Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Wet Paint Gala 2009
Live Auction
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Cypress Grove - A Behind the Scenes Birding Hike, Lecture & Beachfront Clambake for 16 You and your guests will enjoy a wonderful, exclusive day at the Cypress Grove Preserve of Audubon Canyon Ranch. Cypress Grove is an historic landmark and modern day research center on the east shore of Tamales Bay. Built in the early 1900's it now serves as the Research Center for Audubon Canyon Ranch. Visits to the Preserve are limited, so this is a rare opportunity to enjoy this wonderful spot with your friends. The day will begin with a bird walking tour through the various bird habitats at the preserve, from wonderful shore birds, bay residents and upland meadow species. Return to the building compound and learn about the history of these great buildings, how the railroad used to bring San Franciscans to this spot to overnight and hunt, and how it was beautifully restored and preserved by former Sonoman Clifford Conly. Finally, you’ll learn of Clifford Conly’s dramatic gesture of donating the property to Audubon Canyon Ranch for it’s research facility. By this time you will have worked up an appetite and will be ready for a beach side clambake with local oysters, champagne and all the fixings of a traditional New England clambake with a Californian twist masterfully prepared by Bob Rice of Breakaway Cafe and the Sonoma Valley Hospital along with Sandy Larson (with kitchen help from Mara Kahn). Access to Cypress Grove is strictly limited and this is a “once in a lifetime” visit unless one volunteers or becomes a major donor to Audubon Canyon Ranch. Visit faciltated and hosted by Diane Krause & Gerry Snedaker Click: Cypress Grove | |
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Pairing of Art & Wine for 10 Former SFMOMA chair, Steven H. Oliver, known as one of the country’s most adventurous art patrons, will personally lead this walking tour for 10 of his Geyserville Ranch which is renowned for its collection of site specific works of art. Over the past twenty years, Oliver and his wife Nancy have commissioned works from such esteemed artists as Richard Serra, Bruce Nauman, Andy Goldsworthy, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Martin Puryear and Ann Hamilton. The Visiting Artist Studios built into a hillside by Jim Jennings, was named by Wall Street journal “as one of the 56 greatest houses built in the last ten years”, and is just one example of the way art harmonizes with landscape on the ranch. Most recently, artist Ann Hamilton created a tower that is a both a sculpture and a performance space. Not just a collector of art, Oliver takes an integral role in the artistic creation process and forms close, meaningful friendships with the artists. The owner of a large construction company, Oliver is able to observe, and in many cases facilitate, the realization of each project. Above all, he wants to allow artists time and space to engage intimately with the land. Oliver Ranch is not open to the public and Steve Oliver has dramatically limited the number of visitors in the recent past. Lucky SVMA bidders, however, will have the pleasure of a tour from Steve himself, a lively and dynamic speaker. He is passionate about art and captivates his audience by relating many of his experiences with artists. For those who have been before there is always something new to see or a priceless story to hear. The art tour will be followed by a wine tasting and lunch at Terroirs Artisan Wines, an upscale tasting room located in a renovated old foundry on the main street in Geyserville just minutes from the Oliver Ranch. All of the artisan wines at Terroirs are made by winemaker, Kerry Damskey who will be there to meet you. The wine tasting will include wines from all four of the winery partners at Terroirs, including Hughes Family Vineyards, Goodwin Family Wines, Palmieri Wines, and Peña Ridge. A delicious lunch will be catered by neighboring Diavolo Restaurant in Terroirs' indoor-outdoor eating space. Donors: Nancy & Steven H. Oliver, Terroirs Artisan Tasting Room, Cheri & Keith Hughes | |
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5 Star Artists Band Together to Create a 5 Star Dinner For 30 Rally art and food-loving friends (up to 30!) for an elegant dinner with five of Sonoma Valley’s beloved artists. They have banded together to offer the museum a once in a lifetime gift, an artist prepared and hosted dinner party at the studio of Douglas Fenn Wilson nestled along the creek in Glen Ellen. The artist chefs are Dick Cole, Jim Callahan, Keith Wicks, Douglas Fenn Wilson and Dennis Ziemienski (artist’s spouses, friends/sous chefs will also join us). Cocktails, appetizers and art will launch the evening followed by an elegant sit-down dinner for 30. Each artist, several who are well known gourmet chefs, will prepare and present a course. An artist will be seated at each table during dinner and will have a small gem of art on hand. Donors: Douglas Fenn Wilson, Jim Callahan, Dick Cole, Keith Wicks, Dennis Ziemienski | |
 
