Ruth is very excited as she has been invited to attend the Atlantic Craft Trade Show in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a Canadian herself, she is definitely looking forward to seeing the works of craftspeople in that region of Canada and is hoping to find some great “fits” for the gallery. She will head out to the east coast later that month to attend the Buyers Market of American Craft. Hopefully, through careful choices, we will merge some of these artful finds with the wonderful work of the local and regional artists we are so proud to represent.

Work is underway for the 2011 artOPENer – the st. croix valley studio tour. SAVE the date to attend – May 14th and 15th – 10am – 5pm each day. This is a wonderful opportunity to see an eclectic group of artists in their studios…”from the Gallery to the Backyard” is the tag line we have used to describe the breadth of studio layouts and setups. It truly is an art excursion that shows the best of the arts in the lovely St. Croix Valley.

.

.

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.

.

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!”