A Season of Giving....And CREATING!

Happy Holidays!!!  Greetings from sunny Florida.  As we prepare for the almost-upon-us holidays, we here in the sunshine state use spray-on snow and crank the A/C up to create the illusion of winter.  None-the-less, we decorate our trees, light our menorahs, and celebrate the season with joy.  We wish all of our friends, family and supporters Peace and Joy this season, and look forward to seeing you in the Gallery.

Our artistic "elves" have been hard at work, setting the Gallery to perfection.  The shelves are filled with original, hand-made art, and our member artists are anxious to help you find the perfect gift to give this season.  Any time you come to CGMS Gallery, a member artist will be on hand to personally assist you in choosing (or creating) the perfect gift.  Call ahead, and we'll even set up a time to work with you one-on-one!

We also have some new events on the calendar, and new incentives within the Gallery to make your experience here even more fun.  On December 21 we will host a wild evening of live art called "Turn On - Tune In - Spin Out".  This event is a nod to the 60s, and features live art demonstrations by three of our talented Gallery members.  Tracy Rosof Peterson will be throwing pots on a pottery wheel, while Teri Salamoni creates amazing forms turning wood.  Wayne Smith will be spinning glass, creating gorgeous forms in blazing fire.  I believe I've even heard rumors of a contest to see who can create the most artwork in the evening....don't miss this!  A wonderful opportunity to find that perfect, last minute gift.

RAFFLE ALERT!!  AND, we are also offering monthly raffles of member artist creations!  This is a new idea for us, and we are testing as we speak.  Every month a Gallery artist will offer a work of handmade art.  Raffle tickets are just $5.00 each or five (5) for $20.00 (that's the BARGAIN, you end up with a free ticket!).  You can purchase tickets right here, using the PayPal button on the top right.  Raffle items will be announced here and on our Facebook page, along with the artist's bio, and photos of the work offered.  The winning ticket will be drawn on the third Friday of every month, during our first and third Friday art events and exhibits.  A fantastic opportunity to grab some amazing art and support our Gallery! The goal here is to raise funds for CGMS Gallery's ongoing community arts programs (like our Empty Bowls for Haiti project which raises thousands of dollars annually for children in Haiti), as well as continue to provide low cost retail space for local artists to show, create and share their works.

 

Our first raffle item will be provided by member artist Tracy Rosof Peterson, and I'll be posting photos and info on that very soon, so stay tuned! 

 

Whew, that's a lot for one post, so I'll quit now.  BUT, please check back--you don't want to miss anything and we have so many fantastic events and exhibits planned....see you in the Gallery!!! 

Hearts A-Flutter....

February is just around the corner, and you know what that means. NOT THE SUPERBOWL...I'm talking about Valentine's Day!!! Love is in the air, and we invite you to join us on Friday, February 3rd for "Viva L' Amore!" The Gallery will be transformed into an old fashioned Valentine, with wonderful handmade jewelry, sculpture and more, all created to inspire love and laughter. Give your true love an original, handmade gift to show how much you care!!!  See you at 6:00...

Tis the Season For HANDMADE!

Happy Holidays to all, and we hope your season is festive, fun and full of family and friends!  The initial shopping craze is over, with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday behind us.  BUT, we know the holiday gift giving season has only just begun.  So, we at the Gallery want to assure you that our selves are filled with gorgeous, one of a kind, handmade art for the giving!

We invite you to join us this Friday, Dec 2nd for Once Upon a Time - Visions of the Season.  The holidays are all about magic, and one of our new Gallery artists, Wayne Smith, will be demonstrating how he creates magic with hot glass.  He will be spinning amazing creations in glass, right before your eyes!  We will also be welcoming other new Gallery artists Rosario Alborta (sculpture), Courtney Page (pottery), and Anthony Burks (mixed media).  Stop by for some handmade holiday cheer and meet these talented artists!  We'd love to help you find the perfect gift...see you at 6:00!

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

This week is one of the busiest on the Calendar. Family and friends gather for Thanksgiving, and we all pause to appreciate the wonderful people in our lives. We are also conditioned to shop like maniacs on the Friday after Thanksgiving. "Black Friday"....an epic marketing ploy that is astonishingly successful--and stressful.

Well, we at the Gallery have a gentle suggestion for you. Instead of waking up ridiculously early this Friday, we ask that you sleep in. Enjoy breakfast with your family and friends, then take a leisurely drive to stroll the Avenue in Lake Worth. Downtown businesses and restaurants are waiting to tempt you with hand made art, unique one-of-a-kind gifts, delicious foods, music, and live art demonstrations. 

Consider supporting local businesses and individuals this season. Give a gift that was created just for you, not in some foreign country. Who needs the madness of a midnight sale under flourescent lights in a big box store packed with strangers? Come see us, and we'll guarantee a wonderful shopping experience, sending you home with the perfect gifts for you and those you love. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air Florida is famous for!

So, we invite you to our Black Friday events on the 25th and to join us again on Saturday the 26th for Small Business Saturday.   We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgivig, and look forward to seeing you on the Avenue!!!

Winter Wonderland!

Please come see us this Friday, the 17th, for a Gallery celebration of the Winter Solstice. What a magical time of year. Even for us beach bums in Florida, winter has arrived and we are feeling the chill of the season! Our Gallery is transformed into a winter woodland, and we'll be offering seasonal delights, wine and hot coffee to warm your spirit. The walls and shelves are filled with amazing original art, and our member artists will be on hand to greet you. There is no better gift than original art, so come by and get those last minute treasures...see you at 6:00!

