Valentine's Day: Very Special Treats

If you happen into the Gallery this month you will see, besides the usual extraordinary art, some brand-new treats on hand just in time for Valentine's Day gifting.   Here's a quick peek, and note that all of these items are also currently available in the Gallery's extensive (and very fun!) online shop.  Simply click on the images to visit from your favorite electronic device.

For that Special Someone who happens to be a ceramics enthusiast, or anyone

who enjoys a perfect bowl of noodles (although by no means do we recommend

restraining ourselves by serving ONLY noodles in these gorgeous coppery-red

glazed wood-fired bowls), imagine these gracing your table:

Dave Berfield, Red-glazed Noodle Bowls.  Wood fired

A vision of creamy French Vanilla ice cream topped with

luscious strawberries quickly springs to mind.  On the other extreme, a

toasty-warm breakfast of oatmeal beckons (blueberries always taste

wonderful in red bowls, don't you think?) or phabulous pho.

We at the Gallery are in that above-mentioned group of dedicated ceramic

enthusiasts, particularly when it comes to wood firing, and beyond a doubt

the crusty, rustic anagama look is something that is a wonder to behold.

But these cheery, deep, functional bowls are simply perfect.  So much so

that we use ours literally every day.  Adding to their attraction is the fact that

the artist lives, works and fires these beauties right here on Bainbridge Island,

so really, what could be better?

Oh, did we mention:  they are offered at a special price this month,

as well as this elegant piece below, which has a matching glaze

but is wider and shallow, to function perfectly as a serving dish:

Dave Berfield, Red-glazed Serving Bowl.  Wood fired

There is more of Dave's attractive, accessible work, including vases

and seed pots, to be found in the Gallery or here, on his Artist Pages.

Here's something sweet and soft for a loved one to tuck into a pocket,

display on a desk, sit on the mantel, or generally to snuggle:

Jacki Moseley, Felted Wool Hearts.  Merino Wool

Perhaps better known for her large hanging felted sculptures (which can be

viewed here on her Artist Pages), Jacki's offerings of these Pretty Somethings

are a bit more personal and, as you can see, quite delightful!

These tactile pleasures are also made on Bainbridge, as is this

line of sumptuous, cushy pillows from Island artist and

designer Tom Johnson:

Tom Johnson, Love Grows Here pillow.

On an island where gardening is king and art

flourishes right alongside the roses and raspberries,

the sentiment of this particular pillow fits right into our

prevailing mood, and the current chilly season.  There are a number

of other pillows currently available waiting for new homes, which

can be viewed in the Gallery or on Tom's Artist's Pages (click here).

Tom also enjoys custom orders, so if you have something in mind

to fit in with your decor, please contact us.

 Finally, we've just received a shipment of limited edition

tee shirts from remarkable shibori artist, Mary Jaeger.

These are unmistakably a fit for your Valentine (or for you...):

Mary Jaeger, Love Shibori Tee

Long-sleeved to combat our lingering winter cold and soft as can

always be expected from 100% cotton, these are available in

varying sizes and, as is true with Mary's line of tees, unlikely

to last long in the Gallery.  They're just that good.  Come in or call for

additional information, or to quickly see these and more of Mary's

sophisticated textile pieces, click on the link to head over to her Artist Pages.

Also, and always available in the Gallery but never more in
demand than right about now, are Karen Chaussabel's
Art Cards:

Left, Food Is Love Card
Right, Card in Pink and Grey

Karen original works are encaustic on paper, with the addition
of found objects such as string or thread.  The cards can be found online
as well in the Art Card section of the shop; descriptions of Karen's
process and a look at her original works can be found in various posts elsewhere
on this blog and on her Artist's Pages by clicking here.

WINTER HOURS

Tuesdays - Saturdays 11:00 – 6:00 pm

Sundays Noon – 5:00 pm

Closed Mondays

But why wait...

Click here to visit us 24/7 in our extensive online shop

and don't forget:  sign up below for

 

Art In Your Inbox

Click to Subscribe to The Island Gallery

for Show Announcements & Newsletter

Sales, Concerts & Events

.

 Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

You're Invited: First Friday Artwalk, December 2, 2016

Well, do we have a rare holiday treat for you!  Two art shows - yes, TWO! - for the jolly season that is finally here.  And to sweeten the treat, not only is it time for our 11th Annual Wearable Art Show, featuring clothing and wearables from local, national and internationally-recognized artists, but we welcome a bevy of Beasts, care of the ever-creative force that is ceramic and bronze sculptor Eva Funderburgh.

Read on!  You'll see why we're so excited about these shows.  Then come to downtown Winslow on First Friday for the Artwalk, the lovely new Wearables (outerware, jewelry, hats, cozy tunics, to name but a few), a sip of wine and a nibble or two, and meet the Whimsical, Wonderful, Glorious Beasts:

December 2 – 31, 2016

Beneath Still Waters

New Work from

Eva Funderburgh

Bronze and wood fired ceramic sculptures, featuring the beloved

whimsical forest and aquatic creatures for which this

remarkable artist is best known.

In the front gallery:

11th Annual Wearable Art Show

Textile and jewelry creations from our talented designers.

Introducing:

Agnieszka Kulon from Kreatia, Chicago.

Reception with the Artists:

First Friday, December 2nd, 6-8 pm

In concert:

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers

IMAGES SHOWN:

Above Left:  The Peril of Beauty. Cast bronze with patina. 5" x 11" x 10".  Eva Funderburgh

Above Right:  Snowflake Necklace.  Christine L. Sundt

About the Artists:

Eva Funderburgh (Seattle, Washington)

A sculptor whose work ranges from clay to bronze to installation work, the movement and emotional content of Eva’s work stands out, regardless of the medium.

Technically a Seattle native, Eva grew up in Kansas and Pennsylvania.  She then attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor’s in Science and Art, with focuses on chemistry and sculpture. Not long after graduation she made her way back to her birthplace of Seattle with her partner, Ben.

In Seattle, Eva has worked with other wood fire potters and sculptors, becoming part of the regular crew on two local anagama kilns, Santatsugama and Ochawangama. In 2006 she teamed up with five other artists to create Florentia Clayworks, a small cooperative clay studio. She has also been involved with the Pratt Fine Art Center, first as a student, and then starting in 2014 as a teacher in their Foundry program, where she regularly teaches Introductory Bronze casting.  Because of Eva’s background in chemistry, she is especially fascinated with patinas for bronze.

In 2010, Eva spent five weeks as an artist in residence at the Guldagergaard Center for Ceramics in Skaelskor, Denmark. This inspired her to increase the complexity of her work, leading to both larger sizes and more nuanced emotional content in her sculptural pieces. This residency also proved to be the start of a renewed interest in installation work:  she now has pieces in a permanent installation in a Seattle school, as well as temporary installations in various galleries and a museum. Her work also graces private and public collections on four continents and in twelve countries.

Nowadays, Eva conducts workshops in sculpting in clay, bronze, and installation, besides continuing her own work in all three areas as well.

Now, say hello to a few of these wood fired Beasts:

Wood Fired Beasts, Six or So.  Eva Funderburgh

 Charming?  Yes indeed!

Christine L. Sundt (Eugene, Oregon)

A jewelry artist and metal worker from Eugene, Oregon, Christine’s lovely,  modern creations have graced the Gallery’s shelves (and customers!) for many years.  We are delighted to include her green holiday Snowflake necklace in this season’s artwork for our 11^th Annual Wearable Art Show.

Snowflake Necklace (detail).  Christine L. Sundt

Christine’s words speak to the essence of her craft:

"Pieces of metal, faceted or natural stones, colors, textures around me are the forces that help me shape and make my one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. I draw inspiration from art and nature, but seldom start with a firm idea of what the outcome will be. My drawings are merely records of thoughts rather than plans or patterns. Works come together on my workbench as elements find each other through proximity, association, and chance."

Introducing:

Agnieszka Kulon (Chicago)

Originally from Warsaw, Poland, Agnieszka Kulon is a fashion designer and photographer who currently lives in Chicago, USA.  As a designer with her own unique, individual approach to fashion, Agnieszka specializes in creating one-of-a-kind garments, paying particular attention to details.  She has had the opportunity to show her line in many venues in Chicago such as the MCA, Merchandise Mart, Polish Museum of America, Rosemont Theater, Chicago Cultural Center, and Zhou B Art Center, as well as across the United States.  We welcome her to The Island Gallery!

