Other signs of spring include new work that artists are bringing in to the gallery. We just received some beautiful new platters/bowls by Marc Matsui. Marc’s fine porcelain bowls with brilliant colors transform clay in to a canvas. His pieces are simple in form, outstanding in craftsmanship and appropriate for home , office and gift-giving occasions. We are also anticipating new work from Christine McGrath….lovely boxes, vases, picture frames and clocks that incorporate contemporary fabrics with glass. And, we can’t wait to receive a new selection of black ware tiles from Laura McCaul, an exceptional Wisconsin clay artist that we have had the privilege to represent for years.

The American Craft Council Show opens in St. Paul on April 16th. We always look forward to this event that is literally 20 minutes west of the gallery. Naturally, we look forward to seeing new artists and their work. However, we also like to cheer on the artists we represent. If you are able to go to the show, you need to seek out Steve Pflipsen and Katia Pflipsen Olivova. Their work just keeps getting better. Katia’s unique jewelry is exceptional and their collaborative glass/metal pieces are beautiful…almost beyond description. You will also want to visit Lauri Wilson’s booth. This is Lauri’s first year in the show and we really hope it is a winner for her as her work is impeccable. Some of our other favorites include: Fred Kaemmer (glass), Kelly Marshall (textiles), and Michele Friedman (jewelry). Enjoy the show.

It is also a good time to look at custom lighting from either Maras Glass or Casanova Glass that can enhance the artful feel of your home. The list goes on with one of a kind pottery sculptures and vessels from Joe Christensen and Jude Ryan Reiling or an original painting from a host of remarkable regional painters…..Nancy Aschenmacher, Melissa Belanger, Genie Castro, Kate Gomez, June Kocan, Dan Wiemer and Nanci Yermakoff to mention a few. We are here to help you out with your commission and customized requests.

On the artist front, we recently heard that Kelly Jean Ohl was honored by having a piece of her work accepted in to the Duke University Eye Center – Touchable Gallery. Congratulations Kelly Jean! Barbara Bend was recently featured in a marvelous show at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson….her body of work – all sculptural dolls – was outstanding. The work reflected her innate creativity, her clever use of materials (kimono prints, vintage ties, labels, telephone wire, piano hammers, zippers, labels, nylon stockings, etc.), and, her profound understanding of human life and relationships. Congratulations on a great show Barb! Also, Patrick Casanova received good news that he would be a guest artist in the Smithsonian Show in April. Just a few tidbits as to the many accomplishments the artists we represent have attained.

The Hudson Hot Affair is February, 5, 6, and 7th. This is great family fun if the balloons go up or not. For more information, call 888-AIR-AFFAIR.

Don’t forget to find a lovely piece of art for your Valentine….maybe jewelry, maybe pottery or glass….a little something “handcrafted” to say “I love you!”

Our BIG news is this wonderful new website. We are thrilled to have it launched and to have a place to showcase the work of our outstanding artists, to keep you informed about happenings at the gallery and the community of Hudson, and to introduce you to featured artists and new work.

- SEASONS on St. Croix Gallery was recently ranked number 12 in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Gallery List of the Top 25 in the Metro Area. The ranking included both non-profit and commercial endeavors. It was good recognition and press. Yeah for us!!

- We will be brimming with holiday gifts and decorative items throughout the season. Many of the artists we represent on a full time bases have brought in new work, plus we have added about 30 seasonal artists. Some of the seasonal work includes: metal snowflakes and trees from Prairie Dance; beautiful glass blown ornaments from Warner Whitfield, as well as R. Jason Howard, and Fritz Lauenstein, raku ornaments from J. Davis, glass candy canes from Cal Breed, wooden ornaments from STICKS, glass sculptural trees from Mark and Julie Glocke, glass reindeer from Mike Carlson to mention a few. Remember Give Art Be Merry is our theme this holiday season.

- Casanova Glass Studio will be offering an opportunity to Blow Your Own Christmas Ornaments again this year. To sign up….which you must…call the gallery (715-381-2906) to make a reservation. The experience takes about 15 minutes and costs $38.00 per ornament. The program will begin on Sunday, November 8, 2009 and will occur each Saturday and Sunday until January 3, 2010….excluding Thanksgiving Weekend. Saturdays, times will be slotted from 10 am through 4 pm and Sundays will be from noon until 5 pm.