20 Years of Art, Heart, and Home - Celebrating Two Decades at Gallery 1870

20 Years of Art, Heart, and Home – Celebrating Two Decades at Gallery 1870
April 1, 2005 – April 1, 2025: No Fooling!

Twenty years ago this month —on April 1st, 2005—we took a leap of faith (and no, it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke). We became the proud second owners of Gallery 1870, a beloved family-run fine art gallery that had already been a part of the Napa Valley art scene since 1995. What started as a passion for creativity and connection has blossomed into something we could never have imagined: a thriving community built around beauty, storytelling, and the transformative power of art.

A Family Legacy—Three Generations and Counting

Gallery 1870 isn’t just a business—it’s a family legacy. Founded by Paul and Kathy, the gallery has always been rooted in warmth, authenticity, and a genuine love for the arts. Since taking over in 2005, Paul and Kathy have not only grown the gallery’s presence, but have helped shape the Napa Valley art scene with integrity and passion. Their daughter, Kassia, joined the family business in 2006 and has been at the heart of operations for many years—leading with creativity, innovation, and deep dedication.

And behind the scenes, Andy, their son and Kassia’s brother, has been the gallery’s go-to IT guru—our steady, reliable tech support from the very beginning. Whether it was troubleshooting a glitchy computer, setting up a new system, or helping us transition smoothly through tech upgrades and website changes, Andy has always been there to keep things running smoothly.

Now, the next generation is beginning to step in: Katelyn, Kassia’s college-age daughter, took her first summer job at Gallery 1870 in 2024 and plans to return in the summer of 2025 before heading back to college to complete her degree and continue playing softball. As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we also look forward to the future—a future that continues to pass the torch through the generations, keeping the gallery’s spirit alive and growing.

Resilience Through the Toughest Times

These past two decades haven’t always been easy—but they've made us stronger. In August 2014, we experienced a 6.0 earthquake that shook Napa Valley and left a dent in tourism at the height of the season. Just three years later, the devastating wildfires of October 2017 struck during peak wine country tourism, delivering another hard blow to our region. And then, in 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic led to prolonged closures and a lasting impact on tourism everywhere. Through it all, we remained committed—to our artists, our collectors, and to keeping the gallery experience alive, even in the most uncertain of times.

From Humble Beginnings to Napa Valley Landmark

Gallery 1870 first opened its doors in Yountville in 1995. For nearly three decades, it became a cherished destination for art lovers visiting wine country. When we took over the gallery in 2005, we were honored to continue its legacy—curating fine art from around the world while building lasting relationships with collectors near and far.

Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of representing some of the most talented and inspiring artists in the world. From the thought-provoking Philosophical Symbolism of Pete Tillack, to the hyperrealistic watercolors of Eric Christensen, the dramatic and emotionally charged landscapes (and charming “Mouseterpieces”) of Patrick O’Rourke, the vibrant French Impressionist style of Isabelle Dupuy, and the cherished Contemporary Realism of Gail Chandler—each artist brings a distinctive voice and vision to our gallery walls. We’ve had the joy of introducing collectors to new favorites, helping commemorate life’s biggest moments through meaningful works of art, and witnessing unforgettable “aha” moments when the perfect piece found its forever home.

A Bold Move: New Chapter in Downtown Napa

In June of 2023, after 28 memorable years in our Yountville location, we were faced with an unexpected and bittersweet change. With only 30 days' notice, we had to close the doors to our Yountville gallery. But as one chapter closed, another exciting one began. We relocated just down the road to 1270 1st Street in Downtown Napa, opening a larger, more dynamic gallery space in the heart of the city's vibrant downtown district.

Our new location has opened up fresh opportunities to showcase even more incredible artwork, host exclusive events, and welcome both long-time collectors and first-time visitors to a space that’s truly a celebration of creativity and connection.

Art, Family, and Community

As a family-owned gallery, everything we do is rooted in relationships. Over the years, we’ve shared countless conversations, toasted milestones, and watched as lives—and collections—evolved. Our greatest joy continues to be seeing the spark in someone’s eyes when they find the artwork that speaks to them on a personal level.

Gallery 1870 isn’t just a place to view art—it’s a place to feel something.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Twenty years after taking the reins, we’re still here—and more inspired than ever. We’re excited to continue curating a diverse and captivating collection, spotlighting both established and emerging talent, and building new memories in our beautiful Downtown Napa space.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our artists, collectors, visitors, and friends: thank you for being part of our story. Whether you’ve been with us since the Yountville days or just discovered us in Downtown Napa, we’re grateful for your continued support. Your enthusiasm, trust, and love for fine art have made these 20 years extraordinary.

With gratitude,
The Gallery 1870 Family
(1st Generation) Paul & Kathy
(2nd Generation) Kassia & Andy
(3rd Generation) Katelyn

Napa Valley
www.gallery1870.com