Stuffed armchairs bathed in soft lamplight, sunshine flooding a room to brighten all aglow… Introducing award-winning artist, Greg LaRock, and his inviting interior views! You may remember Greg as one of our participants or even as our juror from our annual community exhibitions. His keen eye for composition and bold use of color transcends traditional landscape painting and has recently brought focus to scenes of domesticity.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drawing and painting from Long Beach State University, Greg’s talents have been honed through studio practice and countless plein air invitationals and competitions. In addition to being a Signature Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, the American Impressionist Society and the American Society of Marine Artists, he is also affiliated with the Southern California Plein Air Painters Association and Oil Painters of America. Greg’s mastery of his medium has earned numerous awards, including Grand Prize at Easton, Maryland and Artist Choice at Sonoma Plein Air.
Greg’s latest subjects evoke the comfort of home with his deft incorporation of light and shadow. Whether highlighting rockers and settees or illuminating the corners of a room or polished tabletop, his paintings are inherently appealing. The desire to wander in and take a seat within Greg’s tableau is overwhelming. The next best thing to becoming one with the art is to sit and gaze at his skillful artistry!
Come in to Chemers Gallery today to experience Greg’s cozy artwork for yourself!
Watch this space for developing details, new artisans, sneak peeks and artist spotlights!
Meet the 19 talented artisans joining our 2 day Holiday Artisan Faire. You won’t want to miss our 4th annual event, so make sure you’re free to come visit us December 2nd and 3rd! It’s right around the corner!
She’s back! Michelene Berkey comes to our Holiday Artisan Faire, from Colorado, ever year with her inventive “twiggy” creations. Ever changing and stretching her creative juices, Michelene works in gold and silver with gemstones, pearls and genuine diamonds. Large and small… Michelene does is all with artful class (even custom)!
Handcrafted chocolate goodness, combined with a confectioner that is “sweet” beyond words, makes for one delicious experience. Luisa Chocolatiere delivers the goods! Luisa uses top quality ingredients combined in small batches to create the freshest and smoothest chocolate available. With chocolate bars, truffles and special holiday goodies, her chocolate is great as stocking stuffers and hostess gifts… We won’t tell if you also sneak an indulgence for yourself!
Award-winning Deanna Deeds weaves with a twist! Using ancient hand-manipulated techniques and complex loom-controlled structure, Deanna’s masterfully woven scarves are just the thing to keep you stylish! Deanna is new to our Faire this year and we are sure you’ll want to wrap yourself in Deanna’s talent. Her textile home goods made a unique gift for a friend or your own holiday table!
The ever wonderful Mary Hammond is back with her playful designs and fabulous creations. The complexity of her textiles will leave you asking “How did she do that?” Bright fiber and materials bring the vibrancy of summer while subtle hues add in a mix of sophistication. Discover abstracted flowers in brilliant colors and sometimes even a favorite snuggly animal friend. Don’t forget about her wall pieces!
Dressed up or down, layered or alone, Elizabeth Nadler with her romantic crystals and boho beads, like Santa, are back in town. Find something fabulous to wear for any occasion or everyday! Betty’s necklaces are made in a variety of styles, lengths and colors, while her earrings will top off the look. Don’t forget about her hamsa and cross bracelets in silver, gold, bronze and crystal, or her new, totally savvy, adjustable styles! With prices that are oh-so-affordable, gift the gift of style to everyone on your list!
Something sweet, sticky, healthful and delicious… what could that be? Must be local honey from Cary and Harris Family Apiaries! It all started 40 years ago when the Harris family began providing honey to farmers markets in southern California, including the Golden State’s very first certified farmer’s market! Made from a variety of fruit and herb blossoms, their honey has us all a-buzz. Visit Cary Harris to gift your honeybunch or even a lil’ somethin’ for your own holiday table.
Lisa Mertins continues to captivate us! Visit her and marvel at her porcelain ceramic creations! Soft glazes, sophisticated designs and interesting forms make Lisa’s work extra special. Darling birdhouses, animated sculptures, boxes, cups and more… You’re sure to fall in L-O-V-E with L-I-S-A!
