Merry Christmas Everybody!!!!

All Over Gig Harbor Reindeer Paws.....

Now you pause and enjoy all the Gig Harbor Happenings..
Starting with the1St Saturday Art Walk downtown,
All your favorite galleries have just the perfect present you have been looking for!!
Then stay downtown for the tree lighting Saturday, Dec.3
Lots of FREE art...all with that holly, jolly theme!

Might just want to stop off for the tree lighting....somewhere, if you are the first, on the tree is this FREE glass ornament....now, you can only take an ornament if it looks like this and says FREE on it...he's keeping a list, ya know.

How about a delicious burger before the tree lighting, or as a lunch break from shopping. We all know this is the place for breakfast, have a little lunch, too. Tiffany did a great job of painting these windows, be sure to admire them!!

"Wouldn't life be worth the living. Wouldn't dreams be coming true, if we kept the Christmas spirit the whole year through!!"

"You'd better not pout!" One of the happiest places on earth, that would be "For Art Sake", standing, enjoying great art!!!
Put This On Your Calendar:
For Art Sake 2011 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Sat. Dec. 10; 3-7pm
Come mingle with the artists while enjoying the lighted boat parade, elegant desserts with hot beverages, free gift wrapping, holiday music and special sale...See you there!

Now, if you get a little chilly on Dec. 3 at the tree lighting and need a wonderful hot beverage....head on over to Java and Clay. While there, find a little FREE art! "Best friends are not always like!" (Thank goodness)



Hi Everyone, meet Molly. At least I hope it is Molly!!!
She's the artist decorating the windows at Reverence Jewelry.

A great job!!!!!

"I wish we could up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month!" You can do just that! Why not go into Heidi's Sweet Shop and purchase a little bag of candy for every month, then on the 25th of each month, share that little bag of candy......Christmas is the spirit of giving. Keep that spirit in your heart all year long!

Thanks to Heidi's Sweet Shop for bringing Santa
and his Reindeer to Gig Harbor!!!


Where ever your footsteps take you this week,
go with great joy and great kindness to one another!!!

Hug your local artists, thanks to everyone for playing with us and see you in the spring!!

Can You Feel It!

Can You Feel It?

FALL is in the air...really, in the air.
Burrrrrrr!
Time to think about gifts for loved ones, perhaps a gift for yourself.
Time for some Feel Good Free Art!!!!
Time for 1st Saturday Art Walk,
downtown Gig Harbor!!!

Hi Everybody...meet "Owlbert". This is one of Kathy Thurston's art cards. Look for this piece of wonderful art at Kit Kuhn, A Jeweler Designed For You....also check out the gorgeous Tanzanite ring he is creating....might be for you!!
If you miss this art from Kathy, just head round the corner to Ebb Tide Gallery for more of her "Wild Art For The Heart".

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun!" Now, who made this famous quote and how true is it for you??? Find this little piece of FREE art at Ebb Tide Gallery. While at Ebb Tide Gallery be sure to purchase your Girls Nite Out GH Waterfront, goodie bag. For $10.00 you prepurchase your goodie bag, then on Nov 10 you have a plan: where to shop, where to munch, where to enjoy a beverage, perhaps spend the night....get ready!!!!!

This is a great original, art card...mixed media, some origami in this one, too! Created by Dori Wheeler and you can find it at Art For Sake.
While at Art For Sake, be sure and check out the paintings by Marishka Schweitzer.
While at For Art Sake, be sure to check out the beautiful Gig Harbor quilt that will be auctioned off to benefit low income women's mammograms. See the beautiful quilt!!!

Enjoy this handmade cross stitched bookmark from Stacey Webber. Find it at Mostly Books. Look around Mostly Books, pick up the book mark, find a little book or two and save the date.....Nov. 19th. Greg Richardson will be signing his book of poems, The Thirteenth Hour....get there now. Come back on the 19th!!!

"Tranquility" is the title of the beautiful art card, created by Susy Stremel. When Gig Harbor shows it's fall colors, no more beautiful landscape art anywhere.
Find this piece of FREE art at Water's Edge Gallery and Framery. While at Water's Edge, be sure and see some art by Alexis St. John.
If you miss Susy's work at Water's Edge, then cross over the street to Ebb Tide, where you will find more of Susy's art.

Where ever your footsteps take you this week.....
Go with great joy and great kindness to one another!!!!

Over The Rainbow Bridge

Over the Rainbow Bridge

Mitzy Oct. 17, 2011

Just this side of heaven is a place called "The Rainbow Bridge"
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
Goes to The Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of
Our Special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are
Warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor, those
Who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we
Remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
Someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
Looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quiver,
Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass,
Her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you
Cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain
Upon your face; your hand again caress the beloved head, and you look once
More into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never
Absent from your heart.

Then you cross "The Rainbow Bridge" together.....

Author Unknown

Where ever your footsteps take you this week,
Go with great joy and great kindness to one another!

Learn a little, laugh,.. Feel Good

This is a great weekend for Art in Gig Harbor.....
motion picture art....
film art.....

So many films,
so many filmmakers to question
....
Here are just a few examples.....

