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

Great news for Stone Lake & Danbury!

I have big news and I can't wait to share it!

When I bought the Black Iris Gallery & Custom Framing business two years ago, I saw immediately that Northwest Wisconsin's large geographical area, and the driving distances that go with it, meant there was a need for more locations in neighboring towns. Of course, I use the term "neighboring" loosely. Here is NW WI, the nearest towns are anywhere from 6 to 40 miles away, one way. Luckily, stop-n-go traffic does not happen here, but deer, bear, and even skunk sure keep you alert!

Many, if not most, of my customers are second homeowners who live in secluded developments or on private lakes. They come from large metropolitan areas like the Twin Cities and Chicago, and they don't want to drive two hours to have their custom framing done. Hence, Black Iris satellite locations!

As of May 3, I will have two (that's right, two!) satellite locations to better serve my rural customers. The first location will open in April in Danbury at Homestead Embroidery & Gifts, owned by Deb & Ken Holter. The Holters and their staff will help you choose mats and frames, take your deposit, and hold your artwork. I will collect the orders each week, build your frame(s), and cut your mats back at my shop in Spooner. Then I'll deliver the completed package back to Homestead Embroidery in Danbury. It's that easy!

I will do the same in Stone Lake, with that location opening May 3 at Bill & Karen Unverzagt's store called The Timbershed. They build fine, rustic furniture at their shop in Byron, Minnesota, but live in the summer on a lake near Stone Lake and sell art, gifts, and furniture from their store there. The Timbershed is an excellent fit for the Black Iris Custom Frame Shop since furniture and framing go hand-in-hand when a customer builds or redecorates a home.

Stay tuned for more details as our Grand Opening dates get closer. We're very excited, and we hope you are, too!

JoAnn & Andrew