Staff

Laura Rafaty
Executive Director
ext. 110

Laura Rafaty is an experienced nonprofit arts leader, producer and writer, and also brings decades of both nonprofit and for-profit business and legal experience to her position as Executive Director. A veteran of local nonprofits including the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, Friends of the Cameo Cinema, and the Napa Valley Opera House, as well as nonprofits in New York and Palo Alto, she is a Tony-nominated theatrical producer and the founder of the theatrical nonprofit: NapaShakes. Her “Up the Valley” column is well-remembered, and its humor can be found in her text for our “Dangerous Games” exhibition. Laura lives in Saint Helena with two Tibetan Spaniels, is notorious for emailing the staff at all hours, and can usually be spotted at museum events with a signature glass of Scotch in her hand. 

 

 

 

 

 

Maria Rodriguez
Deputy Director
ext. 103

Maria Rodriguez is in charge of Front of House Operations, bringing decades of retail experience, an artistic eye, and a warmly welcoming customer-experience orientation to her new position. She has lived and worked in the Napa Valley for many years, and is well-known to customers of the Jan de Luz stores she formerly managed in St Helena and Carmel. She also has a strong background on the financial side, and has a passion for fashion as well. Welcome Maria!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen Stewart
Registrar
ext. 113

Kathleen Stewart, Collections Registrar, brings with her a degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Printmaking as well as a minor in Art History and Museum Studies from Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon. Kathleen says it best: “Combining a lifelong love and appreciation Fine Art, History, Science, and Museums prepares me well for the research, preservation, and care of artifacts. Working as a printmaker for several years in Oregon, making copper plate etchings, gives me an understanding of the craft of art disciplines. I look forward to continuing working in Collections as a Registrar as I have been volunteering in Collections and the Gallery for the past several years.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gabe Ely
Front Desk
ext. 107

Gabe Ely is a long-time resident of Yountville, as well as a graphic designer and appreciator of art. He attends to his duties with surgical precision, and always makes sure visitors have a great time. You can see Gabe most days when the museum is open: Wednesdays through Sundays from 11-4. Under his alter ego @ItsgabboGabe, you can find his art and drawings as “artist, pseudo philosopher, and director of Gabolical Laboratories.” His slogan is: “You can find inspiration in the strangest places.” He is the only member of the staff to have his own theme song!