Smith Galleries Blog

Joan Z Horn Summer Exhibition at Smith Galleries

2009-07-10T07:36:00.004-04:00

We have just received a special summer collection of jewelry from our favorite jeweler...Joan Z Horn. Following are a few words written by Joan about her life and work.

"In my studio I fabricate each piece of jewelry. I create individual elements from Sterling Silver and 14Kt. Gold, using traditional and innovative hand tools. My bench contains tubing jigs that are like old friends. My metal starts out as flat sheet, round, square and flat wire, and tubing. I solder individual elements together using an acetylene/oxygen torch. I enhance pieces with freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones, making color combinations with Garnet, Blue Topaz, Citrine, Peridot, Iolite and Amethyst. My jewelry pieces are studies in line, color and movement.

I love working in my studio, and my hands feel most at home when they have a pair of pliers in them. Tools that were never intended for jewelry lead me into whole new directions. I question my auto mechanic about devices he uses. When the plumber comes for household repairs I inspect his tubing cutters and torch tip. A tube wringer from a dental supply catalog inspires new lines of jewelry. I visualize everything in the world as if it were a piece of jewelry. Musical notes from the sheet music in choir become a brooch pattern. Gates in Barcelona become a pendant. Other loves include riding my bike, baking bread, choir and traveling.

I was born and raised in New York. I graduated with a BFA in Metalsmithing from Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

See still pictures of the entire show or a slide show.

The show runs through August. Smith Galleries is open from 10-6 Monday through Saturday.

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Kara Raymond Jewelry Featured at Smith Galleries.

2009-06-25T16:49:00.004-04:00

Kara Raymond uses the unique patterned metal technique called "Mokume Gane" in her jewelry design. The technique was developed in Japan in the 17th century and it was originally developed to create decorative handles on samurai swords.

"Mokume Gane" is made by stacking 16-22 alternating layers of different metals, approximately two inched thick. The stack is clamped between steel plates and placed in a blacksmith's furnace. The careful control of the heat and pressure results in the metal layers fusing to each other.

The stack is hot forged down on an anvil. The unique patterns are developed by carving down through the layers. The sheet is then rolled down thinner to reveal the patterns. The carving and rolling is repeated many times to create the final patterns. The color hues in the metals are the result of varying the heat, oxidation, and patinas.

Drop by Smith Galleries to see Kara's jewelry or see a few pieces we have in the gallery here. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday.

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Victoria Varga Jewelry Exhibition at Smith Galleries

2009-06-03T08:04:00.006-04:00

Jewelry by Victoria Varga has been a mainstay at Smith Galleries for many years. The gallery is now featuring a special exhibition of her work. See slide show or still pictures.

Victoria received her BS in fine arts from Skidmore College in 1984. After completing her graduate studies in metals at Syracuse University she moved to New York City with her husband, Daniel Brouder, where the couple co-founded the studio that bears her name. After fourteen years in Manhattan Daniel and Victoria relocated their studio to the coast of Maine where they continue to hand fabricate jewelry of Victoria’s design. From her early years in New York Victoria has crafted jewelry that combines precious metals with a variety of materials that are often discounted as
ordinary.

Victoria has perfected a process of combing sterling silver, 23 karat gold leaf, resin, crushed stone and common artist pigments to create her signature line of jewelry. Instantly recognized for its timeless good looks, Varga jewelry delights both men and woman with its innovative combination of unexpected materials and whimsical design.

Smith Galleries is open from 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. Call 800.272.3870 for additional information.

Philippa Roberts Jewelry Exhibit at Smith Galleries

2009-05-21T17:41:00.003-04:00

Philippa Roberts jewelry is a mainstay at Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island. The gallery is featuring a special exhibition of her jewelry now. You can see a slide show of the exhibition here.

Simply beautiful and classically romantic, Philippa Roberts jewelry makes a woman feel purely feminine.

Her daily walks along the coast of the pacific ocean with her husband, Brian, their dog, Maggie, and their daughter Charlotte inspire much of her creativity. From the clean, blue stones in many of her pieces to the simple replication of a dragonfly on a necklace, her work stems from the nature around her. Yet she also incorporates a feeling of the urban, with lines and patterns that imitate architecture and design seen around the city.

