Attention all creatives! Our 10th annual all-media juried exhibition is just around the corner! Are you interested in entering The heART of Orange County but wondering what to do? Well, look no further for inspiration, Chemers Gallery is here to help!
Entries to The heART of Orange County must depict the vast variety of arts to be found in Orange County. Examples of work may be, but are not limited to musicians at work, actors in a play, a performing arts building, a dancer practicing in a studio, on-lookers in a museum, an artist’s studio, chefs in a kitchen…the possibilities are endless! Entries may be created in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, collage, ink, photography, glass, ceramic, mixed media, encaustic, fiber and more – all media are welcome.
In case you need to get your creative juices flowing, here are some examples of past entries. This is just a guide to jump start your imagination, You have until March 4, 2017 to enter your masterpiece!
Artists at Work
Artists of all ages in all stages! Creating at home, overlooking the ocean, observing in a garden at our local mission, participating in paint outs throughout Orange County.
Musicians
Playing an instrument or performing onstage, challenge yourself to translate the audio to the visual!
Dancers
Studio dance classes, ballerinas and folk dancers, tappers, waltzers and tango-ers – let the movement of Orange County jump and jive.
Artist Studios
Look around your studio and the chaos of creativity or the order of originality. Sometimes the most interesting subjects are right in front of you!
Viewing Art & Arts Buildings
Patrons of the arts from the young to the young at heart. Don’t forget the arts buildings themselves, even the ones transitioning from abandoned warehouse to upscale art gallery. (Psst – Chemers Gallery counts as an arts building within Orange County, too. Just sayin’!)
Culinary Arts or Art in Situ
What about the art of FOOD?! Talented chefs and sous chefs are artists of their own right, so why not show them a little love, too? Or feature a favorite painting hanging in someone’s home?
Watch this space for updates and artist spotlights for our upcoming event…
With 21 artisans confirmed so far, you won’t want to miss this fantastic lineup!
Get the scoop on our talented participants, starting Nov 7th Jewelry Wearable Fiber Ceramics Glass Wood Mixed Media Original Drawings Notecards Epicurean Treats Book Signing and more!
Introducing the 21 talented artisans joining our Faire and the many reasons you won’t want to miss the big event! Mark your calendars now, our 2-day Holiday Artisan Faire will be here before you know it!
Local jewelry designer, Merry Wennerberg, fashions repurposed masterpieces made from vintage buttons, Bakelite, resin and even vintage game pieces. Her earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches are completely out of this world fun! You might think that the creative process would keep Merry out of trouble…wrong! She just can’t resist the urge when she finds unique baubles for her jewelry designs. Merry credits Alex Uhl of A Whale of a Tale children’s bookstore for encouraging her to spread her creative wings and sell her amazing creations 21 years ago.
You’ve heard correctly, Robert Held is flying in all the way from British Colombia, Canada, to spend the weekend with YOU! Robert no longer does traveling shows but he’s making a special exception for all of you marvelous fans! You already love his heart paperweights, now fall in love with his holiday ornaments, blown glass vases and more. Luminous in color, translucent or opaque, Robert’s art glass is elegant in any form or hue.
We’re thrilled that Naomi Campos of Yed Omi jewelry is finally able to join in the festivities at our Holiday Artisan Faire! Her delicate beadwork whispers of flirtation and modern romance. Rose gold, sterling and yellow gold pair with gemstones and chain for a match made in heaven. Naomi is traveling all the way from Portland, Oregon to share her handcrafted earrings, necklaces and bracelets with you.
Playful, artful Maria Counts, whose creativity is endless… Joining us Saturday ONLY, Maria’s ceramics are only limited by her boundless & quirky imagination! Brightly glazed teapots, vases, clocks, mugs, wall plaques and sculptures are just the tip of the iceberg of what Maria is showcasing. Pick up 1 or 10 of her gift tags – you can also hang them on your tree or wear as a necklace. From functional to decorative, humorous to refined and everything in between, you won’t want to miss Maria!
Avant-garde fashion meets wool and silk in Beth Marx‘s seamless nuno felted scarves, shawls, vests and more! Her one-of-a-kind fiber creations can be worn upside down, right side up, inside out or round about – the possibilities are endless! Let Beth show you all the ingenious ways to don the wearable that is perfect for you. Beth hails from Long Beach and is attending our Holiday Artisan Faire for the first time this year. You’ll adore her inventive fashions in a bevy of rich color palettes or subtle tones.
