City Hall Featured Artist: Del Holbrook

My, oh my. The Blackberry Artists are taking over City Hall this month.
As well as a beautiful display next to the library (thank you to Margret Billings for organising this), we have woodworker, Del Holbrook, capturing the attention with his work in the display case on the way up to the council offices.

This display is sure to bring out the child in us all, or at least have us looking around for a niece, nephew, or grandchild to buy for. There are heirloom-in-waiting classic toy vehicles and personalised wooden bookends for nursery shelves.










It makes you wish Christmas was here - but why wait that long?

May's Featured Artist: Joan Marr

This month's featured artist is Joan Marr and her breathtaking display is well worth visiting the gift shop for.
Joan's creative work is all about paper. She hand makes the paper used in her art, often adding in other elements such as leaf material or seed heads, before moulding the material into her finished creation. This month's display is an astounding showcase of what can be achieved with a supply which frequently ends up in recycling.

Visitors to the gift shop will be familiar with her beautifully sculpted and decorated masks seen on our walls, and her lovely cards. This month they are joined by 3D "pictures" which should be appreciated up close to take in the textures.

Joan also has work in the display case next to the desk which emphasise the point that paper can be sculptural too. One of my faves is the impressive 'geode' formation which features glass marbles and chips at its base - not the usual materials associated with paper. The result? a wonderful work of mixed media.

Fresh From City Hall

library display case; works by Joe Martin, Sandra Ho, Dan Severance, Pat de Couto and Beryl Hickinbottom

The Blackberry Artist's Society has taken over the library display case at City Hall for the whole of May, with a stunning display of work by a number of our members. Library patrons will be treated to a glimpse of what some of their friendly neighbourhood artisans are up to creatively. It's also a great reminder of what a wonderful, local one-stop shopping resource the gift shop tucked away inside the Port Moody Arts Centre is (especially since Mother's Day is just round the corner, and Father's Day not long after).

bears by Tom Reid, Cathy Rycroft and Del Holbrook

From Bear Corner (top right display case) to Weaver's Delight (lower left) there is something to please everyone.

art cards by James Mah

It's also a veritable treasure trove of delightful one-of-a-kind gifts, including some beautiful personalised stamped jewelry, suitable for Mother's Day, complete with art card selection to tuck away into the packaging.
All work is for sale - phone the gift shop (604 931 2008) to arrange a pick up time.

PS: don't forget to pay a visit to the other display case up the stairs opposite the City Hall reception desk where you will find Del Holbrook's work on show :)

display featuring the work of Vicki Allesia, Luci Gimenes, Val Simons, Tracy Riddell, Sarah Ronald and Valerie Gilbert

Wordless Wednesday: Ask The Artist

ceramic plate by Dan Severance

As it says ...

Blackberry Gift Shop - Your One-Stop Shopping Destination

Don't forget! Mother's Day is coming up and your mother really does deserve a special, one-of-a-kind something special.

paper flowers by Yolanda Cheung

This is where the gift shop fits in (you knew there was a point to this post, didn't you?).

sailboat iris folded card by Valerie Gilbert

Not only can we offer some truly exceptional 'thank you for everything you've ever done for me, Mum' gifts but we can fill that greetings card shaped hole on your shopping list at the same time.
Many of our artists also produce art cards of their work; it's a lovely way to 'get to know an artist' and also a wonderful way to finish off a gift.
Please do check out the card selection in the far left corner of the shop (above the prints sling) and do ask if extra stock is in the vault.

Wordless Wednesday: A Few Hints for Mother's Day

sterling silver chainmaille earrings from Lucilena Gimenes


sterling silver and gemstone pendants by Sandra Ho

Jolly Cycling Weather

photographic tile by Sarah Ronald, ceramics by Myrta Hayes

Spring is only just round the corner (well it's officially here but I'm thinking of the more clement weather type of spring we know and love) and frankly, my dear, it's time to start shedding those comfortable layers in preparation for summer.
Cycling is a great way of getting fitter, sprucing up the metabolism after a sluggish winter, and practising greener transport alternatives.
It's also a wonderful way to notice the little things in life, like how dry a road can be when the rain has stopped (finally) and ooh! little green shoots.
Have fun!


yes, it's another scheduled post. i'm being very optimistic about rainfall.