Having started with a basic sterling silver and pearl design, she has expanded her line by integrating silver and gold with different colored stones, adding texture, shape and hue to many of her designs. Philippa creates all the original pieces by carving in wax or fabricating in metal.
using silver as her main medium, Philippa creates necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings that can be worn formally or informally, with an appeal to all ages.

Drop by Smith Galleries in the Village at Wexford between the hours of 10 & 6 Monday through Saturday.

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StoryPeople by Brian Andreas at Smith Galleries

2009-05-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

Smith Galleries features the best selection of StoryPeople prints, sculpture and books. The art of Brian Andreas is taking every man's thoughts and stating them in a few words so that you "get it".

Gallery hours are 10-6 eastern time.

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Loren Lukens pottery featured at Smith Galleries.

2009-05-19T07:20:00.001-04:00

Smith Galleries is celebrating its 21st anniversary. For nearly 21 years Smith Galleries has heard customers oooh and aaah over Loren Lukens's porcelain pottery. His work is both beautiful and functional. Loren is just one of many potters featured at Smith Galleries.

Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday.

If you are not a member of our E-Club, you are missing out.

Thom Kellam Jewelry Boxes at Smith Galleries

2009-05-18T00:01:00.007-04:00

Smith Galleries is celebrating its 21st anniversary. Fine handmade boxes have been a prime feature of the gallery since opening day back in 1988.

Thom Kellam has been featured in the gallery for all 21 years. Thom is a woodworker specializing in fine handmade jewelry boxes. The box shown here is made from cherry and has four drawers that slide in both directions. It measures 12" x 6" x 7" and is $535.

We know you will find the perfect box for those folks in your life who appreciate fine handmade objects. We have boxes for ladies with lots of jewelry, as well as smaller boxes that make a very special gift for young ladies. And the gallery has valet boxes for men and we even have boxes for the desk that make great gifts for the graduate headed off into academia or the business world.

Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday.

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Art Glass at Smith Galleries

2009-05-16T06:30:00.002-04:00

Smith Galleries is celebrating its 21st anniversary and art glass has always been a main feature of the gallery.

Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday.

The beautiful taco bowl shown is by Christian Thirion and is $625. See more art glass.

Smith Galleries Celebrates 21st Anniversary

2009-05-15T07:30:00.006-04:00

Smith Galleries is celebrating its 21st anniversary with three major exhibitions of jewelry. The three artists are Ed Levin, Philippa Roberts and Judith Neugebauer. The necklace and earrings shown are by Judith Neugebauer.

Smith Galleries is located in the Village at Wexford on beautiful Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday.

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Cynthia Chung featured at Smith Galleries.

2009-05-05T07:43:00.002-04:00

Smith Galleries has just received a new selection of ceramic pins by the nationally recognised artist, Cynthia Chung. Cynthia has perfected a very tedious millefiori technique of working with various colors of clay to form interesting patterns and color combinations.

Her work is collected around the world and it is totally unique to her. No one has tried to copy her work because it is just too difficult.

The porcelain frog "Leapy" shown at left is fabulous. "Leapy" measures 4 1/2 x 2x3/8 inches. Rings on his front feet may be used to attach him to a necklace (also made by Cynthia).

Please stop by the gallery to see more of Cynthia's work or visit us on the web or Flickr. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Be sure to join our E-Club. 800.272.3870

Judith Neugebauer Jewelry Featured at Smith Galleries

2009-05-01T21:40:00.002-04:00

Smith Galleries' new exhibition of fine handcrafted jewelry by Judith Neugebauer has arrived and we can't wait for you to see it.

Judith came to jewelry making after studying and performing classical ballet as well as performing in musical theater. Her awareness of form, line, and movement are obvious in the fluid lines of her jewelry. Created in sterling silver with 23k gold leaf, Judith's work has qualities that make it both dramatic and elegant. Using sterling and oxidized sterling in combination with die-formed hollow elements to create visual depth, Judith maintains lightness and movement while creating jewelry with substance. But the real beauty of Judith's jewelry becomes evident as it takes on life on a woman's body. You will definitely want to add several of her pieces to your collection of fine handmade jewelry.

