Henry David was rescued from the streets of Oakland in 2012. While he splits his time between Napa and Alameda he considers himself "mayor" of both communities and is a dedicated member of the Oxbow staff. Henry is a well-respected philosopher, therapist, spiritual guru, canin model, party animal and, most important, lover. He is an avid connoisseur of figs peaches and Pupperoni. Henry David is particularly adept at making friends (human or otherwise), coercing unsuspecting strangers into giving belly-rubs, and playing the "cute card" when found guilty of things he shouldn't be doing. His primary mission at Oxbow is to offer emotional support and guidance to all.

It is with great sadness that we send news of a loss in the Oxbow Alumni family: Jennifer Bobrick, OS22. We will remember Jennifer's joy at seeing what her Final Project drawings looked like when lit from behind on a light box. Jennifer found her voice here at Oxbow.

Jennifer was a sophomore at the University of New Mexico, studying art and psychology. She wanted to become an art therapist working with children. To share your memories go to the memorial page created by her parents Amy and John Bobrick and brother Eric James.

Mikhaila in the Studio

Fall 2012 Oxbow student Mikhaila Quezada-Freda earned silver and two gold keys from The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards administered through the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. She won a silver key for her portfolio overall and gold keys for her Oxbow Project X (Humboldt County Weather Map, mixed media) and Oxbox Final Project (Tangled Map, sculpture).

It is such a joy to return to Napa and once again be part of the incredible program that is Oxbow! I attended Oxbow my junior year, as part of OS16 in the spring of 2007. I then went on in pursuit of a BA degree in Art from Elon University in North Carolina. I graduated this past spring and packed up more boxes of ceramic artwork than I did anything else! I am interested in going into art education at the high school/college level and see this as a wonderful opportunity to observe and engage in an unique model of teaching and learning. These talented students are at such an enthusiastic and creative age, I look forward to being inspired by them while at the same time sharing my passion for art and teaching over this transformative semester. To view samples of my work, please visit: https://sites.google.com/site/laurabrentrup/.

OS28 Biking Co-Curricular lead by Patrick Foy, Sculpture teacher with assistance from Holly McVeigh, Admissions Director.

Napa Valley Register: 10 Questions - Head of School Seeks Creative Side of Students
By Jennifer Huffman
October 16, 2012

Stephen Thomas is the founding director and head of school at the Oxbow School in Napa. Oxbow is a visual arts–oriented, one-semester boarding school located in downtown Napa. Thomas, who has been an educator since 1984, described what he likes about working with high school students. “Their never-ending creativity,” as well as their idealism, energy and hope, he said. To read full article and his responses to all 10 questions click on the above link.

Napa Valley Register: 10 Questions - Head of School Seeks Creative Side of Students

By Jennifer Huffman

October 16, 2012



Stephen Thomas is the founding director and head of school at the Oxbow School in Napa. Oxbow is a visual arts–oriented, one-semester boarding school located in downtown Napa.

Thomas, who has been an educator since 1984, described what he likes about working with high school students. “Their never-ending creativity,” as well as their idealism, energy and hope, he said.

To read full article and his responses to all 10 questions click on the above link.

Oxbow's first project addressed the theme of Observation. The unit was team taught by art and humanities faculty pairs. In the class led by Environmental Science teacher Lenora Ditzler and Painting teacher Chris Thorson, students observed the Oxbow gardens through the lenses of artist and scientist. Students discussed the biotic and abiotic aspects within an ecosystem, studied form and function through dissection, and translated their observations through finished works in charcoal and acrylic paint. In the assignments’ final days, students developed paintings from a botanical still life.

Painting teacher Chris Thorson with Miranda on a garden co-curricular field trip to the The National Heirloom Exposition.