21 June 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tenley Rosato, Spirits In Stone, 650.892.0492


Spirits In Stone Gallery in St. Helena
Celebrates 14th Anniversary with
Visiting Artist, Eddie Masaya from Zimbabwe

St. Helena, CA, June 21 - Spirits in Stone, the much-acclaimed gallery that specializes in African Shona sculpture from Zimbabwe, celebrates the 14th Anniversary of the opening of their St. Helena gallery. Shona sculptor Eddie Masaya, the living legacy of master sculptor Moses Masaya, will be sculpting at the gallery. Masaya's work has been exhibited world wide. He has received awards of merit and highly commended works from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, and displays at the National Gallery at annual exhibitions.

Artist Eddie Masaya

"We are ecstatic that Eddie Masaya will be celebrating with us and sculpting spirit from stone onsite at the gallery," exclaimed co-curator Laura Ponter.

The weekend festivities will include live jazz from the Blue Moon Band on Saturday, July 2 from 1 to 3 pm. The display of Shona sculpture and other art works such as masks, baskets, and fine jewelry from around the world will inspire you. Refreshments will be served.

For 14 years, Spirits In Stone has been enlightening the communities of Napa Valley with the history, lore and legends of Shona culture and African art. Today Spirits In Stone continues to influence lives by providing access to a selection of international artists including paintings by Wosene, bronze and ceramic sculptures by Gene Pearson, and exquisite jewelry from around the world.

Spirits In Stone remains an active part of the community participating in a variety of activities ranging from the Napa Opera and Mustard Festival to supporting the causes of The Napa Valley Hospice and Susan B. Komen Breat Cancer Foundation of Napa to partnering with Schramsberg and Domaine Chandon for events, and more.

Spirits In Stone began when owners Anthony and Laura Ponter linked up with museums and nonprofits and started conducting exhibitions to promote Shona art in 1979. Buoyed by the $15 million they raised for charity and the consistently laudatory response they received at each show over the years, the Ponters decided to make Shona sculpture available on a wider basis by opening a gallery/retail outlet in St. Helena in 1991. The Ponters have dedicated their lives to promoting Shona art, helping to support some 800 artists in Zimbabwe over the last 25 years.

The St. Helena Spirits In Stone gallery is located at the Premium Outlets at 3111 N. St Helena Highway in St. Helena. For more information, visit the Spirits In Stone website spiritsinstone.com, or call 800.974.6629. For more information about the artist Eddie Masaya visit spiritsinstone.com/email/news061405/.

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