Creativity

 The Spruse Copse, Pastel by Adrianna Meiss

It turns out Gallery 54 owners aren’t the only creative folks in the shop. We have gathered work from some of CNY’s finest artists here as consignees:  From painted feathers and gourd masks to blown glass flowers; from ceramic cats to wearables that are unique, artistic and comfy all at the same time.

Cutting Board by Michael Parkhurst

Where does all this creativity come from? That question has been debated for years and years. Are artists born with the talents to create? Or do they learn from others who have sculpted, stitched, welded, assembled and created before them? There is a sense that it’s not all one or the other. There is an inherent core desire to work with our hands as we make a work of art. Even small children look at their scribbles as masterpieces.  Our artists have that inner spirit that brings them to explore a medium that they love. They/We study and experiment all the while we are making our art that comes to the gallery. That leads back to the original musing of which comes first……….heart and hand.   See the two previous postings for information on upcoming artist demonstrations and events at the Gallery.  We hope to see you there!

Garden Art in Glass and Clay

Gallery 54 celebrates First Friday in Skaneateles: "Garden Art in Glass and Clay" opening Friday, May 4th from 6 pm-9pm. The May show features stained glass garden art by Liz and Rich Micho and carved stoneware lanterns by Lauren Ritchie. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.  Spring hours Sun-Fri 11-5 and Sat 10-5.

 

Upcoming Artist Demonstrations

Gallery 54 presents Gourd Loon Mask Making Demonstration by Andree Dennis Newton on Saturday April 14 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Carrying on the traditions of her culture, Abenaki Indian and Old Forge resident, Andree Dennis Newton, will design a dynamic mask. Using the popular Adirondack bird as subject,she will use a hard-shell gourd as the base, adding detail with burning pen, dremel, and acrylic paint. Feathers and beads will be added to finish.  She will also "show and tell" each phase of gourd mask making.

Amy E. Bartell will be demonstrating mixed media and collage techniques on Sunday, April 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gallery 54.  Bartell will demonstrate layering combinations of handmade papers, drawing, using gouache and line work to develop the rich surfaces and imagery in her mixed media collages.

Gallery 54 presents Weaving on a Triangle Frame Loom by Lynda DeLallo on Saturday April 28th from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lynda DeLallo will demonstrate weaving a capelet on a triangle frame loom using hand dyed silk and yarns.

For the Birds

 

You know it’s spring when birds show up at Gallery 54. The birds we see little of from October to April suddenly appear bringing their beauty and joy into our lives. We have new herons here at Gallery 54. James Seaman again has created fabulous sculptures; spectacular and graceful to adorn any room or garden. You have to see these beauties in person.

Bird houses by Kevin Ridgeway and smaller bird sculptures by Candace Rhea give us anticipation of the season as it bursts forth - and burst it has. We have new flowers in our planters, fresh paint on the walls, the windows and doors stay open to bring the breezes from the lake into the gallery.

We’re gearing up for our annual Artists’ Self Portrait show which opens on First Friday, April 6^th from 6-9. The show will be up for the entire month of April.   Come out and help us celebrate local art.

Spring at 54!!

Spring has arrived earlier than ever here in Central New York!  Flowers are starting to bloom and color is popping up everywhere. There are many new things to see at Gallery 54 and we hope you will take the time to enjoy a stroll through Skaneateles and check out what's new. 

Coming soon the the gallery......a sterling silver spider brooch by Dana Blythe Stenson.



 Below is a fiber vessel by Lauren Bristol, one of our consignment artists.

This beautiful quilt by Sharon Bottle Souva will bring color and cheer to any room it is presented in.  Enjoy!

Musings of an Artist

It came to my mind the other day as I drove to Skaneateles for a day at Gallery 54, that we artists/owners of this gallery are among the fortunate. We spend time surrounded by beautiful jewelry, visually stimulating textiles and fiber art, fantastic pottery and paintings, each unique and spectacular in their own way. We sit with toys, birdhouses, colorful to die for glass garden art and a huge assortment of art and fine craft. It occurred to me that these are the things that enhance our loves and our homes, give joy to the spirit and add a measure of delight to our friends as we give a gift.  Above all art brings beauty to our world; without such beauty our days would be bleak and dreary. There is always the need for brightness, joy, beauty, pleasure and delight.

Yes…… we owners of Gallery 54 are indeed fortunate for the opportunity to visit with this art on a regular basis. And yes……….. on occasion, purchase something to take home for a continuation of the love affair.

This weekend is the Skaneateles Winterfest featuring ice sculpture, chilli and cider, and many activities in town.  Sharon Bottle Souva will be demonstrating her fiber collage techniques on Saturday from 12-3.  We hope to see you there!

Christmas Eve 2011

So here it is Saturday December 24^th.

Anticipation is high

Expecting shoppers and visitors to Gallery 54.

We are still amazed at how many new faces we see stopping in;

This being their first visit to Skaneateles.

The beauty of the day has a dusting of snow that we all

(well maybe not everyone) have been waiting for.

It is Christmas Eve after all.

We were visited today by the queen and the duchess.

These regal women stopped by to purchase a few last minute items to put under the tree.

Later on in the day Charles Dickens himself was here.

Funny how they fit in with the modern day shoppers.

Across the street the Temperance Ladies were gathered

Signs telling all who passed by of the evils of drinking.

What fun to be a part of Skaneateles on Christmas Eve.