News from the Purple Pomegranate

New Boxes from Don Drumm

2009-06-17T14:13:00.001-07:00

These are the new boxes from Don Drumm that we just received. We don't have all the designs but we do have a variety of nature and leaves as well as Celtic designs. They are really cool and you'll need to see them in person. I think you'll love them!

John Rose's Copper Art

2009-06-09T13:17:00.002-07:00

We used to carry John Rose's work when we were located up on Big Mountain. Now we have his work in stock again. He will also be our featured artist for Gallery Nights in September. We are now carrying his wall art like the bear pictured above and an assortment of his ornaments. Come check out the beautiful colors in the copper.

Mimi Werner - Featured Artist for June

2009-06-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

Finley Point ceramic artist Mimi Werner is our featured artist for the month of June. Mimi’s new work takes on two divergent paths. In the 30 years Mimi has worked as a ceramic artist, she has primarily focused on high fired, functional porcelain wares. Due partly to economic times and the ecological crisis facing the planet Mimi is experimenting with electric fired porcelain using discarded auto parts to stamp relief into functional plates and baking dishes.

The covered vessels in this show are a theme that Mimi keeps returning to in her work. These pieces are fired in a kiln using wood as fuel. The mark of the flame is left directly on the clay. By using copper wire, masking tape and other combustibles, unpredictable, smoky patterns are burned onto the clay. These pieces reflect Mimi's continued fascination with the chemistry of flame and clay as well as the ritualized act of incorporating these pieces into our daily lives.

Meet Mimi during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, June 4, 2009 from 6-9 PM. Mimi’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of June.

Eye and I Glass Jewelry

2009-06-03T12:49:00.003-07:00

Eric Nelson of Eye and I Glass began blowing glass in 1998. He tries to reduce, reuse and recycle in his daily life and surroundings and this is what led him to create his line of glass jewelry.The idea evolved out of "recycling" shards of finished glass pieces that had broken for one reason or another. Eric selected the most interesting broken sections to bring back into the flame and polish off the edges for use as a necklace pendant. Because the glass piece was a small section of a larger work, the design and patterns would be unintentional, yet appealing for the uniqueness. He found that these sold well and began to think about creating a consistent source for these glass shards rather than waiting for a piece to break. Eric decided to work with frit glass for its ability to create endless patterns through the melting salt size pieces all the way down to a fine powder. Mixing different types and shades of frit gives my pieces varying degrees of color saturation and depth.

These beautiful pieces of glass jewelry have just arrived in the store. We have the multi piece neck wires, two sizes of french wire earrings and barrettes. They are so many different colors and patterns, you'll have to check them all out before you decide on the perfect pair of earrings!

Awareness Pocket Angels

2009-05-11T09:56:00.002-07:00

We've had the pocket angels for years, but now there are Awareness Pocket Angels. They are double sided and are perfect to give someone hope in the face of illness. And we still have the regular pocket angels if that is what you prefer.

New Work from Latta's Glass

2009-05-06T10:01:00.002-07:00

For all of you who have loved their glass wall pockets, Latta's glass has something new. We just received magnets and two sizes of bowls. The magnets come in 5 designs, including flowers, wildflowers, ladybugs, hearts and art deco squares. The bowls can be used for tea lights or votive candles or you can put rings or your other small treasures in them. Come check out our selection today!

Sue Beardsley - Featured Artist for May

2009-04-21T10:26:00.002-07:00

Our featured artist for May is Sue Beardsley. Her media is watercolor which she has recently added montage and collage to traditional watercolor. Meet Sue during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 6-9 PM. Sue’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of May.

Handcrafted Pewter Necklaces

2009-04-13T13:38:00.002-07:00

This is a photo of just one of the new pewter necklaces that we received today. We also received two other types of crosses and "word" necklaces. The pewter word necklaces are on a leather cord and include words such as love, faith, heal, laugh, bless, balance, joy and so many more. These are all priced under $20 making very affordable gifts. Come and check them out!

Artesano Gallery Glass

2009-04-02T15:17:00.002-07:00

New stuff is arriving that we ordered in Philadelphia. What fun! We just received these wonderful stained glass pieces by Hamid Emami of Artesano Gallery Glass. We have a wide variety of shapes including moons, hearts, stars, suns and crosses. They come in several sizes and can be hung on the wall or in the window. They are such bright colors that they make me hopeful that spring will arrive in Montana soon.

The medium and technique that Hamid uses is stained glass, glass beads, copper wire, agates and metal. Copper foil technique is used for making the stained glass. The glass is individually wrapped w/ copper foil and then soldered to free form wire figures or agates to create unique and contemporary sun catchers.

For All You Sock Lovers!

2009-03-11T14:27:00.003-07:00

These are the new October Morning socks by Sol Mate Socks. Have you gotten this color yet? Don't you just love the colors?

And here's the newest color that they are coming out with called Poppy. We haven't gotten these in yet but we'll have them soon. Stop by and see what colors your missing in your collection of Sol Mate socks.

