di Rosa brings back its iconic sheep sculptures for Oct. 25 celebration

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in Napa Valley will mark the return of 22 restored sheep sculptures with a public celebration on Oct. 25. The event highlights a broader reset for the nonprofit, including land preservation plans and a new public hiking trail tied to its art-and-nature mission.

Why it matters: - The sheep sculptures are one of di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art’s most recognizable symbols, visible for years along Sonoma Highway. - Their return signals a new chapter for the Napa Valley nonprofit as it pairs restoration with land conservation and expanded public access. - The celebration also helps fund the flock’s return to the front pasture through a naming auction.

What happened: - di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art will host the di Rosa Sheep Roundup Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 5200 Sonoma Highway in Napa. - The event marks the return of 22 sheep sculptures created by co-founder Veronica di Rosa. - The sculptures had been removed from the front pasture for restoration. - The afternoon will include barbecue, music, art, wine, beer, kids’ activities and hay bale seating. - Guests will hear remarks from di Rosa staff, board members and partners. - di Rosa will hold its first-ever sheep naming auction, allowing guests to bid to name one sculpture for a year.

The details: - Board president and artist Gordon Huether and his Napa studio team restored the flock over the past several months. - Each sculpture was sandblasted and finished with a durable powder coat designed to last for generations. - Huether donated his studio’s time, craftsmanship and resources to the restoration. - di Rosa board secretary Madalene Rose provided additional financial support. - Admission is $125. - Children 12 and younger can attend for free. - $80 of each ticket is tax deductible. - Tickets are available online, and supporters who cannot attend can contribute through the same page. - The event takes place in the Carneros region of Napa Valley.

Between the lines: - Interim executive director Rachel Miers said the sheep’s return represents more than restoration and reflects di Rosa’s identity as a place where art and nature are intertwined. - The organization is operating under a new board and leadership team and is emphasizing a refreshed vision while honoring founders Rene and Veronica di Rosa. - The restoration and celebration also reinforce the founders’ original goal of making di Rosa accessible, funky and fun. - The preservation effort around the upper ridge suggests di Rosa is broadening its mission beyond exhibits to include landscape stewardship.

What’s next: - di Rosa plans to preserve about 162 acres of its Carneros ridgeline, including Milliken Peak, as public open space through a partnership with the Land Trust of Napa County and the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. - The organization also plans a new public hiking trail to the summit. - The trail will be lined with large-format sculptures, extending the art-and-nature experience into the landscape. - The homecoming celebration is intended to support di Rosa’s next phase as it balances preservation, access and programming.

The bottom line: - The sheep are coming home, and di Rosa is using the moment to signal both continuity with its founding vision and a broader push into public access and land conservation.

About di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art: - Founded by Rene and Veronica di Rosa, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is a nonprofit art center and home to more than 1,600 works of Northern California art. - The Napa campus includes galleries, a sculpture meadow with nearly 80 outdoor works and a lake. - di Rosa San Francisco at Minnesota Street Project brings the collection into the city. - More information is available at dirosaart.org. - di Rosa also maintains social media pages on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.