lakewood gals

Hilltop Artists and Helping Kids Love Art

2012-02-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

Last week I was lucky enough to be able to chaperone my daughter on a preschool field trip to Tacoma Art Museum. I was looking forward to the visit, it was a beautiful day to be in downtown Tacoma. We arrived a few minutes late and joined the group. Children were seated on a round rug all intently listening to the docent lay down the groundrules about how to act in a museum (don't touch ANYTHING! Even the cases that hold the art are ART. Don't touch the glass on the cases either, you'll make it DIRTY.) Hmmm... a bit of my excitement was extinguished.

We went into the first gallery which houses the Dale Chihuly retrospective. The children were doing great following instructions. The docent asked about shape, color and which pieces they liked best. I couldn't help but think that they all were feeling a little timid after the strict admonishing they'd just received about rules with art. Which led me to this question: How can we ask children to open themselves up to beautiful artwork in a museum setting without killing all of their curiosity and wonderment?

I know, as a parent, I have taken my kids to museums and encouraged them to look closely at brushstrokes or texture, only to be warned by a guard to back off. Discouraged, I've given up on trying to make kids and museums get along. Luckily art is everywhere and we try to appreciate all that we can see outside the museum. Being a gallery owner, my kids are fairly comfortable around art. In contrast, I see adults in museums or galleries, obviously uncomfortable and unsure how to act (Maybe because they had rules beaten into their heads about how to act in a museum on a preschool field trip??) When did museums start dictating how we relate to art? Why must we whisper? If we say we like one piece will the others hear and feel bad?

On the heels of this, I saw on recently that Dale Chihuly made a visit to the Hilltop Artists studio at Jason Lee Middle School. For those of you unfamiliar with this program, it is a free glassblowing studio open to all youth regardless. No one is turned away. Chihuly was integral in starting the program which has helped hundreds of kids learn a skill that allows themselves to express their emotions and grow their confidence. This program doesn't ask them to put all of that in a box. If a piece breaks, melt it down and make something new!

I can't help but wonder what Dale Chihuly would have thought of our preschool museum experience. On one hand we are teaching our children to respect and revere his work, but we ask them to tailor that emotion to fit the mold of the museum experience. Sorry - not interested.

After leaving the museum, I walked across the Chihuly pedestrian overpass with my daughter. We looked at the glass and talked about shape, color and which she liked best. I had no worry about her doing any damage, these pieces were behind glass (albeit bulletproof) just like the ones in the museum. She was able to run around beneath the ceiling filled with blown glass, chasing the sun peeking through - I had no worry about anything breaking. I thought to myself, if Dale Chihuly feels comfortable enough to put his artwork in a public place for all to see, yell in front of, run around, jump near or sing at, then I can't help but think that maybe he was a little unhappy with the museum experience too.

Hilltop Artists supports itself through sales of student-created artwork and donations. If you'd like to help, go to http://www.hilltopartists.org/. Hilltop Artists glass is also for sale at Lakewood Gallery & Framing http://www.lakewoodgallery.com/.

Limited Edition Print Blowout!

2011-08-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dozens of highly collectible prints are now available at discounted prices. This offer is available for a limited time only, shop early for the best selection!

