Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fall...a busy time in Gig Habor!

What a week!!!
Great happenings and get ready for a great fall......
lots of great things to do,
places to go

and

voices to be heard .....

right here in Gig Harbor.....

So many places, so little time...where will you fin
d your FREE art this week?

Are you looking for a place to relax with you buds and have a sip of wine after a long days work? Get on over to the Wine Studio for a sip or a wine tasting. Have a seat on the couch, sink in and just relax while chatting with your friends...or just go for great wine deals and great information on wine....get there for FREE art!
Tis that special time of year...when ghosts and witches and bumps in the night cause us to turn and look and wonder....
"Best friends are not always alike"
One of my favorite places for fresh bagles, or soup, or salades or, just a lot of wonderful food can be found at Panera....if you are quick, will find FREE art there, too!!!


"Do Zombies eat popcorn with their fingers?" Ah ha...the answer can only be found on the reverse side of this little piece of FREE art....check out Panera again!!!


Sometimes here in Gig Harbor, we can look at the sky and just imagine a beautiful sunset or glorious sunrise...reds and purples...and yellows....and blue. As beautiful as the sky, that is what Xochi Madrea Hughes has painted for you...in this piece of FeelGoodFreeArt. Golly, wonder where you will find this one?

Where are you gonna be on Nov. 10th? Well, Girls Night Out, that's where!! Sometime before Now. 10th get yourself down to one of the participating retailers (click on the Girls Night Out link to find out everthing!!)...and reserve a shopping bag for $10.00. Did I tell you there is about $100.00 worth of FREE treasures in this little shopping bag? On Nov. 10th, shop and save from 12- 7pm Then, at 7pm head to either Morso or The Tides for raffle drawing and beverages and food specials. Shop and Save in Gig Harbor. Did I happen to mention that every participating retailer will have FeelGoodFreeArt in their stores...did I say that??????? Me, me and my girlfriends...we're gonna be there..better see you there!!! Until then, what is the name on the nail polish???

What is more beautiful than a Gig Harbor sunset? NOTHING!!
PS. No better photographer than Mark Ritchey. This is one of Mark's art cards and you will love it. More of Mark's photography can be found at Morso Wine Bar. If you miss Marks' photography at Morso, just go to Ebb Tide Gallery and you will find more of his beautiful photography.
Have you heard what is happening at Morso Wine Bar? Lots and lots. Better get to their facebook page for new and growing information about music and art at Morso. Their 1st live music event is with Kevin Montgomery of 50 States in 50 Days, great music and a great cause of My Orange Duffel Bag by Sam Bracken... Soon to follow with a special art opening.....stay tuned.

One of my most favorite places in the harbor for Halloween hats, and other stuff, too, is Elandon Gallery in Uptown. This store/gallery is great because what you purchase there, you will not see anywhere else. Go there, you will fall in love!!!
And, if you are really quick, you'll find some FREE art there also....quick, like a bunny!!


Don't you just love the art from Becci Crowe? Check out her website and find this little piece of Free art in the Harbor Mercantile. Of course, everyone knows if you are looking for something special for someone........the Harbor Mercantile has special gifts, for special people. Lots of nautical items, lots of other things as well...glass penguins...glass tucans...go there have fun!
If you miss Becci's art at the Mercantile...just walk next door to the Ebb Tide Gallery...you'll find more of Becci's beautiful art there. Ebb Tide has wonderful art by local artists. Go there, shop and buy local.

So, how lucky are you? We have another wonderful artist, Kathy Thurston, from Ebb Tide Gallery. Kathy is inspired by the natural world and can't you just feel the feathers in this beautiful owl? He's looking at you...you are not looking at him, isn't that what you feel? Maybe you feel something different....Find this beautiful piece of Kathy's art at the Tides and if you miss it there, just walk up the street to the Ebb Tide Gallery and find more of Kathy's work. This owl just has power and majesty, don't you just feel it?
Artist of the Week
Perhaps it is the creator of the human body...
Perhaps it is Michelangelo, who created the David sculpture...
Perhaps it is folks who change the channel, or
Perhaps it is all the Gig Harbor parents who take their children to see great art, to discuss art with their children....
Perhaps it is our founding fathers who believed in the right to free speech, artist expression...
Perhaps it is Malcolm Edwards and his photography and his photograph, which was tossed out of the Peninsula Art League Show by certain? Gig Harbor Council persons, who censored this photography from being in the Peninsula Art League Show at the Civic Center..would not allow this photograph to be hung with the rest of the PAL show.
Perhaps it is Rebecca Westeren, owner of For Art Sake, here in the harbor, that agreed to hang and display this piece of art.
Please go to For Art Sake Gallery, take a look at this beautiful photograph. If you like it, enjoy. If you don't like and think it is not appropriate to been seen in public, then why not use this as a teaching moment to explain your feelings to you children, or discuss it rather than censor the freedom. Everyone learns with reasonable discussion. No one learns in a censorship situation.
Censorship is never an answer. Hopefully there can be growth from the lack of this freedom.




