Press Release: Robert Mondavi Memorial Sculpture Commissioned
The 10-foot bronze sculpture will celebrate and memorialize the singular qualities of the man who for decades served as head of the Napa Valley wine community's extended family.
Napa, California -- March 28, 2009 -- Quent Cordair Fine Art is honored to announce the creation of a memorial sculpture of the late Robert Mondavi, legendary vintner and champion of the Napa and California wine industries. In honor of her husband, Mrs. Margrit Mondavi has approved the selection of renowned monument sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter for the commission. The ten-foot bronze sculpture will celebrate and memorialize the singular qualities of the man who for decades served as head of the Napa Valley wine community's extended family. As the anniversary of Mr. Mondavi's passing approaches in May, he is remembered as an extraordinary leader of vision and energy -- a mentor, inspiration, neighbor, and friend.
The sculpture will be publically funded similarly to the way that the French funded the Statue of Liberty. Donations to fund the creation of the memorial will be to open to individuals and companies who wish to honor Mr. Mondavi's memory. Interested donors may contact Linda Cordair at 707-255-2242. The location for installation of the sculpture is yet to be selected but will most likely be a public park in the Napa Valley.
The artist, Jay Hall Carpenter, was elected into the National Sculpture Society before the age of thirty and has won numerous national awards for his sculptures. He served for 20 years as sculptor-in-residence for the Washington National Cathedral. Many American churches contain his work, as do the US State Department, the Smithsonian, Canterbury Cathedral, and the New England Medical Center. Other clients include West Point Military Academy, the Washington Theater Awards, and the State of Maryland. Recent commissions include memorials of Senator Wayne Goode for the University of Missouri, a bronze and granite sculpture of Jim Henson for the University of Maryland, and a memorial sculpture of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., for the USC film school, commissioned by George Lucas.
ABOUT QUENT CORDAIR FINE ART: Quent Cordair Fine Art was established by artist Quent Cordair in 1996 on the San Francisco Peninsula and relocated to downtown Napa last July. As a premier provider of contemporary Romantic Realism in painting, sculpture and drawing, the gallery has grown to serve an international clientele of private and corporate collectors. It features a large collection of uplifting and inspirational art created by more than 24 artists. Subject matter includes figurative, narrative, allegorical, still lifes, seascapes and landscapes. Award-winning painters and sculptors of international renown are represented, as well as emerging artists of unique vision and accomplishment.
The gallery, at 1301 First St., is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Tuesday with private viewings by appointment. The 3,600-square-foot gallery is available for private and corporate events. Most recently, the gallery hosted Ceja Vineyards' pick-up party as well as two events for Merrill Lynch.
Gallery owners, Quent and Linda Cordair are enjoying the positive growth that downtown Napa is undergoing. "Our collection of romantic art is a perfect fit with the romance of the wine country. Our art emphasizes life as it can and should be," says Linda Cordair.
For more information about the gallery or individual artists, visit the website (cordair.com) or call 707-255-2242.