Handcrafted and totally luscious lotions in mouthwatering aromas? Yes, please! Kimberly of Bare Naked Botanicals creates “food for the skin.” Try her all-natural formulas featuring peach, lavender, citrus, rose and more. Everything is made in small batches with ingredients that contain the highest vitamin and antioxidant content, along with distillates from plants, teas, fruits or herbs. Your skin will thank you!
The very adorable Jennie Milner and her artistry are simply charming! She fashions delightful necklaces, earrings and brooches from silver, resin, paint and fabric to add cheer to your spirits. Each whimsical house, bird, tree, coffee cup and flower she makes is full of joy. Her lively mini wall sculptures will bring a touch of whimsy to your walls.
Joining our Holiday Artisan Faire SATURDAY ONLY is Sola Foods and their delicious jams, salsas, spreads and more! “Jam-packed” with fresh fruits, flavors and spices, Sola Foods is the perfect gift for food lovers everywhere. Enjoy sweet or spicy spreads like Pucker Up Berry, Shanghai Express and so much more. You won’t want to miss all the yummies Sola Foods has to offer, so set your mouth a-waterin’!
Meet one of our newest jewelry designers, Karen Boelts of Little Bridget Jewelry. Her inventive, inspirational designs will tug at your heart strings! Using recycled sterling and gems of all colors, her pendants and bracelets carry messages of encouragement. Simply put… all of her jewelry is made with love. Passionate about social justice, Karen donates a portion of her sales each month to organizations that support equal rights. For Karen, #lovealwayswins.
James Keniston, London transplant and husband to our own Jennifer, will charm you with his detailed architectural and zoological drawings and notecards. The Brit is back for a second year! Although small in scale, his work is mighty in detail and precision. Using watercolor, colored pencil and ink, James renders famous places and edifaces that move him, including his native London. He’s even produced a card collection of his favorite animals and holiday cards to boot! Brilliant!
Beth Marx is back! Wrap yourself in nuno felted shawls and wearables made from soft wool and silk fibers. Color and design are highlighted by unexpected combinations of mirror, yarn, beads and Sumi ink. Wear Beth’s fashions sideways, backwards, inside out or layered together for a look that’s unforgettable! Confused as to how to wear them? No problem… Beth will put you together in a snap!
Travel the world with Janet Seward and her one-of-a-kind jewelry designs! Not only will you love her globally-inspired creations, you’ll adore hearing her stories and legends. Brass and silver from India, the Middle East and beyond combine with ancient medallions, African trade beads, bone and gems for a look that is exotic and distinctive, just like you!
Just added! Welcome Patricia Prescott Sueme to our Holiday Artisan Faire and stable of artists! Working primarily in pastel, the level of detail and richness of tone in Patty’s small-scale artwork is simply incredible – you have to see it to believe it! She will be offering both original works and ready to hang archival prints at our Faire. Patty grew up surrounded by creativity and developed a love for the arts at an early age. She honed her artistic skills at Art Center College of Design, where she graduated with honors and embarked upon a career in graphic design. Then she inherited a vintage box of soft pastels from her grandmother and all bets were off! Daily devotion allows Patty to explore the medium and lend a freshness to its inherent old world charm. Moody seascapes, light-filled vistas, soothing still-life and holiday imagery all glow with life in Patty’s deft hands.
Put a little pizzazz on your palate with Spice Merchants! Joining us for a second time from Laguna Beach, Paul’s gourmet salt blends, exotic spices and delectable olive oils and vinegars are sure to entice you! Use in your holiday meal prep or give as a hostess gift. And, with tantalizing tea blends, you can’t go wrong!
Monique, oh Monique, so creative and unique! We’re thrilled that Monique Selwitz will be joining us once again with her stunning one-of-a-kind jewelry! Sterling silver, raw brass and a smattering of stones, large and small, are the hallmarks of this creative jewelry designer. Come and be tempted!
