YOUNTVILLE – The Napa Valley Museum announces the April 2 opening of the Suiseki exhibit of rare stone artifacts from the Rozaline and Bertram Johnson Collection of Fossils, Stones and Minerals in the museum's History Gallery.

 

The Rozaline and Bertram Johnson endowment was made in 1995 when the Napa Valley Museum was located in St. Helena where a small portion of the collection was displayed.

The April 2 opening represents the first time the collection has been shown in 15 years.

The current exhibit will feature cases filled with Suiseki (soo-ee-sek-ee) or sui (meaning water) and seki (meaning stone) viewing stones, chalcopypyrite quartz and pyrite, and chrysanthemum stones collected during the Johnson's many travels throughout Japan.

 

The chrysanthemum stones are polished to bring out their natural beauty. Some are described as resembling brilliant fireworks in the night sky.

 

As Oakville residents and world travellers, the Johnsons amassed an extensive array of nature's wonders. Through their generosity, they have shared their passion about the earth's history with museum visitors who will be able to enjoy their beauty and appreciate their worldwide significance.

 

The Napa Valley Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 707-944-0500 or visit www.napavalleymuseum.org .