If contemporary, geometric jewelry is your game then Joanna Craft is the name! Mixed metals of sterling, copper and brass form everything from uncomplicated everyday earrings and pendants to larger statement pieces. Throw in a few raw gemstones here and brightly-colored enameling there and you’ve got yourself a piece that is a true Joanna original! Although she’s only able to stay on Saturday, she’ll have a selection ready for your perusal on Sunday, too!
Get ready to let your taste buds soar on a cloud of pure chocolately bliss with Luisa Chocolatiere! Back for a third year, Luisa’s handcrafted chocolate is luscious and luxurious. Lessons learned from Europe’s master chocolatiers reach perfection in Luisa’s solid chocolates, truffles, almond clusters, toffees and more. Be sure to check out her Christmas and Hanukkah shapes for all of your holiday parties!
Welcoming Ari Seth Cohen, photographer and documentary filmmaker of Advanced Style and Advanced Style: Older and Wiser to our Holiday Artisan Faire! Join Ari for special book signings of his popular photo documentary books at Chemers Gallery Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. As an added bonus, some of his Fashionable Ladies will be joining us on the Saturday for a lively panel discussion at 1:00pm. Don’t miss out! Pre-order your style bibles at Chemers Gallery before November 19th.
Fiber artistry comes to life in Mary Hammond’s capable hands. Using fabric, ribbon and thread, Mary crafts scarves, table runners and wall hangings in every color of the rainbow. She creates a traditional look with contemporary flair. With so many vibrant hues to choose from, there’s sure to be something for every season. Mary is traveling from Santa Cruz to share her latest textile creations with YOU!
Birdhouses, cups and boxes, oh my! The lovely Lisa Mertins is joining our Holiday Artisan Faire and bringing her array of porcelain clay creations. Her signature soft glazes, embossed textures and interesting forms are playful additions to any home or office. Lisa’s sophisticated sense of humor comes to life in her sculptural creations that utilize porcelain, concrete, rebar and wire.
Jennie Milner and her artistry are simply charming! Discover her jewelry made from silver, colorful resin, paint and fabric at our Faire! Jennie’s necklaces, earrings and pins with cheerful houses, birds, trees, coffee cups and flowers feel fun and festive to make any day joyful. New small-scale wall sculptures are little treasures for your abode. Set on a shelf or hang in a grouping for more impact.
Joining our Holiday Artisan Faire for a third time on December 3rd ONLY is Sola Foods and their delicious jam, chutney, pesto and more! “Jam-packed” with fresh fruits and full of flavors that are sure to be the perfect complement to your holiday and everyday table, you won’t want to miss seeing Julia to stock up on her flavorful fare!
Colorful shapes and patterns abound in Suzanne Currie‘s vibrant mixed media artwork. Set under resin for a glossy finish, every collage speaks with personality and character! Psst! We also hear that Suzanne is working on a multitude of collage, resin and fabric jewelry pieces to share with you during the Faire.
With us for the first time is local wood turner, Bill Bahret! A member of the Orange County Woodcarvers Association, Bill’s lifelong passion has been discovering ways to make a thing of beauty with his lathe. His bowls and vases shine with personality. Bill doesn’t shy away from imperfections in the wood grain; instead he greets each potential flaw as a chance to create an item of sheer allure. He patiently works to bring every piece of wood to life, whether it’s maple burl (his favorite!), redwood, plum or myrtle.
Award-winning weaver Susan Horton creates striking scarves, shawls and handbags out of luscious fibers. Woven from silk, cotton, tencel, linen and wool, Susan’s multi-hued textiles shimmer with life and undulate with pattern. Her unique scarves subtly change color from one side to the other. Choose one or more for friends and family, maybe even yourself!
Hooray! Elizabeth Nadler is visiting us once again for our Holiday Artisan Faire! This ever-popular jewelry artisan will be wowing us with her affordable range of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. With styles ranging from Victorian to boho and featuring sparking crystals, pearls and gems, you’re sure to find just the right trinket for everyone on your list.
Bring festive flavors to your holiday table with Bistro Blends! The finest ingredients are used in every bottle of balsamic vinegar and infused olive oil blends from around the world. Choose one or many for your hostess gifts and for yourself to keep all year round. Bistro Blends is the perfect complement to your salads, pastas and breads. Your taste buds will pop once you sample their wares at our Faire!
You’re sure to love Michelene Berkey’s “twiggy” jewelry creations! Taking inspiration from the nature that surrounds her home in Colorado, Michelene’s gold, silver, pearl and gemstone adornments twinkle like the stars & sparkle like the sun. Using twigs and tree bark cast in sterling and gold, her brooches, bracelets, earrings and pendants are organically exquisite. Come find your new favorite treasure December 3rd and 4th!