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Dinner & a Tour of the Legendary Home of Wine Country Legends for 8 Don't miss this rare insider's opportunity for 8 people to tour the home of Margrit Mondavi designed by architect Cliff May, a pioneer of the California ranch house and also the designer of the Mondavi Winery. The residence has been featured in many design magazines and has been the home of Margrit and her late husband, Robert since 1980. Our entertaining hostess, Margrit Mondavi, was a pioneering woman in the modern-day California wine industry and joined the Mondavi Winery in 1967. An artist, herself, she pursued a life-long interest in uniting wine with fine arts, music and culinary artistry. Under her direction, Robert Mondavi Winery developed original cultural and culinary arts programs that are now benchmarks for the wine world. A sumptuous dinner for eight will be prepared by renowned chef Richard Reddington, executive chef and owner of Redd in Yountville. Reddington spent over 15 years in some of the best kitchens in Europe and America including Jardiniere and Masa’s in San Francisco. He was drawn north to Napa Valley in 2000 to be the Executive Chef at the landmark Auberge du Soleil. There, he captured attention when he was voted ‘Best Rising Chef’ by San Francisco magazine in 2003. Reddington launched his own restaurant in 2005. Accompanying this spectacular package is, "Cliff May and the Modern Ranch House", a book by Daniel P. Gregory that celebrates the best of May’s architecture and features the Mondavi Home on the cover. Donor: Margrit Mondavi | |
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Peace... Quiet...Seclusion ... Art - Orcas Island Retreat for 2-4 Slip away for 4 glorious days and 3 restful nights in this architecturally magnificent home on exclusive Orcas Island for 2-4 people. Featured in Architectural Digest, this home has a master bedroom, an additional guest bedroom plus a guest house. The home is a mere 2 miles from the Orcas Ferry Landing. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located off the northern coast of Washington State. Home to numerous art galleries and other local arts venues, Orcas has an eclectic community of artisans and small cottage businesses. Its diverse landscape of mountains, wooded countryside and spectacular vistas make it a popular destination for both day trips and extended vacations. Dining options abound. Hiking, biking and whale watching are some of the activities you can enjoy. Or, you can just kick and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and spectacular architecture of this beachfront home. Donor: Anonymous | |
 
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Cabo Luxury for 6 Relax at this fabulous vacation home in La Palmilla for 6 people for five glorious nights. Located at the Southern tip of the Baja Peninsula where the desert and mountains meet the Sea of Cortez rests Los Cabos, Mexico. It is here in the resort of La Palmilla that you will find the exclusive community of Villas Del Mar, a premier resort destination. Nestled along a two-mile stretch of pristine oceanfront property, adjacent the world-class One & Only Palmilla Hotel, Villas Del Mar offers an unequalled pairing. It provides the comforts of a luxury vacation home along with the services and amenities of a five-star resort. There is a concierge service available that can provide almost anything including a private chef. La Casita #5, Casa Linda, is one of the gorgeous homes within Villas Del Mar. It boasts fabulous views of the ocean and is just a five-minute walk to the beach. Casa Linda has three bedrooms and three separate baths. Amenities include an out door BBQ and fireplace, a swimming pool and a hot tub. Satellite TV and full Internet service are in all bedrooms. You will receive passes to Club 96, located in Palmilla Cove, Los Cabos’ best swimming beach, which is the private beach club open only to Villa Del Mar residents and also home to the French Riviera restaurant. Just steps away from the gates of Villas Del Mar, one can enjoy 27 holes of Nicklaus championship golf, world-class tennis at the Palmilla Tennis Club, gourmet restaurants and access to the phenomenal spa at the One & Only Palmilla Hotel. La Palmilla is a mere 20 minutes drive to San Jose and 40 minutes to Cabo San Lucas Donors: Linda & Mark Brewer | |
