Gregory Burke, perhaps Toronto's most important international art figure was in San Francisco over Pride weekend - well not San Francisco exactly but Calistoga, in the heart of Napa's wine region. Burke, who I admire from a far at many Power Plant openings but never have the nerve to speak to, was photographed for the Art Forum Diary with none other than Norah Stone. A San Francisco social/power broker, Norah is "Wiki fined" as a philanthropist, lawyer, art historian and collector. She was also named by San Francisco magazine as one of the city's best dressed citizens in 2007. She always reminded me of another San Francisco lady, Ms. Nan Kempner, although they look nothing alike - because they are both so fierce. Norah married Norman Stone and together they have amassed an impressive collection which is divided between their residences in San Francisco and the Napa Valley, and which features artists such as Jan de Cock, Robert Gober, Jeff Koons, Cady Noland, Richard Prince, Richard Serra, Keith Tyson, Christopher Wool, Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp, Hans Bellmer and Tony Conrad. And according to ArtForum a few Baldessari's here and there. To make the Stone's credentials even more impeccable their property in Calistoga is a respected vineyard. And their art cave, where most of their work is on display was custom designed by Bade Stageberg Cox. Below are Norman and Norah greeting their guests, and their sculpture by James Turrell called Stone Sky. Don't they look flawless? There is nothing I love more than art collectors with good taste, who throw dinner parties at their property. It is also nice to see a local Torontonian out and about in the international art world. Now if only I could get myself invited.
http://www.artforum.com/diary/#entry20686
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