Art of Oak

What does the Art of Oak have to do with the Wine Road?
As part of the year-long 40^th Anniversary celebration, the Wine Road has worked with 40 local artists to create art from used oak barrels—Art of Oak. About half the barrels are already sold, with the remaining barrels available for sale now, or they will be sold at the Wine Road’s Ruby Affair Gala on May 14^th.

 

But to fill in the blanks a little more, here is some additional background on the project. First, 40 used oak barrels were donated by 40 Wine Road member wineries. Working with the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Wine Road executive director Beth Costa found 40 local artists interested in turning barrels into art—some will be painted, some carved or sculpted, and some made into furniture. So far the results have exceeded everyone’s expectations. For a list of the artists and sponsors, visit the Wine Road’s 40^th Art of Oak page.

How can you see these barrels in person?
From February 12^th through the 15^th, all 40 barrels will be on display at DeLoach Vineyards. After that time, the barrels will be displayed along the Wine Road. Please check the Wine Road’s 40^th Art of Oak page for the list of locations. Once the barrels are placed throughout the Wine Road in mid-February, stay tuned for an Art of Oak contest. Details regarding the contest will be posted on Facebook and Twitter. #artofaok

How can you buy one of these art pieces?
Those not already presold (sight unseen, I might add), can be purchased once they go on display for $500 a barrel. Any barrels still remaining will be auctioned off to the highest bidder as part of the Wine Road’s 40^th celebration, A Ruby Affair gala held May 14^th at Soda Rock Winery. Details and tickets will be available on the Wine Road website soon.

Along with creating a memorable and lasting tribute as the Wine Road celebrates turning 40, the Wine Road is also contributing the proceeds from the Art of Oak sales to the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Children’s Art Programs in Sonoma County. Just as a barrel is a circle, the Art of Oak forms a circle of sharing. The wineries gave barrels, the artists created beauty to share with us, and the buyers are helping to fund a local children’s art program that may some day produce artists and art lovers alike, allowing the love of art to continue on.

Super Bowl City
Just a quick note to remind everyone that Sonoma County is the official wine region for Super Bowl 50! More than 50 local vintners will be pouring their wines at the Taste of Sonoma Super Bowl Wine Lounge located near the iconic Ferry Building on the Embarcadero starting Saturday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb.7. Visit the Sonoma County’s Super Bowl 50 website for details and enjoy Super Bowl 50 in the Bay Area. #SB50

Happy Sipping!