customer appreciation

Yes, of course we appreciate our customers (thank you)!
It's fun to connect with people and a joy to chat about the art and artists represented in our gift shop.
But the pleasure should be two-way so next time you're in the gift shop don't forget to fill in a "where did you find out about us" slip for a chance to win this gorgeous 6" by 6" acrylic painting by Val Simons. The prize will be drawn in the new year.

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Halloween

from printmaker, James Mah


from wood artist, Pat de Couto

Wordless Wednesday: Dark and Stormy Night

intarsia by artist Del Holbrook

... and sailed away, in and out of nights and over a year .....

Summer Sunshine - oh, the memories!

ceramics by Dan Severance and Myrta Hayes, glassware by Ingrid Davitt, print by Tracy Riddell

Gentle Reader, a caution.

Before immersing yourself in today's blog, please be reminded that, despite the chatty and conspiratorial tone of my post I am not in fact hammering away at the keys on my trusty keyboard at this very moment. It might come as somewhat a shock but, in the interests of life, efficiency and sanity, most of my posts are scheduled in advance. Raising your head from the computer screen and glancing out of the window, please do not wonder, 'what is the old bat on about?' if all you see is sunshine and sandals. This means that we are having a late and glorious summer (whoopee), not that I am off my trolley. Today ie. when I write this post, I am playing amateur weatherman and assuming that Port Moody is currently under darkened skies and the moss is growing very well.

Read on.

paper art by Valerie Gilbert, painting by Cathy Rycroft

With summer a distant memory, and sandals, capris and broad brimmed hats consigned to the far reaches of the closet, let the artists of the Blackberry Artist's Society bring a few rays of summer warmth into your day (full solarium experience available Wednesday to Sunday in the gift shop). 

work by various artists in the gift shop

ceramics  by Jacqueline Sheridan

Wordless Wednesday: bottoms up!

teapots by Dan Severance

See them right side up in the gift shop this week :)

The Blackberry Artists' "Adopt a Pet" Appeal

resistance is again futile - work by Tom Reid

It has come to our attention that once more there are animals in the gift shop desirous of a good home. Please consider taking this charming, and well trained, bear home with you after your next visit.


by artists Myrta Hayes, and Eileen Harder

Or maybe you have room for this awesome performing seal in your back yard? It is most at home with the accompanying artwork and it would be sad to break up a pair :)


by artist Del Holbrook, with work by Sarah Ronald behind
For those of you living in roomier digs, why not make space in your life for an orca? Although something larger (and saltier) than an inland lake is preferable just imagine what fun you can have going for a swim in the morning.

Please apply in person at the gift shop during opening hours (no HST applicable).

Wordless Wednesday: believe

sterling silver pendant by Sandra Ho

October's Featured Artist: James Mah

detail from 'momento mori'

This month's featured artist is printmaker, James Mah, who is a new member to the Blackberry Artist's Society this year. He brings with him a wealth of new 2D techniques to grace our shop walls (and please do check out 'Red Rain' on his artist page as my personal hint).



don't forget to look up

His work on display in the giftshop encompasses a number of print making techniques (all of which I know very little about but can appreciate as a lay observer) and compliments our wall art considerably.



The featured artist corner this month brings a sense of peace, clarity and calm which, if I have interpreted James' artist statement correctly, is exactly what he intends with the simplicity of presentation in his work. Consider this your prescription for unwinding after a hard week at work!


yes, the skew hanging at the top right is bugging me too