Update: March Music

We've just confirmed that musician/singer/songwriter Peter Spencer will join us for this month's First Friday Artwalk!

Peter will perform a casual set, beginning around 6 pm this coming Friday, March 1st.  For more information on Peter, check out several of our earlier posts.

Please join us, have a sip of wine, and enjoy the mingling of art and music.

(For event invitations sent directly to your inbox, e-mail us at sr@theislandgallery.net and we'll sign you up.)

March 2013 First Friday Artwalk: You're Invited!

Bonnets, Baskets and Beads

~  Hints of Spring  ~

March 1 - 31, 2013

Opening Reception First Friday, March 1st, 6-8 pm

Musical Performance To Be Announced

Images above, clockwise from left:

Duchess, Carol Campbell; Felted Wool Basket with Speckled Feathers, Doriane Nieburgs;

Ceramic Beads, Various Artists

As hints of spring appear, our thoughts turn toward lighter skies and remembered blossoms.

The Island Gallery presents a selection of luscious spring bonnets from Seattle artist Carol Campbell, fit for any Downton Abbey-style garden party; lightweight, whimsical felted wool baskets embellished with baubles and feathers by Doriane Nieburgs of Seattle; and necklaces featuring remarkable beads, including old trade beads and contemporary ceramic beads.

Highlights: New works from jewelry artists Virginia Paquette and Christine L. Sundt.

These and other wonderful pieces will soon be available in our web shop.

To receive an invitation directly in your inbox, and notifications of other events, send your

e-mail address to us at sr@theislandgallery.net and we'll sign you up right away!

Rockin' the House!

This past First Friday, February 1st, during the Artwalk, the Gallery and patrons enjoyed a rollicking evening of music and song, thanks to the talents of Bainbridge Island guitarist and singer/songwriter Peter Spencer, Seattle Symphony bassist Jonathan Greene, and singer Caleb Spencer.  Beginning with a tender instrumental run of Lennon-McCartney songs, including the beautiful yet seldom-performed "Yes It Is" and the more familiar "Across the Universe" and "Hey Jude", they turned up the heat to lay down take-no-prisoners versions of well-known blues and rock songs, including "Mercury Blues", as well as several of Peter's own compositions. 

The crowd stayed, rocked, enjoyed, bought Peter's CDs, and left with a unanimous request:  "Bring 'em back!  Soon!!"

We hope to do just that. 

Thanks to all who attended, family and friends, and to our wonderful performers, Peter, Jon and Caleb, for giving us a memorable evening while taking the roof off The Winslow!

How to keep posted:  If you're on our subscription list we'll automatically send you advance warning of the Gallery's next musical event.  If not, you can sign up and receive notices of all events, including sales and shows, by simply sending an e-mail to sr@theislandgallery.net.  And, of course, be sure to check back here often.

P.S.:  A dwindling supply of Peter's CDs is still available at the Gallery for $15.00 each.  Please contact the gallery at ssn@theislandgallery.net or 206.780.9500 to order or for further information. 

Treats for the Sweet



Pretty in Pink



Our amazing local textile and beading artist, Janet Essa Elia, came by on this chilly winter day with a new selection of her very popular floral brooches which can double as hairpins, ornaments for a purse or belt, or even a sassy addition to the toe or heel of a perfect black shoe.  Like little harbingers of spring, they warmed us with their good cheer.  We are inspired to spread around the joy: 

Janet is a native of Iraq where for 15 years she owned and operated a well-known atelier in Baghdad, specializing in custom-made, beaded clothing and accessories. She left there in 2009 and has lived in the U.S. - here on Bainbridge Island - since then. All her designs are original, and employ traditional Middle Eastern methods. The decorative work is applied by hand, using needle and thread.



Red and Purple Gauze



During the rule of Saddam Hussein, when Janet established her business, it was highly unusual for women to own independent businesses in Iraq. In fact, it still is. Besides dressmaking generally, her atelier was considered to be the finest source of custom wedding dresses and bridal accessories in Baghdad, and attracted a prominent clientele. In Iraq, weddings are extremely important social occasions and tend to be very large. Wedding trousseaux, whether traditional or modern, are typically highly decorated.

Turquoise Layers

The jewelry and accessories Janet produces are entirely hand-made by her, and are inspired by the traditions of decorated clothing with which she grew up and by contemporary international design. Her work is sold in a number of Pacific Northwest galleries and she collaborates with custom couturier designers on wedding apparel, bridal accessories, and custom gowns. Additionally, she has been featured in numerous exhibitions in the Seattle area including the Seattle Bridal Show, the Red Dress Competition, the Seattle Metropolitan Fashion Week competition, and an American Cancer Society benefit at the Museum of Flight.  Janet also offers her line of purses and framed art pieces. 

Mindful that Valentine's Day is right around the corner, our Gallery Picks for February will feature gift suggestions (including several of Janet's new brooches) for that certain someone, or even a little something for yourself...

Pure Valentine Red!

For further information or to purchase one of Janet's pieces, click on the links beneath the photos or visit the Gallery's web shop at:
www.theislandgallery.net/shop/

To receive early warnings of sales, exhibitions and musical events, send us an e-mail:
sr@theislandgallery.net