Date: September 12, 2024
Contact: Yountville Arts
Samantha Holland, Parks and Recreation Director
(707) 948-2627 sholland@yville.com
Frank Trozzo MJ Schaer Ben Bertourne
Yountville Arts is excited to invite everyone to welcome painter Frank Trozzo, photographer MJ Schaer, and potter Ben Betourne to the Community Plaza for Open Studios on the weekends of September 21-22 and September 28-29. Each artist will have a tent space to showcase their work. The community is invited to visit the Plaza between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all four days to meet the artists and purchase a special piece of art.
Open Studios Napa Valley is now in its 36th year, fostering a deep connection between artists and the community. The event thrives on the dedication of artists who recognize the importance of sharing their creativity with visitors in an up-close and personal way.
Frank Trozzo is an award-winning artist with vast experience in a range of mediums, from drawing and sculpture to jewelry and more. Visitors will recognize his whimsical bears drinking wine, reading bedtime stories, and playing golf. While Frank is fascinated by all aspects of nature, his true passion lies in exploring the human mind. He draws inspiration from the writings of Carl Jung and other artists throughout history who studied the inner landscape of the mind. In addition to his works on display at the Plaza, Trozzo will also keep Yountville’s Steve Rogers Gallery open, where his exhibit "IMAGINE THAT! Frank Trozzo…Images of the Universal Mind" will be on view until September 29, the last day of Open Studios.
Renowned photographer MJ Schaer began his career as a Navy photographer, deployed during the Vietnam War. He went on to become a freelance cinematographer for NFL Films and worked with numerous commercial and corporate clients. After 22 years as a professional freelancer, he transitioned into the gallery business and has now returned to his roots and passion for photography, focusing on nature and the great outdoors. MJ states, “How I see – What I see is the creative and driving force behind my ability to visualize, capture, and finalize that one-of-a-kind image, an instant in time that otherwise would never be seen.” Notably, MJ is also the creator of the Photo Finale event, a hallmark of the Mustard Celebration Season.
Potter Ben Betourne completes this Open Studios trio as a noted ceramic artist with lifelong experience. His journey began with a small piece of Sculpey clay, continued through after-school classes with Richard Carter, and extended through his years at Vintage High School and Cuesta College, where he honed advanced clay and wheel techniques. Like many, Ben faced challenges during the recession years, but his return to Napa Valley from San Luis Obispo eventually rekindled his passion for ceramics. Various jobs filled the interim until his dedication to pottery brought him back into focus. Classes at Napa Valley College proved beneficial, after which he joined the Sonoma Community Center, where he still teaches today. When visiting Ben at the Plaza, be sure to ask about his Basketweave, Texture, and Colored-Marbleized techniques—many of which he created or adapted into his own unique style.
After meeting Frank, MJ and Ben in Yountville’s Community Center Plaza tour additional Open Studios in Yountville of artists participating in their own home studios. Both Andrea Cazares and Paul Youngman are showing in Town with local Francine Marie having chosen to join a group show in Napa.
For further information about Open Studios in the Yountville Community Plaza, please contact Samantha Holland at sholland@yville.com or phone 707.944.8712. www.yountvillearts.com
Frank Trozzo Ben Betourne MJ Schaer