Gallery225

Have you visited the gallery lately?

2011-09-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would put in a recent photo of the gallery interior. It's really chock-a-block with art. We are quickly becoming the place to go for gifts for special occasions and the holidays. You're coming to see us soon, right?
In November, we will be hosting the Gilbert Visual Arts League art show. So in addition to our current inventory, we will also have many juried pieces from this community organization. I'll have more information as the date approaches.

New Work in Sept

2011-09-22T14:07:00.001-07:00

Merritt M. Menefee-Johnson is a new artist to the gallery. In addition to the wonderful pieces that I've highlighted in my Sept email blast are the pieces below. Her pieces are impeccable. Some feature dragonflies in flight while the others have white linear accents. The red orbs are called "Arizona Sunset". A pair of them would be spectacular, but all four would really make a statement. Since they're only 6" in diameter, finding them a home is easy. Hmmm, I've got just the spot in my home!

Gilbert Art Walk

2011-09-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

George Lenz, a local photographer, will be the person behind the new Gilbert Art Walk. It will be held at the Water Tower Plaza on the 4th Friday of each month from 6 to 10 in the evening. Please come and support your local artists.

New color trends

2011-09-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

One of the more interesting annual news items that I look forward to each year is the color trend as predicted by the Pantone experts. Since they've been doing this for many, many years all industries actually depend on them for their yearly offerings. So if you've ever wondered why interior decorators, fashion designers, graphic artists, even scrapbookers all end up favoring certain colors, we can thank Pantone.

So what are the colors for 2012? According to the experts, we should be seeing yellow and fuchsia as shown below. Read the entire Pantone newsletter here.

Meet My Dad-Ricardo

2011-06-10T15:43:00.001-07:00

Meet my dad, Ricardo. He passed away a few years ago after a very long bout with Alzheimer's. When we had a memorial service for him, lots of people came forward to share something about him. What we learned was that everyone who spoke thought that they were the most special person in his life. That included his children and grandchildren. That's the kind of person he was. When he was with you, nothing else mattered to him.

There are many, many special things about my dad that I remember. Here's a few:

When we were quite young (7-8 years old), he would sit us down on the bed before lights out. He would teach us three new vocabulary words each night such as "ilk", "naive" and "idiosyncrasy". After telling us the meaning, he urged us to use each word three times. Then it would be ours, he would say.

He was very particular about his clothes. He would notice the smallest wrinkle in his starched white shirts. He would take out the ironing board and fix it (my mother was pretty good though and wrinkles were few). He always admonished us to pay attention to details.

He had a great sense of humor. Once he was digging a hole in the back yard for our septic tank. We all knew that it would be a long and arduous task. After about half an hour, he told us to go get Mom. While she was walking out from the house, he knelt down in the hole giving the impression that he had dug a hole about three feet deep in a short amount of time. Sure enough, when she saw him, she was incredulous at his rapid progress. We all laughed so hard both that day and to this day--55 years later!

When we moved to our present home in 1995, he came out to help my husband and me landscape the back yard. We worked every day on a flagstone courtyard with adobe walls. I can say unequivocally-- he kicked our butts!! At the end of the day, when we wanted to shower and rest, he wanted to know which restaurant served the best Margaritas.

I know he's up there watching over us--"his beautiful people"--that's what he called his family and friends. I know he's proud of all of us. That's just the way he was.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-03T08:48:00.002-07:00

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest. ~Irish Proverb

My mother, Virginia, died at an early age, 58, from breast cancer. I was 31. My biggest regret was she would never get to see her grandchildren grow up and have children of their own. She would have really spoiled them. I know because she spoiled her own kids, then proceeded to do the same with mine with the limited time she had with them. She always said that the young should have all the nice things in the world. I think she used this thinking as a way of denying herself so as to pamper us. So much of this was actually accomplished by cooking our favorite meals rather than shopping. There's so much about her that I miss.

This is Easter Sunday, 1955. The picture was taken in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Don't you love the 'snapshot quality'. We used to get little red photo books from the drugstore where the film was developed.

I'm on the left. I was about 6 1/2 years old. My sister, Margaret, on the right is about 8 years old. We were brought up like "quasi-twins". To this day, we're still twin-like. My parents were quite the dressers, don't you agree?

This is my mother in her late teens. What a cutie.

New in the Gallery-April 2011-Donna Nordin

2011-04-07T21:26:00.001-07:00

Tucson artist, Donna Nordin, can boast being both a jeweler hand-crafting one-of-a-kind pieces with beads from all over the world AND a chef who has been nominated "Best Chef in the Southwest" by the James Beard Foundation. She has also been inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame and received the "Award of Excellence" from the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

We feel very lucky to now have her work in the gallery. Here are some photos of her jewelry.

