Lake Erie Artists Gallery

Don't Miss Out on Personalized Gifts for the Holidays

2009-12-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

Shaker Square at Night - 1 by lakeerieartists
Create custom note cards with zazzle.com

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, and it is almost time for Christmas. Lake Erie Artists Gallery still has plenty of local artist made gifts that you still have time to ship anywhere in the United States before the holidays are over. You can stop in our store at Shaker Square next to Balaton Restaurant, or you can shop online on our website.

And I also wanted to remind you all about our print on demand Zazzle store where you can get all kinds of customizable gifts using images from our artists including t-shirts, skateboards, cards, business cards, stationary, sweatshirts, and more. Zazzle's printing is top-notch, and their service is excellent.

And if you are an Amazon.com shopper (and who isn't), if you use this link you will earn Lake Erie Artists Gallery a small commission every time you shop without paying anymore for your items.

Stay warm, everyone!Brrr!

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Getting Ready for Holiday Shopping

2009-11-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

Lake Erie Artists Gallery is getting ready for holiday shopping, and whew, it is all very exciting. Starting Thanksgiving weekend we will be open on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm until Christmas. Lots of new items will be arriving at our store in the next few weeks in preparation for holiday shopping, but if you see something now, don't wait because we may not be able to get it back in.

Don't miss our featured items on the front page of our website, and check for sale coupons in this blog and our newsletter.

More information coming soon.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Mark Your Calendars for Friday October 30

2009-10-13T14:59:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars for Friday October 30 from 5 pm to 9 pm. Lake Erie Artists Gallery will be hosting a Trunk Show for Artist Mindy Sand. Mindy will be bringing all of her hand painted glassware and functional ceramic pieces. The event is free and open to the public and a terrific time to pick up those holiday gifts that you need. Mindy's work is dishwasher safe, and perfect for a wedding gift, anniversary gift, or just a gift for yourself.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Viktor Schreckengost--Entrance to the City

2009-10-13T13:08:00.000-04:00

This beautiful print by artist Viktor Schreckengost is available for sale at Lake Erie Artists Gallery in our store and on our website. The Schreckengost print is one of a series of 12 prints that were made for a calendar in the late 1980's. Each one depicts a scene from Cleveland Ohio done in the colorful style of Viktor Schreckengost.

To see this print, and more local Cleveland art, go to Lake Erie Artists Gallery.

Shop online for unique gifts and local art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Pottery by Tracy Shea

2009-10-07T15:34:00.002-04:00

I really love this pottery by Tracy Shea. We have this bowl in stock right now, and I am sitting here falling in love with it. Tracy's work is just so beautiful and functional. Tracy makes all of her pottery in her studio in the Akron area. Her glazes are hand mixed and dipped, and all of her pottery is safe for oven, microwave and dishwasher.

To see this bowl and more of Tracy's work, follow this link.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Preparing for the Colder Weather

2009-10-01T16:48:00.000-04:00

Today is October 1, and Lake Erie Artists Gallery has been in our new home officially four months now, because we moved out of Tower City in April, and took one month to really get things going in May. The store has taken on a life of its own, and now we move into the cooler fall and winter weather heading to the holiday shopping season.

Due to the fact that October is the Breast Cancer Commoration month, Lake Erie Artists Gallery will donate 5% of any items purchased in our store or online during the month of October 2009. We like to support good causes and breast cancer research is one of the best. I am currently working on the October newsletter which should be out later today, and planning the month going forward.

As the weather changes, you can still expect Lake Erie Artists Gallery to be open at 8 am on Saturdays, but we will only be at the Shaker Square Farmers Market on the good weather days.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Lake Erie Artists Gallery is Part of City Vistor

2009-09-14T16:37:00.002-04:00

Check it out! Lake Erie Artists Gallery is now part of City Visitor. We are on their website, and will also be in their magazine starting October 1.

This is a site that is linked with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame site, the Football Hall of Fame site, and the magazine goes into the hotel room of every visitor to the Cleveland area, so this is a big deal. I am very excited. Check out the page.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Saturday Evening at Shaker Square

2009-08-22T19:06:00.002-04:00

Lost in Her Eyes

I am sitting in our classroom in Lake Erie Artists Gallery after a pretty long day. The weather has been rainy and sunny and windy during different parts of the day. My husband and I sat outside in our booth at Shaker Square Farmers Market this morning, and it seems like families are getting ready to go back to school this week. One of my daughters starts back Monday, but the other one does not start back until September 1. It is so hard to believe the summer has pretty much come and gone. We have done so much this summer, but yet there is so much we did not get an opportunity to do.