See pictures of the exhibit here or a slide show here. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 800.272.3870

Roger Gandelman Perfumes at Smith Galleries

2009-04-15T07:49:00.002-04:00

Smith Galleries features a selection of Roger Gandelman's exquisite hand blown glass perfume bottles.

Roger writes..."I am a glass artist and have been blowing glass for 30 years. Early in my career I decided to put the bulk of my energy into making art glass perfume bottles. I believe I am the only glass artist in the country, perhaps in the world, who has devoted his full artistic efforts into making this object. My bottles, although small in scale, make a grand statement.
I see perfume bottles as small, elegant treasures; made to be turned, touched, and relished. I strive to make the form organic, smooth, and familiar, with very few sharp angles. The lip is simple and unobtrusive. The interior decoration adds life, movement, and dimension to the piece."

Smith Galleries features perfumes by several other American glassblowers. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. Be sure to join our E-Club.

Phillipa Roberts Jewelry at Smith Galleries

2009-04-03T20:10:00.004-04:00

Smith Galleries will be hosting an exhibition of jewelry by Phillipa Roberts beginning May 10. Phillipa is a long time favorite at Smith Galleries. Her jewelry is simply beautiful and classically romantic, Philippa Roberts jewelry makes a woman feel purely feminine.

Phillipa uses silver as her main medium, creating necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings that can be worn formally or informally.

You may view a slide show or still pictures of a few of her pieces.

Join our E-Club and select Phillipa Roberts jewelry on the sign up form to receive a special invitation to the upcoming exhibition.

Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday.

Solmate Socks at Smith Galleries

2009-03-10T10:32:00.004-04:00

Spring may be "just around the corner", but someone forgot to tell the weatherman. Don't have cold feet - keep warm with Marianne's Solmate Socks for adults, babies, and now for children too! Made in the USA (yea!!) from cotton in marvelous color combinations, these delightfully mismatched socks are just what you need to warm your feet and bring a smile to your face.

Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Or call 800.272.3870 to order.

Jewelry 10 at Smith Galleries

2009-02-19T17:34:00.002-05:00

Smith Galleries has featured the beautiful ceramic pins by American artist Cynthia Chung for many years. Cynthia uses a millefore technique for the surface embellishment to create a unique one of a kind pin. Shown at left is the Gecko pin which is designed to be worn on the shoulder...fabulous.

See them all on our web site or sit back and watch a slide show.

Stop by the gallery on beautiful Hilton Head Island or visit us on the web. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 800.272.3870

Joan Z. Horn Heart Collection Trunk Show

2009-02-09T11:04:00.004-05:00

We have just received a fabulous selection of jewelry with a heart motif for our Valentine shoppers. The heart is the universal symbol for love and this jewelry is cherished by women of all ages.
Drop by or log on to see the entire collection.
And don't forget, we offer a fabulous gift wrap.
The necklace shown is beautiful crafted in sterling silver and 14k gold with a faceted garnet and 18" chain. Priced at $110.
Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Website open 24/7. Call 800.272.3870

Smith Galleries E-Club

2009-01-22T17:25:00.003-05:00

I have been spending some time today updating our E-Club sign up page on our web site.

I want to encourage you to join our E-Club. I know..."I already get so many emails." Well, the bottom line is that the print and media advertising we have been doing all these years is very expensive and it is just plain out of date with the times. Think about all the magazines and newspapers that get thrown in the landfill every day. Print is not eco-friendly!

Plus, print media is slow...we design an ad one month in advance of magazine publication and then the ad is out there for a month. With the web, we can change our website every few minutes.

Our e-club has many different interest categories for you to select. So, if you are just interested in kaleidoscopes and the fabulous Sticks furniture, you select those two categories and that is all you will receive information on...pretty cool.

You will receive a valuable coupon with seconds of joining and you can safe unsubscribe at any time.

Do us all a favor and join Smith Galleries E-Club...you will be glad you did.

