Step Inside the Studio: Art + Home + Wine

A FUNDRAISER SUPPORTING THE CALISTOGA ART CENTER

Alert: Jennifer Bennett tour date has been changed. See updated information below.

Join us for the rare opportunity to step inside the homes and creative worlds of local artists Barbara Nechis and Jennifer Bennett.

• Visit the artist’s studio, tour their homes and gardens, and view the work of other influential artists • Buy a ticket for each tour or for the series of both • September 27 & October 24, 2025, from 4:00pm-6:00pm
• Wine sponsored by local vintners
• This fundraiser supports the non-profit organization Calistoga Art Center (CAC)

Tickets Available Now: • $125 - for one home tour • $220 - for both home tours

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 4:00pm-6:00pm: BARBARA NECHIS HOME + ART STUDIO (40 tickets available)

BARBARA NECHIS is a renowned watercolor artist whose works combine her imagination, her emotion, and an intuitive sense of design based on years of painting and study. By using color, shape, and space in an abstract way that expresses her response to the visual world, she deploys a visual language that is uniquely her own. Barbara’s works are found in prestigious collections around the world, and her art has been featured in more than 50 books and other publications.

Barbara’s charmingly eclectic home is nestled among vineyards, majestic trees, and outdoor sculpture. From wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, her home is filled with memories of her life as an artist, and the fellow artists who influenced her. Every work of art tells a story.

Guests at Barbara’s home tour will receive a watercolor book, and her art will be available for purchase.

Wine generously donated by Meg and Peter Heitz of Shypoke Winery, who call the Calistoga AVA home.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 4:00pm-6:00pm: JENNIFER BENNETT HOME + ART STUDIO (40 tickets available)

JENNIFER BENNETT is known to many as the owner and proprietor of Lovina restaurant in Calistoga. Jennifer is also an accomplished pottery artist, creating objects both beautiful and functional. In her custom designed studio overlooking a century-old walnut tree, Jennifer fashions pottery characterized by natural textures, earthy tones, and organic forms. Her work honors the Northern California tradition of handcraft rooted in simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature.

Jennifer’s inviting Calistoga home sits on the site of the original 19th century homestead of John and Lovina Cyrus, two of Calistoga’s first immigrant settlers. Her lovingly restored farmhouse is surrounded by vegetable and flower gardens, native oak woodlands, and the habitats and playgrounds of her locally-famous goats and chickens.

Guests at Jennifer's home tour will receive a pottery gift, and selected pieces of pottery from Jennifer and other local artists will be available for purchase.

Tumult Wines is our generous wine sponsor, and owners Enikő and Galen Torneby will host a tasting.

Address of the homes and instructions for parking will be provided to ticketholders in the week before the event.

THANK YOU for supporting the Calistoga Art Center and our local community.