September is coming nevertheless, and this will be our first fall season at Shaker Square for Lake Erie Artists Gallery. In many ways, the fall and holiday season is the true test of a store. This is when many retail companies really measure their success. September is also the beginning of a new quarter for us, and even though we haven't accomplished all I set out to do this summer, we have begun to establish a presence here at Shaker Square. Today I had the pleasure of giving a customer her third piece of wall art from our store, and she wants to come back and buy another. This is the kind of loyal business we are working on building here, whether it be online or in our store, and the only thing holding us back is revenue. So as our revenue grows, so will our merchandise base, and so will our customer base, and so on as the cycle goes around again.

Every time a customer buys something from our store, part of that money goes to our artists, part to our vendors, and part to our government. We use local businesses as our vendors for packaging, printing, website services, and so on. So I like to think of the money flowing outward from here to our vendors.

Today has been a day of lots of traffic, but mostly browsers, but tomorrow is the British Car Show, so I think we will have a lot of shoppers when they get tired of looking at cool cars. We will be open tomorrow from 11 am to 6 pm, and closed on Monday.

I happen to be a Jaguar fan, so I am really looking forward to seeing the Jaguars tomorrow. My husband, two daughters, and I will be taking turns in the store and looking at cars.

I have been working feverishly on the website, now that it is back up, so keep checking for changes. Here is the link: Lake Erie Artists Gallery

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Our Website is Back Up

2009-08-20T17:08:00.002-04:00

Our website is back up and just needs a little remodeling to go with the new store. I am very excited about this, and you should see some vast changes to the site within the next week. Getting it up-to-date is going to be one of my top priorities. In the meantime, take a look at some of the terrific items that we already have on the site. More will be coming soon.

Here is the link to bookmark: Lake Erie Artists Gallery

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Final Change to Our Hours

2009-08-17T16:56:00.002-04:00

I have made one final change in our hours. Starting today, Lake Erie Artists Gallery will be open the following hours:
Monday, Wednesday 11 am to 6 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 am to 8 pm
Saturday 8 am to 9 pm
Sunday closed

The only exception to this is going to be holidays, events or classes which will be announced ahead of time.

The first event is going to be Sunday August 23, 2009. We will be open that day from 11 am to 6 pm because of the 18th Annual British Car Show that will be held at Shaker Square.

We will be closed Monday August 24, 2009 so we can have a day off.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Updating Online Information

2009-08-13T19:02:00.002-04:00

Been updating online information this week. Our website should be back up by next week, and I am working on all of the auxiliary pages that we have. Spent some time today updating our Recipes Using St. Aubyn's Pride Gourmet Sauces page. Sold 3 of the St. Aubyn's Pride sauces today to a family from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They are really excellent, and I love to share them with people.

Speaking of Baton Rouge, I was able to inaugurate the new Lake Erie Artists Gallery Visitors Journal today with visitors from as far away as London, England. There is a new link on the right side of this blog that you can click on any time to see where our visitors are from and what they have to say.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Getting All Kinds of Tourists Here at Shaker Square

2009-08-07T17:04:00.005-04:00

Jazzin by Brian Jones

I have been both pleased and interested to find that we are getting a significant number of tourists here in our new location at Shaker Square. In the last couple of days, I have had visitors from Taiwan, who were bringing their daughter to CWRU for Engineering School, and a doctor from Lima, Peru who is staying with his fiance (a resident at Cleveland Clinic) while he hunts for a job.

I didn't really expect to have so many people from out of town here, and really it is good for us. I had a very good suggestion made to me today to create a journal of visitors from out of town. Each person could put their name and where they are from, and a few sentences about what brings them here. How much fun is that? I think that I will publish some of it online, on a separate page of this blog. I will let you know when I get started so that you can check in from time to time.

See you all at the North Union Farmer's Market tomorrow!

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Summer Saturday at Shaker Square

2009-08-02T01:13:00.004-04:00

VivaBeads Black Lace Bracelet

VivaDiva bracelet for girls

Spent today at Shaker Square at the North Union Farmers Market in the morning, and at our store the rest of the day. It was so beautiful today, sunny and warm, very enjoyable.

My sister is visiting from Los Angeles,and she came to check out the new store, and just loved it! Had nice day in the store, and while I was there I made two new necklaces to list on Etsy. Way behind on online stuff though.

We have been selling a lot of VivaBeads jewelry lately. They make terrific gifts for co-workers or friends. There is even a line of children's bracelets, perfect for a birthday party.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Newest Class List

2009-07-28T12:04:00.004-04:00

Fused Glass Pendant by Paula Atwell

The newest class list just went out via email, but if you have not gotten it or have changed emails, be sure to visit live on our new updated class website. This site will be updated every time the classes change, and classes do get added and cancelled between newsletters. So bookmark this page, and check it every once in a while, and you will have the latest information.

Today has been a very good day so far. I have been busy all day. I sold a new customer a beautiful Trollbeads bracelet, including a lace lock, dichroic ice bead, and white steel bead. It really looked good on her when she wore it out of here, and she was so happy.

