We survived our annual craziness….”Seconds, Experiments and Undiscovered Art” sale over the 4th of July. It was a great weekend for us, filled with fun, excitement, great deals and lots of friendly faces. If you missed it maybe you can get it on your calendar for next year….July 1 -4th!

The show circuit continues for many of the artists we represent… Patrick Casanova, Thomas Maras, Steve Pflipsen and Katia Pflipsen Olivova (to mention a few) all attended Art on the Square in Madison a few weeks ago. The Uptown Art Fair is around the corner – August 6th, 7th and 8th – and will feature the work of many of your favorite artists….stop by and check out new work. Other favorites will be at Powderhorn Park and Loring Park that same weekend. It is an amazing life style, that takes an incredible skill set….the creativity to produce, the ingenuity to display, the interpersonal skills to sell and the stamina to pack, drive, set up, interact, sell, take down, drive, unpack! Being an “on the road” artist is not for the faint of heart!

One of the joys of the gallery is always the new work that arrives on a regular basis. We love to see packages arrive!
New work in the gallery included some handsome new fused glass serving pieces by Lynn Latimer…the design is contemporary andthe rich green, turquoise and gold is a gorgeous color palette…just right for fall entertaining. We have just received new work from one of our favorite jewelers….Sharon Shaffner. She creates whimsical work in silver and semi-precious stones that often has charming characters embedded in the pieces. She also creates those “go to” earrings that are artful, light weight and go with everything. The selection is good right now. Kate Gomez, one of our favorite local artists, just brought in four new pieces of work. Her work is organic, complex, original in subject matter and extremely well executed. Whether you are a fan, or someone who is looking for interesting, original work, stop in and enjoy the new selection. Our latest local addition to the gallery is Kerri Norman. Kerri is a jeweler who works in metals…sterling, copper, gold and bronze. her work is fresh,contemporary, and playful in its movement. Stop in to see her lovely work.

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!”