June Carey
Mission Courtyard
WAS $175
NOW $125

James Christensen
Saint with White Sleeves
WAS $150
NOW $105

James Christensen
The Oath
WAS $160
NOW $115

James Christensen
Twilight
WAS $160
NOW $115

Mo DaFeng
The First Journey
WAS $150
NOW $105

SOLD
Bev Doolittle - The Arrival
WAS $345 NOW $240

Dale Gallon
Final Glory
WAS $375
NOW $265

Steve Hanks
Centered
WAS $140
NOW $100

Steve Hanks
Father's Day
WAS $150
NOW $105

Steve Hanks
First Light
WAS $150
NOW $105

Steve Hanks
To Search Within
WAS $250
NOW $175

Paul Landry
Christmas Door
WAS $120
NOW $85

Stephen Lyman
Sounds of Sunset
WAS $225
NOW $160

Stephen Lyman
Storm Over Tenaya Canyon
WAS $325
NOW $230

Dean Morrissey
Checking it Twice
WAS $150
NOW $105

Dean Morrissey
One Christmas Eve
WAS $150
NOW $105

Dean Morrissey
Telescope of Time
WAS $195
NOW $140

Peter Parnall
Monument Valley Sun
WAS $95
NOW $70

William Phillips
Hill Country Homecoming
WAS $195
NOW $140

Richard Sloan

Above the Urubamba
WAS $300
NOW $210

John Seerey-Lester
Sudden Rain
WAS $125
NOW $90

John Weiss - Three's Company WAS $95 NOW $70

Charles Wysocki
All Burned Out
WAS $225
NOW $160

Charles Wysocki
Bach's Magnifi-cat in D
WAS $950
NOW $665

Charles Wysocki
Checking in on Olde Martha's Vineyard
WAS $175
NOW $125

Charles Wysocki
Christmas Eve
WAS $125
NOW $90

Charles Wysocki
Christmas Greeting
WAS $225
NOW $160

Charles Wysocki
Elmer and Loretta Hangin' Out
WAS $225
NOW $160

Charles Wysocki
Moonlight and Roses in Olde Maine
WAS $175
NOW $125

Charles Wysocki
Noah and Friends
WAS $325
NOW $230

Benefit with benefits!

2011-05-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

Come join us on Saturday, May 21st

for an art show to benefit Arts Connect!

We were so excited to learn about Hilltop Artists' Arts Connect program that we decided to choose them as our beneficiary for an upcoming art show! Here is a little bit about Arts Connect in the words of it's founder, Diana Falchuk:

Hilltop Artists' Arts Connect program is a
community-based detention alternative created specifically for girls, ages
11-19, who are in detention and on court-ordered probation and diversion. The
program uses hands-on arts projects, service learning, public presentations and
a team of adult mentors to reduce the girls' risk behaviors and develop their
protective factors including self-esteem, personal accountability and positive
connection to community. Arts Connect serves nearly 200 girls annually through
weekly classes in detention and intensive community sessions for girls on
probation and diversion.

Since 1994, Hilltop Artists has been dedicated to
the mission, "Using glass art to connect young people from diverse cultural and
economic backgrounds to better futures." Through a total of nine, tuition-free
arts-based programs, Hilltop Artists annually serves over 550 at-risk youth in
Pierce County during and after the school day, and in the summer.

We look forward to supporting Arts Connect by hosting a fantastic event! We will be featuring:

An expansive inventory of DISCOUNTED prints and originals from Seattle publisher, Grand Image

Complimentary drinks from Urban Elixir

Enter to win a framed art piece

Student-produced blown glass from Hilltop Artists

A percentage of all proceeds to benefit Arts Connect and Hilltop Artists!

Don't miss this great event!

Saturday, May 21st 12pm - 8pm

Lakewood Gallery & Framing

9514D Gravelly Lake Dr. SW

Lakewood, WA 98499

(253) 584-1774

http://www.lakewoodgallery.com/

New sign, new artwork!

2011-01-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

We have a great new sign! Thank you to Bourne Identity Graphics and Signage and Red Door Renovation! We, of course, finished it off with a fantastic frame. Lakewood Gallery & Framing has fully arrived in it's new location!

Along with our great new sign, we are also happy to bring in the new year with new artwork throughout the gallery. New glass from Jeau Bishop, original oils from Karen Fildes, and prints from James Christensen, Stephen Lyman and R. Tom Gilleon. We think you'll love these new pieces and we look forward to seeing you in the gallery soon!

James Christensen - Pilates $275

Christensen's humor comes through again in this new piece. His bedecked and bedazzled character is having a bit of a hard time keeping up with the latest fitness trend. We can't help but give him credit for giving it a try!

Stephen Lyman - Sounds of Sunset $225 Unframed

This beautiful image of Lake Pend O'Reille, by late artist Stephen Lyman, stirs up fond memories for many people in the Northwest. Canada Geese flying along the tops of the trees on a summer evening, silohuetted against a sunset reflected on the still lake surface. This is a classic Northwest scene.

Janet Nelson - Colleen and Judy $90 Framed

We are delighted to have this talented artist's work in the gallery! Janet presents her female figures in a fun, lighthearted way. Each piece comes with the beginning of a story that spurs your imagination into what these women are about. These originals are priced nicely from $60-$90 and remind any woman of her dear friends and the good times to be had.

R. Tom Gilleon - Little Star People $575 Unframed

A warm summer night, with the lightning bugs twinkling in the twilight sets a scene filled with rich, wonderful color in this piece by R. Tom Gilleon. We love the contemporary look of this native-themed piece.

