Mino is back at The Gift Shop

Here at The Gift Shop, one of our favorite 2D artists is Mino Watenabe. Her prints are richly detailed, and colorful, often depicting the myths and fairy tales from her native Japan. They have a dreamy and lyrical quality, just beautiful. One of her recurring themes is fairies in the garden.

Here are three examples of her numbered prints.

A garden fairy in the asparagus patch from Mino Watanabe (WAT).

A depiction of a Japanese myth from Mino Watanabe (WAT).

A beautiful forest fairy by Mino Watanabe (WAT).

Mino's cards are just as wonderful, duplicating her prints on a smaller scale. They are each just as frame-worthy as her prints.

Two examples of cards created by Mino Watanabe (WAT).

Mino has won awards for her work, including the "People's Choice" award in the 2015 Members Only show here at Anton Art Center. Come in and see her work for yourself.

Have a Happy, and Safe Fourth of July!

Michigan-themed candles and soaps at The Gift Shop

Michelle Teno, one our soap artists here at The Gift Shop, has now brought in some candles to compliment her soaps. These new candles and soaps have Michigan themes...each represents a specific place, or event here in Michigan!

"Allegan" candle and soap from Michelle Teno (TENO).

"Northport" candle and soap from Michelle Teno (TENO).

"Tawas" candle and soap from Michelle Teno (TENO).

(Remember, the letters in parentheses after Michelle's name show her code. When you see that code on work in The Gift Shop, you will know she created it.)

Michelle has more Michigan soaps representing...Bayport Festival, Skillagalee, Petosky, Whitefish Pointe, Lake Charlevoix, Algonac, and Armada. She also offers lovely soaps with no Michigan ties, but they are so pretty and sweetly scented.
Michelle's soaps are made from organic goats milk soap, richly fragrant, and taken from highly detailed molds. She uses organic Michigan beeswax to make her fragrant candles each decorated with delicate flower petals.

Come in and see Michelle's special soaps and candles soon.

Now in our galleries are two exciting shows featuring local artists. "The Art of  Dance" is currently showing in the 2nd floor Community Gallery, and "Soliloquy" is in the main galleries.

Still more ideas for Father's Day

Here at The Gift Shop we have even more gift ideas for Father's Day.
This week I will highlight the work of artists Barbara and James Rudis, Robert Gilchrist, Audrey Long, Esther Schuldt, and Kimberly Kirkpatrick.

James Rudis and his late wife Barbara have created some wonderful mosaics. This large piece is fashioned from genuine Southwest Mesquite wood, mirrors, turquoise gem chips, and copper. It makes a very bold statement!

A distinctive wall piece from Barb and Jim Rudis (RUDI).

Does your man/men enjoy a big cup of coffee or tea? We have some hefty-sized ceramic mugs created by several of our clay artists.
Here are two mugs made by Robert Gilchrist. He uses some really interesting glazes on his work.

Two mugs created by Robert Gilchrist (GILC).

Kimberly Kirkpatrick and Audrey Long are two of our imaginative, and prolific potters. Pictured are mugs from these clay artists. Each one just right for that morning "Cuppa".

Two large mugs, one from Kimberly Kirkpatrick (KIRK), and the second from Audrey Long (TAC)

Esther Schuldt has just brought in some new designs of her popular magnifiers and letter openers. They would look great on his desk, or yours!

 Matching magnifiers and letter openers created by Esther Schulte (SCHU).

(Remember, the letters in parentheses after each artist's name show their code. When you see that code on work in The Gift Shop, you will know who created it.)

While you are here at The Gift Shop be sure to take a look at our latest exhibits here at Anton Art Center. "The Art of  Dance" is currently showing in the 2nd floor Community Gallery (with the opening reception on Saturday June 18 at 1pm), and "Soliloquy" is in the main galleries. Don't miss these shows each featuring local artists.

More Father's Day Gifts from The Gift Shop

We here in Michigan are so lucky. We are surrounded by the Great Lakes, and are abundant in local lakes and waterways, so there is a good chance that the man/men  in your life would like a gift that is water-related.
Here at The Gift Shop we have many artists who create some very unique gifts with that subject in mind. Among those artists are: Lynn Conlen, Robert Mowry, Elizabeth Martin, Roselyn Rhodes, and Darlene Bosman.

Lynn Conlen is making some very interesting works from clay. Here she has evoked a nautical theme with this clever lighthouse piece.

Ceramic lighthouse from Lynn Conlen (CON).

Robert Mowry specializes in iconic photos from Detroit, and Michigan. Here is a lovely picture he took of a "Sunrise on Grand Traverse Bay".

A serene sunrise photo from Robert Mowry (MOW). 

Elizabeth Martin works in clay and fabric. This over-sized "Fishtown" pillow she has embellished could be just what your man may need to be more comfy!

A comfortable pillow made by Elizabeth Martin (MARTI).

Roselyn Rhodes has brought us some wonderful paintings and prints. "Morning Sail School with Red Buoys" is one of her giclee prints with a sailing theme.

A lovely print from Roselyn Rhodes (RHO).

Darlene Bosman is one of our favorite ceramic artists, and you can see why when you see this clever fish plate. Perfect as a Father's Day B.B.Q. serving platter.

A clever fish platter from Darlene Bosman (BOS).

(Remember, the letters in parentheses after each artist's name show their code. When you see that code on work in The Gift Shop, you will know who created it.)

While you are here at The Gift Shop be sure to take a look at our latest exhibits here at Anton Art Center. "The Art of  Dance" is currently showing in the 2nd floor Community Gallery, and "Soliloquy" is in the main galleries. Both are worth seeing!