few of the many accolades that we have heard this week.

Prior to our arrival, the space was most recently occupied by a baby-furniture store, before that a book store and the original occupant for almost 30 years was the Napa Toy Shop. We have enjoyed sharing memories with the locals who grew up here in Napa and were recipients of many a gift from the toy store or who often spent their allowances right here in this very building. Yesterday, I enjoyed a visit from the owner of the toy store. She seemed very pleased with the changes that we have made and shared a few stories about the history of this location. At one point she was near tears as she wished us good luck and said that she would tell her friends about the wonderful new gallery in downtown, I invited her to participate in our ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday and told her that we had plans for a holiday tribute to the toy store for our window displays. I have been actively seeking Napans who still have toys that they received or purchased from the toy store with hopes of borrowing them for a Christmas display.

Last night was the first evening where we stayed open until 10pm to allow the pre and post dinner traffic to enjoy the art. The gallery is especially beautiful and highly visible after dark. The vibrant colors against the sandstone walls are impossible to miss when viewed from outside. The walk-in traffic was good and we enjoyed the oohs and ahs from our evening guests as they wandered into the light. One woman exclaimed that the gallery "took her breath away" and that she looked forward to visiting the "new jewel in Napa" often.

Can You Handle This?

2008-07-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

You know a guy since high school, you date for a few years and you even marry him, but do you really know him? I knew my wonderful Man had many talents, but door handles too? Look at these beauties! Designed by, stained and installed by the same guy who's name graces the title of this blog and soon the doors to our new digs. These babies make a statement. Measuring about 18" tall and about 2.5" thick and made of cherry wood, these handles say "push me, pull me, come in and see what's on the other side of these doors." Thanks Honey, You Rock!

All Work, No Play...No Way

2008-07-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

Today we took a day off (the first one in a long time) and enjoyed a round of golf with one of our new friends and area merchants. We were joined by his 16 year old step-son who is visiting from Italy. A good time was had by all and the post-round refreshments were especially good in the 99 degree heat. It was not my best round, but I will say that I made it through 18 holes having lost only one golf ball. :)

For those of you who are far more interested in news about the new gallery:

Yesterday we managed to finish hanging the majority of the art. It may very well be a long time before I volunteer to move the gallery again. What a job this has been! Have I told you lately how wonderful it looks? Seriously, each day I marvel at what we have accomplished. There are still many details to complete but we are very happy with our progress thus far.

We were interviewed by the Napa Valley Register (local paper) yesterday and the photographer will be by in the morning to capture history. Let the fun continue. To quote one of my favorite television commercials, "...I'm too excited to sleep." :) Ergo the late night post.

While I do not have any golf photos to share, I happily give you yet another glimpse of the church of Cordair. Enjoy! We hope that you will visit soon and remember that if you can't make it to Napa, we'll be more than happy to send a little Napa your way. Enjoy the art online at www.cordair.com.

A Warm Welcome

2008-07-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Napans and tourists alike have bestowed a wealth of compliments upon us since opening our doors yesterday. Our new neighbors are very pleased with the changes that we have made to both the interior and the exterior of the building and the tourists seem very pleased with our presence and the selection of art that we have on display. After an afternoon of wine tasting, the gallery provides a lovely place to unwind and refuel.

We have scheduled an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce for Thursday, July 17 at 5pm. We expect to have all of the detail work completed at that time. For now, we are opening one room at a time, which seems to be working very well for us as people are expressing a desire to return to see what has been added.

I was told that Craig T. Nelson was standing across from the gallery on Thursday, smoking a cigar. We were busy inside with last minute details and it's probably just as well that I did not run into him since I was sporting my newly stained tennis shoes and a variety of paint samples that somehow found their way off the brush and onto my clothes.

Hello Napa, Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T14:02:00.001-07:00

Thursday evening's Chef's Market provided a wonderful opportunity to offer a "sneak peek" of our new gallery space. Rather than open the doors, we invited select people to step in and enjoy a limited display. Two of the ten rooms are adorned and the next few days will have us busy completing the other rooms.

We officially opened the gallery this morning at 10:30. Happy Fourth of July! Everyone has been very complimentary of both the art and our new surroundings. We've already enjoyed more people in the gallery today than we would see in a week in Burlingame. In fact, two of our first visitors were from Burlingame and had never been in the gallery while we were located there.