Black with Color-Stitching Wool Tunic.  Agnieszka Kulon for Kreatia

Warm and snuggly; Fabulous!

About the Musicians:

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers (Bainbridge Island, Washington)

THE GENRE:  The band plays "Gypsy jazz" or “hot jazz”, created by and named in honor of Django Reinhardt, Europe's acclaimed composer and guitarist. In the 1930s, Django and violinist Stephane Grappelli blended their own musical legacies with the new American art form of jazz.  Soon their recordings brought international fame to the genre. Gypsy jazz is characterized by upbeat, high energy swing on acoustic instruments, especially guitar, violin, bass, clarinet, and accordion. The band’s repertoire appeals to everyone who enjoys swing standards, traditional Gypsy jazz songs, and world music originals.

THE BAND:  Violin:  At the heart of the band’s sound is the sweet violin playing of RANGER SCIACCA, who began playing violin at the age of six. He divided his studies between old-time fiddle and classical violin until a chance encounter with a CD of violin jazz ignited Ranger’s interest in the music of Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Ranger’s playing draws from all the genres he has studied and, according to one reviewer, “features frantic staccato runs and an overall sense of tone that reveals many shades and moods.”

Mandolin:  DAVE STEWART performs on the 5 string electric mandolin, tenor guitar, and traditional mandolin. He's also a tremendous vocalist, lending his silky-smooth voice to swing standards!

Bass:  MICK NICHOLSON played for 11 years with the US Navy Band in Washington, D.C. He has toured extensively throughout the world, and has performed for three sitting presidents and countless heads of state.

Percussion:  JEFFREY MOOSE.   Born in Mexico and raised in West Africa, Jeffrey is loved by fans for his creative, high-energy percussion and playful vocal performances. He is the director of the Jeffrey Moose Gallery in Seattle, Washington.

Rhythm Guitar:  MIKE SCIACCA  is Ranger's father, and has been backing up Ranger on guitar for over 15 years. Ranger and Mike are descended from Sicilian immigrants, who played jazz in New York at the start of the 20th century.

About The Island Gallery

Established in 2002, The Island Gallery features internationally recognized artists 

whose work takes traditional art forms in exciting new directions:

 studio furniture and sculpture; museum quality textile art and wearables;

 wood fired ceramics from the finest potters in America; paintings and prints;

and unique jewelry creations. Our monthly exhibitions include live musical concerts,

featuring such genres as jazz, rock, folk, chamber music and performance art.

This, along with its reputation for excellence, makes The Island Gallery

a destination spot on beautiful Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle,

and steps from the new Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Contact Us/Visit:

Web site:  www.theislandgallery.net

Shop: www.theislandgallery.net/shop

Blog:  www.theislandgallery-artblog.blogspot.com

Event Location: 

The Island Gallery, 400 Winslow Way E, #120, Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Underground parking is available at The Winslow off Ericksen Avenue.

Frog Tailed Beast.  Wood Fired Ceramic.  Eva Funderburgh

 We can't wait to see you!

Gallery Online Shop News - October 2015

We are fast approaching the holiday shopping season, and have some great news to share with our wonderful online customers!

First, our latest shipment of Amy Brill sweaters, ponchos and tops is in, lovely wearable styles in luscious colors.  Visit them right here.  (We also have some pieces from her Web Werk line, which will be posted shortly, or visit the Gallery).  Availability is limited, and there won't be any more coming in before the end of the year.  So be forewarned and act accordingly, especially as these make FANTASTIC gifts.

Skramble Vest, Green.  Amy Brill

Second, we are delighted to announce FREE SHIPPING on a number of different items in time for the holidays.  We'll put up alerts as we add to these, but so far they include:

*** ALL Begona Rentero jewelry (if gift-giving please inquire as to shipping dates):

Earrings Bergamo, Red.  Begona Rentero

*** Carter Smith's small scarves:

Small Shibori Silk Scarf.  Carter Smith

*** All scarves priced at $100.00 and below.  For example:

Two-Sided Scarf.  Spirithouse

Third, here's a way to afford those extra-special gifts:  We offer a LAYAWAY service, year-round.  Simply contact us by e-mail or phone to make arrangements.  Our terms are flexible and we look forward to working with you to bring you the fine art pieces you desire.

