Art, Framing, and the Holidays - Black Iris is Here for You

Hello, everyone! I have lots of news to share!

Last time we talked I was gearing up for my 4th Annual Black Iris Fine Art Show. I have to say...it went fantastic this year! My best year ever, in fact.

In the left margin are some pictures from the day, and as you can see, both the artists and the customers are very happy. I heard nothing but positive feedback this year.

Above: watercolor artist Vicky Zalatoris scopes out other art booths on a much-needed coffee break; learn more about Vicky at http://www.phluffwerks.com/aboutvicky.asp

Next year's Black Iris Fine Arts Show will be held during Jack O' Lantern Fest again, on October 16, 2010. Please mark your datebook now.

Have you heard the latest framing news at Black Iris Gallery? Perhaps you have seen our cute ad in the Spooner Advocate.

My framer Bill LaPorte and I are running a framing special!

All you have to do is bring in a photograph or artwork to be re-framed, or just bring in an emtpy frame you've had laying around for too long. You will earn TWENTY DOLLARS ($20) toward a NEW frame!

It's called "Funds for Frames" (like Cash for Clunkers), but it's a lot more fun. (THE BEST PART: all old frames will be donated to local art students.)

Above: local fiber expert Alene Peterson demonstrates the art of weaving on her loom.

You will be amazed, I promise, by what a new frame can do for your photos or artwork. And you have to admit, those shiny metal frames are so 1980's. Now is a great time to update a room (without spending a fortune on carpet and furniture).

Holiday Hours at Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing are Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We also take appointments any time.

Please call Black Iris at 715-635-4548 if you need anything related to art, matting, glass, framing, and gifts.

Above: customers making jewelry at a make-n-take station.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Sincerely,
JoAnn

P.S. Only 26 days until Christmas! ;-)

Call for Artists: Black Iris Fine Arts show, October 17

Greetings, Artists and Art Lovers!

My 4th annual art show is coming up, and I'm looking for a few more artists to fill booth spaces. Each year the show gets better, and this year....

Oil lamp
Hand carved by Ed Schmidt, Frederic, WI

...YOU are invited to participate!

Thanks to excellent feedback from both customers and artists, the Black Iris Fine Arts Show (formerly the Heartwood show) is now HELD IN DOWNTOWN SPOONER and is significantly earlier this year--on Saturday, October 17, 2009. This is the same day as Spooner's new Jack O' Lantern Fest, so between the leaf-lovers in the area and the Pumpkin Fest go-ers, foot traffic will be excellent.

For more details or to print an application, please visit http://www.blackirisframing.com/artshow.php (scroll down part way to open the application).

If you have questions, please call me at 715-635-4548. Of course there's always e-mail, too: JoAnn@BlackIrisFraming.com.

I look forward to having you join us at the 4th Annual Black Iris Fine Arts Show. So far we have over a dozen booths filled with mediums ranging from pottery, painting, and photography to hand-made knives, jewelry, and glass work.

It's best to sign up now--booths are filling fast and cost only $50; you don't want to miss out!

Sincerely,
JoAnn

Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing
715-635-4548
Hwy 63
Spooner, WI
http:/www.blackirisframing.com/artshow.php

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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.