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!!!

Spring is in the Air!!

Can you believe it's almost April? Time is flying and it's finally SPRING! Been so busy at the Gallery. Our Haitian Relief Empty Bowl Project was an amazing success, with $5,000.00 raised on Saturday the 20th! Thanks to all who participated--the artists that donated handmade bowls, and the fantastic restaurants of Lake Worth that donated so much delicious food! Pictures coming soon...

Now, on to April, another busy month! First, Gallery artists Doreen Alfaro, Mary Ellen Dohrs, Karyl Mae Karpinos, and Theo Sable are presenting "Spring Has Sprung!" on Friday, April 2nd from 6 - 9 PM. Stop by the Gallery for a sip of wine, fresh fruits and cheeses, all to celebrate the changing of the season. The gallery will be dressed in style, with fresh flowers and new designs throughout! Don't miss this!

That's not all, Folks! Check back for more April updates...we've got a great sale coming and don't forget Earth Day! We'll keep you posted...

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chilly!

Thanks to all who braved the unseasonably cold weather to visit the Gallery on Friday the 8th for our opening featuring CGMS Gallery artists Gail Pasternack, Mary Ellen Dohrs, Sally Siegel, and Karyl Karpinos. A great night, but a bit cold for us sun loving Floridians!!

Now that the cold snap is on it's way out, Lake Avenue is the perfect place to stroll, visiting the wonderful shops and restaurants, while soaking up the SUN! The "snowbirds" are arriving, so be sure to bring all your seasonal friends to the Gallery to see what's new.

Our next opening will be Friday, January 22nd, featuring Gallery artists Sara Lerner, Victoria Rose Martin, and Linda and Kelly Dean Manganaro. Come by and see us! Click on the postcard below to enlarge.

Also in the news, CGMS Gallery artist John McCoy is on the move. For the past 32 years John has been a part of FAU faculty and has been a driving force in the Florida ceramics scene. John is retiring from FAU, but certainly not from the kiln. The Ritter Art Gallery, located on the FAU campus, is featuring John's work in a dedicated show titled, "John McCoy and Friends". The show opens Friday, January 22nd and runs through Friday, March 5th. Don't miss it!

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!

'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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