Latest Posts

Quiet Morning Artist’s Inspiration

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A quiet commute to the Farmers’ Market last fall provides the inspiration for many oil paintings. Working with the mood created by foggy silhouettes as the sun just begins to break, I watch in awe as the scenery changes before me. The ultimate challenge of “en plain air” painting – capturing the look and feel of a fleeting moment and moreover communicating the emotion felt in that instant to the viewer. This is quintessentially what art is about. The highest level of communication.

It is this challenge I find compelling!

By the way – I do not suggest taking pictures while driving oneself. I thankfully had a driver (Thanks Honey!) while I documented the terrific views!

Join Us at the Market

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Farmer’s Market starts tomorrow in Downers Grove by the Burlington Northern Train Station. We will be out under tent from 7:00 am until 12:30 pm. If you are looking for a last minute Mother’s Day gift or are just itching to stretch your legs and get out of the house – stop by and see us!

Locally grown lavender with a creative flair by Gallery’s Choice

We work all year to bring our customers the finest culinary lavender and relaxing bath and body products. In addition, of course, we feature our glass art gifts in the form of wall art, glass dishes and novelties.

For us, the farmers’ market is more than just a place to sell. It really is a way to touch our community and we look forward to see our other market vendor friends as well as customers. It’s a vital part of being in a community: to serve and be friends with those we serve.

So look for us (rain or shine)! We are so happy the season has started again!

Bill working the display under tent on a lovely day!

All Fired Up

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Torch fired enamels continue to be a popular art experience at our gallery. I am always amazed at the results first time students can achieve. Just check out these vibrant creations!

Using copper as a base metal, students learn to sift opaque powdered enamels and fire them using a simple jeweler’s torch. As the student’s proceed adding several layers of color, voila! A beautiful wearable masterpiece is born.

Check it out!

So next time you are in a fire-y mood, or just want to share some warm moments with friends, look us up! We’d love to have you share this experience with us!

Jewelry Soldering Tech Tip

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We teach a LOT of classes at the gallery, and some of the most popular are our series of soldering and metal smithing classes. Attending these classes is a springboard for other great creative work, which have been featured on this blog. And while being in class provides the support of the interaction between student and teacher, and even other students in class to learn from, I thought it would be fun to share short excerpts – let’s call them tips as teasers! Hope you enjoy them, learn something, and are inspired to join us for a class.

Jewelry Soldering Tech Tip 1

Soldering sterling bezel wire is a first step to creation of a unique setting. The short video that follows will show why you must strive for a best fit when setting up for soldering.

Basic Soldering Tech Tips for Beginners
Check out Jewelry Classes!
Be inspired and take a class!

Color Theory

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These last several days have been rainy and grey. But thanks to some beautiful fresh flowers I received for my birthday, I am able to rejoice in spring and be inspired for painting! We are working with some bright oil paints this week, and I wonder how close I can get to these vibrant blooms! I will keep you posted!

Technology for the Artist

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Design inspiration for stained glass can come from anywhere. The challenge can be how we commit the inspiration to tangible, workable, projects. Recently, we were introduced to Adobe Sketch as a design tool for stained glass.

Color and line art enabled by Adobe help design!

While the program does not account for the necessary break lines required by the glass media, it does a great job of committing photo images to color blocked line art. This representation can then be reviewed by an experienced stained glass artisan and refined and simplified. Avoiding impossible cuts and limiting reliance on special wet saws, the designer can work the pattern forward for dramatic and unique pattern results!

Would you believe this is her second project?

We work with students to try the challenging and enjoy the journey of creativity. New technology is a part of today’s artists’ world and using these tools can enhance this process.

Join our Stained Glass Class!

Do you have a technology tool that has helped you creatively? Let us know!

Waiting for spring

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Although the calendar says Spring is here, the weather tells a different story! Despite the wacky weather, our lavender farm is busy planning, preparing, and propagating. Before the growing season really kicks in, there is much to do.

New Arrivals Chilling Out Before Planting

This spring we will be adding Lavandula angustifolia ‘Blue Scent’, which is an English lavender hard in zones 5 to 10 to our culinary lavender mix.

Our first new plant arrivals are currently “chilling out” in the Gallery’s Choice studio while the weather stabilized.

Designer’s Choice

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Sterling / Enamel Focus

Our designer series of elegantly pierced copper enamels speak for themselves. Hand cut and textured sterling silver pairs with torch fired accents in bold enamel colors. Each work unique – hand made using hammers, saws and torch. Some pieces also feature patination for a dark rich color.

Each piece cleverly designed for wearability.

A collaborative effort, these elegant pieces could not have been completed without the hard work of Gallery’s Choice jewelry student and apprentice, Milena, on fabrication. Many thanks for dedication to a beautiful line!

Variety of colors, shapes and textures…

Now available (just in time for Mother’s Day!!!!) at Gallery’s Choice!

Stop in and see them today!


It’s How We Roll!

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A beautiful piece of jewelry can be as simple as imparting texture! Our latest Rolled Textured Earring class resulted in smiles from mom and daughter who took time on spring break to share the experience!

Using rolling mill to impart texture to metal for Rolling Textured Earring class as Gallery's Choice.
Rolled Textured Earring Class at Gallery’s Choice

Great time with great results!

Why not share an experience with mom for Mother’s Day? Check out our class schedule at http://www.GallerysChoice.com and call us to schedule your experience!

Check out our classes!