A huge, heARTful THANK YOU to everyone who came out on Saturday night in support of The heART of Orange County, our 9th annual juried community exhibition and TACFA‘s big Broadway in the Park production reveal! We had an amazing time at the opening reception and awards show and we couldn’t have done it without YOU!
Congratulations to ALL of our artists selected for the show and especially to our prize winners! Our juror, Julie Lee of Bowers Museum, approached her choices with thoughtfulness and consideration of the exhibition’s theme. Sharyn Cable of Enderle Center also took great care in choosing her top pick for the Enderle Center Award and Honorable Mention.
The show continues through May 7th, so come in to Chemers Gallery to see The heART of Orange County in person!
The heART of Orange County All Media 2016 Artist Reception & Awards Ceremony
PLUS Broadway in the Park Reveal! April 23, 2016 5:30 – 8pm Show continues through May 7th
Juror: Julie Lee, Bowers Museum
Vice President of Collections and Exhibitions
Congratulations to the 28 artists selected for The heART of Orange County All Media 2016 show at Chemers Gallery! Our 9th annual juried exhibition in partnership with Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) was juried by Julie Lee, vice president of collections and exhibitions at Bowers Museum. Works showcase the rich variety of arts in our beautiful Orange County. This unique show depicts visions of dance, music, culinary and visual arts through a variety of media.
On April 23rd meet the artists, gaze at the wonder of their creations, enjoy libations and appetizers and support the local arts scene through your purchases. And, don’t forget TACFA’s big Broadway in the Park reveal! Be the first to know what this year’s summer production is…no hints here…come on April 23rd for this much anticipated announcement!
Some know her by her Chinese artist name, “Red Elegance.” Still more know her by Diana Stetston. But whatever name you know her by, we’re sure you’ll agree that Diana’s artwork fits well with the Chemers Gallery “style”!
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Diana’s stunning mixed media paintings and monotypes are elegant and sophisticated with a distinct Asian influence. Every artwork is richly layered in material, meaning and method. Diana’s bold line work found in her monotypes pairs exquisitely with the soft background colors and richly hued vintage papers and ephemera she incorporates through chine-colle. Select works even contain poems hand-lettered by Diana.
Diana’s monotypes feature her unique “chop” – a hand-carved stamp with her Chinese artist name, given to her by renowned calligrapher Jat See Yeu. Diana has proudly been using this name and chop since 1980 when she studied in Hong Kong.
Adding to her repertoire are Diana’s delightful mixed media on birch panel creations. Using layer upon layer of acrylic paint, she slowly builds her background through color and texture. Paint layers are sanded smooth on the panel or left to build structure for her final layer of collage and oil paint. Sometimes Diana will utilize stencils within her backgrounds to introduce an Arts & Crafts Frank Lloyd Wright feel. Her collage materials can be anything from vintage papers to cut up acrylic paint peels.
Come in to experience Diana’s Zen work for yourself! We promise it will calm your soul!
We L-O-V-E artisan blown glass at Chemers Gallery and we’re so happy to have so many sleek new pieces to share with you! One of the unexpected effects of the economic recession of recent years was that many of the art world’s glass artists were forced to close their studios. Now that times are better, we have the pleasure of introducing you to new finds as well as re-introducing you to “vases” from the past. Clearly, we couldn’t be more enchanted with their alluring colors and shapes.
Tapestry Sphere – sorry, this one just SOLD but we’re happy to have a similar one made for you!
New to Chemers Gallery is the beautifully modern aesthetic of Bengt Hokanson and Trefny Dix. The east coast duo have worked collaboratively under the studio name Boar Glass since 2000, although they’ve shared a creative space since 1996. Utilizing a combination of traditional Italian and Swedish glass blowing techniques mixed with their own experimental elements, Hokanson Dix glass is colorful, sophisticated and modern in architecture.
Purse Sculpture in copper ruby
With multiple colors and shapes in each series, the nature of creating each glass vase, vessel and sculpture ensures that no two are alike. Bengt and Trefny place vibrant colors adjacent to one another to make the hues dance and swirl across the surface of the glass. We’re sure you’ll agree, these pieces cry out to be caressed.
Welcome back Randi Solin! Her colorful, luminescent blown glass vessels first graced our gallery in 2007. We are thrilled to have new work by this talented artisan now that the economy has turned around.
Aquos rectangle vase in aqua
Randi’s love of creating blown glass vessels is apparent in the obvious care she takes in the layering and coloration process. Three dimensional forms are approached with a two-dimensional vision, ensuring each piece has a dedicated front complete with a “window” into the heart and soul of the glass. Based in Vermont, Randi uses techniques of the American Art Glass movement combined with classical Venetian glassblowing to create her stunning, transluscent sculptures. Every refined vessel demands interaction from the viewer – how can you keep yourself from touching these distinctive works?
