Plates are landing at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery!

AND.......we are jumping up and down with excitment! Our "Plate it Up" show is off to a great start! Ceramic artists are sending plates from all across the United States...all in support of CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund).
We will begin photographing all of them in the next week and will post them online for everyone to see. Here is a sneak peak at a few of the plates that will be in the show and part of the silent auction.
Take a look.

Kim Murton


Joseph Pintz


Robin Slakey


John Gumaelius

A happening night for all...

who came out to see just "what the heck" they were talking about. Yes...our darkroom door made its official debut out in front of the gallery. Enter in to see the "viewing" of our paint by number collection....close the door and see them change.


We had a few "famous" artists who added their own art to these masterpieces!


There were a few who needed a reassurances that we wouldn't lock them in while they viewed the art.


While others couldn't have had more fun (all 4 at once inside!). Also notice that the pen wasn't only used inside the darkroom but on their faces!


So...If you didn't have the chance to see this wonderful crazy experience in Downtown Salem, you may see us again when you least expect it!

Now...onto the remodeling and soon to be updates! Plus...all my new best friends are rapidly sending in their plates for our next show...Plate it Up!

Remodeling doesn't have perks....

when it comes to "doing it yourself".

These last few days we've been packing artwork into safe places and have been removing walls at the gallery. Everything is covered in plastic and dust bunnies are being swept up.
Today we took down one of the show walls and turned it over...

I couldn't believe all the holes that had been pounded into that wall. My husband is sure I am out of nails after seeing this...nope, I have more and can't wait to hang the next show!
but....in the meantime....we will be having our "Artroom Door" in front of the gallery!
That's me testing it out!

Stop by on First Wednesday...we'll be out on the sidewalk, wear your coats though because I'm sure it will be chilly. You really don't want to miss this!

Just the other day....

I had the opportunity to see some old friends....meaning "art pieces" that have left the gallery and are now in a cozy home.




I love this house and the owner. Everywhere I looked I saw art pieces instead of "stuff" (stuff: that is an object that has been manufactured by machines...many of...knock offs of artists work, etc) We like to say how houses have "soul" when filled with art which reflect on the people living there. Yes, this person has a beautiful soul and walking through the door I felt the life within her walls..not to mention she has 5 wonderful kids that add to her beautiful home.

Looking around I peaked at wonderful art objects from our 100 artist shows...






a door located near the kitchen from our Door Show (by Alison O'Donoghue)


Ceramic letters by Doug Dacar...perfectl for this time of year....and actually all year round!


The kitchen....


and even the bathroom thoughtfully showcases Kim Murton's ceramic swimmers.


I even found one of my ceramic jars that I made years ago.


So...this holiday season, visit a gallery, visit an artists studio and please support the arts.

Worry of the day...Kim Murton

Our friend and artist Kim Murton has been creating "worry of the day" for over one year.
For our holiday month, we asked Kim to create a few of these for the gallery. We love them and if you want to see more...go to her blog...funny to read and some good belly laughs.
Here are a few....








Look for more under her name on our artist page.

We also have some wonderful "small paintings" by Anna Mcgruder! I'm sure she was in my high school class!






Kim Hamblin dropped off a few pieces that are in her "nesting series"..I think because she's pregnant these are dear to her.
I love them all. Check them out on her artist page!







Last but not least...we have these wonderful little paintings by Elizabeth Bauman, all 6" x 6" and very sweet.

Rainy day...

But...we are bright on the inside! I just had to take some shots to show how great the gallery looks and feels. Everytime I walk in the door, I am greeted by these walls...color, character and texture. I had to take a picture. Reminds me of having warm soup on a cold day. yum.





Even Frida looks happy to be inside where it's warm.


Take a close up look at this Michele Maule painting...love the detail.


Just in...new jewelry by AMUCK!
Bryan and Andrea covet pieces from city streets and random locales; items like street signs and license plates. They then combine their treasured findings with precious metals to create their unique style of fine art jewelry.
You've got to love this!


Also...this sweet little bowl by Jenny Mendes! She so "rocks" as a potter!


Tweet!

Roz on assignment....

Over the weekend, our Roz (fashion diva slash art correspondent) was up in Seattle, Washington for a few days and shot some great photos. This first image shows the creative energy of Anthropology clothing store...just genius and out of the box thinking!



Next are shots at the market. A great way to light using sculpture.



Saving the best for last...Roz got some fantastic shots of the bubblegum wall!



Now some people may say...what the heck. We say, art is everywhere! Thanks Roz!

Man Cans and Boy Toys...What??????

The show for this month is right up my alley...no, not the Man Cans name but all the ceramics, textures and colors! I love seeing the various surfaces on all of these pieces and how many firings each piece must go through before it's finished.
Being a potter for many years, I feel that I'm back at home when looking at all of these pieces. I find myself going off into a "teaching mode" when describing how these were created.


If you are looking for a "statement piece" for that loft or entry, these pieces will bring lots of conversation to the table....yes, you can place these on your table!


This is Jasper (Jim's 2 year old son)...the inspiration for all this amazing work!