Kate Who???

Those of you who know my sense of fashion (or lack there of) will probably be surprised by my latest purchase.  I also don't have a lifestyle where I have much opportunity to use cute little evening bags.  But I do have a collection of art from local artists in a variety of media.

When I first saw Kent Stetson's bags, I fell in love with most all of them.  I had a hard time justifying buying even one because I was thinking of them as purely functional.  Kent mentioned that one of his customers bought one just to display, and that was all I needed to hear.  His bags are a form of 3 dimensional art worthy to sit amongst my paintings, pottery, rugs and art glass.  They are fun, tactile, and well made. They sparkle, shine or shimmer, and they are all his designs.  His background as an artist has found a new outlet in his bags.  I've been remiss about spotlighting artists from my collection; Kent's bags have got me back into that mode.  (And I will find reasons to use these bags as well as put them on display.)

So who needs a Kate Spade when you have a Kent Stetson.  Check out his Etsy shop if you want to be chic and hip (like me!).

Little Shop of Wonders - Anything Goes

Shopping in general is not my favorite past time; I guess I didn’t inherit that shopping gene.  I love to I find the perfect gift, but it is not always easy.  During the holidays, I vacillate between spending the tremendous amount of time finding that perfect gift and just buying gift cards.  I loathe the crowds and traffic. 

There is one special place where I don’t mind spending time or money.  Anything Goes is a little gem in Rhode Island.  They sell hand-made, hand-crafted giftware, fine art, photography and so many one of a kind items.  The variety of products and designs are quite amazing.  They always have a cheery “Hello”, let you browse at your leisure but will tell you what is new in the shop (for repeat shoppers as myself).

Now I might be a little biased, as they also sell my smaller paintings.  From the perspective of an artist, they are the best gallery managers, too.

I encourage my local followers to check them out.  Not just for my work, but for the beautiful work of all the artists.  You might just finish all your shopping in one stop.  

Anything Goes

1161 Main Ave (Across from Crowne Plaza)
Warwick, RI 02886
401-773-7776

Gallery Night and Champagne

Providence has a wonderful event the third Thursday of every month.  On Gallery Night, over 20 galleries and Providence buses open their doors to art lovers of all types.  This Thursday is a special night for an artist I recently spotlighted in my blog, Mary Jane Cross.  There will be a champagne reception for Mary Jane at Royal Gallery. 

Yes, I’ll say it again - Champagne.  If that doesn’t get you out, then perhaps the location on Atwells Ave. will help – the heart of fabulous Federal Hill food.  Or, the fact that a number of other galleries, each with their own personality and focus, are just a short walk away.  This area is a great spot to start (or end) your Gallery Night tour.

If you enjoyed Mary Jane's work or looking for a nice evening out, mark the date (Nov 18th, 2010) and time (5-9pm)

From My Collection: Mary Jane Q. Cross

In my last From My Collection post I mentioned most of my paintings were purchased after making a connection with both the artist and the art work.   My spotlight today is the best example of this connection.

Mary Jane Cross first caught my attention when she donated one of her “red apple” paintings to the RI PBS Art and Antique auction.  I was awestruck by how she could convey so much emotion, innocence and spirituality in the face of her beautiful young subject.  She also captured a split second moment in time that kept me wondering what was on her mind and what had just happened.  Later, I met the wonderful woman behind the painting and found a soul with the same emotion and spirituality.  

Noonday Lull

I followed her work online and in local art shows.  One day I received a postcard with an image of ”Noonday Lull”.  This painting captured delicate sunlight, in a way very few artist can, and a sense of peace and contentment.  I propped the card on my desk because that contentment could sometimes drop my blood pressure a notch or two.

Weeks went by and I unexpectedly found Mary Jane’s booth at an exhibit.  And there was “Noonday Lull” in person – so much more beautiful than the postcard.  Mary Jane had once said to me “If a painting haunts you, you need to own it.”  I had been haunted for a while, and it now hangs in my living room. 

There is a fabulous story that goes with my purchase, but I’ll tell you in person if you are interested.  Below is a link to Mary Jane's bio and her  story of how she pushed through her disability (lost ability to hold a brush)  to produce beautiful art.

Mary Jane’s work can be seen at Gallery on the Green in Woodstock VT.
www.galleryonthegreen.com/ 
Her website is below. 

http://www.maryjaneqcross.com/

The painting continues to instill a little bit of peace and contentment everyday.

My Collection - Alice Benvie Gebhart

I realized today that every room in my house has at least one piece of original art, even the bathrooms.  Most are not mine.  Most are local artists and most are paintings, but also stained glass, art glass and sculpture.  I decided to share my collection, one piece at a time, and also share the artists.  Today's artist is Alice Benvie Gebhart.

Cold Nights City Lights

I usually buy art because of the connection I've made with the artist, as well as the art.  Alice was an exception, in a number of ways.  I had not met Alice and never saw the piece in person.  I've seen her work in various galleries and liked everything I saw.  I decided to visit her website and found a piece I liked more than those I saw in person.  With an email and a phone call, and my trust in people and intuition,  I was well rewarded.  The piece was more beautiful in person, as was the artist.

Alice is a Fused /Kiln Fired Glass Artist
If you would like to see more of Alice's work, her website is:
http://www.abgebhart.com/Alice_Benvie_Gebhart_Fused_Glass_Artist.html