Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio

Been a while...

2009-07-01T18:39:00.004-04:00

Fabulous necklace by Deb Sparshott

It has been quite a while since I have actually had the time to update this blog. Shameful but getting ready for all of our summer programs and camps takes a lot of time and planning. I feel like I have not left my computer for a long time...getting a sore neck and hand cramps...But planning and schedule and coming up with new programs has taken priority over the fun stuff, like letting my customers know what is going on here at Creative Genius through my blog.

VACATION NOTICE

For starters, we are going to be closed the following dates:

7/3-7/6/09

7/10/7/13/09

We will be open limited hours on July 7th, 8th and 9th (Tue, Wed, Thurs)-gallery open 12-5pm each of those three days.

The studio will be closed from 7/3/09-7/13/09

When we return, we begin our camp programs, which we're really excited about. The first camp is CLAY CAMP 1 and following that is CLAY CAMP 2 as well as CLAY CAMP FOR LITTLE ONES (ages 3 to 6) and then DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY.

Then in August we will be doing POLYMER PIZZAZZ CAMP (techniques and projects in Polymer clay) and WEARABLE WORKS OF ART CAMP (dyes and textiles paints put to good use).

We're still accepting camp sign ups so if you find your child is interested, give us a call.

We've also got some new jewelry in here that you definitely want to check out by Deb Sparshott. (see photo).

To get on our email mailing list and receive specialty coupons good for use in the gallery (and sometimes in the studio) email julie@creativegeniusonline.com and request to be added to our mailing list.

Hope you are having an enjoyable summer so far!

Figure Drawing! Ladies Night!

2009-04-07T19:54:00.004-04:00

We've got a lot of cool events coming up here at Creative Genius to help our loyal followers usher in spring...

The first is our Spring edition of LADIES NIGHT, which promises to be a fun evening of refreshments, prizes and shopping...we've got two jewelry artists joining us with some extra goodies too...stop in, have a drink, win some prizes...this is an open house event so bring a friend (or two)...All the festivities will take place on Thursday, April 23rd from 6-9pm.

Next on the agenda after Ladies' Night is FACEBOOK PORTRAIT NIGHT at Creative Genius. This event is scheduled for Monday, May 4th and includes refreshments, browsing and a chance to have your portrait taken (you will be emailed 2 portraits that are sized for use on all those social networking sites). Photography is provided by Julie Basello-Holt Photography (www.juliebasello.com) Nancy Flynn, a professional hair stylist, will be on hand and one lucky person will win a professional photography session for their family. For more information, give us a call at 609-714-1131. Appointments are required and space is limited. Fee is $ 30 per person.

After Facebook Portrait Night, the next event on our schedule is FIGURE DRAWING/LIFE DRAWING CLASS on Wednesday, May 13th from 7-9pm. A live model will be in attendance and our instructor will be on hand for pointers. Registration is required and space is limited. For more information, visit us on the web or give us a call at 609-714-1131. Fee is $ 25 per person.

We've also got a ton of new camps for summer, workshops for kids and for adults and all kinds of fun new work to check out.

Hope to see you soon!

Law of Attraction Paintings by Kate Lemay

2009-03-20T14:27:00.003-04:00

“I attract to my life whatever I give my energy, focus and attention to, whether wanted or unwanted.”- Michael Losier

I am so excited to finally have the great new works I was awaiting from Kate Lemay. The Law of Attraction paintings are here!

Here's some information:

In each Lemay Law of Attraction creation there is a special word within the original painting.
The viewer can connect to the painting, to the word, or to both.
These “little things” make great gifts for special people in your life.
By focusing on the word and how it is placed within the painting the viewer can nurture the feeling of what life would be like if the word in the painting reached it’s full potential in his or her life.

These original works of art are available in 18 different words as well as custom words for $ 19.95 each. They make a really special gift or a treat for yourself.

You definitely want to check these out...

Workshops!