Come in to Chemers Gallery to experience these luminous blown glass works of wonder for yourself!
From “Bugtown Boogie,” illustrated by Johnson & Fancher
What a whirlwind of a year it’s been and we couldn’t have done it without YOU!
A huge, gigantic and heartfelt thank you to our wonderful clients, our fantastic friends and our talented-beyond-measure artists and artisans! We are eternally grateful for your continued support since we opened our doors in 1978.
Wishing everyone happiness, health and peace for the coming year.
The excitement is mounting as we move ever closer to our…
We’ll be introducing you to our featured artists and artisans over the weeks leading up to the big event, so keep your peepers peeled for our weekly updates!
We are honored to benefit City of Hope‘s breast cancer research center in memory of our dear friend, Emik Swartz, who used to make all of the delicious desserts & goodies for this event. We also dedicate this show to friends and family who have lost their fight with breast cancer, those who are currently battling & those who are survivors of this disease.
Joanna Craft
New! Joanna Craft
You spin me right ’round, baby… We’re dizzy with glee for Joanna’s retro atomic jewelry made with sterling silver, gemstones, enamel, and more! Do you love them just as much as we do? (You’re in luck – Joanna Craft will be joining us this Saturday!)
David Van Noppen
New! David Van Noppen
Swirling dynamic colors abound in David Van Noppen’s blown glass creations! This talented artisan was trained at the Penland School of Crafts, the Pilchuck School and the Corning Studio. Bowls and vases undulate with motion while glass ornaments deck the halls in style!
Choose your favorite one, two or three at our Holiday Artisan Faire.
Lori Lawson
New! Lori Lawson
Add whimsy to your wardrobe with scarves by fiber artist Lori Lawson! With hand knit, woven, dyed and felted designs, you won’t see any others like this! Lori uses fine merino wool, silk, cashmere, and more. Her scarves are sure to be a hit this holiday season!
Luisa Chocolatiere
New! Luisa Chocolatiere
We “heart” chocolate at Chemers Gallery – especially the delectable delicacies crafted by Luisa Chocolatiere! Discovered your new favorite confections like traditional candy bars and festive Hanukkah and Christmas themed chocolates at our Holiday Artisan Faire on Dec. 5th. Luisa’s chocolate is mouthwateringly magical!
Madstone
Madstone
Get some glitzy yet edgy jewelry from MAD by Madstone at our Holiday Artisan Faire! The brand’s lower price point, this collection features bold designs and bright gemstones – there’s even a skull or two for the goth glam in you! Madstone’s higher-end line featuring 18k yellow and white gold, diamonds and other precious gemstone will also be available at our show.
Ayala Bar
Ayala Bar
Colorful, unique, and dynamic jewelry by world-renowned artist Ayala Bar! Instantly recognizable and so fun to wear, her collection features unexpected combinations of colors, fabrics, & textures that add splashes of imagination and whimsy to any outfit. Although the artist herself will not be able to join us, we will have her gorgeous jewelry at our Holiday Artisan Faire!
ICON Handbags
ICON Handbags
Snag your own wearable work of art by ICON! Soft and supple leather handbags, wallets and pouches imprinted with masterworks from both established and up-and-coming artists for a look that’s as artistic as you are! Choose your favorite design by Miro, Prendergast, Picasso and more at our Holiday Artisan Faire on December 5th, 11a-5p.
Michelene Berkey
Michelene Berkey
A “sterling” selection of silver and gemstone delights from jewelry artist Michelene Berkey. Michelene works with a variety of metals, pearls and gemstones to produce textural pieces inspired by nature. We’re honored that she’s coming all the way from Colorado for our Holiday Artisan Faire on Dec. 5th with many more exciting options!
Suzanne Currie
Suzanne Currie
Ever wanted to match your jewelry with your wall art? Multi-talented artist Suzanne Currie is your woman! After experimenting with many subjects and mediums, her current bold & colorful collage work uses paper cut and paint arranged in graphic designs. Her artwork is sure to make maximum impact, whether on your arm or your wall!
Kozakh
Kozakh
Cyntia Kozak of Kozakh jewelry offers delicate, uncomplicated designs in sterling silver and gold-plate with gemstone accents. Her creations fit the trend of minimalist adornment. As the icing on the cake, this line is not only beautiful, but also affordable!
Sola Foods
Sola Foods
Sola Foods has a gourmet treat for everyone! From sweet jams and spreads to spicy salsas, relishes, and even pestos, Sola Foods has a delicacy to add pizzazz to your holiday – or any day – table! All of their products are made from natural ingredients obtained from local farmer’s markets. Plus, they are always made in small batches to ensure a flavorful treat for your taste buds!
