'Bye-Bye 2009!

Well, 2009 is almost out the door...some may say, "Good riddance!". Whatever your feelings about 2009, we should all welcome 2010 with open arms. The coming year will be an exciting one, and we hope you will visit us at Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery to see all the growth and changes the year will bring. Our events calendar will be active, so check in often to see what we've got planned. New artists, new works, openings and private shows will keep the Gallery fresh and ever-changing. Don't miss anything! Be sure to sign in and follow the blog--that way you'll get the latest news via e-mail updates.

Thanks to all our artists, friends, and supporters for a great 2009. We wish each of you a peaceful, joyous 2010. Happy New Year everyone!

Holy Smokes, the Holidays are HERE!

Is it just me or has time FLOWN by lately? Is it really December 18th?!?! Have I finished my Holiday shopping??? Well, thank Heavens for Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery! Visit tonight for FANTASTIC gift ideas, a glass of wine, and a chance to chat with some of the area's most talented artists. Tonight's featured artists are Norm Gitzen, John McCoy, Amelia Costa, and Lois Herrick.

JUST IN...Artists Uncovered 2010 calendar is finally here! This is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves art and naked people! Okay, not really naked, but....Almost! You have to see this--gallery artists photographed by Durga Garcia. Each artist is "surrounded" by art, and not much else! They are selling fast, so come in and grab yours while you can!

New Works...

Mary Ellen Dohrs is one of CGMS Gallery's most prolific sculptors. Her work is varied and detailed, from action-packed sports forms (including basketball players and Sumo wrestling!) to works inspired by nature, full of amazing detail and emotion. Here are two of her newest works, a whimsical, smiling, oversized snail and a lovely family group of huskey dogs. Stop by the gallery to see these works in person, and perhaps add them to your collection of fine art!

The BARE Facts...

Just caught this today on Jose Laimiet's "Page 2 Live" blog....THANKS JOSE!!

Remember the old Expose Yourself to Art poster?

Well, a group of local artists have taken that a step further. They’re exposing themselves for their art, Calendar Girls-style.

Twelve artists from Lake Worth’s Clay Glass Metal Stone co-op gallery have posed nude for a 2010 calendar with, or next to, their art. The calendar, says photographer Durga Garcia, a curator at the new Palm Beach Photographic Center in downtown West Palm Beach, is supposed to “get the word out” about relatively unknown artists.

Miss December is Sally Siegel, a glass artist from Jupiter who looks great at 82. Patricia Peters is a shapely sculptor whose body mirrors those of her bronze work, and she is Miss May. And West Palm’s Betty Wilson, also a glass artist, is Miss July as a siren in the drink with her art pieces.

There are dudes, too, and one couple. “No one is really a professional model, but they all are beautiful people,” Garcia said. Garcia made sure to cover the men and women just so. We’re all artists,” Garcia said, “so no one is really that self conscious. They’re covered in the pictures but we all got naked at some point. The only one who walked away is a man who is also a professor at Florida Atlantic University. Everything else went well and now other artists want in for next year.”

Garcia says 1,000 calendars were printed. They’re for sale at the gallery, on Lake Avenue.

Check out some of the photos:

Fantastic Friday...

What do you get when you mix great art with delicious chocolate, desserts and wine? You get a FANTASTIC EVENING, that's what! Join us this Friday (Dec 4th) at CGMS Gallery (from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM) in support of featured Gallery artists Patricia Peters, Sheri Goldstein, and Tracy Rosof-Peterson. These artists, as well as other CGMS artists will be there to meet you, so come share the ART and the CHOCOLATE (which really is a work of art all on its own)!

Don't Miss This Friday!

Come to our second November Gallery Opening Friday, Nov 20th, to meet our artists and shop for your PERFECT Holiday gift. The Gallery hosts Openings on the first and third Friday of each month, showcasing individual artists' work and offering a great opportunity to meet the artists represented. The Opening will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with light refreshments on hand. With the Holidays fast approaching, this is a great time to come see our wonderful selection of original art and jewelry. Plus, you can meet with an artist to design the perfect CUSTOM gift for someone special!

Make this Holiday Season spectacular by giving HANDMADE gifts!

'Tis the Season...

Even though we haven't carved the turkey yet, and we still have left-over Halloween candy, it is never too early to begin shopping for the Holidays. As you wade through endless advertisements for "Door Buster" Holiday Sales and "Black Friday" Super-Specials, remember this--gifts given with thought and care mean so much more than grabbing something on sale at a Mega Mall or SuperCenter. Handmade gifts are especially meaningful in many ways. Giving a handmade gift guarantees originality and quality. Buying handmade supports the Arts and the artists themselves. Buying from local artists also supports local economies, not some gigantic factory overseas. So, before you purchase a mass-produced item simply because it is on sale, consider visiting your local artists cooperative, or shopping online for handmade goods. You will feel so much better about your purchase, and I can guarantee that whomever gets the gift will be far happier as well!

That being said, Holiday shopping can still be challenging, especially when you are buying for individuals of different ethnicities and faiths. Don't despair! When you visit CGMS Gallery you will find amazing multi-cultural gift ideas from hand-sculpted menorahs to beautiful jewelry representing many beliefs. Don't forget to ask about custom items as well. Many of our artists create custom designs upon request, so you can specifically design the perfect gift.

So, show how much you really care this season, and buy handmade for the Holidays!!

Below are images of great Holiday gift ideas, created by our talented Gallery of Artists. Come in for more details...

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Breaking News...

Two CGMS Gallery artists had a very exciting weekend recently. Gael and Howard Silverblatt, makers of fine gold cloisonne jewelry and small objects, won the $5,000 Best of Show Award at the 46th Annual Art Harvest Festival in Dunedin held Nov. 7-8. Over 250 artists were chosen to exhibit their art work and vie for the $27,500 in award money this year. The Judges were R. Andrew Maass, former Director of the Tampa Museum of Art, and Mark Ormond, current Curator of Exhibitions at the Ringling College Galleries at the Ringling College of Art & Design.

Congratulations to all! Below are images of new work by Gael and Howard. Be sure to come by the Gallery to see more of their amazing jewelry and meet these fantastic artists!

Just a Taste...

A few images to whet your appetite for ART. Come in to the gallery for MUCH MORE!

Join Us November 6, 2009!