2009-03-17T12:31:00.008-04:00

We've had some great jewelry workshops here at Creative Genius recently.
Here's some photos of the creative process during two of those workshops.

Above are photos of students either making their corrugated metal creations or wearing them!

Below are highlights from Memories of Summer Workshop featuring wire-wrapped beach glass creations

We're sure everyone had a great time...coming up is our next Stained Glass Workshop for Beginners and some more great jewelry workshops. For a full schedule of upcoming workshops, give us a call or email julie@creativegeniusonline.com

Shutter Speak Opens With A Bang

2009-01-22T20:44:00.005-05:00

We opened Shutter Speak last Saturday night. Great folks turned out to support the 24 exhibiting photographers and everyone seemed to have a great time. The photographs are really wonderful and if you get the chance to come out and take a peek, we recommend it.

South Jersey Camera Club rocks!

Shutter Speak Opens Tonight

2009-01-17T14:36:00.005-05:00

"Life is an occasion. Rise to it!" -Suzanne Weyn

At 6pm tonight we will be opening our latest exhibit, Shutter Speak with a first viewing and opening reception from 6-9pm. Many of the 24 exhibiting photographers will be present and available to chat with.
The exhibit features original photographs from South Jersey Camera Club members and will be on our walls through March 1st.
A portion of the proceeds from all exhibit sales will be donated to Flashes of Hope, an organization that photographs children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. For more information visit http://www.flashesofhope.com/

For more exhibit information, visit www.creativegeniusonline.com/currentexhibit.htm

Hope to see you tonight!

Shutter Speak Opens Tonight!

2009-01-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

"Your life is an occasion. Rise to it!" -Suzanne Weyn (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)

Join us from 6-9pm as we open our latest exhibit, Shutter Speak. The exhibit features original photographic prints from South Jersey Camera Club and is hung in a non-traditional way: as a photographic wall collage. All prints are matted but unframed. The goal is for focus to be on the art itself and not in the presentation aspects. For more information, check out www.creativegeniusonline.com/currentexhibit.htm

Tonight's reception features refreshments plus a chance to chat with many of the 24 exhibiting photographers.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T17:30:00.002-05:00

A wish to you and yours for a happy holiday season...here at Creative Genius, we appreciate the support of our loyal customers over the past 5 1/2 years...thanks for being there!

And Speaking of Fun with Mosaics...

2008-11-26T20:58:00.012-05:00

The art teacher at Medford Memorial School in Medford, NJ (where my gallery is located) does this great project. She works with her kids on creating something small and easily transportable and then brings the art projects out to the community by having them displayed in different businesses during the Dickens Festival/Holiday season here in town. It is a great way for kids to see their work out in the world and as an art gallery owner, I think the whole project is awesome. I have participated in the past and loved seeing the kid's faces when they came in and saw their works on display. And the community really loved looking at the projects, especially people who knew the

"creators" personally. The art teacher didn't want a lot of publicity for herself in relation to this project but her name is Nancy Ohotzke and I think her project with her students is a great way to promote the arts. Thanks to Nancy and all the great kids from Medford Memorial School who are displaying their works throughout Medford Village! Shown above are photos of the mosaic window display and the inside gallery display of the Medford Memorial Mosaics at Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio.

Isn't it fun...

2008-11-26T15:04:00.003-05:00

doing the impossible?
Spoke to my favorite sales person today and he gave me that priceless quote and I am adopting it as my new favorite...because, yes, it is absolutely fun doing what everyone else says is impossible...
Hope Thanksgiving is an enjoyable day for all...

Ladies Night..the first of two...

2008-11-21T17:54:00.002-05:00

We had our first of two scheduled holiday season ladies nights last night in the gallery and we had an awesome turnout. Of course, I meant to take pictures but we were too busy...maybe in December we'll post some of the fun on this blog...it seemed like everyone had fun enjoying dessert and the prizes we gave away all got used. Overall a fun night and we've got more new stuff arriving daily so there will be even more to look at in December...hope to see lots of great "ladies" there!