Fire Opal on a Sterling Chain

Multiple Gemstones, Fresh Water Pearls, Raspberry Keishi Pearls

Long, long sterling chain with multi gens and pearls

Choker with Matte Rock Quartz and Glass Beads

Three Strands-GF and Multi-Colored Gems

Peach Oval Pearls with Tiny Gemstones
Wired with Sterling Silver

Sterling Links with Kaleidoscope Pendant

Special Gallery Visitors

2011-03-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, on a day when gallery visitors were scarce, I was pleasantly surprised when a group of high school students dropped in. Accompanied by two teachers, I knew that these were a special group of kids. They were impressed by every piece of art. The girls ooh'd and ah'd over the jewelry while the boys seemed to be taken by photography, water colors, and wooden objects. Since they didn't seem to be in any hurry, I decided to infuse a bit of fun into their day.

I distributed raffle tickets to them after having selected some inexpensive, yet beautiful, gallery items (scented handcrafted candles, pendants with bird images and small ceramic crosses. I called out numbers, and one by one, they came forward to select their prize. Winners all, they left with their small art treasures.

I was left with my own treasure--amazement at the dedication of our public school teachers and the care and love of these kids for one another. I was especially impressed by the tenderness shown to the young man in a wheelchair. Everyone made sure that he was included and those pushing him around shifted the task seamlessly.

So imagine my surprise when they all showed up again this week. One by one, they handed me their hand-crafted thank you cards. I took the time to read a part of each card as they handed them to me. I knew that each was an act of sincere appreciation. I smiled as I tried to make sure that my tears didn't betray the admiration I had for each of these special young persons.

Here are photos of some of the cards they brought to me.

Sarah A. Brodie -- Artist Statement

2011-03-18T12:06:00.002-07:00

As a shy child in a large family, I grew up craving a sense of personal space and privacy that existed only in my imagination. I spent many hours nurturing lives and landscapes that only I could see.

Today, surrounded by family, friends, pets and art, I still feel desperate to control the chaos around me. I think that my obsession with boxes mirrors my struggle to organize my public life and my private interiors. It is the outside of my boxes where these words combine. My boxes are seldom square; corners crumple, lids tilt and handles twist. Color, texture and line disappear and return in odd places.

As wild as my exteriors may be, the interior is just as important to me. I want to provide that quiet restful and secret place that I longed for as a child. It is a safe enclosed space that you can decide what treasures - a jewel, a shell, a stray whisper - will rest there.

We're a Runner-Up in the East Valley Tribune Best of 2011--Art Galleries

2011-03-08T12:44:00.002-07:00

Thanks to East Valley Tribune readers who voted for us. In spite of being open for only 16 months, we are a runner-up to Mesa Arts Center (a multi-million city-owned venue). We are so proud.

Here's a link to the online information.

Clap, clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap,clap, clap, clap, clap.

New in the Gallery

2011-02-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

Are you into clean, contemporary lines? We just received these 10" x 10" shadow boxes with clay tiles. Arizona artists, Tim and Kari Hull makes these delightful pieces of art.

2011 Color Trend-Honeysuckle

2011-02-17T13:00:00.001-07:00

Pantone is the worldwide authority on color trends. Each year, innumerable products and services are sold by Pantone and its hundreds of licensees in over 100 countries in the graphic arts, fashion, home, interior, plastics, architectural, paint, industrial design and consumer markets.

Last year, the color was turquoise; selected to transport us away from the worries in our environment to a tropical vacation spot.

This year the color is Honeysuckle, a Color for All Seasons.

Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it. Read more here.

New in the gallery is jewelry by Scottsdale artist, Arlee Kasselman. This set show beautiful Honeysuckle Pink Topaz with Champagne Topaz. The sterling silver has been oxidized for a modern and contrasting effect.

Funny "Sign of the Times"

2010-11-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a funny sign I saw in another retail shop lately. Funny, but I guess that I can relate.

New in the Gallery-October 2010

2010-10-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

This summer, I met an Tucson artist at "Niche, the Show" in Las Vegas. Niche Magazine organized a wholesale show for the western United States. And what a nice show it was.

Though this artist and I had talked about meeting at my gallery, we somehow miscommunicated, and only last week did we finally get together. (I said I was taking two weeks off this summer; he thought I said two months. Funny Guy!) I'm so glad that we finally connected!

Below is a sampling of Erik Stewart's jewelry. It's no surprise that the clean lines and contemporary designs have succeeded in landing him the coveted Niche award. I've indicated in the captions the designs that I have in the gallery.


Nautilus Smooth--In sterling, with black		Tahitian pearl	($340)

Maze--In stainless steel ($195)

Reveal--Available as custom work from the artist

Call for Artists--1st Annual Gilbert Fine Art Festival

2010-09-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

Call for Artists
Announcing First Annual Gilbert Fine Art Festival
Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 8 am - 3 pm
Gilbert Water Tower Plaza in downtown

Deadline: October 15, 2010

Artists are invited to participate in this first ever event, celebrating Gilbert's 90th Birthday, as well as supporting the future for Arts in Gilbert, to be held Saturday, November 13th from 8 am - 3 pm in Gilbert's charming downtown historic district at the Water Tower Plaza.

This festival is being held in conjunction with Gilbert Visual Artist's League Annual Art show and the town's weeklong Gilbert Days Celebration. In 2009, the parade attendance was estimated at 30,000 - 40,000 people lining Gilbert Road. So this obviously offers a great opportunity for artists to increase their exposure and take advantage of a great number of people who will be enjoying the festivities.

