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!

Father's Day Gifts at The Gift Shop

Father's Day will be here soon. The Gift Shop offers some unique and thoughtful gifts for the men in your life. This week we will feature the wood-work of Ron Cracchiolo, Charles Hall, and Greg Towne.

If you have a fisherman to shop for, Ron Cracchiolo carves, paints, embellishes the most realistic fishing lures.

Fishing lures from Ron Cracchiolo (CRAC).

Joanne Hall's late husband Charles fashioned the most lusterous wooden cutting boards and trivets, combining several different woods in pleasing patterns. We are grateful that she has continued his partnership with The Gift Shop.

Here is a "Lazy Susan" created by Charles Hall (HALL).

Greg Towne is another of our very talented wood artists. Greg combines various woods, then skillfully carves each piece.

Coasters and goblets from Greg Towne (TOW).

(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.)

It's not too soon to start looking for that perfect gift for him.

So much is happening now that the weather is cooperating!
Anton Art Center has two exhibits in their galleries. "The Art of the Dance" featuring the work from members of The Mount Clemens Art Assoc., Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, and the Warren Tri-County Fine Arts Assoc. is open now in our second floor gallery.
"Soliloquy" featuring the art of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, opens Tuesday May 31.
AND... The Mount Clemens Art Fair is June 4th and 5th.

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day, and remember to Thank A Vet!

New wood carver/painter at The Gift Shop

We have another new artist here at The Gift Shop!
Donald McColley combines his skills of wood carving and painting into lovely hanging pieces. Donald's creations start from reclaimed barn wood. He carves the wood into frames and creates a "shadow box" and a "canvass" inside the frames. He then paints peaceful rustic scenes on the inside "canvass". You really need to see them in person to get the full effect!

A Fall scene from Donald McColley (MCC).

A Winter from Donald McColley (MCC).

A second Winter scene from Donald McColley (MCC).

(The letters in parentheses after his name is his code. When you see that code on work in The Gift Shop, you will know he created it.)

Father's Day is coming soon. One of these unique carved paintings could be the perfect gift!

Be sure to "like" us on our very own Facebook Page...The Gift Shop at Anton Art Center.

New glass at The Gift Shop

One of our favorite glass artists has brought back her most popular items to The Gift Shop. Patty Schubel creates the most beautiful slumped glass votives, and we have them!
Here are just four samples of Patty's votives. Aren't they pretty?

Brilliant glass votives from Patty Schubel (SCH).

(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.)

Patty's work sells out quickly, so come in soon!

This is the last week to see the  Macomb County Biennial Primary Student Show  featuring the work of our Kindergarten through Sixth grade students. Their art is truly inspiring!

Be sure to "like" us on our very own Facebook Page...The Gift Shop at Anton Art Center.