Mixed metal and enamel jewelry with a modern and slight Asian flair! Joanna “crafts” her designs using sterling silver, bronze, gold-fill, copper, brass and colorful enamel. Using traditional metalsmithing techniques, she transforms sheets of metal and wire strands into organic forms and geometric shapes. Raw gemstones and molten glass add that extra oomph of color! From large statement necklaces to small, everyday earrings, Joanna does it all!
Color and form dance under glossy resin in Suzanne Currie‘s mixed media wall art! Her modern and sophisticated creations reflect “the intricate simplicities of nature, the freely restrained movements of ballet and the unity of a multifaceted world-view.” Suzanne also brings her signature style to the handcrafted jewelry and accessories we hear she’s bringing in December!
Click HERE to let us know you’re joining us December 2nd and 3rd!
Set your alarm clocks and calendar reminders… our biggest show of the year is happening the first weekend in December!
‘Tis the season! Our promise to you is 2 days to shop and splurge to your heart’s content! With new artisans & food vendors, there’s always more to love.
Join Chemers Gallery and 19 different artists, artisans and gourmands for our 4th Annual Holiday Artisan Faire! Watch this space for developing details, new artisans, sneak peeks and artist spotlights as we get ready for this once-a-year extravaganza.
To preview our participating artisans, click their names below. However, they will all be bringing new and exciting creations to delight and enchant you on December 2nd and 3rd!
Epicurean Treats Harris Family Apiaries – local honey Luisa Chocolatiere – artisan chocolates Sola Foods – jams, relish, dips & spreads Spice Merchants– spice blends, salt, olive oil & vinegar
…and more to be announced!
Shop for everyone on your list (naughty and nice!), try your luck in our weekend raffle and partake of our holiday cheer!
Coming up next month…Meet the Artists!
Artist spotlights to introduce you or reacquaint you with our talented artists and artisans joining us December 2nd & 3rd.
Look for daily updates on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or read our continuing blog with “what’s new” right here!
Can’t wait to tell us you’re coming?
Click HERE to RSVP for Saturday, December 2nd, 11a – 5p and Sunday, December 3rd, 1 – 5p
*New this year!
**Pssst…click the artist’s names above to see examples of their work! However, they’ll all be bringing a sack full of new goodies for the big event!
Have you heard?? Chemers Gallery and Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) are teaming up for the month of October to present a survey of original children’s book illustrations!!
O p e n i n g R e c e p t i o n i n L a g u n a B e a c h Thursday, October 5, 2017 6 – 9pm Show continues through October 26
There’s a twist to this exhibition – it’s NOT going to be held at Chemers Gallery! (So don’t show up for the reception in Tustin – we won’t be here!) Instead, all of the artwork will be displayed at the LCAD Gallery in Laguna Beach. Join us for the opening reception as we celebrate the wondrous world of children’s book illustration as imagined by over 30 illustrators. Please note, however, that artists will NOT be in attendance unless they are planning to surprise us! Additionally, there will be no books available for purchase. Instead, it’s all about the ART! Over 140 framed and unframed original illustrations, as a matter of fact! All works are available to purchase.
Head to Laguna Beach Thursday, October 5th and meet us at the LCAD Gallery so you can re-visit your favorites and discover new treasures to take home. Take advantage of Laguna Beach’s First Thursdays Art Walk and explore the community.
Since it’s founding in 1961 as the Laguna Beach School of Art, LCAD now offers 12 undergraduate majors and 4 graduate degrees, including BFA Illustration. The college strives to embrace new technologies and prepare its students for careers in their chosen field through studio work and academic study. Through its gallery, LCAD serves its studio art majors and the surrounding creative community through the presentation of a broad array of exhibitions throughout the year. Plus, admission is always free!
See you October 5th on Ocean Avenue in Laguna Beach!