Prospective participants in this event need to submit jpeg images of three examples of their work to Diane Fales: dfales1@cox.net. Artist's work may include any medium but must be original artwork or original reproductions. Please supply contact information including name, address, phone, email address and website if applicable.
To sell work, artists must have a Gilbert sales license, and 15% of gross sales must be submitted to town.

If you are a member of Gilbert Visual Artist League, there is no cost. Non-members are required to pay a nominal fee of $25. Included in that fee, you will receive a year's membership to Gilbert Visual Art League. Our monthly meetings include artists' demos and speakers to educate and inspire our members.

Deadline: October 15th, 2010.

Questions/Info, please contact Diane Fales @ 480-242-4922
Or Jean Smith @ 480-497-0677

New in the Gallery-September 2010

2010-09-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Mara was an accomplished ceramicist, sculptor and painter. Studying with world's greatest modern artists, she developed and mastered the difficult technique of precise line drawing in ceramics. Mara's remarkable skill and imagination lives on today, exhibited in the shapes and colors of her trademark collection.

The stoneware is hand-made in Mexico. The mugs sell for $20-21.

*************************************

Jackie Straw and Teri Smithers are a mother-daughter team who bill their company as The Family Jewels. They dazzled me with their creativity when they came to show me their jewelry, having only recently taken classes to learn the art of glass flameworking at the Mesa Arts Center.

************************

Local artist and native Arizonan, Terri Meider, has these wonderful cat and hummingbird illustrations in the gallery. She's used graphite and watercolor on cradled board.

*******************************

Mikutowski Woodworking is synonymous with high quality craftsmanship and unmatched attention to detail. All of their unique and beautiful jewelry boxes, valet boxes, and keepsake boxes are functional works of art, carefully handcrafted in the USA. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the beauty of these boxes at a very reasonable price.

Mikutowski Keepsake Boxes ($33)

***************************

What started as a hobby has grown into a wonderful business adventure. Ohio designer Jacqueline Adamany of Blue Orchid Handbags would like to see all women afford beautiful handbags.


Blue Orchid handbags ($55-65)

Everything local artist, Bett York does reflects her unique style.
This detail of an owl in a tree (The Guardian-$400) may be whimsical in subject matter, but it is meticulous in its execution. It is one of two currently in the gallery-- the other is a pelican. They are sold individually.

New in the Gallery-August

2010-08-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

These hand-painted tiles mounted on blocks of exotic wood are the work of local artist, Sandy Browne. In her artist statement, Sandy says, "I have collected 'words' for years. Words that I like the sound of, that are fun to say. I love the human body and thus decided to paint my 'words' in women. Of course, I have only chosen the words that have pleasant meanings."


"Lavation" (5.75 x 2 x 8.5 walnut) $135

"Malaise" (6 x 3 x 7 mahogany) $135

***************************************************************************

Gilead, an artist who's been showing his art in our gallery during the summer months has added Snake Lady to his offerings. This piece of art was inspired by an online competition to use a model as inspiration. He considers this painting his best work yet.

"Snake Lady" (20' x 48') $600

**************************************************************************

Our selection of rings has been expanded. We've added sterling silver ones with fun details such as rotating rings encased in bands. We also have a new selection of Native American rings with a wide array of semi precious and precious stones (sugilite, turquoise, spiny oyster, onyx, opal, jasper, etc).

Sterling silver rings with turquoise and garnet ($68-125)

Native American bands ($75-125)

Summer Savings

2010-07-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

***********************************************

All soap is buy one, get one free. Choose from Beautiful Soap, Heron Shores and Soap Werks.

The scents are scintillating: Woodland Pear, White Tea/Ginger, Lilac, Lavender, Sea Moss, Oatmeal/Milk/Honey, Lemon Verbena, Cucumber Melon, and my favorite, Better Than a Kiss.

Offer expires on August 30, 2010

************************************************

New in the Gallery-July

2010-07-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

These whimsical clocks are the work of a talented local artist, Alice Hall. They have fantastic "attitude" and are set off by their embellished copper pendulums. I'm really enjoying the addition of these girls in the gallery.

Deborah Zwetsch is an award-winning working Florida artist who has a BA in Art Therapy, and a four-year certificate from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Deborah began painting on silk six years ago because of the luminous quality color takes upon the silk surface. Her work on silk reflects the innate color sense that she draws from nature. She has won numerous awards at crafts exhibits for her hand-painted one-of-a-kind scarves and clothing.

We are so pleased to have a nice selection of Deborah's scarves. Read local Arizona Republic article by Jaimee Rose on scarves on a 115 degree summer day in Arizona. It sheds new light on purchasing this fashion accessory.

Local artist Viola Burke creates these life-affirming shadow box collages. Based on past scriptural studies, she borrows words from the scriptures, then adds many more of her own to complete the main text of each work, "I am . . . .". Not discernible in these photos is the dimensionality of each collage and the beadwork, which she calls the "icing on the cake."

