Thom McDermott's Photography on Display in Yountville
Justin-Siena veteran English teacher and campus photographer Mr. Thom McDermott has teamed up with the Yountville Arts Commission will be featured at the upcoming Gallery at Community Center show titled “Un-Boxed” opening February 25 with an artist reception at 5:30 PM.
In February, the Town of Yountville will celebrate its 51st year of incorporation. Come and take a glimpse back in time and view “Un-Boxed”. McDermott has been a Yountville resident since 1981 and The Yountville Arts Commission is very excited to feature his photos in their gallery.
For more than ten years McDermott operated a photography business, which emphasized photojournalistic and documentary event coverage in the wine business, public relations, non-profit work, sporting events, and breaking news coverage. McDermott was a frequent contributor to the San Francisco Bureau of the Associated Press, the San Mateo Times Group newspapers, the San Francisco Progress, the Point Reyes Light, and the Napa Valley Register.
“While I enjoyed taking photos for promotional purposes, I feel that my most satisfying images are those which are photojournalistic in approach and style, eventually having some historical significance. Yountville in the 1980s and 90s was an emerging jewel with energy and vitality,” said McDermott, “primarily due to long-time dedicated residents like Bud and Barbara Dulinsky, Charlie and Margaret Herald, Chip Bouril, Penny Proteau, the Tonascia family, the Bedollas, the Leftwichs…I could go on and on with names that were a huge part of the Yountville community. These folks welcomed me and my family and made us feel part of it from the beginning.”
In the early 1990s McDermott decided to set aside his full time photography business and returned to school earning his California State Teaching Credential. Since 1992 he has taught, coached, and mentored in Vallejo and Napa schools. He has worked at Justin-Siena High School for the past 19 years as an English teacher as well as the school’s primary photographer. His photographs there grace the walls throughout the school.
“I can only say that looking back at these photographs taken 30 years ago in Yountville I am pleased to know that many of the notable personalities back then are still active in our community,” McDermott added, “such as Bardessono, Caldwell, Hurley, Jeanty, Nord…to name a few.” As drought conditions continue to be in effect today, it is also interesting to recall that in 1986 the floods that descended on the Napa Valley did considerable damage to Yountville homes, businesses, and the Crossroad. McDermott’s photographs capture elements of that historic event.
“Un-Boxed” will feature photographs of the people and places of Yountville focusing on the 1980’s and early 1990’s. Thom and his wife Helen have graciously loaned the photographs to the gallery for display from February 25 – April 11.
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For more than ten years McDermott operated a photography business, which emphasized photojournalistic and documentary event coverage in the wine business, public relations, non-profit work, sporting events, and breaking news coverage. McDermott was a frequent contributor to the San Francisco Bureau of the Associated Press, the San Mateo Times Group newspapers, the San Francisco Progress, the Point Reyes Light, and the Napa Valley Register.
“While I enjoyed taking photos for promotional purposes, I feel that my most satisfying images are those which are photojournalistic in approach and style, eventually having some historical significance. Yountville in the 1980s and 90s was an emerging jewel with energy and vitality,” said McDermott, “primarily due to long-time dedicated residents like Bud and Barbara Dulinsky, Charlie and Margaret Herald, Chip Bouril, Penny Proteau, the Tonascia family, the Bedollas, the Leftwichs…I could go on and on with names that were a huge part of the Yountville community. These folks welcomed me and my family and made us feel part of it from the beginning.”
In the early 1990s McDermott decided to set aside his full time photography business and returned to school earning his California State Teaching Credential. Since 1992 he has taught, coached, and mentored in Vallejo and Napa schools. He has worked at Justin-Siena High School for the past 19 years as an English teacher as well as the school’s primary photographer. His photographs there grace the walls throughout the school.
“I can only say that looking back at these photographs taken 30 years ago in Yountville I am pleased to know that many of the notable personalities back then are still active in our community,” McDermott added, “such as Bardessono, Caldwell, Hurley, Jeanty, Nord…to name a few.” As drought conditions continue to be in effect today, it is also interesting to recall that in 1986 the floods that descended on the Napa Valley did considerable damage to Yountville homes, businesses, and the Crossroad. McDermott’s photographs capture elements of that historic event.
“Un-Boxed” will feature photographs of the people and places of Yountville focusing on the 1980’s and early 1990’s. Thom and his wife Helen have graciously loaned the photographs to the gallery for display from February 25 – April 11.
DETAILS
Justin-Siena High School
Justin-Siena is a Lasallian Catholic college preparatory community that serves young people in grades 9–12.