You will be in awe of James Keniston’s architectural notecards and original drawings! How does he draw so small and precisely?! This British transplant works on a small scale for a big impact. Inspired by the unique homes of San Francisco and the buildings of his native London, England, James creates his intricate illustrations with pen & ink, adding bright hues with a mix of watercolor and colored pencil. Buy cards one-by-one or as a boxed set to spread some cheer for the holidays or throughout the year. James will also have a selection of his original drawings for the Anglophiles and Golden Gaters amongst you!
Wearing one of Lori Lawson’s fiber creations is like sitting by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa! Or, if you prefer, a hot toddy! Her lush fiber creations are stylish yet cozy. Lori’s hand-knit, woven and felted scarves, hats and shawls are warm and inviting, just like Lori herself. Soft fibers of merino and polwarth wool, llama and angora lend an elegant touch to Lori’s beautiful handicrafts.
Local artist Monique Selwitz uses shimmering silver, glistening gold, gleaming gemstones and more to achieve her one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. Her inventive spirit shines like the materials she favors. From organic forms to more structural shapes, her rings, necklaces, cuffs and earrings are sure to be a hit at the holidays and all days!
Tell us you’re coming SATURDAY, DEC. 3 & reply to our Facebook event HERE.
Tell us you’re coming SUNDAY, DEC 4 & reply to our Facebook event HERE.
When is the last time you stopped to marvel at the sky, its dramatic clouds piling ever higher while sunlight bathes everything in a golden haze? Oil painter Gerald Schwartz makes a habit of appreciating the sky and it’s many facets. It’s not unusual for him to pull his car off the side of the road to chase the last light of a lingering sunset or the illumination of the landscape just before a storm. Jerry takes inspiration from light and the resulting paintings almost glow themselves.
At the young age of 16, Jerry became the youngest artist to exhibit his work at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. He followed his passion to Art Center College of Design and when he left he became an assistant art director with a fashion trade magazine. He also pursued free-lance illustration and photography. But through it all, he never lost focus on his true love, the medium of oil paint. He decided to make the leap into the fine art world and the rest is history!
Jerry paints daily in his Arizona studio. His photo-realistic canvases range from miniature (only 6 x 6!) to quite grand and convey a variety of subjects. Skies feature heavily in his work, but he also paints landscapes, nighttime scenes and rainy day images. Whatever he chooses, his quality of light and exquisite level of detail are unfailingly Jerry. A yearly exhibitor at the Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach, Jerry pushes himself to present the familiar in a new and exciting way, as he’s done in his recent painting LA Drizzle.
See Gerald Schwartz‘s remarkable canvas in person at Chemers Gallery or on our website by following this link. And, the next time you see a particularly dazzling sky, stop for a moment to admire and think about how Jerry might immortalize the moment!
Clear your calendar for the first weekend in December because our biggest event of the year is upon us…
You’ve asked for more days and more hours and we’ve heard you! Now with 2 days to splurge and shop to your heart’s content, there’s even MORE to love!
Join Chemers Gallery and 21 different artists, artisans and gourmands for our 3rd Annual Holiday Artisan Faire! Keep checking back for more details, sneak peeks and artist spotlights as we get ready for this can’t-miss-event.
NEW this year is the addition of the ever popular Robert Held art glass, joining us all the way from British Columbia to share his latest glass hearts, ornaments, vases and more with you! He doesn’t do traveling shows any longer, but is making a special exception for us!
We’re also excited to welcome Ari Seth Cohen, writer of the independent documentary film Advanced Style and author of the books Advanced Style and Advanced Style: Older & Wiser! Not only will Ari be signing books, he and his “fashionable ladies” will hold a panel discussion on Saturday, Dec. 3rd. Anything you ever wanted to know about embracing personal style at any age will be revealed during this lively afternoon.
To preview our participating artists so far, click their names below. However, they will all be bringing new and exciting creations to delight and enchant you on December 3rd and 4th!
Mixed Media, Original Drawings & Notecards Suzanne Currie – mixed media James Keniston – original drawings & notecards
Advanced Style – Special Book Signing & “Meet the Ladies” Panel Discussion Ari Seth Cohen writer of the independent film, Advanced Style and author of the books Advanced Style and Advanced Style: Older & Wiser Pre-orders limited to 75 books
with more available to purchase the day of the event
Enter the world of Maria Counts, where imagination soars and creativity explodes! Maria’s delightfully charming yet sophisticated ceramic pieces are sure to brighten your day. Her work ranges from adorably winsome to subtly profound and everything in between.