Off to Philadelphia!

2009-02-10T10:38:00.003-07:00

Rebekah and I are off to Philadelphia to the Buyers Market of American Craft this week. We'll be shopping for "new stuff" and finding wonderful new artists. Keep an eye on this space as I'll be bringing you information about our new artists as their work arrives.

Fabric Jewels

2008-12-08T15:40:00.002-07:00

Simple in concept, but challenging in execution, Meg Hannan's unique Fabric Jewels process has evolved over many a year. Using techniques of her own invention, she creates jewelry out of fabric and fibers. This original art form came into being through Meg's synthesis of painting, fiber art, and collage. The edge of the fabric is where this world blooms.

Meg uses mainly cotton and 97% of the fabrics used are from recycled sources. Many of the textiles and cords are hand dyed first; then she fully saturates them with liquid glue and roll them into a cane. The glue hardens and protects it. When dry, Meg slices the roll cross-section. The vivid, intricately detailed fiber millefiori slices are durable gems that then become lively lightweight earrings, pins and pendants. Luscious bead embellishments add movement to many of them and further enhance their texture and depth. Because the sliced fabric is almost weightless, wearing Meg's artwork is a pleasure!

Fabric Jewels are made in Seattle, in Meg's studio. She produces multiples of her designs in a limited number, but each fabric jewel varies in shape from slice to slice. Her use of hand dyed fabrics and cords imbues these slices with a lively glow and creates color changes throughout the roll. Because of these factors each piece is slightly different and has it’s own, one of a kind beauty.

Hand Painted Lazy Susans

2008-11-20T15:12:00.003-07:00

We just got in some fantastic hand painted lazy susans by Karen Anderson. They are 16" in diameter and would be a wonderful addition to any table. We're getting dressed for the holidays here at the store so stop by and check out all the wonderful gifts as well as our new holiday window decor.

Featured Artist for October

2008-09-30T10:01:00.003-07:00

We are featuring work by Kalispell artist Karen Leigh during the month of October. Inspired primarily by the beauty and spirit of her native Montana as well as travels abroad, Leigh offers original watercolors and commissioned work. Karen states, "Always on the lookout for 'accidental magnificence', I am particularly interested in finding beauty in unexpected places and in painting the more intimate details of life around me."

Karen is a fourth-generation Montanan who has lived in the Flathead Valley since 1970. A graduate of Montana State University, her primary interest has been transparent watercolor. Figures and portraits have recently become important subjects in her work. A full-time painter and signature member of the Montana Watercolor Society, she maintains a studio in the newly renovated Eastside Brick, formerly the local hospital. She also teaches privately and accepts commissions.

Illusions by JT Robinson

2008-09-29T10:36:00.002-07:00

These wonderful clocks by Jamie Robinson come in six different sizes. Each clock is hand crafted from antiqued paper and wood. All of the sizes have a pendulum and would be a lovely addition to any home.

Ildanach Studios Jewelry by Curtis Rowland

2008-09-19T09:24:00.002-07:00

Curtis follows the time-honored philosophy of his Ancestors. Awen is a God-given blessing - natural and pure, this Creative Soul is to be used as a celebration of Creation. For Curtis and Ildanach Studios, this means organic rather than sterile…individual character not mass production…natural, balanced, earth-friendly sources instead of unnatural, manufactured or unsound practices. If you research back far enough, every culture has this philosophy. The American Indian sees it as being connected in the Great Cycle. The Japanese see it as Wabi-sabi, humble beauty, or a respect for that which is old and therefore full of character. The Celts see that it goes beyond Awen to being on the Sunwise Path and attuned with the Spirit of Creation.

The benefits of this natural approach mean a healthier individual and a more stable environment. For example, anyone who has ever seen any of the various copper mines around the world probably comes away sickened at this destruction of the Land - just one of the reasons for Curtis' almost religious dedication to recycling and reusing.

This connection also brings forth earthy, organic beauty. Allowing the materials their voice, the artist their creativity and the wearer their expression.

And thus the name, Ildanach, becomes apropos. From the Gaelic language group, Ildanach, pronounced ill-DA-nock, means all craftsman and represents our dedication to this philosophy as well as our striving for the highest craftsmanship in all that we do.

Jaguar Art Glass by Ann Schwartz

2008-09-10T10:57:00.001-07:00

Ann Schwartz has been artistically etching glass since 1975. She has innovated and refined several sandblasting techniques that are unique in the production of artistically sandblasted glass and glassware. The airbrush quality and dimensional depth of her finely detailed etchings illustrates her dedication to producing work that conveys a sense of flow, beauty, and humor. Ann designs and freehand draws all of Jaguar’s imagery. She also skillfully cuts all of her stencils by hand. Afterwards, she sandblast each piece individually. To ensure the authenticity and preserve the timeless value of their art, each individual piece is signed and dated. All glassware is purchased from a variety of sources, most is hand blown. Just as with any painter or graphic artist who doesn't make their own canvas, we don't make ours. However we design and etch on the more challenging and difficult curved surfaces of glassware.

