World Art Day, April 15th, is an international celebration of the fine arts. Today, we celebrate Paso Wine’s biggest art collectors. Each of our Paso Wine art collectors has a love for art and a unique way they integrate it into their tasting rooms and hotel.

Looking for an art experience of your own? Head to Studios on the Park, a nonprofit open studios art center in the heart of historic downtown Paso Robles! Studios is home to six studios with 15 working artists, four galleries and a fine craft and fine art gift shop. Stop by to view the galleries and installments or enroll in a class or workshop.

Interested in purchasing some pop art? Look no further – check this awesome gallery that carries a bunch of Pop Art Era Icons – Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and Others! – Edward Kurstak

What type of art do you collect?  Our collection is very eclectic in that we have everything from vintage Galle Glass to Russian Lacquer boxes, as well as oil and watercolor paintings, prints and old posters and limited edition photos.  What’s even more fun is that we have met about 90% of the artists whose pieces we own. In addition, roughly 20 local artists are displayed in our home.

How did you start collecting? I have always admired individuals who create works of art that draw the attention of others.  I like to think my art form is winemaking, that’s creating something that can be enjoyed and appreciated by others.  Fortunately, we only produce limited additions, that’s how we stay in business.

Was there a moment or a particular piece that jump-started your collection?  San Clemente around 1970, we were visiting the annual art festival and found a small bronze sea otter on it’s back holding a piece of abalone shell.

What spots would you recommend to guests in Paso Robles Wine Country wanting an artistic experience? Castoro Cellars has a revolving art show at their tasting room and Allegretto Resort has an excellent collection displayed throughout their facility. Also, check out Andre’s art at Paso Terra.

If Paso Robles Wine Country were to be painted/photographed by a famous artist, who would you pick and why? Tough one, too many local talented artists of whom I appreciate to pick just one.

If you were an artist, what vista in Paso Robles Wine County deserves to be a piece of art? The rolling hills of the westside of Paso Robles with its majestic oaks.  I always find this part of town to be most relaxing and refreshing.

Do you rotate the art in your tasting room?   Yes! I find what I think would be enjoyable to the majority of our guests.  I like to present art that can be shared in one’s home or office, not pieces so big or outrageous that no one would want to spend more than a few minutes walking by, not enjoying.

Are any of your labels inspired by or feature a work of art?  You bet, local artists. Tracey Taylor, a fantastic watercolor artist did our Rosé label and Jan Wolfinger did Cirque du Vin, our Red Blend.  Holly Picano, an artist from Florida I met on the road did our outrageous Ms. Behave.  We have all the originals as part of our personal collection.

What type of art do you collect?  Anything that jumps out at me, really. My collection ranges from rare screen prints to original abstract paintings. I also have a few tapestries and woven pieces. Also, handwoven Middle Eastern and South American rugs, which is such a beautiful art itself.

How did you start collecting? Just by liking it really. I was very influenced by street art as a teenager and once I had my own place I had to fill the walls. So I started looking for pieces from unknown street artist in the area I grew up.

Was there a moment or a particular piece that jump-started your collection? Years ago I was able to get onto an email list to be notified when Shepard Fairy released limited edition prints. They normally sell out quickly. I was lucky to be in front of my computer as they were released. I bought a print for $30 that was on the resale market the next day for $500 (and is now on the market for $5,000). That really got me excited about collecting.

What spots would you recommend to guests in Paso Robles Wine Country wanting an artistic experience? Studios in the Park is an obvious place! Other than that, various tasting rooms. Art and wine go so well together. A lot of the art here is also in the natural beauty around us. Shell Creek Road during the flower bloom is art. Every oak tree is art. The sunsets here display colors that don’t exist in any other setting. My suggestion is for visitors just to take it all in and find art everywhere.

If Paso Robles Wine Country were to be painted/photographed by a famous artist, who would you pick and why? I would have loved to see Ansel Adams to photo the westside. His eye was second to none.

If you were an artist, what location in Paso Robles Wine County deserves to be a piece of art? If I could paint, I would love to capture the top of Kiler Canyon Road, looking onto Peachy Canyon Road. Such a great viewpoint of that area. So much beauty from up there.

Do you rotate the art in your tasting room? I have a resident artist, Jim ApRoberts. He does amazing acrylic abstract pieces. He comes in and swaps his paintings every six months or so. I just let him put whatever he wants up on the walls.

Are any of your labels inspired by or feature a work of art? My Nelle labels feature Jim’s son, Evan ApRobert’s art. He is an amazing illustrator (amongst many other mediums). I take photos of places or things that have sentimental value to me, and he draws them. So fun collaborating with somebody I believe to be so talented.

What type of art do you collect? Paintings, large stones and minerals, statues, Natural Wonders of the planet.

How did you start collecting? The spark really began as a child while I would gaze at my Mother’s artwork and books for hours and the many museums my Mother took me to as a child.

Was there a moment or a particular piece that jump-started your collection? Love of paintings while traveling in Europe.

What spots would you recommend to guests in Paso Robles Wine Country wanting an artistic experience? The Allegretto because it is like a museum— many call it the little Hearst Castle.  Adelaida Winery has some great Hanson pieces.

If Paso Robles Wine Country were to be painted by a famous artist, who would you pick and why? Erin Hanson— she gets the vibration and essence of Paso countryside into the core notes of music within the paintings so I listen to the symphony within the colors on the canvas.

If you were an artist, what vista in Paso Robles Wine County deserves to be a piece of art?  Green hills looking west to the ocean from the top of the pass from of Highway 46 West.

Do you rotate the art in your hotel? Oh yes —  I follow and listen to the quiet voice within.

Are any of your labels inspired by or feature a work of art? Yes, we are working on our sparkling label inspired by the stone with the shape of angel wings in the tasting room.