The Art of Giving

Welcome to the season of holiday shopping madness...can't believe it's December already! Lucky for you, the Gallery is ready to rescue you from the Mall. Join us this Friday, December 3, for the Art of Giving. Gallery artists will be on hand to help you choose, or create, a truly one-of-a-kind gift of hand made art for yourself, or someone special. We're encouraging everyone to have a "Hand-made Holiday" this year, and skip mass produced items from overseas. Instead, why not support art and local artists? The selection in the Gallery is mind-boggling. Everything from sculpted metal dinosaurs to fine porcelain and jewelry. How about a Peace menorah? Or perhaps a fused glass platter? We have something for everyone on your list, I guarantee it!

So, come to the Gallery this Friday for a glass of wine, some great music from the Pick it Sisters, and a wonderful, unique shopping experience. See you at 6:00!!

Back in Black!!! Time to SHOP!

Can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving?!? You know what that means, Holiday shopping madness begins. BUT, you don't have to panic this year or fight the insane crowds at the Mall. CGMS Gallery is ready to come to your rescue! What could be better than giving the gift of original, hand-made art? Potter, fine jewelry, art glass, ceramics, textiles, metal work, sculptures, WE HAVE IT ALL! Nothing is more exciting than finding that one-of-a-kind, beautifully crafted work of art for someone special. No massed produced, imported junk here. All the work in the Gallery is created by local artists, right here in Plam Beach County. AND, to make it even better, we will be holding a "Back in Black" weekend sale THIS WEEKEND ONLY! From Friday, Nov. 26 to Sunday Nov 28 you will find unbelievable art at AFFORDABLE prices waiting for you in the Gallery. Come by anytime, we're open 10:00 - 9:00 Friday and Saturday, 10:00 5:00 on Sunday.

See you there!

Rev Them Engines!

Get your leather jackets ready and be at the Gallery on Friday November 5 for "Hot Bikes - Cold Beer"! This event will be featuring the motorcycle-inspired art of Gallery artist Joe Dwzill. Not only will motorcycle art be on display, we will also have a custom bike in the Gallery, courtesy of Harely Davidson of Palm Beach! We invite all our biker buddies to ride to the Gallery for a cold beer and some great, original art. We have tons of custom mugs available for purchase in the Gallery, pick one out and pour yourself a frosty one! See you at 6:00!

WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Saturday, November 6, the Gallery will be part of the FIRST EVER Palm Beach Art and Music Festival, hosted by Art Nouveau Events. We will have a tent there, full of amazing hand-made original art from the Gallery. There will be tons of artists, vendors, music, performances, body painting, food, drink, and general mayhem all around! This will be so fun, and we are thrilled to be a part of this innagural event. Click on the image below for more information.

It's going to be a BUSY weekend!

Out Side the Box...

This Friday will be a very unusual and amazing night at the Gallery. "Theatre of the Absurd - Beauty in Uncommon Forms" is all about alternative, mixed media, and "steampunk" art. The works of Gallery artists Linda and Kelly Dean Manganaro, Betty Wilson, Amelia Costa, Victoria Rose Martin and Karen McGovern will be featured. These artists create truly unique art from found objects, mixed metals, clay and glass. Three dimensional creations of truly uncommon beauty. Victoria is known for her whimsical and sometimes dark ceramic figures, often in costume. Karen creates dramatic jewelry, often using antique elements such as German doll bodies and optic lenses. Her pieces are narrative, and many come with an original short story inspired by elements in the design. Linda and her Husband Kelly create unbelievable furniture, installations and figures from all manner of material, antiquities and found objects. Betty is well known for her abstract glass creations, and amazing interpretive sculptures. Amelia blends text with clay to create scenes, figures and scenarios filled with meaning.

Special guest artist Georgette Pressler of Devious Body Art will use the human form as canvas, painting live in the Gallery. Her work is simply stunning. David Ryan of Kiss My Glass joins us out front, working with glass in flame to create all manner of amazing designs.

Simply put, you CANNOT MISS THIS SHOW! See you at 6:00!

We're Going to the Dogs!!!

Next Friday, August 20, the Gallery will be "going to the dogs" for Dog DaZe, celebrating all things canine! We"re supporting Elite Greyhound Adoptions, with special "doggie bags" and the latest Fido Couture provided by Lake Worth's Paws on the Avenue. So, bring you and your dog to the Gallery! Plenty of treats on hand for you and your furry friend, browse canine inspired artwork and support a good cause!

Love is in the Air...and So Much More!!

It's February, and you know what that means...Valentine's Day! Please, forget boring chocolate or flowers...how about giving your loved one an original piece of ART from CGMS Gallery? A truly one-of-a-kind gift for your true love. Now that's original! The gallery offers so many wonderful creations to choose from. How about a hand carved stone heart by Gallery artist Norm Gitzen? Or perhaps extraordinary cloisonne jewely by master jewelers Gael and Howard Silverblatt? Need something truly unique and unusual? Okay, Karen McGovern creates funky, ecclectic jewelry using found objects, butterfly wings, and antiquities. The list goes on and on and on...

The perfect time to come and take a peek would be THIS FRIDAY, Feb 5th. Gallery artists Joyce Brown, Betty Wilson and Theo Sable will be featured. Joyce creates amazing sculpture, Betty works with clay and glass, and Theo is a wonderful jewelry artist. You simply can't go wrong! So stop by from 6:00 - 9:00 on Friday for a glass of wine and to meet these talented artists. We'll make sure this Valentine's Day is one for the History books!

Also in the news this month is CGMS Gallery artist John McCoy. He recently had a wonderful article written about him in the Palm Beach Post. Click here for more...

So much more to come--planning themed exhibits for Spring and Summer, live art demonstrations in the gallery, and special events to keep us all on our toes. Be sure to keep updated--check back often and follow our Calendar so you don't miss anything!

See you at the Gallery!!

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!

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)!

'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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