Marie Brittsan

2008-09-09T10:35:00.001-07:00

We are featuring work by Whitefish artist Marie Brittsan during the month of September. Marie’s bold, expressionistic artwork celebrates life and lifts the spirit. A former watercolorist, Marie uses layers of transparent acrylic glazes and applied texture to bring depth and intensity to her subjects. From abstract to representational, her colorful acrylic paintings carry energy and emotion.

Born and raised by the oceans and canyons in southern California, Marie developed a great love for the natural beauty surrounding her. She has painted since she was a child and the passion for painting has never faded. Marie speaks about her work, “When I am painting, my eyes become open again to the beauty around me. Color, light, shadow, form and energy are everywhere we look, always inspiring creative declaration. Music, emotion and Spirit have color, and I endeavor to capture those expressions in what I paint.”

Shadow Box Pins

2008-09-09T10:26:00.001-07:00

We've just received the coolest, one of a kind shadow box pins made by Christine Charter Moorhead. This is what Christine says about her pins "I capture time in the moment and link the past to the future with my Shadow Box Art Pins. My passion is about creating artistic, symbolic and fun pieces out of every day things. I hope to capture your imagination and make you smile! "

Nature's Treasure's Ikebana Vases

2008-08-13T14:15:00.001-07:00

Don Kennedy of Nature's Treasure handcrafts ikebana flower vases which are made from some of the most beautiful semi-precious and fossilized stones on earth. A surface-safe reservoir holds plenty of water, and inside, a pinfrog keeps the flowers in place for easy, elegant arrangements. Each vase comes with an attached card which tells about the stone and it's origin.

Mesquite Lamps with Copper Lampshades

2008-08-05T10:23:00.002-07:00

These mesquite wood lamps are individually handcrafted in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Some of Nature's finest elements are brought together in a display of craftsmanship and artistry. The lamp bases are free-formed "Velvet" Mesquite harvested from the Sonora Desert and are some of the most diverse and dense wood found anywhere on earth. With a wide range of burl patterns each piece is never quite the same and is crafted into it's own unique personality. Topped with a solid copper lampshade featuring stylized patterns and rich surface colors brought forth naturally from the copper. Light reflecting from the copper onto the mesquite wood provides a warm, rich "firelight" atmosphere. Use a clear bulb in your lamp and enjoy the same shade patterns on your surrounding walls for an impressive display of lighting, comfort and tranquility.

The artist Skip Kivlehen works from his studio on a beautiful five acre plot at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. Skip learned the craft from Wally Kohler and Patti Greer in 2004 during an apprenticeship and now fully owns and operates the studio and gallery. Wally started the craft from his garage in Tucson, Arizona in approximately 1978.

Cheryl and Don Olney

2008-07-15T11:00:00.002-07:00

We've just received colorful pins and spinning tops from Cheryl and Don Olney. Their studio is called Louise's Daughter, named for Cheryl's mom. They are both self taught artists and combine their histories and observations as they create their warm, wonderful, spirited work. Their figurative work is respectful and sensitive. It touches the heart and soul, and is full of people "we all know".

Carol Kohn Designs

2008-07-07T15:34:00.002-07:00

We've just received these delightful woven bags by Carol Kohn. Each bag is handwoven with 100% cotton and is lined with a bright and playful fabric. Kohn Designs bags are woven to be worn. Don't worship them or keep them hidden in a drawer waiting for a special occasion. Today you are here. You are living that special occasion.

E. Drumm Designs

2008-07-03T09:28:00.003-07:00

Elisa Drumm Van Auken grew up in Akron, Ohio with her parents, Don and Lisa Drum of Don Drumm Studio and Gallery, and her two younger sisters. Starting at age 12 she worked in the gallery and helped her mother with a line of soft sculptured dolls. During her childhood she spent summers at Penland School of Crafts studying with many well known artists while her parents taught.
Ms. Van Auken received her B.F.A. in textile design from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. After graduating she worked for Gilbert Frank in New York City as a colorist and surface designer for their Men’s Wear division. It was during her tenure there when she discovered that color and texture were her strong points.
In 1986 Ms. Van Auken moved to the Boston area with her husband Jeff. She created and sold a line of hand-printed clothing under the name of E. Drumm Designs. This collection caught the eye of many galleries and museum stores across the country.
In 1999 with the gift of several pewter heads designed by her father, Don Drumm, she created her first collection of wood angels. This collection has grown, greatly influenced by early American folk art and the Southwest. Each wood sculpture piece is cut from pine plank, sanded, carved, painted, and adorned. The collection currently consists of 50 limited edition pieces. She continues to collaborate with her father on many pieces.

Wildflower Pendants by Heather Castillow

2008-06-17T11:28:00.002-07:00

Look at these wonderful stained glass wildflower pendants we just received. They are made by Heather Castillow and come on a waxed cotton cord. You can wear them as a pendant, use them as a fan pull or put them on a key chain. Each one is unique and they have five to nine petals in a variety of yummy colors.