Local award-winning pastel painter, Dori Dewberry, has been a busy lady! She recently brought in 20 new pieces and we are thrilled beyond measure! Her deft application of color on textured paper and panel lends itself to a transitional approach to landscape, coastal and urban scenes. Inspired by the interplay of light and subject matter, Dori’s paintings center around her relationship with the subject and the exploratory adventures she embarks upon. Art and memory mix and mingle – not only does Dori create beautiful imagery on a 2-dimensional surface, the act of painting also cements the experience of the adventure into her very being.
Dori’s first love is graphite, which she still uses to maintain her drawing skills and start her pastel pieces off on the right foot. Studies in oil painting and printmaking led her to try pastels at a local college where she became enamored by the versatility of the medium. Dori has furthered her studies in oil and pastel through classes and workshops with notable artists such as Randal Sexton, Sally Strand, Marla Baggetta, Kitty Wallis and more. Dori passes on her knowledge to all ages through instruction of children’s art classes at a local charter school and adult pastel class at Santiago Canyon College. A long-time member of the Pastel Society of Southern California, she currently serves as the organization’s vice president.
Although Dori now calls southern California home, she hails from the Bronx and calls herself a New Yorker at the deepest level. The movement and vibrations of city life have forever left their mark on Dori and inspire her creative calling. In another lifetime, Dori might have been an architect designing the dwellings that would serve to inspire other like-minded people. For her, the lure of pastel purity is strong and the creative craving is something Dori can’t go long without satisfying!
To see more of this talented artist’s work, click this link or visit us in person!
Thank you to our talented artists and treasured friends and clients who joined us Friday night for our one and only artist demos of the summer! We had a blast and hope you all did, too!
If you missed the big event, mark your calendar’s NOW for August 11th, when we’ll be joined by 2 local jewelry artisans for a mini trunk show! Plus, we’ll be serving wine and gourmet cheeses while you explore all the new goodies from Joanna Craft and Elizabeth Nadler! Enjoy a night of Classic Rock preformed by The Others, part of Enderle Center’s Summer Concert Series. It all happens Friday, August 11th, 5-8pm… See you there!
In the meantime, take a gander at some of the pictures from Friday night’s festivities…
More photos coming soon on our Facebook page! Keep your peepers peeled!
Contemplate all that is zen with John Maxon‘s EIGHT wonderful new canvases! This talented northern California artist recently graced us with his presence and these long-awaited presents. Mid-sized to large-scale, John’s latest artworks put the “POW” in “peacefully POWerful!”
From a young age, John’s artistic talent was encouraged and nurtured through classes and independent study. In graduate school at UC Davis, he learned firsthand the amount of dedication and vision it would take to pursue a life of art from instructors Roy DeForest, William T. Wiley and Wayne Thiebaud. Their stellar influence, coupled with the art movement of the San Francisco Bay area in the late 1960s and early 1970s set John on his path to becoming a full-time artist.
Vibrant in color and composition, John’s work is reminiscent of the landscape as seen from above. Vineyards, waterways and avian life also feature in his richly-hued paintings. A sense of space and harmony is translated through his masterful brushstrokes. Time spent in New Mexico inspired new visions and palettes, reflective of the region’s dramatic light and form. Back in California, John paints and meditates (for hours) daily, infusing his canvases with his free-flowing manner and practice of mindfulness.
We have represented John for more than 20 years and feel fortunate to share his work with you. View all of John’s evocative artwork online by clicking this link, or see them in person at Chemers Gallery!
Stuffed armchairs bathed in soft lamplight, sunshine flooding a room to brighten all aglow… Introducing award-winning artist, Greg LaRock, and his inviting interior views! You may remember Greg as one of our participants or even as our juror from our annual community exhibitions. His keen eye for composition and bold use of color transcends traditional landscape painting and has recently brought focus to scenes of domesticity.
She’s back! 
Award-winning 
Dressed up or down, layered or alone, 
The very adorable 
Meet one of our newest jewelry designers, 
Just added! Welcome 
Put a little pizzazz on your palate with 
Mixed metal and enamel jewelry with a modern and slight Asian flair! 