I also found out that we are going to be able to hang some artwork in Dewey's coffee shop, hopefully sometime next week. We are just waiting for the wall space.

I am already getting signups for the next batch of classes, so if you want to take the classes, don't wait to sign up. I would hate to have a class closed out and you not be able to get in.

Viva Beads have been very popular here too, and we have a new shipment coming in soon. I can't wait to see the new colors, and patterns.

Got to meet Kristin Esser, the commercial property manager for Coral Company today. I have talked to her on the phone but haven't gotten to meet her in person until today. I have to say that Coral Company has been great to work with, and Kristin was just as nice as everyone else has been.

I am making some new jewelry styles using my pearl knotting technique, and combining it with my fine silver pieces. So back to that. Here is the first piece to give you an idea.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Introducing You to A Piece of Cleveland

2009-07-26T15:37:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard of A Piece of Cleveland yet, and you are interested in local history, you should definitely check them out. According to APOC, "APOC designs and constructs quality furnishings and accessories out of materials reclaimed from deconstructed buildings in the Cleveland area. We work to preserve the history of these buildings by salvaging constructed materials and turning them around as functional products that tell a story."

APOC makes both retail items, and custom items depending on your needs. We carry several of their retail items in our store, and if you would like a custom item, we will connect you to them directly to see if they can meet your needs.

APOC's work is truly beautiful. Right now I have a coffee table in the gallery that I am in love with. And each item comes with a rebirth certificate so that you know the story behind the item.

So, come in and check out their work. Really a piece of local history.

Are you looking for Trollbeads? Unique Gifts and Local Art at Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Introducing You to the New Lake Erie Artists Gallery

2009-07-25T23:07:00.004-04:00

Since we have a new gallery at Shaker Square, I thought that for the next few weeks, I would reintroduce you to http://squidoo.com/lake-erie-artists-gallery">Lake Erie Artists Gallery, tell you about the items we sell, our classes, and our mission so that you know what we are all about.

I thought that I would start out with a jewelry line we carry in the gallery that is not a local artist line, Trollbeads. Trollbeads is a jewelry line that I brought into Lake Erie Artists Gallery last year when I was looking for a unique jewelry line that was artist designed and driven, yet could be purchased in gold as well as silver.

I chose Trollbeads because it was a line of very beautiful jewelry, that could be personalized and would make a terrific gift for a graduate, bride, or mom. It is a very collectible line, and includes Murano glass beads, amber, and now jasper. Below are some pictures of sample Trollbeads jewelry:

One of the coolest things about Trollbeads is the company's website. You can go to the website, create a virtual bracelet, then print it out or email it right to us and we can build the actual bracelet for you. It is a great way to create a wishlist for your family to buy for you. Check it out and if you have any questions, contact me at sales@lakeerieartists.com.

For up-to-date information about classes and events, visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

New Trollbeads Promotion

2009-07-24T23:57:00.003-04:00

Good news! I just got word today that I can run a Trollbeads promotion without a Trunk Show. So starting right now, customers can get a free bracelet (chain) if they buy a clasp for $40 or more. The bracelet is a $36 value, and would be a great start on a gift for the holidays or for another occasion. So hurry in and get your free bracelet, to get started on a terrific gift for you or a loved one.

Or if you would like, email me sales@lakeerieartists.com to have the items shipped to you.

For up-to-date information about classes and events, visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Who Knows? Maybe President Obama Will Shop Here Today

2009-07-23T12:09:00.003-04:00

Barack Obama: Change Art Print

I have had some very interesting international customers in the last week and a half, most of them tourists. Yesterday, I met two people from Glasgow who bought some lovely earrings in Lake Erie Artists Gallery, but today President Obama is here in Cleveland, Ohio speaking at the Cleveland Clinic, and later this afternoon, his motorcade will be driving right by this area on his way to Shaker Heights High School.

Do you think they let the President go shopping in local galleries for souvenirs of his trips? He will be very close to here, so I can only hope.

It is kind of a rainy day here in Cleveland, Ohio, not atypical of this time of year (or any time of year when it is not snowing), so it is a perfect day to shop. I have some great gifts that would be appropriate for Mrs. Obama and the girls. What do you all think?

For up-to-date information about classes and events, visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Two Excellent Days in a Row

2009-07-17T22:18:00.005-04:00

This has been a busy week at Lake Erie Artists Gallery. We have had three classes run, sold several items in the store, and met lots of new customers including a family from Ireland who are living here in the U.S. for one year.

Today was the first day that I sold art off the wall, but made up for it by selling three pieces of framed art.

We are also becoming successful in the custom framing department. We have already framed one set of three pictures for one gentleman, and now we are framing a piece of art on canvas for another customer.

All in all, I am very happy with the way things are going. We are looking forward to another busy day tomorrow between the farmers market and regular Saturday traffic.