In addition to enjoying Independence Day, today's tasks involve installing a rather stubborn pocket door, un-crating and hanging paintings and a plethora of details. This evening we look forward to celebrating our opening with a fireworks display courtesy of the city of Napa. :)

Concrete Evidence

2008-07-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last night Quent and I stained the first half of the gallery floors and they look mah-vel-ous! Just to prove it, here are the before and after pics.

Not that anyone should be looking at the floors when they enter our hallowed halls, but we do have our standards. How does one make concrete look warm and inviting? It's harder than it looks. Two coats and two colors later, we are very pleased with the results. We managed to get most of the stain on the concrete but some of it did manage to find our shoes, pants and hands. I'll be buying a new pair of sneakers this week, that's for sure.

Details, Glorious Details

2008-07-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

The countdown to opening day continues as those involved in our adventure add the finishing touches. Pedestals are being prepared by Shawn, Erik has painted nearly 1000 feet of baseboard and crown molding and Trace has made sure that the art will be beautifully lit. We have all worn many hats over these last few weeks; it won't be long now.

First Impressions

2008-06-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, just in time for the downtown Chef's Market (a seasonal weekly street event featuring a farmers' market, food, wine and entertainment), we unveiled the windows of our new digs. It would be just a small taste to wet the appetites of the many who would pass by our little corner that evening. This morning, I was interviewed on the local radio station, KVON, which resulted in some immediate local traffic to the website and this afternoon as I was taking pictures of our progress, I had fun watching some tourists enjoying one of the sculptures in the window. They even snapped a few pictures as momentos of their vacation. Things are looking very good here in the Wine Country, especially on the corner of First and Randolph. It won't be long now; soon the walls and rooms will be filled with some of the most beautiful art in the world.

Destination Napa

2008-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

In addition to working on the new gallery space, we have been exploring our new surroundings, enjoying the beautiful scenery and making an effort to scope out the area's restaurants and wineries for you.

We have also made some special arrangements for a special Cordair rate at a wonderful local Bed and Breakfast. The Inn on First is, yes you guessed it, on the same street and walking distance to the gallery. The proprietors, Jim and Jamie, have generously agreed to offer our clients a 15% discount off of their rates. When making a reservation, please mention that you would like the "Cordair rate."

Quent and I stayed at the inn during the time that we were contemplating the gallery's relocation to Napa. Everything was perfect and we think that you will like it too. In addition to a lovely room, the inn features:

Full breakfast from 8:30am–10:00am. Please let your innkeeper know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of your reservation.
Glorious gardens in which to enjoy breakfast or just relax
Complimentary split of Mumm Sparkling Wine in room upon arrival
Complimentary chocolate truffles from Anette's Chocolate Factory
Complimentary sodas and snacks
Complimentary afternoon refreshments
Complimentary WiFi provided in the Mansion
All rooms have private baths, Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces.
Concierge service

We are entering into the busy season here in the Napa Valley so advance reservations are highly recommended. Please let us know if you are planning a visit. We look forward to seeing you.

Progress

2008-06-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of planning and execution, our new gallery is finally taking shape. In addition to the interior remodel, the outside of our "new home" is also getting a face lift. The city is supposed to be replacing the unsightly metal box out front, which by the looks of things, served as a buffer between the intersection and the building at least once.

We are now officially members of and listed on the Napa Chamber of Commerce website as well as the Napa Downtown Association web site. With a little luck and a lot of hard work we will be open in Napa on or around July 1. If you can't squeeze a trip to the wine country into your summer plans, enjoy our web site or sign up for our monthly updates to keep up with new gallery arrivals and important announcements.

Coming Soon to Downtown Napa!

2008-05-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

That's right, after nearly 13 years in Burlingame, we are moving the gallery to the heart of the beautiful wine country. Construction has begun at 1301 First St., and we hope to be open by July 1st, but if all goes well, we may be open sooner. The new location is 3600 square feet versus the 1800 square feet in Burlingame.

In the meantime, the Burlingame gallery will be open by appointment. We are spending most of our time in Napa these days but do travel back and forth at least once a week.

For those of you who would enjoy enhancing your gallery visit with a day or two (or longer) of R&R in the wine country, plans are also underway for special accommodations at a local bed and breakfast that is walking distance to the gallery.

And if you have an uncontrollable urge to assist us in opening this beautiful new location, visit our website and treat yourself to something fabulous from our growing selection of uplifting and inspirational art. No purchase too big or too small. :) We appreciate your business!