Auberge du Soleil Unveils “L’Esprit du Soleil” Multi-Panel Art Piece Created by Renowned Napa Valley Artist, Gordon Huether

New Installation Pays Tribute to Hotel’s Sun-Inspired Heritage and Long-Standing Support for the Arts in Wine Country

 

RUTHERFORD, Calif. (July  12, 2022) – Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley’s quintessential adult getaway, and renowned local artist, Gordon Huether, today unveiled “L’Esprit du Soleil” (The Spirit of the Sun), a commissioned multi-panel art piece designed especially for the newly remodeled entrance to the award-winning hotel and its Michelin Star Restaurant. The work features 12 individually crafted abstract suns, installed in two contiguous five panel rows, with each panel crafted in a distinctly different color. The vibrant colors convey life, vitality and the abundant natural beauty that can be found in the Napa Valley.

“L’Esprit du Soleil” becomes the most prominent permanent piece added to the property’s extensive collection on display in public areas and throughout the private outdoor sculpture garden featuring over 100 works by 60 California artists.

“Creating a statement piece of art made specifically for the entrance of the property is something we’ve wanted to do for years,” said George Goeggel, Managing Partner at Auberge du Soleil.  “We wanted a bold work that would encourage guests to pause and contemplate as they arrive to check into the hotel or on their way to dine at the Restaurant. Given Gordon’s long-standing history in Napa Valley and his impeccable reputation as a world-renowned sculptor, I knew he was the perfect artist to take this rough concept and reimagine it into a beautiful interpretation of light, color and the sun.” 

L’Esprit du Soleil  is fabricated with 12 individually laser-cut ‘suns’, each powder-coated with a different color, and laminated to half-inch thick acrylic and applied to an etched mirror base. The suns are set against and framed by Corten steel and illuminated by LEDs for a completed dimension of 20’W x 14’H. 

“I was really excited to work on this project at Auberge du Soleil where the vibe aligns with the earth, the sun and the landscape,” said Huether.  “George always considers the art component of whatever he’s involved in. I was inspired knowing that long-time returning guests and first time visitors alike will discover the unexpected with this piece where each unique color is meant to display radiant light from the sun.  L’Esprit du Soleil adds another dynamic layer of richness to the property; the piece is going to look different every time you see it with the constant change of light throughout the day, every day, and as the material changes gradually over time.”

Since the property opened in 1981, art has served as a key pillar of the guest experience at Auberge du Soleil. The Main House public space, which features the fine dining Michelin Star Restaurant, casual Bistro & Bar, and La Galerie Guest Reception, along with the property’s acclaimed outdoor sculpture garden set within the 33-acre hillside olive grove, showcase more than 100 works by 60 California artists.

 

About Auberge du Soleil

Inspired by the relaxed sophistication of the South of France and infused with California soul, Auberge du Soleil features wine country’s most luxurious accommodations, spectacular valley views, a Michelin Star Restaurant, and the exclusive Spa du Soleil. Nestled within a 33-acre hillside olive grove, the “Inn of the Sun” is celebrated for delivering passionate, intuitive service that embodies gracious Napa Valley hospitality. The 50 residential-style rooms, suites and private maisons set the stage for romance in the seclusion of the adults-only environment. The property is a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, an international association of outstanding boutique properties known for their excellence in hospitality and the culinary arts, and the flagship hotel for the Auberge Resorts Collection. For more information visit http://www.aubergedusoleil.com and follow on Instagram @AubergeduSoleil and Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil.Napa. 

About Gordon Huether Studio

Based in Napa, California, Gordon Huether Studio specializes in large-scale, site-specific permanent art installations. L’Esprit du Soleil is Huether’s second artwork for the Auberge Resorts Collection. Infinity, at Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort, in Napa, is a monumental work, measuring 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 20 feet tall, installed on a hilltop overlooking the property and Napa Valley. While Huether’s core skills are in glass design, the award-winning artist has extensive experience working with many other media including steel, repurposed salvaged materials, resins and composite materials in a wide variety of interior and exterior settings.  His fine artwork has been exhibited at museums and galleries and is included in private collections. For more information visit www.gordonhuether.com.

About Relais & Châteaux

Created in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an organization of more than 580 exceptional hotels and restaurants run by  independent  men  and women,  all driven  by  a passion for  their  profession  and  dedicated  to  the authenticity of the relationships they build with their customers. With operations on all five continents, from the vineyards of Napa Valley to Provence and the beaches of the Indian Ocean, Relais & Châteaux members invite all to discover the art of living enshrined in the location’s culture, and share a unique, human story. Relais & Châteaux members have a profound desire to protect and showcase the richness and diversity of the cuisine and inviting cultures of the world. They worked towards this goal, along with the goal to  preserve  local  heritages  and  the  environment,  through  a  UNESCO  Manifesto  in  November 2014. For more information please visit www.relaischateaux.com.

About Auberge Resorts Collection

Auberge Resorts Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 22 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations. For more information: aubergeresorts.com

Connect with Auberge Resorts Collection on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @AubergeResorts and #AlwaysAuberge

About The Friedkin Group

The Friedkin Group is a privately-held consortium of automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure companies. These organizations include: Gulf States Toyota, GSFSGroup, US AutoLogistics, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, AS Roma, Imperative Entertainment, 30WEST, NEON, Diamond Creek Golf Club, Congaree and Legendary Expeditions. The Friedkin Group is led by Chairman and CEO Dan Friedkin. For more information, visit www.friedkin.com.

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