My Biography
A Biographical Sketch
Artist, Helene Minelli, was primarily self-taught, although further inspired and educated by San Francisco watercolorist, George Post; Mill Valley muralist and sculptor, Lucienne Bloch; Alameda pastelist, Eleanor de Haas Brooks attending their many art classes and weeklong workshops.
Since 1960, Helene continuously displayed her work in countless galleries, wineries, hotels, and restaurants. Minelli exhibited her work at the City of Beverly Hills Affaire in the Garden Art Show in 2005. Other art shows include events with the Marin Society of Artists, the Society of Western Artists, the Pastel Society of the West Coast, the National League of American Pen Women, the summer long Sonoma Plaza Art shows, Sonoma County Harvest Fairs, and the Napa Valley Mustard Festivals. She won numerous first place awards at the various shows mentioned above in her 50 year art career. Helene won the coveted Best of Show award in a 2008 annual Pastel Society juried show. Her works are in private and business collections throughout the United States and Europe such as Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena, Roman Spa and Inn in Calistoga, The Lodge in Sonoma to mention just a few.
The Sonoma Cultural and Fine Arts Commission chose Helene Minelli as Sonoma’s eighth Artistic Treasure in 1989. In 2002, the International Pastel Magazine included Helene in the article titled “Master Pastel Artists of the World”, which also displayed one of her vineyard painting’s. Her paintings have also been on numerous magazine covers advertising Sonoma County and Sonoma Valley. The latest cover was the Sonoma Valley Almanac issued August 24, 2004. May of 2005 the Harvest Fair Board commissioned Helene as the artist for poster and other memorabilia. Helene was commissioned for 2006 Harvest Fair poster.
The artist served…
Several times as President of the Sonoma Valley Art Center and Gallery, later known as Valley of the Moon Art Association
Several times as President of the Sonoma Valley Art Center and Gallery, later known as Valley of the Moon Art AssociationFour Years on the California Exposition Advisory Council for the State Fair Art Exhibit
Four Years on the California Exposition Advisory Council for the State Fair Art ExhibitFounded the North Coast Viticulture Art Exhibit and Sales, later became the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.
Founded the North Coast Viticulture Art Exhibit and Sales, later became the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.Two years as California State Art Chairman for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
Two years as California State Art Chairman for the General Federation of Women’s ClubsTrustee on the Board of Society of Western Artists
Trustee on the Board of Society of Western ArtistsServed as Judge for the Society of Western Artist, San Francisco
Served as Judge for the Society of Western Artist, San FranciscoThe artist was a…
Signature member of the Society of Western Artists (SWA)
Signature member of the Society of Western Artists (SWA)Signature member of National League of American Pen Women
Signature member of National League of American Pen Women Member of Valley of the Moon Art Association
Member of Valley of the Moon Art AssociationMember of National Museum of Women in the Arts
Member of National Museum of Women in the ArtsMember of Pastel Society of the West Coast
Member of Pastel Society of the West CoastMember of Marin Society of Artists
Member of Marin Society of ArtistsAs a native of Sonoma Valley, Helene grew up in the country surrounded by all the brilliant colors of nature inspiring her to paint. She started working in oil, dabbled with pen and ink, scratchboard, and acrylic, then blossomed in watercolor, before falling in love with pastels. Discovering pastels was a defining moment; at last, she found a medium that gave her the opportunity for bold colors – all the color she’d always longed for and new energy poured into her paintings. This exciting energy remained with Helene until her last breath as she continued to work her magic.
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