Executive Director

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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.

Deputy Director
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Maria Rodriguez is in charge of Museum Operations, bringing decades of retail and management experience, an artistic eye, and a warmly welcoming customer-experience orientation to her 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. With a keen eye for craftsmanship and detail, plus a sharp eye on the books, Maria is careful steward of our nonprofit funds while also making sure that visitors, artists and vendors get a square deal.

Front Desk Gallery
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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! 

Coordinator of Education & Programs

Joel started at the Museum in 2018 as a volunteer museum preparator unpacking surfboards for exhibition, and quickly made himself indispensable. With a background as a Sculpture Teacher and Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair at Las Lomas High School, Joel has curated and designed exhibitions including curation of an exploration of the Napa River, and designing the current “Pollyanna Valley” exhibition. He has worked as a preparator installing many of the museum’s exhibitions, and is helping to prepare the new MAC for opening.  He is currently spearheading the Museum’s docent and volunteer programs for the NVMY and The MAC (and is always looking for more help!). Joel is an accomplished sculptor of ceramic vessels with his own firm Kylix Design.