2010 Fall Splendor Art Meander - our region's first!

Hello, Art Lovers!

Yes, it's true! Northwest Wisconsin now has an art tour!

Mark your calendars for September 24 & 25, 2010. At left is a thumbnail of the map, featuring 13 locations representing dozens of artists and galleries. (I'm sorry I can't make it bigger--Blogger won't allow it.)

If you'd like a PDF version of the Fall Splendor Art Meander map e-mailed to you (to use while you're driving), please type "Art Meander Map" in the Subject line of your e-mail message to JoAnn@BlackIrisFraming.com.

A few of the studios on this map will be open to the public for the very first time!

With Spooner and Shell Lake galleries in the north, and Cameron and Chetek studios in the south--plus several GREAT art stops along the way including in Brill, Barronett, and Cumberland--you won't want to miss this once-a-year event!

See you at the 2010 Fall Splender Art Meander. Enjoy our area's fall colors....buy fantastic art....munch on yummy appetizers....watch artists at work in their working studios....and sign up for door prizes at every location along the way.

Happy (Art) Trails to you!

Sincerely,
JoAnn Martin
Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing
Spooner, WI
http://www.BlackIrisFraming.com

I Love Santa Fe! (Part 2 of 3)

This is Part 2 of my tribute to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I love it there! Here are two reasons why.

My two favorite things about Santa Fe are entirely entwined with each other: I love its food and its people. Of course Santa Fe's cuisine comes from its people--its strong Native American, Spanish, and Mexican populations.

Did you know that Santa Fe is literally America's oldest, official city? It was founded an entire decade before the British colonials even landed on Plymouth Rock. No offense intended, but the Spanish colonials got here first, and thank goodness.
With such a long and diverse (and yes, tumultuous) history, nearly every cafe, barista, pub, club, diner and restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, features the foods and spices of the city's past and present: Native American flat breads, Spanish tapas, French pastries, Mexican everything, and yes, even American food is here--and it's always fresh, tasty, and easy to find. No hunting in the phone book for ethnic food--just walk down the sidewalk, choose an eatery, and open the door. You'll find some of the best tasting food in the world. (In my last post I mentioned some of my travels. Having eaten on cruise ships and in Europe, I can tell you that Santa Fe beats them both.)


If you're a locavore like I am (you choose to eat locally produced food when possible), the best part of Santa Fe is the Santa Fe Farmer's Market, open year-round. You can buy everything from chile peppers (all varieties, from mild to 3-alarm) to standard and exotic fruits and vegetables. You can buy locally produced cheeses, wines, and even art at this market (yes, art!). And you will hear local street musicians, called buskers, too. The Santa Fe Farmer's Market is more than a market--it's a community event and gathering place.

My favorite breakfast place in Santa Fe is called the Horseman's Haven. We usually heard two or three languages spoken here each morning, and the huevos rancheros were the best we had all week (and large enough to share or save half for lunch). Speaking of lunch, we recommend Pasqual's, located on Santa Fe's famous Plaza (more on The Plaza in Part 3). For dinner you must go to Canyon Road (you'll be there anyway for its dozens of art galleries) and eat at El Farol's. It's pricey, but worth it. Save this restaurant for a special evening with a special someone. Andrew and I loved their tapas selection.

If you get hooked on Southwestern cuisine (I have always loved Mexican food, but the Southwest's flavors are even better), check out the Santa Fe School of Cooking. You can learn how to roast a chile and wrap a tamale, and then go home and repeat it in your own kitchen.

If you like to meet people who are different from you, go to Santa Fe. If you like foods that look and taste differently from what you normally eat, go to Santa Fe. If you love to learn and want to grow personally, go to Santa Fe and don't come back until you're a better person. It won't take long. Santa Fe will enrich you.


If you're in the Spooner area this month, stop in see us at Black Iris Gallery (located between the stop lights on Hwy 63). We are currently showing Paul Oman's new watercolor art show called Landscapes & Cityscapes: Paul Oman 2010. Several of his award-winning pieces are on display now through the end of June. It's an impressive show and just as good as what I saw in Santa Fe. See above for a sample of his work.

