I'm at The Sun Gallery!

The boutique is off to an early start. There are more artist setting up this week in time for the Artist Reception. A prior commitment Saturday prevents me from being there. It is a very good time to shop, meet the artist, and enjoy some entertainment and refreshments. They accept all forms of payment and there is plenty of parking.

I worked on Saturday and there was a steady flow of shoppers. Not everyone was at the malls. The gallery has added interns to their staffing. Nice that they are able to do that for these young people.

My last post promised new photos and I have them. I think that the art glass is showcased quite well in the cubes and the new cloth does not jump out at you. Toned down and a better back drop against the shine on the glass from the ceiling spots.

Sun Gallery Boutique

I am off to Hayward this afternoon for my first shift as one of the participating artist at this years major fund raiser for the Gallery. Each artist helps staffing during the Holiday Boutique. Our time helps offset the cost and we also give 25% of our sales. The money raised helps fund the homeschooling art program, after school art classes, summer art camp, and the free children's art program held once a month on a Saturday. Check out their blog under my list of associations.

I set up my space last Sunday and it is better balanced than the set up on the November 14Th Gala Show. I am not using the gold cloth. I will take pictures and post them soon.

The holiday times are Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:30 to 4:30 and Friday has later hours from 12 noon to 6. The Sun Gallery is at 1015 E Street, free refreshments, easy parking, and call 510-581-4050 to inquire about becoming a member of this little gem in your own back yard.

Showing off new display

This shows the new set up using snap together cubes with solid surfaces. They raise the merchandise and makes groupings easier. The table cloth is too distracting and will be changed for the next show at the Sun Gallery in Hayward. I am also going to use bed raisers to increase the table height. The combo should make the display more appealing.

Glass Photography Help

This is the busy season all right. I am almost finished with kiln firings and only need to put finishing touches on my latest selection of votives and small draped and handkerchief bowls. These are handy and versatile additions in any home. Useful to hold anything from candles, soaps, candy, keys, odds and ends and when not in use they just look pretty.

A word of thanks for the kind words about my latest blog photos. I am getting much better taking photos of my fused glass. It has been trial and error. I knew that reflections and light in general make the process harder. I went online looking for tutorials and read articles in my glass magazines for tools, hints and helpful suggestions dealing with glass photography. It is recommended that a light box is used. Adding different backgrounds helps to show off and accentuate the beauty in the reflective art glass. If you need to take pictures of your art work that tends to reflect light use a photo cube. The sizes start at 12 inch squares and the largest I found that I might eventually need was 30 inches. I have a 22 inch kiln so my art size is limited. These cubes/tents using defused lighting are great for jewelry, glass, ceramics, porcelain, and metals, because they distribute the light evenly when using small spot lights surrounding the cube. This soft light helps eliminate glare and light spots.

Before I had a cube, I needed to submit a photo of my fused glass wine bottle trays and the pictures were a mess. I remembered reading that sometimes a photo copier can be used in a pinch. I tried it and it was passable. I experimented with jewelry cabochons and was surprised that the color and details showed up.

As you can see there are ways around common problems that arise in art work presentation. When I started learning the ins and outs of fused glass art I was very short sighted. It is not enough to create and design the art. Every artist faces the practical demands to present, display, and sell the finished product. The learning journey can be smooth or full of surprises. Mine have been the latter.

Here is another inspiring view from my vacation to Banff last month. It was because of settings like this that I was reminded of glass and light and how they play off each other like the sky on still water.

Pictures of new Draped Bowls

I am ready to go to the Gala Show this Saturday and it is time to show photos of the bowls I have made. They can be used as candle holders, candy or nut dishes, even small vases. They look great clustered or scattered on a dining table or along a mantel. The clear holders reflect the internal light from the candles that produces a soft glow. Easy to create ambiance and not have a flickering candle dripping all over your table.

The multi colored glass has a nice play on light and dark. The larger opening bowls are perfect for candy. And in the bathroom they are pretty holding guest soaps. They make great stocking suffers for home or work gifts.

I will post pictures of the large draped vases later this week.

Gala Event Update

Next Saturday is approaching very quickly. I am almost finished firing the draped bowls, just have 2 or 3 large ones to make. Pricing, inventory, and packing up is next. I have new draped bowls and candle or votive holders, Christmas ornaments and painted eastern designs.

I attended the MECDA planning meeting last week to work on the final logistics. I will be manning the raffle table next to my vending table. I have 2 friends helping me out during the day. They will be selling my glass and the raffle tickets. The last time I wrote in this blog I said that I would include information about the Gala and I would send discount coupons. Miss information on my part. The web site I included i my last post will bring the information to you. The coupon is included on page 2 of the flyer. Just print off as many as you need to save a few dollars.

Stop by my space between the admissions tables and the raffle table.