Maria’s childhood was spent outdoors roaming her family’s garden farm with her siblings. Her artistic mind was shaped in the exploration of surrounding hills and observing the different forms and shapes made by the clouds above.
After moving to California, Maria was introduced to the world of visual art through jewelry design, interior decorating and finally ceramics. She learned hand-building techniques and basic wheel throwing from Larry Wasserman and firing and glazing techniques from Erik Gronborg. With that, she’s added in a generous dose of creative spirit that is uniquely “Maria” to produce ceramic artwork that is simply out of this world!
Talent, vision and a pinch of humor are all key elements in every finished piece. Maria crafts everything from trays, teapots and vases to clocks, wall sculpture and stand-alone totem poles with finesse.
In Maria’s world, angels and mermaids frolic while birds coo and call. Ladies wear crowns of flowers and foxes dash in top hats and bow ties. It’s clear that this skilled artist has never lost her sense of childhood wonder and her playful ceramic art will ensure that you never lose yours!
Within all her playfulness lies a proficient, serious ceramicist who can envision and create anything she (or you) imagines!
We always have ceramics from Maria Counts on display at Chemers Gallery, so come in to get your fix! Or, preview on our website HERE.
Exploring a love for landscape and urbanscape comes naturally to award-winning artist Kim VanDerHoek. Raised in Big Bear City, Kim spent her childhood immersed in trees and sunshine. Her passion and creativity are undeniably expressed in her artwork.
From Land to Sea
After earning a degree in illustration from Oakland’s California College of Arts, Kim’s career took her into the world of graphic design. Eventually, she decided to dedicate herself to painting full time. And dedicate herself she did! This talented lady is busy busy busy! In addition to painting, Kim teaches weekly classes in Orange County, co-created both a monthly online art contest and an in-depth Q&A resource for artists, and attends painter’s invitational events nationwide. What started as a dream has been transformed into Kim’s reality.
As a plein air painter, Kim embraces the challenges that painting outdoors presents. Changing conditions and light make forethought and quick decision-making a necessity. Kim also brings those strengths to her easel when she works in the studio. The resulting paintings feel fresh and calming. Her studio work is equally decisive and fluid; never a staid representation of her subject.
6th Street Bridge Arches
Kim’s graphic design background comes into play with her choice of subject matter. She is as equally drawn to trees and estuaries as to the arcs and curves of a freeway overpass. She heeded the call of LA architecture, especially the 6th Street Bridge, to produce her bridge paintings. Kim’s love for the design sensibility of chairs and all they can represent is “couched” in her latest series of paintings. And by love, we mean L-O-V-E! If she could, Kim would collect seats of all shapes and sizes…and we don’t mean the ones found on your backsides!
Estranged
Kim exhibits her work around the country in juried exhibitions and invitational shows. Earlier in 2016, she completed a commission for the ACE Hotel in New Orleans of panels for armoirs and was also a featured artist in Southwest Art Magazine. An active member of the American Impressionist Society (AIS), Southern California Plein Air Painters Association (SoCalPAPA), Kim is also a signature member of Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) and an Artists member of the California Art Club (CAC). Her many awards include 2nd Place at the SoCalPAPA Painting the Light show, 1st Place at Chemers Gallery’s HeART of Orange County All Media exhibition and Best of Show at the SoCalPAPA Orange County Fair paintout.
To see more of Kim’s delightful paintings, follow this link or see in person at Chemers Gallery!
A huge thank you to all of our art and jewelry lovers, family and friends who joined us on Friday and Saturday for our 2-day jewelry trunk show! Thank you especially to our 5 talented artisans who joined us from far and wide, traveling from Colorado, Nevada and locally to bring their latest and greatest treasures for you to ooh and aah over. We had a blast at our first ever multi-day trunk show and by the looks of the pictures, we know you did, too. Just take a look…
Sisters Cathy Markowitz and Michelene Berkey with Karen
Enthralled with Susan Horton’s woven shawls, scarves and bags
So much eye candy!
Choosing treasures
Laurette O’Neil and Karen
Admiring Elizabeth Nadler’s boho-inspired jewelry
Judi and Shirley
Lois and Joanna Craft
Heather and Jennifer goof around
Guests enjoying Joanna Craft’s mixed metal & enamel creations
Keep checking our Facebook Page for more pictures of this fantastic event!
We’ll also be publishing the recipe for our signature cocktail, “Diamonds in the Rough,” for you to share and enjoy at home!
Save the Date!
Our 3rd Annual Holiday Artisan Faire will be held December 3rd, 2016
Details to be announced soon!