New in the Gallery--Sassy Ladies

2010-06-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

It seems that our space is being invaded by bunches of sassy gals. Some are recent arrivals but others have been here all along. Take a look.
Artist Rose Vollmer has taken a circuitous route to her current passion of doll-making. In her previous life she owned an interior design company with customers across the U.S. Fifteen years later, she and her husband started Pizazz, a corporate a nd event gift business. This gave her a creative outlet until she discovered . . . art dolls. This has led to being published in several publications including Soft Dolls and Animals and Doll Crafters and Costuming.

You will find her new line called Fabulous Floozies--Outrageously Sexy Art Dolls with Sassy Sayings here. Rose claims that these girls "are talking and dressing like my mother told me I shouldn't but how I always secretly wanted to!"
The girl above has a card that reads "Good girls are made of sugar and spice--bad girls are made of vodka and ice."

The doll to the right has a tag that says, "Best friends know how crazy you are, and still choose to be with you in public."

One customer commented that you might see these girls on Van Buren Street. His girlfriend confronted him, "How would you know?" Oops.

Not really recent, but yet sassy are the ornaments and greeting cards designed and hand-painted by local artist, Deb Lasch. Her art takes advantage of hilarious sayings such as "If I die while shopping at Wal Mart, drag my body to Neiman Marcus" or "Red wine is my favorite anti-oxidant." The ornament shown above says "Girls just wanna have funds." Makes me want to dance, too.

Finally, California artist, Susan Hargrove, shows her sassy girls on a 22" x 9" pillow. We also carry pillows that feature hearts, black birds and crazy cats.

1st Annual Gilbert High School Art Walk

2010-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Historical Society quilting demonstration--Pottery wheel demonstration in background

Alumni art

Large triptych--student art

The Kidmans -- one of three musical groups

I spent many of my past Mondays helping one of our local high schools coordinate an art walk. We also held a silent auction inside of the gallery. Besides student art, there was also alumni and faculty art. Three different venues featured three distinct musical groups. When all was said and done, we claimed it a huge success! But we're hoping that next year it will be bigger and better.

Check out the video which appeared on our local news.

Lot 154-Art by Stevie Fresqez

2010-04-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I received a comment from Esther. She had come into the gallery and purchased a ring made by Stevie Fresquez (shown on the left) of Lot 154 [Full Disclosure: She's also my daughter : ) ]. Well, Esther was so happy with her ring that she asked me to post about Stevie's jewelry.

I'm happy to do so!

Stevie's bio reads:

Stevie Fresquez came to designing jewelry in a circular fashion. She trained in theater with an emphasis in scenery and costume design. Stevie has a BFA from Arizona State University in Technical Theatre and an MFA from Southern Methodist University in Production Design. After three years at her first "real job" in Connecticut, she began a trek to the opposite coast intending to pursue work in the movie industry.
Along the way, she received a call from her mother asking her to help start up a business venture. After committing to only one year, Stevie stayed on for a long, happy 8 years managing the well-known paper arts store called Ink It! in downtown Gilbert, Arizona.

"Initially, I had to adjust from a 40-foot backdrop mentality to one of designing 4x5 inch greeting cards. That used to give me anxiety, so it's ironic that my love now is sculpture on yet a smaller scale--jewelry."

Stevie now manages a 15,000 square foot art supply store in Tempe, Arizona.

Stevie works with Precious Metal Clay and has been certified by two guilds. She used to teach classes in PMC but with a full time job as the manager of Jerry's Artarama, she's now happy when she's able to find time to design and make some jewelry. Shown above are two of her textured bands; they are about 3/8" wide. ( $40-$45)

Her latest passion is making her own link jewelry from sterling silver wire. She's happiest when every element has been handcrafted by her. Below are two of her necklaces ($128-$145).

Bella Strata-were you there?

2010-04-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Bella Strata is a new event for Gilbert. It occurred at San Tan Village on April 10-11 and it was fantastic! It showcased Italian sidewalk painting. The elements that make this type of art so amazing is the beauty and detail of the paintings and the fact that they are so temporary--2-3 days max!

Gallery 225 sponsored two spots. This was a great way to expose kids to art. Here are some photos from that day.

My granddaughter, Samantha, working on her artwork. This was a 5' x 7' space on which she showed planet earth being held by hands. The arch over the earth reads, "Be the Change You Want to See in the World".

You already exemplify that saying, Samantha!!

Art We Support

2010-04-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

We will always try to support local art but the most important thing is for individuals, such as yourself, to support it. I'm confident that now that we're seeing more venues and exhibits close to home, you'll be there!

Here are two that I'm backing:

1st Annual BELLA STRADA Italian Street Art Festival, San Tan Village Mall April 10-11, 2010 in support of Save the Family.

and

1st Annual Gilbert High School ArtWalk in Gilbert's Heritage District on May 5th to raise scholarships for the Transitional Assistance Program.

What's New in the Gallery?

2010-04-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

Marcia Kmack (Cave Creek Glassworks) is a lampwork artist whom I have admired for many years. She's now represented in the gallery with both her jewelry and loose beads. I'll save her jewelry for a later post, but here's a glimpse at her beautiful glass artwork. On the left is a closeup of an amber-colored focal bead with two smaller accessory beads. They make a great statement just strung together to wear on a black cord.

