Nick Wroblewski

It is 45 degrees today….a tell tale sign in Wisconsin that spring is on its way! Another sign, is the influx of some new work to SEASONS on St. Croix Gallery. After having a wonderful February show with collage artist, Gena Ollendieck, we are fortunate enough to have retained some of her amazing works that tell delightful stories through objects and images cleverly arranged and developed. Gena is a wonderful addition to the gallery space. We are also pleased to welcome Julia Timm as a new potter in our midst. Her functional work is splendidly crafted from porcelain in charming forms that that are sophisticated, yet whimsical. We have also added some new colorful stemware by David McDermott and are pleased to be carrying Ana candles… a stripped line of candles that will be wonderful for spring and summer use. In addition, current artists are bringing in new work… Nick Wroblewski, a phenomenal woodcut artist, just dropped off new work yesterday. It is amazing!

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Ruth did have a great trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia and a very enjoyable time at the Atlantic Canada Craft Show. The artists were delightful and engaged in their work. She selected some work that we will be showing at the gallery… some wonderful functional wood pieces by Brent Rourke, pewter by Ray and Delia Will, glass bead jewelry by Susan Hood to mention but a few. Karen Passow and Laura Pilney, gallery associates, also made the trek to the Buyer’s Market of American Craft in Philadelphia with Ruth in mid-February. It was a great show with some fabulous finds for the gallery.

Our choices include some new jewelry, interesting glass, some fiber art…..and so forth. These too will be arriving throughout the coming months. Stay tuned!

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SEASONS on St. Croix Gallery was honored as a national recipient of two awards. We were named a NICHE 2010 Top Retailer by NICHE, the exclusive trade magazine for retailers in fine craft. We also received the award for Best Visual Merchandising. There is lots to celebrate as we were one of ten other galleries from all over the United States and Canada to be recognized. The other galleries and museum stores were from: Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.

Each year, the magazine recognizes and honors craft galleries for their efforts to strengthen the industry, support fair business practices, educate the public and mentor artisans. SEASONS is truly thankful for this recognition, but more importantly, for the creative, wonderful artists we represent, the customers we serve and for a loyal and talented staff.

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.