Above: A Day in Bayfield, original watecolor, Paul Oman, 2010

See you soon at Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing!

Sincerely,
JoAnn
Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing
Spooner, WI
715-635-4548
http://www.blackirisframing.com/


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I Love Santa Fe, NM! (Part 1 of 3)

I can't stop myself. I have to share my love of Santa Fe with you!

If you're an art lover, but haven't yet traveled to Santa Fe, put it at the top of your travel list right now. You will be amazed by the foods, arts, and culture you'll find there.

And I'm not just talking about the visual arts. Yes, Santa Fe is full of galleries. Yes, you can buy a Georgia O'Keeffe print at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Yes, you will find Southwest art in the Southwest (of course), including "cowboys and indians" art. But if your assumptions about Santa Fe are limited to these stereotypes, you're missing the arts and culture experience of a lifetime.

Santa Fe is famous for much more than painters and paintings. It's also famous for weaving, black pottery, and opera. Yes, opera! The open-air Santa Fe Opera Campus is located in the valley between the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains--some of the most beautiful, colorful, and always changing mountains I have ever seen (and I've seen the Alps in Switzerland and Mt. McKinley in Alaska).

The performing arts in Santa Fe are amazingly diverse--from plays, concerts, and ballet to comedians, jam sessions, and poetry slams. If sports are your thing, try women's roller derby (no kidding!). The rivalry between the women of the Sante Fe Disco Brawlers and the Albequerque Dukes is growing as fast as their fan base.

If you're a movie buff and visiting Santa Fe, sometimes you can be an "extra" in a Hollywood movie or Indie film. Because of its long days, excellent light, and proximity to California, New Mexico in general and Santa Fe in particular are often chosen for on-location movie shoots. Alex Baldwin recently shot a movie there, which features the famous Loretto Church and its mysterious, winding staircase that was built in the late 1880s by just one man with only rustic hand tools and no nails. Even today's engineers and architects do not agree how the famous staircase remains upright and strong with no apparent vertical support.

Part 2 (coming soon!) of my tribute to Santa Fe, New Mexico, will focus on my two favorite things about this beautiful town. You might be surprised!

Forever in Love with Santa Fe,
JoAnn

Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing
Spooner, WI
715-635-4548









Above: A bank in Santa Fe, built adobe style. The city prefers all buildings to be built this way to preserve the historical architecture of the region.


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"Superior Quetico Wilderness," original by Paul Oman

Greetings, Art Lovers!

Shown at left is a watercolor original called The Superior-Quetico Wilderness (65” x 45”).

Depicting one of our region’s finest natural treasures—the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of the United States and the Quetico Provincial Park of Canada—this large piece was painted by local artist and Lutheran pastor Paul Oman of Birchwood, WI. It now hangs at Black Iris Gallery in Spooner, WI.

The Superior-Quetico Wilderness comes matted and framed by the artist in dark oak. Until now, it was priced at $3,500 (framed; $2,450 unframed).

From now through the end of December 2009, you can take advantage of Paul’s 25% OFF Special. This means you can own this original watercolor for just $2,625 framed ($1,837.50 unframed).

Please let me know if you have questions or if you would like to schedule a private viewing of this rare, original artwork. It will make a beautiful addition to any home, cottage, cabin, or office.

Our Holiday Hours are Mon - Sat, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We also take appointments for any other time--just gives us a call at 715-635-4548. See you soon at Black Iris Gallery on Hwy 63 in Spooner, WI. Free parking on Oak Street.

Happy Holidays to You!

Sincerely,
JoAnn

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Toads art show and book reading at Black Iris Gallery

Hello art lovers, book lovers, and moms and dads!

Our next art show at Black Iris Gallery is called Toads. But please don't let the name bother you--this show is about a children's book by the same name, and you'll love it!