Below I photographed the bead bar that holds Marcia's focal beads. You can choose one and wear it alone or select accessory beads also available at the gallery. Even Marcia's displays are beautiful!

Finally, I've shown a necklace that I strung two years ago using Marcia's beads with turquoise, round onyx and Bali silver. The design is hers but she allowed me to borrow it. It's always been a favorite of mine

**************************************************************

Rose Minetti is a Gilbert artist whose acrylics are now hanging at Gallery 225. Her method is described in her own words here: "My work reflects my interest in the environment; natural, as in geology/land and artificial, as in structure/architecture. My imagery is an abstraction of what I see and experience in the natural and artificial environment. My recent work is defined by the grid and a stroke gleaned from calligraphy. I experiment with color relationships, particularly neutrals, looking at how colors effect other, creating shades and values that are unique."

Minetti moved to Arizona from her native Brooklyn in 1984. She received her BA in studio art from Rutgers University, and her MA in Art from Arizona State University. She worked as President of Arizona Women's Caucus for Art 1987-89. She was affiliated with MARS Art Space, an artist run gallery in Phoenix as an Artist Member (1989-96), and a Board Member (1994-96). Her last position was as exhibit curator for the Department of Archives and Special Collections, University Libraries, Arizona State University. She lives in Gilbert, Arizona and Lewes, Delaware.

Some of her work is shown below. But they must be seen in person to get a sense of the acrylic textures and richness of Rose's techniques.

Arizona Spring Time

2010-03-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

There is music on this slideshow in case you want to turn your speakers on or off. When you've seen the 10 slides, press escape to return to the blog. ENJOY!

Free slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Tips on Dogwalking to Avoid a Broken Arm

2010-03-06T01:13:00.000-07:00

Tip #1--Don't wrap the leashes around your wrists.

Tip#2--Always carry your cell phone.

Tip#3--Pay attention to both dogs equally.

Tip#4--Sight hounds can spot a rabbit from long distances.

Maybe you've guessed exactly what happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I try to walk my two "Boyz" every morning at a local park.

My younger one,Chico, an adoptee from our local, no-kill shelter, really has bad manners. He barks at other dogs or whenever he likes, and he only responds to his name if there's something in it for him.

My older and bigger one, Bondo, responds really well unless if there's a rabbit in the vicinity.

Well, there was a rabbit. Since Chico was barking for no reason, I was paying attention to him and ignoring Bondo. The rest is history.

Bottom line: I still love da boyz!

Chainmaille--new in the gallery

2010-02-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

"The jewelry that I design embraces centuries old textile and chain making techniques, and enhances them with a touch of the present. All the viking knitting, wire and chain making is personally hand woven from precious metal wire. Each chain is created, one loop at a time from either hand cut rings or precious metal wire."

Thus, Leanne Soden describes the beautiful pieces of art that are her jewelry. Known more commonly as chainmaille, Leanne's bracelets and earrings feel like more like a silky fabric than woven sterling silver or goldfill. Because my photo of her Byzantine weave bracelet doesn't do it credit, take a peak at her website to see her work up close.

Nik Stabek is a Gilbert artist with an full lifestyle. His family runs Wildhorse Ranch Rescue, a nonprofit charity saving horses from abuse, neglect and slaughter. He works for a well-known web hosting company, and still he has time to produce beautiful jewelry. His chainmaille usually consists of a larger gage coated base metal wire. The results are similar to Leanne's. Each piece drapes elegantly.

Million Dollar Opening, But Who Dat?

2010-02-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

The Million Dollar Opening last week was a resounding success. Over 115 attended, but since many were leaving as others arrived, it was difficult to pin down a good number.

I'm hoping that each person will mention the gallery to a friend, and that friend then visits the gallery! I'm expecting an uptick in traffic.

Take a look at these pictures. Do you recognize anyone?

When the million dollar check was presented to me, I wanted to rush and deposit it in the bank. Unfortunately, someone distracted me with a glass of wine. I guess I'll have to earn my money the good, old-fashioned way.

The Art of Ricardo Rojas

2010-01-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the work of a new artist in the gallery. Ricardo Rojas' personal statement reads in part:

"I hesitate to define or classify my art because it is just these restrictions--words, classifications, definitions--that my art allows me to overcome. I can tell you where its roots are and what my desired intent is when it leaves me.

. . . . As a person and an artist I am committed to creating healing and transformational artwork, utilizing the Heart image in many of my works as a crucial linkage in connecting all human beings.

. . . . my hope is that these Heart-centered creations inspire and provoke the observer to experience a desire for growth, change, transformation and choices that enhance one's life in a global sense.

Love and Grace

The dimensions of this piece make it truly remarkable. It is 72" h x 92" w x 15"d. It should be seen to be appreciated. The hand carved heart is the symbol of growth, love and compassion. There are three roots which represent both the power of woman and of the infinite. There are also three drops of blood placed strategically on this sculpture.

In the Current of Your Love

The concept of this piece is that the Heart is flowing through the current of energy of one's love and support and kindness. It is free to express its love unconditionally.