For up-to-date information about classes and events, visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Promote Lake Erie Artists Gallery and Help Save the Environment at the Same Time

2009-07-12T16:52:00.002-04:00

Lake Erie Artists Gallery Organic Grocery Bag by lakeerieartists
Make a canvas tote bag on www.zazzle.com

I am sitting in the gallery today on this beautiful Sunday, and I think that I have finally decided to close on Sundays to give myself and my family a day off. Between the four of us, we have been working 7 days a week at the gallery since we reopened in June. Sunday afternoons have been very quiet, so it is a good day to be closed. As we get closer to the holiday season, we will probably be open. Of course if you want to come in on a Sunday, you can just make an appointment.

The picture above is a new reusable organic grocery bag with our Lake Erie Artists Gallery logo and address and phone number on it. If you would like to help us promote our new store while helping to save the earth, purchase one or more of these reusable bags from our Zazzle store. There are also bags with art printed on them in the store.

For up-to-date information about classes and events, visit Lake Erie Artists Gallery at Shaker Square.

Introducing Artist Mindy Sand

2009-07-09T14:36:00.003-04:00

I would like to introduce artist Mindy Sand who is now showing her beautiful hand painted glassware in our new location at Shaker Square.

Mindy's work is just beautiful, especially in natural light. She paints the glasses, dishes, and bowls with a special paint that is baked into the glass making it safe for food and able to be washed in the upper rack of your dishwasher. Pieces can be purchased one at a time or in sets. Most of the glasses are $20 each, perfect for a gift for friends, co-workers, or family. Each piece is signed by the artist.

Come to our gallery or call us at 216-752-9960 for more information.

Follow the progress of our move to Shaker Square as we make changes Lake Erie Artists Gallery | Transformation to a Fresh New Look at Shaker Square.

Lake Erie Artists Gallery Official Hours

2009-07-01T13:36:00.002-04:00

I have finally made some decisions about our hours at least through the end of the summer. We are going to be open on Wednesdays, so here are the official hours:
Mon, Thurs, Fri 11 am to 8 pm
Tues, Wed 11 am to 6 pm
Sat 8 am to 8:30 pm (although if we are busy I will stay open later)
Sun 12pm to 5 pm
If we have classes, we will stay open later until the class is over.

Today was the deciding factor. We are very busy today, and since the gallery is sort of starting over in this location, I do not want to miss even one potential customer.

We will be OPEN on Saturday July 4th from 8 am to 8:30 pm. Then we will be hopefully going to see some fireworks. The Shaker Square Farmers Market will also be open from 8 am to 12 noon as usual, and the Shaker Square Concert Series will also be on from 6 pm to 9 pm. Concerts are on the South lawn, and totally free. Just bring a blanket or chair.

Follow the progress of our move to Shaker Square as we make changes Lake Erie Artists Gallery | Transformation to a Fresh New Look at Shaker Square.

Been Trying to Decide What Hours Make the Most Sense

2009-06-28T16:39:00.003-04:00

Image is Dichotomy by Paula Atwell (watercolor)

I am about to post our newest newsletter via email announcing all of our classes for July and some for August, and I am trying to decide still what our hours are for the summer.

It seems like we will be open on Sundays for sure, because we have been getting traffic on Sunday, but might be closed during a weekday possibly Wednesday. I will go another week before I decide. Our busiest times seem to be Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and the evenings that we are open. Of course, as the classes start to fill up we will be open more evenings. What a dilemna! The decisions to make being a store owner.

Follow the progress of our move to Shaker Square as we make changes Lake Erie Artists Gallery | Transformation to a Fresh New Look at Shaker Square.

Summer Solstice Festival in Shaker Heights

2009-06-21T15:24:00.002-04:00

Spent my evening with my daughter, Bryn, at the Shaker Arts Council Summer Solstice Festival next to the Shaker Heights Library on Lee Road in Shaker Heights. It was a really windy evening, but the music was great, and I got to meet a lot of new people. Bryn and I passed out flyers for art classes, and listened to the music all night.

There was a juggler, magician, and stiltwalker there too. Definitely something to do again next year.

Follow the progress of our move to Shaker Square as we make changes Lake Erie Artists Gallery | Transformation to a Fresh New Look at Shaker Square.

Partnering with Dewey's

2009-06-19T12:53:00.002-04:00

Blue Bird Abstract by Donald Swann (photograph)

Just talked to one of the owners at Dewey's coffee shop this morning, and she is allowing me to hang some of our art on one of their walls. This is totally exciting as Dewey's has just tons of customers. I just need to get signage up for each piece. Have you been to Dewey's yet? If not, you are missing one of the best coffee houses in the entire city!

Follow the progress of our move to Shaker Square as we make changes Lake Erie Artists Gallery | Transformation to a Fresh New Look at Shaker Square.