‘Viva Colores’ – an artistic color splash from kilns and on canvas
Art exhibition open through May 2
A jolt of energetic color is pumping up Yountville with the new “Viva Colores” art exhibit now open at the Steve Rogers Gallery at the Yountville Community Center.
Yountville Arts has produced this installation, a dynamic show of works by two Napa-based artists. Abstract paintings by Jose Chavez and a series of kiln-formed works by glass artist Janis Adams will be on display through May 2.
Yountville Arts Commission Chair Ronda Schaer discovered artist Jose Chavez more than a year ago. “New to me but not to art, he was just breaking into the art business, without a website or outreach to potential clients. His art is very contemporary,” she said. “I was a bit apprehensive that a room full of his art might be overwhelming, but his enthusiasm matched his art, and I felt certain that Yountville Arts could produce an appealing show.”
Finding artwork that would dance, rather than conflict, with the colorful paintings of Chavez came naturally to Schaer, who was the proprietor a glass art gallery in Yountville for many years. “I was working with glass artist Janis Adams on another project and seeing her brilliant colorful glass made me think she would be a good match with Jose.”
Yountville residents may be familiar with Adams’ work. She was hired this year to make 350 glass hearts for the annual “Find Your Heart in Yountville” project in February, when glass hearts were hidden in-plain-sight to be discovered on the Yountville Art Walk.
“Those were Janis’s beautiful hearts,” Schaer said.
Dichroic Glass by Janis Adams Yountville Arts Photo
Some 30 different works are on display in “Viva Colores.” “Jose’s pieces are on the larger side, averaging 30 by 40 inches. He is bringing many pieces for us to work with,” Schaer said, adding that at the last arts committee meeting artists had observed, “We need a bigger gallery!”
Schaer said it was a challenge to narrow down the pieces that will be on display in the show. “The combined art techniques are invigorating. This is Jose’s premiere so very few people have seen his work up until now,” Schaer said, “But when I see it, I feel it and everyone who has worked on this show feels it too.
“With these two people and their works, conversations start immediately, smiles happen right away, laughter enters, decisions are made and at the end everyone is happy. It’s a great experience.”
Chavez’s abstract paintings radiate energy and movement. “My artistic journey began in my teenage years,” he said. “I started with No. 2 pencils because they were available to me, and I could express my imagination. As time passed, I developed and broadened my techniques and now include paintings such as these on display in ‘Viva Colores.’”
Adams, who creates glassworks that explore luminous textures and rich hues, said, “I like to create pieces that are utilitarian, meant to be used in everyday life such as sushi sets, soap dishes, platters, plates and bowls.
“I love the tactile nature of glass in all its forms that can be melded together to create pieces that are harmonious, agreeable and attractive. I seek to make happy glass, pieces that will entice a smile or a feeling of pleasure. Glass lends itself to experimenting with different techniques. New and fun ways to capture color and texture to arrive at a delightful experience for the eyes.”
The works on display are available for purchase, and proceeds will benefit the artists as well as Yountville Arts, which furthers the arts programming that the commission produces throughout the year.
“We have created many types of programing and events,” Schaer said. “Through the 2008 financial crisis, through the pandemic years, through the many gray days, through winter and the chill of fall, we hope to bring a smile and a distraction that feels so good. We will always continue to bring a spirit of joy and involvement to our community.”
Viva Colores Art Exhibition
Presented by Yountville Arts
April 3 to May 2, 2025
Steve Rogers Gallery at the Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St.
For more information visit YountvilleArts.com or call 707-944-8712
