Downtown Napa Murals |
The Napa Chamber of Commerce has an ongoing mural project, creating large hand-painted murals on the sides of buildings in downtown Napa. The murals depict various scenes and times in Napa's history. The project was initiated by Leadership Napa Valley and intends to produce at least one dozen murals.
19th Century Napa River Copyright © 1996 by Steve Della Maggiora. Used with the artist's permission. Click on the photo to see a larger (127K) version. The scene selected for this mural is the Napa River circa 1900. The view is from the Third Street Bridge looking south. The two artists, Steve Della Maggiora of Napa and Susan Clifford of St. Helena, have used a realistic style with true colors and hues with a warm summer sky casting glistening shadows onto the river. The colorful history of Napa is exemplified with the many wharfs, mills, wineries, schooners and steamships. It is important to note that no 19th century structure directly related to Napa's maritime commerce still exists.
The schooner "Emma", piloted by Captain George Pinkham, and the sternwheeler "Zinfandel", piloted by Captain N.H. Wulff, are both depicted in the mural. Their original homes still stand and have been designated City Landmarks by the Cultural Heritage Commission.
Famous Napa Valley Residents and Buildings (circa 1907) Location: First and Randolph Streets Artist: Mikulas Kravjansky
Copyright © 1996 by Mikulas Kravjansky Used with the artist's permission. Click on the image to see a larger (230K) version Credit the 1908 "Napa City and County Portfolio and Directory" and extensive research by the artist for this remarkable reflection of Napa in the year 1907. Prominently featured are Sheriff David Dunlap (with hat), Napa Mayor David Sterling Kyser (moustache and sideburns), Superior Court Judge Henry C. Gesford (with beard), and Justice of the Peace (and later State Senator) Nathan Coombs. Shown on the newspaper page is Lena A. Jackson, school superintendent. The mural also includes noteworthy buildings of the day, including (left to right) the Goodman Library, Napa County Courthouse, Migliavacca Mansion, and Central School. Prominent industries and styles of the time are also featured.
Napa resident Mikulas (Miky) Kravjansky devoted months of effort to this work of art. The Czechoslovakian-born artist has gained an international following, with his works featured around the world.
Old-Fashioned (1908) Fourth of July Parade in Downtown Napa Location: Pacific Bell Building (East side on Randolph Street, across from the Napa Town Center) Artist: David Huddleston Planned MuralsNapa Valley Wine Industry Pioneers Location: East wall of "The Neighborhood" at First and Franklin Streets (formerly occupied by the Thomasville and J.C. Penney stores). Artist: Cor Greive Greive is a past president of the Napa Valley Art Association and the Artists of the Bay Area. He teaches for the Napa Valley College Adult Education division. He works in a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels.
Napa Chamber of Commerce |