New in the Gallery-September 2010

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.

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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.

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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.

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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) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

Unique, Hand-crafted and Affordable!

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.