In the Spirit of All Life

This copper and sheet metal shrine is the symbol of a sanctuary, home or house--a place of heart-felt safety and warmth. The antlers symbolize the spirit of all life and the mystery of life and beautyl

Love is Our Cross to Bare

The saguaro cross symbolizes the eternal and temporal (Past and Future) of time. The present moment is where life, love unconditional exists in its finest in all aspects of one's life. Love eternal.

These pieces of art, and there are a few more, demand our attention. Mr. Rojas has a long list of exhibits, lectures, and commissions. The gallery has acquired a bit of "gravitas" since we added his work. If you have the opportunity, come and experience it.

I Think that I'm an Innerpreneur

2010-01-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today I'm in a very different place. Since the New Year began, business has been up and down. Today, I've had numerous visitors even though sales were weak. Perhaps that's what transported me here. Among the visitors have been artists, and without a doubt, they see art and appreciate art differently. Maybe because they know the blood, sweat and tears that goes into handcrafted work.

My conversations with them reveal that many times their tools sit idly by as they await their muse. Others, with renewed inspiration and enthusiasm, work through the night.

So my mood is introspective. If I were a true entrepreneur, I might be disappointed that more buying customers didn't come through the door. Instead, as my sister suggests, I enjoy the environment that I have created--the colorful scarves and glasswork, the lovely scent of candles and soap, the new music of female vocal artists (my faves) and the feel of the sanded wooden bowls and boxes.

Supposedly, this latter description is of an innerpreneur. It's an interesting concept.

. . . innerpreneurs are characteristically different as we start businesses to aid in our personal growth rather than that of a company’s. We start our businesses so we can find personal fulfillment and satisfaction through our work.

We are driven by our need to realize our full potential, to make a difference and to constantly learn and evolve. Read more

Trendy Turquoise

2009-12-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

Trendy Gift Ideas?

Are you trendy? Associated Press recently reported that Pantone, a company that supplies color trend indicators for the fashion and home decor industry has selected turquoise as the color for 2010. Supposedly a "transporting" color, turquoise will put everyone is a similar state of mind. Think vacation!

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says there was no runner-up color because after such a tough year, everyone is craving escapism. The shade is on the cusp of blue and green, which makes it both inviting and serene--characteristics associated with blues--and invigorating and luminous, which comes from green, she says.

So, if you want to be uber-trendy yet remain faithful to shopping locally, may we suggest the following items from the gallery.

The photo above shows a beautiful hand-dyed velvet and silk Bijou scarf by One Wing Studio, a sterling silver and resin slider bead by Sean Hill, glass earrings by Chelsea Stone of Eye Candy Jewelry and a lampwork bead bracelet by Stevie Fresquez of Lot 154.

A spectacular fused glass tray and spoon rest from Kathy Hudson of ME 2 U are sure to impress with their strong Southwestern touch.

Roie Jaque is the Native American artist who created this beautiful bracelet. The turquoise if from the Emerald Valley mine in Nevada. We also have matching pendants and earrings in the green stone, gaspeite.

Terry Horton of Fired Up Glass Studio made this set of coasters. At their center sits small square of rainbow metallic leaf. These are stunning (and turquoise, of course).

We still have a nice selection of the larger ornaments from Federici Designs. This particular one might be trendier than the others.

These handsome earrings hang about 2 1/4". Amethysts and garnets add to the beauty of the deep turquoise.

This muted turquoise stained glass piece actually has a three dimensional bottle incorporated into it. The white bottle represents the candle in this Molly Phoenix piece.

Display at the Gallery-Our Lady of Guadalupe-Who is She?

2009-12-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

Who is this lady that is depicted on cars, pot holders, and t-shirts as well as museum quality artworks?

In the spirit of sharing this holiday season, I will be displaying some of the artwork that I own that depicts this honored Mexican icon. I hope you can drop by to see her image on a hotpad with angels serving her bagels (shown above), another where she holds her head as with a headache, and my personal favorite, a large stained glass image of her. I will also be displaying a piece that I fashioned of embossed metal and one which my sister painted. Trust me, neither of us is an artist.

This display of 14 different pieces of art will be available for viewing beginning December 12th.

When my granddaughter was a little girl she asked me , "Who's more famous, Grandma, Frida or Our Lady of Guadalupe?" Famous, indeed, even to a five year old. So, who is this special lady?

In 1531, it is said that Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to the peasant Juan Diego on a hillside called Tepeyac outside of Mexico City. To facilitate and provide proof to Church officials of the apparition, she miraculously caused her image to appear on the inside of Juan Diego's garment. Within a short time, over 35 million Mexicans had converted to Christianity.

Today she is honored as the patron saint of Mexico. Over the years she has served a significant and powerful position throughout its history including being on the flags carried by Emiliano Zapata and Miguel Hidalgo during the Mexican Revolution.

Years ago, I was able to be present on her feast day, December 12 at the Basilica in Mexico named in her honor. The actual coat on which her image is emblazoned is on display here. The number of people present on that day for this huge celebration was beyond belief. Many had walked for miles to be there and a large percentage of these pilgrims actually walked on their knees out of respect to her.

Since then, I have been drawn to her many representations.

Unique, Hand-crafted and Affordable!