R. Tom Gilleon - Cardinal III $210 Unframed

Cardinal III is part of The Greenwich Workshop's Small Works series. Gilleon captures the grandness of native teepees expertly in this small work, accessible to the entry-level collector.

Free mini-print!

2010-10-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

We made the move! After weeks of long hours, sweat, help from great friends, and hundreds of decisions...we are in our new space and it's beautiful.

We are getting tons of compliments on our floor. Thanks to the hard work of everyone who worked on it! It's an acid stained concrete floor that absolutely must be seen. It has at least 10 coats of sealant on it which makes it shine like a polished stone. Of course thanks go out to everyone who helped with the non-glamourous projects too - lighting, wiring and hooking up computers.

There is also lots of new paint, a beautiful steel and walnut column, and of course, the ARTWORK! That was the best part - being able to set up all of our artwork in this gorgeous new space. What fun! We are having a great wildlife exhibit right now, full of Steve Lyman, Bonnie Marris, Daniel Smith, and Rod Frederick. Come in today and get a free mini-print by Bonnie Marris -- Flat Foot. A wonderful representation of a grizzly bear as only Bonnie can do.

To top it off - we're celebrating our grand opening by offering 20% off our custom framing. You get all of our experience and expertise in designing and also our meticulous attention in the execution of your piece when you choose The Lakewood Gallery & Framing. Come in to see us today!

Here is a little video to give you an idea of what it looks like...

We are MOVING!

2010-09-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've updated - we have been pretty darn busy fixing up our NEW gallery space! It's been a whirlwind of building permits, trips to the hardware store, painting, building, and staining!

Our new space is 15 blocks north of our current location. It's at the Lakewood Colonial Center and our new address is 9514D Gravelly Lake Dr. SW.

We had intended to downsize our current space and ran into some roadblocks so we ultimately decided to make the move! After 51 years in this location it was a tough choice. But...we are really excited to start fresh with a brand new space, designed and decorated exactly how we choose.

We are hoping to be open in the new space on Sept. 15th, however with permits, utilities changovers and more we are leaning more toward the following weekend....we'll see, and we'll keep you updated....

Thank you to all of our loyal customers who have been so supportive all these years in this space, we are so excited for you to see how the new one will look! Plan on visiting us sometime between the 15th and 30th of this month!

2010-07-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

NEW RELEASE FROM BEV DOOLITTLE --- The Arrival $345

Painted in 1977, this piece from Bev Doolittle has been unearthed and is now for sale!

Going to the beach!

2010-07-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

We will be CLOSED on Monday, July 25 so that Jan and I can have a little getaway! Not only do we work together, but we are also great friends so I'm really looking forward to this trip.

We're heading out to the coast, to Ocean Shores, just for one night. We've already talked about spending the time playing cards, watching movies, Scrabble...and maybe a couple of margaritas! It'll just be total girl time. I've heard the Olympia Farmer's Market is great too, so we may stop there on the way.

So...don't come in looking for us on Monday, we won't be here!

Holly

P.S. They don't allow dogs at the condo - so no Lulu on girls' weekend :(

Free Wysocki

2010-07-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

We are looking for a few great projects....

You ALL have great projects! We love to hear the stories behind the framing, now it's time to share them with everyone. Whether it's the violin bow from your Grandpa, or the Thai tapestry you brought back from a vacation, or photos you found in your great-aunt's things... we want to share your story with people who visit our website!

Bring in your project and tell us your story to be featured on our website, and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a FREE framed Montana de Oro cat image by Charles Wysocki.

Scavenger Art

2010-07-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Gallery welcomes its newest artist, Mark Orr.

Mark's company "Scavenger Art" centers around

the raven's reputation as a gatherer of found

objects. The keys they hold symbolize change and new beginnings and the billiard balls are balance in our lives. We are very excited to represent these very striking hand carved pieces. Priced from $130 - $190, these are sure to fit beautifully with your "found" objects.

Janet Nelson

2010-07-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

Great little images from our new artist - Janet Nelson. These originals are quaint and affordable at

$65 - $95.

Lulu's Corner

2010-07-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not know our sweet little Lulu, she is our mascot here at the gallery. A rescued Chihuahua, she now spends most of her time sleeping in the office. What has she been doing back there? It turns out - studying all of our materials regarding art and design! Watch for her updates on the tips of the trade...and if you happen to be in the area, stop by and say hello to Lulu. She's sure to have her little nose in a book somewhere...

