Robert Mondavi Memorial Sculpture Commission in Progress; Downtown Napa Plaza Chosen as Probable Location

Napa, California – May 2, 2009 -- Quent Cordair Fine Art is pleased to announce that a probable location for the ten-foot bronze Robert Mondavi memorial sculpture has been chosen. Negotiations are underway with surrounding property owners, the city of Napa and the Napa Property Business Improvement District (PBID,) to have the sculpture erected in Dwight Murray Plaza, located on First Street in downtown Napa. The commissioned sculptor, Jay Hall Carpenter, has begun preliminary work on the tribute to the legendary vintner. The sculpture is being entirely funded by private donations. No public funds are being sought.

As the anniversary of Mr. Mondavi’s passing approaches, he is remembered as an extraordinary leader of vision and energy -- a mentor, inspiration, neighbor, and friend. 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.

Tax-deductible donations to fund the creation of the memorial are now being accepted from individuals and companies who wish to honor Mr. Mondavi's memory. All donors will receive recognition. Top end donors will have their names added to the memorial plaque and will also receive among other things, a 25” limited-edition bronze casting of the sculpture. Interested donors may contact Linda Cordair at 707-255-2242 for donation levels and more information about this noteworthy project.

In honor of her late husband, Mrs. Margrit Mondavi has approved the selection of renowned monument sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter for the commission. Mr. 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. For more information about the gallery, the individual artists, or the Mondavi Sculpture project, visit the website (cordair.com) or call 707-255-2242.