2009-12-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, here are some ideas for gifts from the gallery. These are truly affordable luxuries for the special people on your list. In addition to these, we also have a nice supply of beautiful ornaments, soaps and candles, glass items, functional ceramic pieces, jewelry and much more all under $50. Come in and browse. You'll feel no pressure to buy. The artists from whom I buy make such lovely items that even if you don't purchase some, you'll enjoy just walking around and seeing them.

This small Rambunctious Raven is one of many available from the work of Bett York. The others share the same color scheme and similar paper hat but each is distinctive in size and design. They are great by themselves or in groupings. This whimsical little guy is $20.

These ornaments from Daniela M are actual egg shells which she has painted, then engraved with the image of Gilbert's own iconic water tower and one-time adobe jail house. Isn't this the perfect addition to your tree or a great gift for your out-of-town relatives? They'll think of you each and every time they put it on their own tree! The large ornaments are $17 and smaller ones only $11.

This little jam jar from Otis Pottery is about five inches tall but has substantial heft to it. It would make a great and unique gift at only $32. As with all of Andrew Otis' pieces, it shows the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.

This small dish from Silver Ridge Pottery is labelled as a soap dish, yet I see it as serving so many different functions. How about a ring or jewelry holder, a candle holder, or a spoon rest? Best of all, it can merely be displayed as shown so that its features can be admired. It is only $10.

Finally, here is Molly Phoenix's stained glass version of a martini. It's about 8-9 inches tall and is $25. This is only one of many of Molly's smaller pieces. You'll also find Mary Janes and shore birds, both the little girls and the birds sport guitar string legs and beads for feet. She also has a champagne glass complete with the bubbles effervescing into the air.

No, This is Not Popcorn

2009-11-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

One thing I've noticed in the gallery is that it doesn't fail that customers can be heard murmuring in one particular corner. There you will find Tom Hattons's ceramics, One Wing Studio silk scarves, and Soapwerks candles and soaps.

I've discovered that all the whispering is about one item about which many seem confused. It's a ceramic rattle from Tom Hatton's artwork called the Venus of Willendorf. In my previous life as a retailer, I had a paper arts store that was heavily weighted toward rubber stamps. One of my suppliers had the Venus of Willendorf as one of his images. However, the name of the stamp was "This is not popcorn."

If the three dimensional image is confusing, the two-dimensional, small image found on a 1" x 1" piece of wood on which the rubber was mounted was even more so. My customers were confused even back then.

So, this blog is to do a little bit of art awareness.

The Venus of Willendorf is considered to have origins of about 30,000 BC. Some scientists believe that this figurine may be the first representation of a human. There is speculation on whether she is a deity (her headdress suggests this) or a fertility goddess. Nevertheless, since neither can be supported or refuted, she will continue to be a very important archeological find.

The original resides in Austria. Now you can see her at Gallery 225. I present her to you in the photo below.

Our First Week--Were you Here?

2009-11-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who made it to our pre-opening reception, and, likewise, to those of you who have made it in to the gallery this first week. I have really enjoyed visiting with old Ink It! friends. It's like time hasn't really moved. Everyone still looks the same (except I think I've aged 10 years with our upgrade to the building!)

I've restocked some of the more popular items that sold heavily since our opening including the hanging garden sculptures from Tom Hatton and the cute business card/vase stand from Glass Fire Jewelry. These two pieces of art are shown above. Actually, I'm showing just a double vase since all of the combo designs have been sold.

So many items here are perfect for holiday gift-giving. I hope you keep Gallery 225 in mind for the special people on your list.

If you didn't make it in, here's a peek at the interior. I'm a bit biased but I think it looks lovely. Seeing a picture is just not the same as coming in and seeing the space and the artwork up close and personal. So when you have some time, come on in and visit and enjoy!

Meet Artist:: Rachel Rose

2009-11-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

One of the artists represented in the gallery is Rachel Rose, a California girl with a real flair for detail on a very small scale. Her use of precious and semi-precious gems are usually clustered or set off by gold-filled wirework. We currently have a smaller version of the botanical necklace shown above.

Rachel recently sent me a photo of Reba McIntyre sporting some of her jewelry on the cover of People magazine. How exciting!

As we get closer to opening, we also got some local press. Check it out here.

If you get a chance, drop by our pre-opening reception on Friday, November 6 from 4 to 8 pm.

I Need a Few More Hours in the Day!

2009-10-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Wow--it's been almost 24-7 for the last few days. My primary goal was to have everything priced in the gallery. That's rather important, don't you think?

Well, there are a few other details that I had to attend to. Details that somehow didn't show up in my critical path (jargon from my corporate days) . Critical path being the things that must occur before I open the doors. Those activities included a postcard campaign (hmm, where did my address list go?), an email blast (Constant Contact is too much fun--dropping in photos and links), sending photos to my webmaster so that my homepage doesn't scare you, and, of course, updating this blog.

I also decided to use one of the many half-used cans of paint to spruce up the patio slab behind the gallery. I won't tell you exactly what I did, but it does look somewhat cool. Maybe the word isn't "cool" but "different". I'll let you decide.