And last but definitely not least, we are delighted to announce that you no longer need to have a PayPal account to shop at The Island Gallery's online shop.  We are now accepting your personal MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover cards.

That's all for now but check back soon; we'll post more news as the run-up to the holidays continues!

New Arrivals: Holidays, 2014

We don't normally do this sort of gift blog post on the spur of the moment, but our artists have sent us some outstanding new pieces.  We feel compelled to spread the joy!   All items shown are available in the Gallery right now, ready for your Holiday gift-giving (and we're working hard, like those busy little elves, to post them in the online shop soon - if not sooner!).

Please come in for a look, or contact the Gallery for information if you don't see it in the online shop.

Men's Wear Gifts

Men's Wave Tee.  Mary Jaeger

Our own International Man of Mystery
materialized in the Gallery just in time for us to
recruit him to model our new shipment of
Mary Jaeger's men's Wave and Waffle Weave tees.
They are all shown in the online shop at
Mary's page, where this mysterious fellow
may finally reveal his true identity!

(His disguise can be found below and under Wood-Fired Ceramics.
By the way, it also looks very good mounted on the wall.)

Art Glass

Simply glorious hand-blown glass Sunflower Tumblers from our
newest glass artists, Ken and Ingrid Hanson.

Besides being excellent drinking glasses, these make lovely votives!
We have one twinkling on the counter at the Gallery
at this very moment.

See individually in the online shop (coming soon).

Women's Clothing and Jewelry

An excellent design from the ever-awesome Carol Lee Shanks.
This is her new Triangle Tunic in crushed habutai silk.
Immediately available in the Gallery in Cranberry and Black
(shown), as well as Steel.

Also shown is a gorgeous necklace from Bainbridge Island's
own Woodleigh Hubbard:

Tibetan Cinnabar Necklace.  Woodleigh Hubbard

Ceramics

Coyotes.  Barb Campbell

Returning to the Gallery after a hiatus of several years,
Barb brought us these wonderful Coyote masks, boasting whiskers of
barrel cactus spine from Mojave, California.

Bowls.  Joe O'Brien

Our newest ceramic artist, Joe O'Brien of Bainbridge Island
makes wonderful bowls and cups, fired in a wood kiln
here on the island.

Baston #1, #2, #3.  Javier Cervantes

Javier Cervantes also makes his return to the Gallery
with these interesting ceramic wall pieces, called Bastons.
They represent traditional seed planters from the Oaxaca
area of Mexico.


Wood Sculpture

Alan Vogel's wonderful small wooden shelves in maple, redwood and walnut, not only sculptural but also functional works of art that can support candles, vases, or dangled objects.
(A coat or hat?  A lantern?  You decide.)

Take careful note of the long icicle formation dripping
splendidly down the face of the live-edge piece on the left, above.
This is hand-blown glass from Bainbridge Island's own
Messolini Glass Studio.

Just beautiful, and a whimsical touch to a gorgeous
piece of wall art.  


Woodblock Prints

Reverberated Spaces.  Tadeusz Warszynski

From Edmonton, Alberta, we welcome

Tadeusz Warszynski, woodblock print artist and teacher.
We are currently displaying three of his pieces in the Gallery.

He says of his work:
  
Change, passage of time, birth and death are the themes

that are always present in my work.

As an artist, I am interested in recreating sensations that are unspoken

and universal at the same time. Very often there is a paradox or

contradiction that brings feelings of uncertainty or suspension.

This is important to me because it helps to create an ongoing

dialogue with the viewer (no conclusion) and becomes a

great metaphor for life where nothing is as it seems.

Lamps

Geometrics.  Steve Humphrey, L. Wendy Dunder

An amazing lamp crafted from bronze, patinated steel and copper

by Bainbridge Island metal artist Steve Humphrey
with a paper and wood illuminated sculpture shade

by L. Wendy Dunder.

Several other new lamps from these artists

have also just arrived at the Gallery.

Come visit this post again soon; we'll add links and information as they become available in the online shop.

Happy Holidays!