Image from Toads

The book Toads was written by author Eileen Ziesler who lives and writes in Ladysmith, WI. It was illustrated by Janelle Thomspon, a freelance artist who lives in Ladysmith but paints around the world. These two amazing women worked together to create a marvelous children's book that asks the question, "Where do toads go after the sun comes up and the moon goes down?"

Front cover of the book Toads

Janelle (shown below) will be showcasing the original paintings she created for the book Toads. She will also display several paintings from the artistic duo’s next book, called Little Sprout, coming out soon.

Janelle Thompson, freelance artist and illustrator of Toads

This is a FAMILY-FRIENDLY art exhibit, so bring the kids! Your children will love the paintings of the forest creatures that are central to Toads, and Janelle’s quiet, patient way with kids mean they're drawn to her story-telling and reading.

You are invited

You are invited to attend Janelle's Artist Reception on Saturday, September 19 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Janelle's reception will feature her beautiful prints and originals, all for sale to the public. As a preferred Black Iris Customer, you're hearing about here it first!

Janelle's reception is right here at Black Iris Gallery. We are located at 410 N River Street (Hwy 63) in Spooner. Light appetizers will be served, and there is free parking on Oak Street.

Eileen Ziesler, author Toads

Meet the author, too
A second event is a book-signing and reading with Toads author Eileen Ziesler from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 3. At this event, Ziesler will teach everyone how to croak like a toad and how to draw a toad of their own!

Books will be available for purchase and autographing at both events. At just $16.95, this hard-cover, full-color, coffee-table quality book is an excellent bargain. Toads makes a wonderful, thoughtful gift for the special children in your life.

About the artist
Janelle's studio is in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, where she works as a freelance visual artist in watercolor and ink. "I can't remember a time when I didn't want to draw or paint," explains Thompson. “Art is the way I perceive and interact with the world around me.”

About the author
Ziesler is retired from teaching Early Childhood Literacy and now spends her time writing books and working on community service projects.

All adults and children are welcome to attend both events. The Gallery’s fall hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For more details, click http://www.blackirisframing.com/currentshow.php or contact the gallery at 715-635-4548.

See you on Saturday, September 19, 4:00 - 7:00 PM!

Artfully yours,

JoAnn Martin

Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing

Spooner, WI

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2nd Annual Photo Show at Black Iris Gallery in Spooner

Members of the Northern Lights Camera Club (NLCC), which meets monthly in Spooner, Wisconsin, will showcase their latest works at the Second Annual Photo Exhibit on Saturday, August 8, 2009, 5 - 8 PM, at an Artist Reception.

The public is invited to meet the exhibitors, enjoy and buy quality photography, and share appetizers and beverages at the event, which is hosted by Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing on Hwy 63 in downtown Spooner.

The show will hang until Saturday, September 12. All framed photographs, matted prints, and greeting cards are available for sale by the photographers themselves. The photo shown here, called Walk with Me, was taken by Anna Merritt, owner of Misty Pine Photography in Gordon, Wisconsin at Copper Falls State Park near Mellen, Wisconsin.

“After the success of last year’s show, the leadership team felt it was important to keep the Club’s creative momentum going,” says JoAnn Martin, owner of the Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing and a business sponsor of the Club. “They decided an annual Photo Show would be a great way to do that, and I’m honored that Black Iris Gallery can be a part of it.”

“This year’s show includes several new members to the club,” adds Barb Ray, a photographer from Birchwood, Wisconsin. “Our members range from portrait and wedding photographers to those who shoot street scenes, architecture, wildlife, nudes, and still lifes. Everyone is welcome,” explains Ray. “From beginners to professionals.”

On Saturday, August 8, from 5 - 8 PM, you can meet the photographers in person at the show’s Opening Reception. You’ll also learn about the Northern Lights Camera Club and its mission while enjoying the freshest works by the most talented photographers in the area.

The Gallery’s summer hours are Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Enjoy free parking on Oak Street. For more information about the show, please call 715-635-4548 or visit http://www.blackirisframing.com/ and click “Art Shows.” See you Saturday, August 8, at Black Iris Gallery in Spooner.