Elizabeth Nadler
Elizabeth Nadler
Boho-inspired gems from jewelry artist Elizabeth Nadler! Betty pairs gold and silver metals with crystals and gemstones of all colors to create simply elegant and very wearable pieces. To top it off, her designs are so reasonably priced that you may be tempted to stock up on one of each! Betty will be joining us at our Holiday Artisan Faire on December 5th, so be sure to mark your calendars so you can snag one of her fabulous designs!
Spice Merchants
Spice Merchants
Get ready to “spice” it up with Spice Merchants of Laguna Beach, one of the participants offering epicurean treats at our Holiday Artisan Faire. Spice Merchants certainly know their stuff since they’ve been in the business for nearly a decade, sourcing the best ingredients from around the world. Owner Paul will be bringing a selection of olive oils, balsamic vinegar, sea salts, spices, and more to our holiday festivities on December 5th!
Monique Selwitz
Monique Selwitz
Working with sterling silver and unique gemstones, jeweler Monique Selwitz creates organic, inventive pieces are exclusive to Chemers Gallery! Her inspiration comes from her creative background surrounded by other artists, galleries, goldsmiths, and musicians. We especially love her clever pieces featuring tiny casts of succulents!
Lisa Mertins
Lisa Mertins
We’re celebrating the whimsical and the wonderfully wild with works by ceramicist Lisa Mertins. Her ceramics are as charming as she is! Lisa’s goal is to incorporate the world around her into her art, particularly that of her rural home. These unique ceramic works, with their more muted colors and textural elements, feel distinctively earthy and one-of-a-kind.
J.C. Milner
J.C. Milner Meet JC Milner and her beautiful handcrafted jewelry! Capturing a variety of familiar and sentimental symbols like flowers and houses Jennie’s rings, necklaces, and earrings evoke a whimsical nostalgia. Her delicate detailing with resin and silver inspire us to take a closer look and teach us an appreciation for each one’s uniqueness.
Mary Hammond
Mary Hammond Mary Hammond creates colorful and whimsical fiber scarves that are a fabulous addition to anyone’s collection. Local to the San Cruz area, Mary is inspired by the world around her. She intricately fashions her hand-sewn pieces using ribbon and thread to reflect the beauty found in a garden. Vibrant and jazzy, her one-of-a-kind designs can be used as a scarf or even a table runner! Come see her latest creations at our second annual Holiday Artisan Faire!
Claudia Berman
Claudia Berman
Kicking off our Holiday Artisan Faire “teasers” is jewelry designer Claudia Berman! Utilizing classical metalsmith techniques, Claudia’s jewelry line wows us with its understated simplicity. Her use of silver, 18k gold and semi-precious gemstones is balanced, contemporary and creative. Karen discovered Claudia’s work in San Francisco and found out that we already know her mother – jeweler Monique Selwitz!
Susan Horton
Susan Horton
We welcome back award-winning weaver Susan Horton to our Holiday Artisan Faire! You may remember Susan and her loom from our Summer Artist Demos – we’re so excited that she’ll be joining us on December 5th with her latest batch of woven scarves and clutches. Soft silk, tencel and linen fibers combine on Susan’s loom to form beautiful, stand-out pieces. We can’t wait to see what new patterns and color combinations she’s been playing with!
Tatratea
Tatratea
Back again for another year, Tatratea will be treating us like royalty with their delicious tea-based liqueurs! Slovakian-born alcohols make a great addition to hot teas, mixed into a cocktail or on the rocks. Tatratea’s secret is a unique fermentation process of Assam tea, hand-picked botanical ingredients and fresh fruits. The result is out of this world! Let our crazy friend Rado mix up the perfect libation for you and pick up a few bottles for your holiday parties and beyond.
Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of only 41 of the nation’s comprehensive cancer care centers. Their mission is to transform the future of health care by turning science into practical benefit, hope into reality.
We are donating at least 10% of our net proceeds to City of Hope cancer research centers. We’re hoping to raise $10,000! Even if you can’t join us the day of the event, we will be accepting donations to help us reach our goal.
Save the date for our biggest event of the year! Chemers Gallery’s 2nd Annual Holiday Artisan Faire!
With 16 artists, artisans and gourmands confirmed and counting, this is sure to be an event you won’t want to miss!
Cathy Markowitz showing jewelry by Michelene Berkey
Dance Trials, The Wooden Floor
Young Artist
Rhapsody in Blue
Flamenco at the Mission
Morning Light
Homeland Security Near the Artist Village
2am is for the Lonely
OCSA Guitar Students
Young and Impressionable
