At the NVMY: Sophie Alstrom Mitchell – Wildflowers of Napa Valley

The Napa Valley Museum Yountville is proud to announce: “Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley,” an exhibition showcasing the exquisite botanical watercolor paintings of this 19th century Napa Valley artist. The exhibition will feature 64 of her works from our permanent collection, all created between 1882 and 1888, many of which will be exhibited together for the first time.

Mitchell (born Sophie Marie Nordstrom, 1858, in Sweden) moved to St Helena in 1862. Growing up at the White Sulphur Springs Hotel owned by her mother and stepfather Sven Ahlstrom, she developed a keen interest in native wildflowers. Later, her husband the Rev. James Mitchell (who founded St Helena’s First Presbyterian Church) gathered blooms on his travels across the valley and delivered them to her for paintings. The result was a series of skillful and colorful masterpieces showcasing the art of watercolor as well as the rich diversity of Napa Valley’s botanical offerings; over 150 unique plants are portrayed in these works.

The exhibition includes a historical video presentation by Napa Valley Roots.

Thank you to the exhibition’s generous donors and sponsors, including:
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Kris and Jeff Jaeger in memory of Lila Jaeger and Joan Westgate
Henri Vandendriessche
Lynne Sellars 
Jill Hancock
Katherine Caron 
Linda Feutz 
and the Members and Supporters of the Napa Valley Museum