New Nature-Inspired Installation by Artist Jake Messing for Harmon Guest House

Harmon Guest House, an award-winning and environmentally friendly retreat in the heart of Healdsburg’s charming downtown, announced a new art installation in partnership with Healdsburg native Jake Messing, a freelance artist and designer.  Titled “Blue Harmon” and available to view until September 2022, the piece will adorn the property’s main stairwell and feature an ascending flock of Blue Herons and golden florals. 

“Bold colors, birds and flowers are signature elements often found in Jake’s work, which is incredibly detailed and rooted in realism,” said Circe Sher, co-founder of Piazza Hospitality.  “His nature-inspired piece complements Harmon Guest House’s design and reflect Healdsburg’s scenic landscape.  The unique environment for the installation and the individual depictions create a beautiful and thought provoking, one-of-a-kind sight guests can enjoy all summer.” 

After growing up in Healdsburg, Messing moved to New York City, where he managed the art department for Tiffany & Company’s global visual merchandising team and was showcased in several galleries.  He also taught drawing and painting as an adjunct professor at New York University’s Tisch graduate department before becoming an independent artist full time.  Messing has been invited to participate in multiple international artist residencies, including Camac Centre d’ Arte (now permanently closed) and the Banff Center (BC, Canada), along with numerous group exhibitions around North America. 

Messing recently moved back to Healdsburg and continues to paint daily and work as a freelance artist, designer and consultant for some of the world’s biggest luxury brands, including Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Nike, and Bergdorf Goodman, among others.  His most recent project was a 40’x125′ mural for the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. 

“I wanted to create a piece that invites patrons up to the rooftop at Harmon Guest House with a sense of flow, beauty and grace,” said Messing.  “Great Blue Herons are truly majestic birds often seen around our Sonoma County rivers, lakes and coastline. They symbolize self-reliance, determination and good luck across many cultures. This piece is inspired by spring in Sonoma County and the promise of new life, growth and ascension.”

 Since its doors opened, Harmon Guest House has proven its commitment to supporting the arts with a permanent collection of commissioned art and rotating temporary exhibitions from emerging California artists showcased in the halls, main stairwell and guest rooms.  The pieces include sculpture, photography, works on paper, and site-specific installations, all referring to or addressing California art history or the immediate surroundings of Healdsburg.  Jake Messing’s art is the latest temporary installation at Harmon Guest House.  

In addition to its art program, Harmon Guest House provides the perfect home base for an active and modern wine country getaway with adjoining rooms to connect with friends and family in suites and studio style king rooms for a more intimate getaway.  Guests can head to The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House, the hotel’s sophisticated rooftop lounge and the city’s only publicly accessible rooftop bar, to unwind and relax by a cozy firepit with flavorful bites, refreshing cocktails and stunning views of Fitch Mountain, the Sonoma Hills and downtown. 

For more information on the installation and to make a reservation at Harmon Guest House, guests can call (707) 922-5256 or visit www.harmonguesthouse.com. 

About Harmon Guest House

Named after Healdsburg’s founder Harmon Heald, Harmon Guest House honors its namesake’s pioneering spirit of creative urban planning by featuring thoughtful spaces that encourage friends and families to gather – just as Harmon Heald envisioned the plaza as a central gathering place for Healdsburg residents. Located north of sister property h2hotel, Harmon Guest House is an environmentally friendly chic retreat, inviting visitors to relax, recharge and play in the heart of Healdsburg. For more information or to make reservations, please call (707) 431-8220 or visit the website at harmonguesthouse.com.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Harmon Guest House, Artist Jake Messing