Fun with Mosaics!

2008-11-07T21:15:00.008-05:00

This evening we hosted a great workshop that is a popular favorite with our client list. Each time we run it, more and more creative interpretations of the projects emerge. The instructor, Tippy Wobbe, is a fun mosaic artist who enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students and he often shares stories about techniques and tips that he has learned along the way.

It seemed like our group enjoyed their first evening...now their pieces have to set for 12 hours. Then tomorrow they will return to finish with grouting and will get to take their works home. I can already tell that there are going to be some table tops with mosaic on them in the near future at some of their homes...

This is a great activity to enjoy with friends...bring a bottle of your favorite beverage to our next workshop and enjoy some social time with friends while learning a new skill you can use on old furniture at home.

Our next Mosaic Workshop for Beginners runs January 24th (6-9pm) and January 25th from 10-11am. Visit us on the web at http://www.creativegeniusonline.com/ for pricing or to reserve your space.
Hope to see you there!

Beaded Cuff Workshop

2008-10-25T15:21:00.006-04:00

Fun with jewelry artist, Michele Grady!

This Saturday we hosted an awesome workshop here at Creative Genius and some great women got to participate. The workshop is Beaded Wire Cuff Bracelet and instructor/jewelry artist Michele Grady was on hand to show the students how to create a beaded wire cuff bracelet out of copper and stones.

The workshop is a fun event that we host on a regular basis once every month or two. Our workshops are a great activity for get-togethers with friends, girls night out and more...For more information about our great programs and workshops, visit us on the web at http://www.creativegeniusonline.com/ and click on UPCOMING EVENTS...

5th Anniversary Fun!

2008-10-07T13:11:00.004-04:00

The gallery celebrated our 5th anniversary this past Saturday with a fabulous wood exhibit entitled "Beneath the Bark". Our opening was on Saturday night and we had a great time showcasing the wonderful wood creations on display as well as the other artists who show work in the gallery.

A great big thanks to the artists, whose work was well received and who all attended and greeted our exhibit attendees. It is always a pleasure to host artists who not only enjoy discussing their craft but make it interesting to collectors and novices alike.

We hosted a wonderful evening with great food, great turnout of folks who really enjoyed the exhibit and who have been supportive of the gallery for the past 5 years. We sincerely thank each and every one of them for their support...

Exhibit and Anniversary Fun (and Holidays Already!)

2008-09-26T12:02:00.006-04:00

Our upcoming exhibit is just over a week away and we have been hard at work getting everything prepped for a fun night celebrating our exhibit opening and our 5th anniversary here at Creative Genius. I can't believe we've actually been open 5 years. Incredible!

And then, there's the holidays...

Yes, I am talking about THOSE holidays, believe it or not. The ones that come in December and cost us all a lot of money and stress and time.

As a retailer, you have to begin getting holidays on the brain as soon as the last year's events are over. And I have done a lot of research to bring in even more unique choices for this year's festivities.

We officially have our Ladies Nights planned for November 20th and December 11th, both from 6-9pm. Each Ladies Night will be an opportunity to get your holiday wish list gift registries complete or updated as well as enjoy jewelry trunk shows, prizes, giveaways and dessert, all while shopping in a relaxing, stress-free, Creative environment. What could be better? Make it a social event and stop and have dinner in Medford Village with some friends before heading over to enjoy dessert and shopping with us. Drop in to any of our great restaurants in Medford and then join us. Oh, and gift wrapping is free on all your purchases...

Holiday orders are arriving all the time with new exciting choices from our regular artists as well as new artist offerings. I've got some great small gift items too...something for everyone here at Creative Genius.

Our 5th Anniverary Party? Fabulous Ladies Nights? Be sure to mark your calendars...hope to see you there!

BENEATH THE BARK! New Exhibit Opening...