P.S. Lulu doesn't work all the time - pictures to come of her latest boating vacation...wearing her life vest of course!

We want you!

2010-07-02T11:07:00.001-07:00

Plenty of you have taken advantage of our new website promotion - thank you for your business! We're excited about being able to keep our website fresh, current and full of imagery that keeps you interested.

We've had some feedback that there's been difficulty in making comments on our blog through the "comment" option. You do need a "Blogger" account to make a comment. This is a safety feature that makes it so inappropriate comments can be tracked with user information. If you'd like to send us a comment, feel free to do so through our "contact" page on our website - we'll definitely get the message there and we'd love to hear from you!

We are excited to welcome back to the gallery the artwork of Kathy Hastings. Kathy kayaks through the Puget Sound area and takes beautiful, up-close photos of rusting boat hulls - creating near-abstract images. Lately she's been taking similar imagery and creating encaustic pieces which greatly highten the depth of color and texture in her work. They truly have to be seen.

WANTED: We are looking for someone with an interesting framing project to be featured in our "Projects" section of our website. This can be anything! Whether it's a family heirloom or photos, or something to be shadowboxed. Anything with a great story. We want you! We would love to feature you and your project. Don't put off preservation of your stories any longer, contact us!

As we head into this holiday weekend, I wish you all a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Holly

Stepping into the blog

2010-06-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Holly is determined to keep me young, so this is it...my first blog!

This week at the gallery we're working on several projects. We're working up an insurance claim for a customer whose house was flooded. They had 19 pieces of artwork stacked against the wall and all were ruined. We will need to change mats and backing boards, find replacement artwork and in some cases replace the frames.

We're also doing some framing for Linden Golf Course in Puyallup where my brother Rick was just chosen to be the head golf pro. (Way to go, Rick!) One of the images is an aerial shot of the golf course taken 25 or so years ago - there was sure a lot open space surrounding the golf course back then.

Our work on the huge antique map continues. Yestereday we mounted down all the backing boards and built the inner frame (one of four frames to be used in this project). Today we will tackle the linen covered liner and possibly sew the mat to the backing board. Next step: order and join the two outer frames. This is a complicated project but once you see the finished product we think you'll be oohing and aahing along with us.

Only two days left in the Greenwich Workshop BOGO sale! This is a perfect chance to buy a piece of artwork for yourself and get one free to give as gift...or keep for yourself! Remember...we're offering 20% OFF FRAMING with any BOGO purchase.

One blog down, many more to come...

Jan

Up and runnning

2010-06-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

Finally the site is up and running! I'm pretty excited. I'm proud of it and think it looks great. The best part about the new site is that it's easy to update. I'm looking forward to keeping it fresh and new, full of things that will hopefully be of interest to our customers.

It's been a busy week full of deadlines. It feels good to have a good amount of work on the books. Thanks to all of our loyal customers we've had plenty to do lately.

I've been communicating this week with a new artist - Carol Schiff. She's shipping to us some of her amazing still lifes from her home in Florida. I think our clientele will really appreciate these wonderful paintings of fruits, vegetables, and some with tea pots. It will be nice to get some fresh work in the gallery.

We had a customer interested in having a commission done by Janet Nelson, our artist who does the fun fifties inspired series of women. Janet agreed to paint a portrait of the customer and her friend in the style of her choice - what a great keepsake! And what a wonderful way to commemorate a lifelong friendship. I'm looking forward to seeing what she creates.

That's all for now...

Holly

Here we go!

2010-06-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

This is pretty exciting....a new website, almost up and running, and a blog to boot. We are finally taking the gallery into the 21st century! Jan and I have been wanting to do this for a while and here we are...

Busy, busy, busy. We have been working like crazy this week! (okay, we did have a bit of a break being closed on Monday - I camped in the rain, Jan spent the day watching her granddaughter master her newfound skill of walking) In between helping customers, we finished 7 retirement pieces for the Lakewood Fire Department. They looked great framed with badges, coins, and certificates. We also framed an amazing (pictures to come) Tibetan plank with the most intricate painted detail. The framing design on this one is a home run! With a total of 3 frames, it is set off beautifully.

Our next challenge: framing a 5 ft x 7 ft antique classroom map....more to come on that one!