Smith Galleries honored with January Cover of Carolina Arts Magazine

2008-12-29T13:23:00.003-05:00

Smith Galleries is highly honored to be featured on the January cover of Carolina Arts magazine. Tom and Linda Starland have produced Carolina Arts for many years and they provide the only source that gives comprehensive coverage and exposure to the arts for both North and South Carolina. Take a look at Carolina Arts and drop Tom and Linda a note to thank them for the fine job they do.

Besides the cover of the January issue, you will want to see our ad on page three of Carolina Arts.

Join our E-Club and check out our web site.

Last Minute Gifts for Under $50.

2008-12-23T08:15:00.002-05:00

Smith Galleries offers many American made gifts for less than $50. One of the most popular gifts this season has been clocks!

See a slide show here of just a few.

Pictured is just one clock of Spirit Anderson's. She makes wall clocks and small magnetised clocks - only $18 - that attach to your fridge or to the students locker.

Be sure to join our E-Club.

December 16 is Men's Night at Smith Galleries

2008-12-12T08:14:00.004-05:00

Smith Galleries has so many fine handmade objects for men...all American made too! Pictured at left is a beautiful man's valet by Davin & Kessler. It is made from cherry and cocobolo. What a great way to get him organized!

Men love wood...why is that?

Click here to see a slide show of several handmade gifts we have for men.

Present this blog entry at Smith Galleries on Tuesday evening, December 16, 2008 between 5 & 8 PM and receive a 20% savings on any one item.

Be sure to join our E-Club! You will be glad you did.

Marco Polo Jewelry Featured at Smith Galleries

2008-12-01T08:09:00.004-05:00

Smith Galleries has just received a trunk show of the beautiful glass jewelry by Jane Bethelemy, the creator of Marco Polo Designs. The show will be featured in the gallery until December 8, 2008. See a slide show of a few of the pieces in the exhibition at Smith Galleries.

Indulge yourself with shimmering modern glass Murano jewelry. Select our alluring hand blown glass art jewelry that will leave you with a string of admirers.

Join our E-Club, you'll be glad you did!

Gallery hours during December: 10 - 8 Tuesdays & 10 - 6 M, W, Th, F & Sat.

Smith Galleries 21st Open House

2008-11-28T08:07:00.004-05:00

Jean and Wally invite you to join them at Smith Galleries to celebrate the traditional beginning of the holiday season with their 21st annual open house on Friday and Saturday, November 28 & 29. The gallery will be open 10 - 6 both days. Jean has been busy baking hundreds and hundreds of her famous cookies.

Email (no subject or message necessary) us if you would like a free "e-copy" of last years cookie recipes.

So, drop by the gallery to get your holiday shopping done and remember the importance to this year buy American made products from your local independant merchants.

Present this blog entry during the Open House to receive a free American Style magazine or a free pair of candles.

Join our E-Club and receive an instant reward.

New Mike Smith pieces at Smith Galleries

2008-11-19T08:01:00.005-05:00

Mike Smith has just made available eight new images and you can see them on our web site.
This is the most new work he has released at one time which confirms the popularity of his work. The new pieces are being offered in the giclee format in six sizes each with three available on paper and three on canvas.
Why is Mike Smith's work so popular? The answer is simple...it makes people happy. Check it out!
Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday.
Join our E-Club...you will be glad you did!

Glass Eye Studio 2008 Collector Ornament

2008-11-11T06:57:00.003-05:00

The 2008 limited edition ornament by Glass Eye Studio has just arrived at Smith Galleries. It is made here in the United States in a limited edition of 500. It is signed and numbered and presented in a suede box for only $45. We only have a few, so please stop by the gallery soon to select yours.

So many people are coming into the gallery now saying that they are only going to buy American made gifts for Christmas and the holidays this year. We think that "buying American" is an idea whose time has come! Think about how you can help our economy reduce our $2 billion per day trade deficit. Let's do all we can to keep our dollars at home!

Smith Galleries features exclusively American made (three Canadians) fine craft and art. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. 800.272.3870

Art at Smith Galleries

2008-10-20T08:01:00.002-04:00

Smith Galleries has just received twelve new original paintings from nationally known artists Downe Burns (his painting Green Fields of Rain shown), Heather Judge, John Milan, Eric Waugh and Pietro Adamo. Click here to see a slide show of all twelve.

Join our E-Club, you will be glad you did!