When gallerist Christopher Hill opened his eponymous St. Helena art gallery in 2002, his mission was to curate a collection of artists representing 20th-century schools of art: urban impressionism, surrealism, fusion, abstract expressionism, etc.

The art had to possess correct composition, values, use of color palette, and highly skilled use of the chosen medium, and it had to be created by Central and Western European and North American artists who are intentionally fine art-minded in their creative expression and less concerned with matching home décor.

Twenty-three years in, his mission is more than achieved. His gallery—the longest-term, solely owned contemporary fine art destination in the Valley—exhibits both well-known and emerging artists found only in more discerning galleries. His experience with galleries of all levels and his relationships with artists have allowed him over the decades to assemble a unique, beautiful, and refreshing collection of art for the collector, displayed in a comfortable loft setting on St. Helena’s vibrant Main Street. The vibe is both relaxed and visually stimulating.

“We are not your typical designer gallery,” said Hill, whose time living in Austria led him to collect with a European sensibility, meaning he looks for craftsmanship, intellectual depth, and pieces that captivate and provoke.

“We are not a space where everything has the same feel and lacks substance. Each artist has to be able to share with me a purpose and possess an edgy element in their expression. I have an analogy: Simply put, every stick of chewing gum has a finite amount of flavor before you want to spit it out. The art I aim to portray must have the proper technical foundations to have a long-lasting flavor that evolves over time.”

“The greatest compliment I can receive from a visitor is that this is a gallery dedicated to art and the art world, not a commercial showplace. In the end, it all comes down to having a discerning eye and sharing that with our clients.”

At his gallery, impressionists are displayed adjacent to urban realists; abstract impressionists are next to surrealists. Hill is known for his discerning taste, choosing pieces that challenge conventional boundaries and are based on a strong foundation behind their creation rather than using an “eye candy” gimmick or masking flaws with bright colors. One of Hill’s favorites is Barcelona-based oil artist Mario Garcia Miro. “His style and fusion technique is compelling and unique,” said Hill. “No one else is painting fusion to such an exact degree of realism, with a juxtaposed pop-art foreground. His works have been amazingly and consistently strong for decades.”

Delivering a layer of creative enrichment to the region, Hill gives visitors a reason to explore beyond the vineyards. Whether an avid art collector or someone who simply appreciates beauty in all its forms, The Christopher Hill Gallery offers a refreshingly unique experience within Napa’s vibrant cultural landscape.

For more information www.chgalleries.com