2008-09-16T11:59:00.004-04:00

Creative Genius Art Gallery & Studio is getting ready to celebrate our five year anniversary with a new exhibit opening. The exhibit is going to be filled with unique creations made from wood-all kinds and styles of wood. You don't want to miss this.

The opening reception is SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th from 6-9pm and will include refreshments and a chance to mingle with creative people. For more information please contact us or visit us on the web at www.creativegeniusonline.com.

We hope to see you there!

Happy Campers!

2008-06-19T20:05:00.002-04:00

Greetings from Medford, NJ!
We are working and making great efforts to complete last minute preparations for our upcoming camp schedule, which has been very popular this year. We have a full group of excited campers joining us for our 4 camp offerings this year and we're excited too...should be lots of fun...

Our camp offerings include Clay Camp, Digital Photography Camp, Funky Furniture Camp and Make It And Use It Camp...all designed to get kids thinking creatively while learning new techniques associated with art mediums and craft mediums. We like to think it is a fun way to spend a summer morning...

We're also working on a full schedule of activities for fall including workshops, classes and other events including our 5th Anniversary Party and Exhibit...stay tuned for more information...

Hope you're enjoying the start of summer...we are!

Wine and Jazz and Ocean Dreams!

2008-05-29T18:02:00.008-04:00

This weekend, Medford Township is hosting a Wine and Jazz Festival along Main Street in Medford Village. Many great musical offerings will be showcased along with samples from wineries, food, shopping and more. Creative Genius will be open from 10:30am-4pm on Sunday and will be showcasing our recently expanded gallery. Plus, there will be a table out front with coupons, a chance to sign up to win prizes including free classes and gift certificates and more...come see us!

Also included in this festival is a small showing of local art that will be located along North Main Street near Creative Genius. The art is limited (long story) but the weather is looking good and the festival should be a fun afternoon.

I wanted to take a moment to feature a few really cool pieces available for sale currently at Creative Genius. One is the beautiful necklace shown in this entry which was created by Ocean Dreams by Randie B. A truly fabulous piece, this can be worn with a t-shirt or a little black dress. And it really looks great on...

Now wouldn't you like to see it in person sparkling in the front window at Creative Genius?

I would also like to make mention of the fact that we have new work added from our best selling local jewelry artist, Michele Grady and the pieces are selling like crazy. Michele sells her work through galleries throughout the US and her jewelry is feminine and urban and just plain cool (and I am not the only one who thinks so!) There are quite a few jewelry collectors who have been turned on to Michele's work from coming in to Creative Genius over the past 4 1/2 years. Have you started YOUR Michele Grady collection?

Fused Glass Tiles! New Workshop

2008-05-07T12:36:00.003-04:00

We just confirmed a new workshop we've added to our schedule for September 27th. I know that might seem like a long way away but it will be here before you know it. This workshop is a Fused Glass Tile workshop. Students will create a set of four fused glass tiles using various colors and techniques to do so. The instructor is great and it sounds like a fun afternoon for those interested in learning about fusing glass. I have had numerous requests for this workshop so it is exciting to finally have it on the schedule.

With all the great classes and workshops we have offered over the past 4 1/2 years as well as the fact that we continue to offer 100% american handmade items, I think we have done a decent job of sticking to our vision for what Creative Genius is all about . We've proudly expanded to continue to provide our clients with an art environment that is true to its identity and doesn't try to follow someone else's vision of what we should be. Thanks for your support!

New Artists!

2008-05-01T15:34:00.002-04:00

Here at Creative Genius we've been working with some great artists over the past 5 years. Yes, we've been lucky! Well, in line with our expansion, we've also been working on adding some great new artists to the fold of wonderful creators already showcasing their works here at Creative Genius.

Here's a sampling of a few of our latest additions:

Deb DeMarco-lampworking and fused glass, truly creative pendants at great affordable prices...you definitely want to check out her Goddess pendants and sea horse pendants. They are one of a kind, lampworked creations...