Carole A. Burval: Perfection on Paper

Greetings, Art Lovers!

Our next art show at Black Iris Gallery is now hanging, and it is absolutely stunning!

The artist is Carole A. Burval, TWSA, WHS, MWS, from Minong, WI and Barrington, IL. All those initials after her name mean that Carole is an award-winning watercolor artist with Signature Status in several Watercolor Societies.

Carole's work is normally showcased at national exhibits, making her show here at Black Iris a rare opportunity for art lovers in general and for watercolor fans in particular. Don't miss this show.

Samples of Carole's work are shown along the left side of this page. Top to bottom, the pieces are called Almost Spring, Fall on Washington Island, and Iris Abstract (click for larger images).

You can see how well Carole captures the shapes, colors, textures, moods, and emotions of a scene. My favorite is the middle piece. The wooden cart of pumpkins reminds me of late summer and fall, with all their smells and colors and quite moments. For me, Carole's artwork is perfection on paper.

Since Carole's works often hang in large cities like Chicago and Tuscon, her show at Black Iris Gallery is a chance to see nationally acclaimed work right here in Spooner--don't miss it!

Carole's Artist Reception will be Saturday, June 13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, here at the Gallery. We're located at 410 North River Street (Hwy 63) in Spooner, with free parking on Oak Street.

See you on Saturday, June 13th for fine art, fine wine, and fine food!

To learn more about Carole and her work, please visit her Web site at http://www.caroleaburval.com/. You can also sign up for Carole's watercolor workshop, which will be held June 12 & 13 in Spooner.

See you Saturday, June 13, for Carole's Artist Reception!

Artfully,
JoAnn
Owner, Black Iris Gallery
JoAnn@BlackIrisFraming.com

Summer is Show Season at Black Iris

For those of you who attended Don & Linda Ruedy's art show and artist reception on Saturday, May 9, you know what a magical afternoon it was!

Linda sold several framed photographs, including Blue Heron Visitor, shown left. Don played his Celtic harp for us, above right, making the entire day an elegant and cultured affair.

My good friend Leila agreed to sit as Don's live model, and the pastel portrait he created of her is stunning, as you can see below.

If you would like to commission Don to create a portrait for you (or of you) -- they make very thoughtful gifts! --please contact Don directly at ruedy715@centurytel.net.

I think one of the best parts of the day was when a long-lost relative of Linda's arrived to see her. They had lost touch over the years, but her daughter's paternal aunt had heard about the show in the newspaper. See below for a photo of their happy reunion.

Stay tuned for information on our next art show--it's hanging now and it's absolutely stunning!

Happy Memorial Day, and thank you to all veterans. Our freedom is not free, and we have you to thank for it.

Sincerely and artfully yours,

JoAnn

Satellite locations, framing class coming soon

Hello, art lovers--Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here at Black Iris Custom Framing, we are Irish and proud of it!

Things are really starting to happen now. I have ordered street and building signage for my two new satellite frame shop locations at The TimberShed in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, and at Homestead Embroidery & Gifts in Danbury, Wisconsin. The moulding and matting samples are on the way, and in the April I'll be training staff at both places to design framing packages and price orders. Watch this space for more details to come!

My framing class, set for Thursday, April 10, 17, and 24, is starting to fill. If you'd like to sign up, please call me for details or visit my class link. You will need to come to the shop a week before your first class so that you can choose mats and frames, and, if necessary, I can order them for you. That way you'll have the materials you need on the first night of class.

This class will most likely run in an "Open Shop" format--students can come and go as they make progress on their framing projects. I will be in the shop to assist you with questions and techniques every step of the way. I'll see you there!

Please contact me if you ever have questions at 715-635-4548 or joann@blackirisframing.com, and thanks for reading!

JoAnn

Below are pictures of my SUCCESSFUL and TALENTED framing students with their framing projects - Congratulations (L-R) Kevin, Rob, & Dawn!