Wordless Wednesday: Art in the Garden Tour

Art in the Garden Tour - July 15th

Critter Adoption Post: Hop on in!

intarsia wall frog by Del Holbrook

Now that summer's finally here to stay (unless of course I've jinxed it with this scheduled post), why not stroll down to the Arts Centre on St. John's Street and pay a visit to the gift shop?

This ribbetting little chap is eagerly awaiting a new home.
You've never met an intarsia wall frog before?
You need to visit ... soon.

City Hall artist of the month: Jacqueline Sheridan

This month, ceramic artist Jacqueline Sheridan has a beautifully eye-catching display at City Hall. She's included some new work, featuring red trees on a black and gold background, and some exquisite pierced vases in black, gold and red. 

Just follow your nose upstairs to the council chambers and voila! there's the display case. Jacqueline's work will be on display until the end of the month, with more available in the gift shop.

As usual, all work is for sale through the gift shop (604 931 2008) to make arrangements).

Happy Father's Day

iphone cover by Sarah Ronald

stitched card by Yolanda Cheung

 Happy Father's Day!
We're open Sunday, 12 noon till 4pm (in case of emergency).


.. not that you would have forgotten ....

Wordless Wednesday: Shiny Happy People

wooden magnets by Del Holbrook

Just the right size and price for a small person's contribution to Father's Day :)

Plain Sailing

There's nothing better than a themed post falling right into the lap of the writer, and this happened when I put my call out for Father's Day items in the gift shop. Two of the artists who answered, Valerie Simons and Vicki Allesia, left these beautiful miniatures (approximately 8 inches square canvas panels) in the vault for me photograph.

So, for all those sailing dads out there - why not keep them afloat even when scuppered on dry land? Beautiful views up Indian Arm on board that graceful sailing vessel. Give dad something to remind him of summers afloat, serenity and pitting his wits against nature ... an escape from the family or dreams of leading his own scurvy pirate crew.

June's Featured Artist: Sandra Ho

This months' featured artist is fellow jewelry designer Sandra Ho, whose graceful designs to adorn the necks, wrists and earlobes are a firm favourite in our shop.

Sandra kindly agreed to answer our questions this month.

How long have you been an artist?  I am a Graphic Designer who turned Jewelry designer in the past 10 years.

Where did you train? Kwantlen for Graphic Design, self taught for Jewelry.

Do you work in a studio or at home? Home studio

Do you work as an artist full-time, part-time, or do you squeeze in the creating as a hobby? Squeeze in the creating as a hobby to part time, depending on the season

Describe how a piece progresses, from first inspiration to finished object in the gift shop. Most of the time I will work on pieces around the shapes and colours of the materials I'm using.  Sometimes I have a particular design in mind and will scout for suitable colours, shapes and textures to complete a necklace and it may take several months to complete. 

What's your favourite piece to make? Earrings

Who inspires you, and why? My mother, because she is a remarkable woman

Wordless Wednesday: Band of Brothers

by Cathy Rycroft

for Father's Day :)

Significant Annual Events: Father's Day

art card by Valerie Simons

Yes - there's another annual event we can help you with; Father's Day is coming up really soon (June 17th to be exact). We have all sorts of unique art gifts for you to give to the special man in your life, from woodcarving to ceramic mugs for his morning cuppa to beautiful cards to celebrate the day.

And we're sure he'll appreciate your "shop local" endeavour just as much as mom did last month :)

intarsia panel by Del Holbrook