An extraordinary discovery...
In 1976, sixty-four luminous watercolor paintings were discovered in a New England attic. Dated 1882 to 1888 and initialed but unsigned, they depicted over 150 unique and often rare species of California wildflowers. The artist was eventually identified as Sophie Alstrom Mitchell, a noted botanical watercolorist who created these paintings in 19th century St. Helena in the Napa Valley.
The Napa Valley Museum acquired the works and a few associated items for its permanent collection, funded by combined small donations from Museum members. The Museum is now exhibiting its full collection of her botanical watercolors for the first time, plus some additional works from their archives, many of which have never been displayed together before. They pay tribute to the talent and meticulous attention to detail of this sweet, quiet and humble local minister's wife who raised two sons, taught Sunday school and brought flowers to church on Sundays, and helped run the family prune and walnut orchard, while artfully preserving for all time the wild beauty and diversity of the region's native uncultivated flowers.
Also includes admission to the NVMY History & Spotlight Galleries
Visit napavalleymuseum.org to see what's on in all the galleries.
RESERVE YOUR TICKET NOW!!
Regular Museum Admission:
Napa Valley Museum Members: Free
Starting 8/1/2025: New or Upgraded Existing Members get free admission for the Member plus 1 Guest
Non-Member Adults (18 to under 65): $20
Non-Members Seniors (65+) $15
Youth (6–17): $10
Yountville Veterans Home Residents, Active-Duty Military, Children (5 and under)
and BofA/Merrill Lynch members on each full first weekend/month): Free
Note: This ticket is good for admission anytime on the specified date during NVMY open hours of 10 to 4. Tickets may be exchanged for an alternate date by emailing pos@napavalleymuseum.org or calling 707-944-0500.