The evening is young. It's only 9 pm. I guess it's back to pricing although in the back of my mind I'm wondering about the missed opportunities if I don't start to tweet and have a Gallery 225 Facebook presence. Soon.

Blown, Fused and Stained Glass--Oo la la!

2009-10-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

When Gallery 225 opens, it will represent about 50 artists. While jewelry, glass and ceramics are the mainstay, other media provides plenty to please the eye.

That being said, let me give you a taste of what's in store for you when you vist the gallery.

Glass is really the visual candy within the gallery. Federici Designs is the husband and wife team of Rich and Karen Federici from New Jersey. They have been selected by two different administrations to have their designs represented in the Blue Room of the White House during the holidays. No wonder. Take a look at some of their work shown here newly arrived at our showroom. Now, wouldn't these look fabulous in your home?

Stained glass from Molly Phoenix in Tucson intrigues you by incorporating three-dimensional objects. Here is her large bird cage. It's my favorite.

Finally, Terry Horton will send you to another, better, place with his dreamy, sleek and milky "sticks" as he calls them. The justaposition of the milky panels with the dichroic on black squares will capture your attention.

Well, I hope this whets your appetite for awesome glass artwork.

See you soon.

One Door Closes, Another One Opens

2009-10-22T17:31:00.001-07:00

Some of you may have known us in our prior incarnation as Ink It! We existed for 9 years as a "go-to" paper arts store. For us, as owners, the ride was exhilarating. From the many emails and cards that we received when we announced our closing, I feel the ride was also meaningful for the many friends who walked into our doors.

We didn't do it alone--no one ever does.

We had a wonderful roster of teachers during the nine years in the paper arts. Stamping, journaling, altered art, paper making, bookbinding, embossed metal, PMC, soldering--the list of classes was extensive. I partook in them, and my life was truly enriched.

I will remain involved in the arts. Instead of giving artists a venue to teach their creative processes, I will offer of venue where finished artwork is sold.

In the next few days, I will post on Gallery 225. It's my new life. It's thrilling. I hope to welcome you as you walk through our doors.

Heritage District gets 3 new businesses | Gilbert Arizona News - Gilbert News - Gilbert, AZ news | eastvalleytribune.com

2009-09-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

From concept to reality takes time--and effort. Today, I'm about one month away from actually opening to the public. The real effort occurred in December '08 when John took a month's vacation to work on the exterior. (I'll post these photos later) When we turned to the interior, one project led to another. Today we're at this point.Heritage District gets 3 new businesses Gilbert Arizona News - Gilbert News - Gilbert, AZ news eastvalleytribune.com: "Heritage District gets 3 new businesses"

Too much natural beauty outside but I'm still making some progress

2008-03-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm learning to use my camera at the same time as PS Elements and of course doing this blog. By doing this blog, I mean trying to keep it interesting with photos and lists and other cool features.

So this morning I spent about an hour waiting for a hummingbird to appear in my backyard. I did manage to shoot some pix. If they are even reasonably good, I will post them.

Today I plan to finish my tax papers for the accountant. They're a bit more tricky since they will basically close the papers on the business.

If I'm successful doing that, I plan to go on an artist date with myself. That's something Julia Cameron suggests to keep the creative juices flowing. I'll either go to the MAC or to the Heard. I'm not likely to go to the Heard since there's a big festival there today and lately I'm very crowd-averse.

This week I will definitely drive out to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The wildflowers should be absolutely awesome. That's a real opportunity to shoot photos and hone my camera skills. It sounds like I'm trying to talk myself into this when there's really no need!

Remember---like the flowers, we all grow better in sunshine and LOVE.

Spring in Arizona--It's Hard to Get Anything Done

2008-02-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

The temperature outside is a perfect 82 degrees and I'm working indoors. Am I insane?

I've begun the monumental task of organizing photos. I'm also taking an online PhotoElements class. One feature of the software is call Organizer. You guessed it--yet another way to organize, label, enjoy and share photos.

Most of our family photos are stored on my husband's computer. Until lately, John and I shared the one in our home office. I recently brought home my Shuttle from the shop. I love this little computer.

So now I walk over and load about 200 photos unto the 2gb thumb drive, then come over and download to my main drive. Then I label the them. Yikes, will I ever get done?

Then I'm thinking of buying that little device that allows you to turn your slides into digital photos. Another few thousand to work on.

I know that sooner or later I must get back to working on the shop interior.

Architect's Rendering

2008-02-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well, this is what the new store front will look like if we can negotiate away a parking variance fee with the town.

The height is about 10 feet taller--outside only, of course. The interior dimesions remain the same.

So exciting!

OK, this is only a beta blog!

2008-02-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

If you've come across this blog, I must tell you that it's only a trial blog. When in fact I do open my new gallery (Gallery225), I want to make sure that I've got something planned.

So, since I closed Ink It! I've worked on the interior. It looks awesome. The walls for the classroom are down. The perimeter walls are all retextured and painted. The floor is soon-to-be hardwood.

I hired an architect and have a very cool exterior plan for my shop. I won't, however, pay one of the fees required by the Town of Gilbert. We'll see how that goes.

More later.