Thursday, October 21, 2010

TONIGHT!!!!

Yes, it is the Hotel Crawl tonight...THURSDAY
5 - 8pm
So, are you looking for a meeting place for your group?
Are you thinking about a reunion?

When was the last time you visited the Maritime Inn, Best Western or
the
Inn in Gig Harbor????
Well, tonight is your lucky night!!!
Get out!!

Get going!!

Find out what

these places can offer to you......and find a little
FREE art at every location!!!

Yes, we are all lucky when we find note cards by Kathy Thurston, wonderful artist. Go to the Maritime Inn, look for these and have fun. If you miss this wonderful art by Kathy at the Maritime, just walk on over to the Ebb Tide Gallery and see more of her beautiful art.

On the way to Ebb Tide Gallery, be sure to stop in Java and Clay Cafe, for something good and warm and comfortable to sip and nibble....and perhaps you'll find a little Spooky FREE art.




If you are really, really lucky you'll find this beautiful glass container designed and decorated with beautiful pears and beads by Delaine Gately cfsgate@aol.com
A special gift on its own or to hold a little something special???



When you are 'crawling' to visit the Inn at Gig Harbor.....look around very carefully. Find some beautiful earrings by Ebb Tide artist, Chantelle Tracey. There's more gorgeous jewelry - think holiday presents- by Chantelle at the Ebb Tide Gallery so, go there!!!
BUT


Not before you find this wonderful BIG piece of FREE art by Ty Cline at the Inn at Gig Harbor. Might just have to stop in for a little snack or dinner at the Heritage Restaurant...when was the last time you enjoyed find food at this local restaurant?


Now is the time to go to Ebb Tide Gallery.....
WHY?????

It could be for the FREE Halloween art....
that is, if you find it first.

It is really for all the other great, local, handmade art that you find at Ebb Tide Gallery.




ARTIST OF THE WEEK!!!!
A shout out to all our Retail 'artists'.
Those businesses located in Gig Harbor, run by Gig Harbor residents, your neighbors. Yes, our retail 'artist' friends are artists in displaying their stores, having items in their stores they believe you will like well enough to buy....having lodging that your visitors will want to call 'home' for a couple of days and beautiful, artistic food and beverages that we will all want to partake of.
"Tis the Season" is coming up...so make your list, get out and locate items you will need...may not need to purchase today, but find them now and you'll know where they are when you do need them.....
Let's remember that 'Girl's Nite Out' is happening Nov 10.
Be on the lookout for FREE art....
and my girlfriends...oh, we'll be there... be looking for YOU!!!!
Shop early...shop often....Right here in Gig Harbor!!!
We are all quite sad to realize that Sea Glass and Paisley will not be with us soon. We will miss you!!!


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Now is the time!

So hey everybody I told you this week would be special,
hold on and here we go........
Where do you want to be and
who do you want to be with when we snap your photo with FREE art?
A very busy week and weekend in Gig Harbor....
Find some FREE art at the places listed below.

Find more FREE art when you follow us on facebook...click on the link!!! Every day there will be several more pieces of FREE art available for YOU to find!!! Go Forth..... Find....Enjoy!!!
By the way...let's remember that you will find LOTS MORE FREE ART on our facebook page this week....why?

Are you in need of a little something special for someone in October. Find this piece of FREE art at Elandan Gallery
Are you looking for the perfect Halloween hat? Are you looking for unique anything, this is a gallery where everything is unique and special and truly handmade one of a kind.
Oh...Oh...Oh...while you are there, find a little FREE art!!!



This little Halloween special you should have seen earlier today...why? Because there was a photo and location on our facebook page.

Need kitchen stuff in UPTOWN, find this FREE art there, quickly!!!
Lots more FREE art this week but only on facebook!



FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK!!!!
Well, after much consideration and much reading and much hearing....
The artist of the week is all the artists involved with the Gig Harbor Film Festival.
Why? First of all, because.... name your favorite director. Well, these young film festival directors and film makers of today will grow up and before you know will become your favorite director in 5, 8 years...see them this weekend..when they are purely involved with film as an art form, or story form. I met a young filmmaker last year and she told me she made films because it was breathing for her. Her film was an award winner and she will go far with her love. And I, and you, and, we all want to be there and question these young filmmakers on why and how, they did what they did; during their question and answer sessions...and during the panel discussion. You will escape and be entertained and puzzled and you will learn and grown and just enjoy the time.
Look how the Tuesday concerts have grown, look how many there were at the History Museum opening...continue this with the Gig Harbor Film Festival. Welcome Karen Black and Hal Linden to Gig Harbor. Welcome 30 filmmakers to Gig Harbor. All this encourages visitors to Gig Harbor and helps your restaurants, lodging and retail neighbors stay in business. We can all help.
We have film celebrities in town this week; we have filmmakers in town this week...buy a little ticket...gigharborfilmfestival.org...come see their art; smile an extra smile for someone you don't recognize.
Going to be a great weekend.
a perfect weekend to visit with a young filmmaker,
see a great film yourself, (I love shorts and documentaries)
take your young children to a film...at KidsFest,
so show your Gig Harbor welcoming spirit and love.
October 15,16,17. gigharborfilmfestival.org Click on film guide, full page program and synopsis of all the films. So many films you will want to see.
Be there!!!! Follow us on facebook for photos and FREE art every day this week!!!
MOST OF ALL: Celebrate your love for all things Gig Harbor!!! Celebrate great young artists coming to town....Have Fun!!
By the way....probably find a little FREE art at the Gig Harbor Film Fesitval office tomorrow!!!




Thursday, October 7, 2010

Are you getting ready!

It's coming.....Are you getting ready?????
Gonna be here next week!!!!
October 15,16,17 is the 3rd annual Gig Harbor Film Festival
Ok, Ok, Ok....so we've all been involved in the Gig Harbor Film Festival all year:
handing out flyers all over town!!!
Surely, you've gotten a flyer from one of the volunteers!
Well, now the film festival is upon us and there are great award winning, independent films and you want to go to the website, click on film guide and check out the program! Program was in the Wed. Gateway as well or pick one up at the Film Festival office,next to the Galaxy.
gigharborfilmfestival.org
Click on our facebook page, become a fan cause their will be lots more FREE art all next week - where? Posted on facebook.
Now,
Where did you find FREE art this week? Get out there...waiting for you!

A great BIG welcome to a new participating artist, Xochi Hughes Madera. Xochi is also our featured artist this week, read more about her a little further down the page. This is a beautiful original painting that will transport you to a calm and beautiful place...probably will go real good with a glass of wine from Morso. Stop in for a FREE art, great wine and great food.
"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing...adventure."
While you are out adventuring, be sure and stop in Java and Clay. Be normal with a great beverage...adventure with a great clay experience. What a fun idea for any special day!



We were all at the opening of the Harbor History Museum. Everyone was there, lots and lots. More fun today at the Harbor History Museum, cause no fighting for the hands on fun stuff!! Oh...while there, discover this beautiful original painting from Robin Peterson. You'll be lucky indeed.

"Eat, drink and be scary!" Find this cute little guy at Sharon's Consignment and Spa. Might also find just the perfect little something for yourself or your costume. There's a Mary Frances purse up on the shelf...check that out!!



Been to Panera's lately? Better get there in a hurry. Here are some art cards from Judy Buskirk. Beautiful wave art. Lots of the art today are making me feel calm and peaceful, a good way to feel....you can enjoy that feeling or give to someone who needs that feeling...I can tell you who!


Also at Panera's find this 2010 Gig Harbor Film Festival collectible poster. News about the film festival all over the Gateway yesterday. October 15,16,17. Karen Black, Hal Linden and ? will be in town. Special screening of Karen Black's new movie on Sunday at 11am. 30 filmmakers in town nextweek. Be nice, get discovered!! Kidsfest Oct. 17 1-3:30 good for 6-9years . 3:30 good for 9-14 years old

"It's not that today is the first day of the rest of my life, but that now is all there is of my life."

So, I'm thirsty, hungry, want a place in the harbor...on the water..hopefully, the 'tide' won't be too high. Go there! Find this wonderful art card by Laura Bethke. You all know Laura's great art and if you miss it at the above location (you have to find this one) then go to the Ebb Tide Gallery and find more of Laura's work there.



"I bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween!"



How about a little pasta or pizza from Spiro's, downtown?
How about a beautiful handmade rest for a teabag, spoon, ring or that special something? Created with love and talent for you by Hanna Bellefontaine. If you miss this at Spiro's, go round the corner to Ebb Tide
Gallery and find more of Hanna's handmade
art!
"Do Zombies eat popcorn with their fingers?"
The answer will only be found on the back of this piece of FREE art




FEATURED ARTIST OF THE WEEK!
Meet Xochi Hughes Madera
Have you ever had a really busy day and needed to just calm down? Take a look at one of Xochi's paintings and you will dissolve into a meadow and peace and calm.
Maybe, there are trees, perhaps a stream, or a mountain....you can feel the fog and the wetness of the grass and I think the water in the stream is a little cold. When you really look at a birch tree, it is amazing to me that Xochi sees the tree, paints the tree and I feel the bark. That's what you get from Xochi's paintings...and you can find more of them at the Birds Nest Gallery right here in Gig Harbor. Get there...now. By the way, when you remodel your kitchen, give her one of your cabinet doors and she recycles them as the material for her paintings!!