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An Italy Trip to "Live For" for 4 A magical week for up to four people who will live a dream in a stunning Lucca apartment, Palazzo Nobili.The week includes a special meal at Lucca’s most spectacular “ristorante,” Canuleia. You will dine under the stars, where renowned chef, Paolo Indragoli will prepare a special meal just for the four of you, wine pairing included. Stroll the streets of Lucca during a special half day historical tour with historian, Mary Hewlett Enjoy an evening of Pucinni arias in one of Lucca’s most beautiful churches, San Giovanni. You will also receive a copy of host Bob Powers' "We Love Lucca", a guide to the best restaurants, sights, and day trips imaginable. Palazzo Nobili, is located in the heart of the walled city's historic center. It has been featured in numerous books, including the newly released, Palazzos of Lucca. In 2008 a five year renovation of the 800 year old building into luxury apartments was completed. Every room of the light-filled, two bedroom, two bath apartment overlooks Piazza del Carmine. With lovely views of the old market place and clock tower and with its 16 ft tall ceilings and original frescoes, the apartment is magnificent. A superb Murano glass chandelier hangs in the great room, which is composed of living and dining areas and a fully equipped, custom made Elmar kitchen, designed by host Donald Clement.The terrazzo floors in the public areas are Venetian. There are teak floors in the two matrimonial sized bedrooms. The bathrooms are covered from head to toe in tiny Murano glass tiles. The furnishings by Florence Knoll, Saarinen, Jacobsen, Venini, and others are a mixture of modern and antique. There is also a large flat screen TV, cable, a CD player, a DVD, and high-speed internet connection. The apartment is completely and comfortably outfitted, with beautiful linens, china, and cutlery - everything one would need in a luxury apartment. Donors: Donald Clement & Bob Powers | |
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Elegant Eastside Food and Wine Tour for 12 Transport yourself for an evening of art, architecture, food and wine without leaving the glories of Sonoma. Accompanied by celebrated sommelier Chris Sawyer (of Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar fame), your group will begin the evening with appetizers and wine pairings in the lush gardens of “La Brenta,” the stately historic home of Tim Farfan and Craig Miller. Then stroll down Second Street East for a tour of the recently completed and much-anticipated “Curry Barn”, the home of Jon and Christine Curry. You’ll raise a glass in their sun-kissed Tuscan garden before joining master chef John McReynolds for two extraordinary courses served in the stunning and capacious country kitchen. McReynolds (co-founder of Café La Haye and current chef of Stone Edge Farm in Sonoma) will discuss his seasonally-inspired menu—based around local meat, fish and produce—as sommelier Sawyer presents a complementary slate of wines. You will have a special treat enjoying a magnum of 2004 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. As the sun sets, amble two blocks to bask in the patio garden of local artist Penny McNaughton. French chef Paul Bernard will present house-made desserts and a selection of artisanal French and local cheeses for sampling with dessert wines. You’ll be loathe to leave this sumptuous setting after a magical three-part evening of great food and wine with good friends. Donors: Paul Bernard, Jon & Christine Curry, Tim Farfan & Craig Miller, Lynne & Allan Grosh, Penny McNaughton, John McReynolds, Chris Sawyer, Staglin Family Vineyard | |
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I Say Salami & You Say Salumi... Class in the Art of Making Salumi + Lunch for 12 Ever wanted to learn to make the irresistible Italian delicacies known as salumi? It's more than just sausage! Gather together 12 hungry cooks and join Chef Antonio Ghilarducci from the Depot Hotel Restaurant for a lesson in the art of tradional salumi. Following will be an authentic Italian lunch at the home of Robyn and Michael Muscardini with award winning wines from Muscardini Cellars. This year Muscardini Cellers has won the first-ever State of California Award for the Best Micro Winery Red, his 2007 Sangiovese. Buon Appetito! Antonio Ghilarducci attended San Francisco City College in the Culinary Arts Department and garnered his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies. In France he worked with Jacques Pepin and Roland Passot. After moving back to Napa, he became the Chef de Partie under Christoph Gerard and later Thomas Keller. He then joined a colleague in opening the El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma. Now, back at the Depot Restaurant, owned by his family, he has come full circle back to the place he grew up. Donors: Robyn & Michael Muscardini, Muscardini Cellars, The Depot Hotel |