Iridescent Dreams-fused glass jewelry and wine bottle toppers...really unique sterling silver and fused glass rings and reversible bracelets...a new favorite for a few of our clients...

From the Heart Creations-more silverware jewelry with a different twist...accessible and fun and different from the other artists we've showcased in this genre...

There are also some new additions or new incoming work from our existing artists...The short list includes new pieces from the following artists:
Michele Grady
Liz Kinder
Morningstar Studio
Sugarboo Designs
John Ciecierski
Melissa Ciecierski
Sherry Tinsman
Trish Proto
Elaine and Bill Snell
Nancy Salamon
Kathy Hudson
and more coming soon!

New workshop just added too...Fused Glass Tile Workshop...this will be held in September...more details coming soon...

EXPANSION!

2008-04-19T13:57:00.002-04:00

Yes, it has been a while since anything has been posted here and it is primarily because Creative Genius has expanded, and I have been incredibly busy (with lots of help) making it happen.
The studio is now in the rear of our space with a convenient separate entrance and access to the rear parking lot. Very convenient and great for people coming in for classes, parties, etc. It is all set up and is a nice studio environment. Nothing too fancy but it totally works and our students have been loving it so far.
The gallery is now 25% bigger. Where our studio space used to be is now additional gallery/exhibit space and we are slowly adding more cool items. We've got sculptures arriving, we've got new art arriving and we're having fun making it all happen. There's even a spot to sit near our StoryPeople area (I promised a few StoryPeople fans that this would happen and I am not one to back out of a promise :)
So there's great things happening every day...come see what's new at Creative Genius!
To read the press release about our expansion, visit us on the web at www.creativegeniusonline.com/press

Inspiration for Spring...

2008-03-04T15:57:00.005-05:00

Wow!
All we needed was a little sun and it would have been spring for sure...unfortunately, no such luck but today's weather was a nice little preview of warmer days to come.
And while we're thinking of spring, here at Creative Genius we've also got creativity on our minds...some great workshops are coming up that you don't want to miss:
Stained Glass for Beginners runs this Saturday from 9am-6pm. Students will create an 8x10 panel. Pre-registration is required
Fused Glass Pendant Workshop-runs on March 22nd with Michele Grady
The Art of Weaving-for beginner weavers runs for the first time here at Creative Genius on March 29th from 11-3pm.

Our great selection of camps are sure to be a hit with all those creative kids looking for summer inspiration too!

For more information on any of our upcoming workshops, visit us on the web at www.creativegeniusonline.com or give us a call at 609-714-1131.

Ready, Set, Weave!

2008-02-13T11:03:00.003-05:00

Okay, we've achieved the impossible and posted our children's summer day camp schedule EARLY...imagine that! In addition to the eight zillion things we have going on here we are also ready for summer (as I think everyone probably is after yesterday's snow, sleet and freezing rain). For a complete listing of our camps, visit www.creativegeniusonline.com and click on summer camp programs...
Also in the works are some really great workshops coming up including our beginner mosaic workshop, beginner stained glass and new for 2008, a beginner WEAVING workshop...for more information on our workshops, come visit us or check out the website for details...
We hope you are staying dry on this very soggy Wednesday...

Loss...

2008-02-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

Life is short--so LIVE!
January has been a tough month...we lost my father in law on January 10th at the age of 62. He was recovering from surgery but was expected to make a full recovery and then he didn't and it was a shock to all of us. He was a larger than life personality and the world definitely got smaller on Janaury 10th. Life really is short so be here in the present and be sure you are living and not just existing. None of us really knows what is around the corner...

It's been hectic...

2007-12-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Well, based on the last time a blog entry was posted, it would be pretty obvious that I have been a bit busy. Basically, I have no time for blog entries, web updates, or the like in December. Such is life in retail and believe me, I am not complaining. It kind of feels good to get caught back up on my regular tasks, though.
I hope that the holiday was an enjoyable one and a happy new year to all...