"Hot Flash Havoc"
"a film of menopausal proportions, will make you laugh, make you cry and make you think. This is a provocative revealing documentary about the US government not releasing information on women's health that will change their lives as they age" Meet the filmmakers, ask the questions.
(Been there, done that...I could'a told'em)

By the way...lots more information on all these films at gigharborfilmfestival.org

"Paint"
"During the summer of 2010 in Tacoma Washington the Urban Grace church commissioned two young artists to design and paint a mural that would face the front of their church entrance. Heated controversy ensued...." More filmmakers for you to meet.
By the way....stop by the GHFF office, pick up your guide and pick out your movies!!

"Waiting for a Train"
"This engaging true story of Japanese emigrant, Toshio Hirano, whose life was forever transformed by the music.of country legend Jimmie Rodgers." Check out the guide and see the list of awards for this short documentary.

"Overexposed"
"Overexposed: The cost of Compassion," a new documentary on the topic of "compassion fatigue", a condition that affects those working in helping professionals such as health care, social services and law enforcement." Direct, written, shot and edited by PLU students...important to see.

"This Narrows Place"
"A conflicted young Palestinian from the Gaza Strip - Hassan - lands in Detroit on a covert quest to avenge his brother's death....when a few secrets come to light, everyone is tested and no one will be unchanged." Best Dramatic Film - Ashland Film Festival

By the way...."We invite you to take a FREE peak behind the scenes into the art and business of movie making.. Panel Discussion, Sat. Oct. 15 1:10 pm. Free to the community.

"Three Actresses Walk Into A Bathroom"
"...a short comedy about the fierce rivalries, absurd desperation and hilarious length actresses will go to score a coveted role"

By the way....Here are some more movie titles, find out all about them at gigharborfilmfestival.org.

"What's Up"
"Challenging Impossibility"
"Believing Bigfoot"
"Which Shall It Be"
"Prayers For Peace"
"The Butterfly Circus"
..........Just to name a few

The 4th annual Gig Harbor Film Festival is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
Oct. 14,15,16....
yea, yea, yea...
.that's the one Julie Andrews is coming to.
Read all about it.....
gigharborfilmfestival.org

SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES!!!

Where ever your footsteps take you this week,
go with great joy and great kindness to one another!!

Great art....great films!!!

Lots of wonderful art happenings in Gig Harbor this coming week.....

October 1 is First Saturday Art Walk in Downtown Gig Harbor....

and a gorgeous day to be out walking and visiting local galleries!
Come On Down !!

October 6 - December 2 at Gig Harbor Civic Center

The Peninsula Art League presents their annual Juried Arts Exhibit at the Gig Harbor Civic Center,
3510 Grandview Street
from October 6- December 2nd
with a public reception October 6th from 6-8pm.
Wonderful art from Canada and the US. Come and check it out!!

Gig Harbor Yacht Club Art 2011 "Sail"
Sat. Oct. 8 and Sunday Oct. 9th
Hand Crafted Art and Jewelry Items For "Sail"
...the holidays are coming fast!!
Gig Harbor Yacht Club...8209 Stinson Ave, GH

Kathy Thurston creates beautiful and special art cards. If you haven't been to the Harbor History Museum lately...head on over to find this one....
If you miss Kathy's work at the History Museum, then find it at Ebb Tide Gallery, along Pioneer.


"The mission of the Gig Harbor Film Festival is to feature independent films that draw on the unifying power of cinema to promote understanding, tolerance and global awareness!"
Yes, the GH Film Festival Julie Andrews event is sold out...head on down to mostly books to pick up Julies' Biography and her children's books.

Oh, yes. Be on the look out for this special piece of art and the very special voucher on the back...good luck!!! As you are enjoying all the benefits of a 3 Day Pass Holder, during the October 14,15,16 Film Festival, you'll be very very glad you found this piece..

.This hand created card is by Dori Wheeler. "Thinking of you" features cut and folded paper.
Stop in at Kit Kuhn's Jeweler for You and find out what he is creating...just for you!!!
Then head round the corner to Ebb Tide for more of Dori's beautiful art.



"Hot Flash Havoc".....Here's the poster. This is one of the films being presented at the Gig Harbor Film Festival, Oct. 14,15.16. Ladies, you need to see this film and bring the men in your life!!!

Lots of great films this year at the film festival. Click on the GHFF link and check out the on line program with list of films and times....See you there!





"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."


As a community event, the GH Film Festival is bringing the documentary "Finding Kind" to the Harbor on October 12, at 6pm, at the Galaxy theatre.
This is an important film on the current problem of bullying.
Hosted by the GH Film Festival and sponsored by Fuller Theological Seminary and Windrider Film Fourm, this important film is brought to you

FREE of charge.
First come, first served on seating.

Click on the Finding Kind link to view a trailer about this film.
Stop in McBecklands Ladies Boutique for some cute clothes and,
a great little piece of FREE art.

Where ever your footsteps take you this week,
go with great joy and great kindness to one another.

Open Studio and Julie Andrews

The Gig Harbor Film Festival has announced the recipient of it's

2011 Lifetime Achievement Award

Blake Edwards

Julie Andrews will posthumously accept this award for her late husband.

Tickets available NOW! 253-851-3456 or online
An Evening With Julie Andrews
Read all about it...Gateway and Gig Harbor Film Festival
UNTIL THEN
Yep, you got it right.
This Saturday and Sunday is the Greater Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour.
Juried, Gig Harbor-Key Peninsulaa-Fox Island artists are opening their studios to the public. Give a little click to the above link for locations and directions.
Get out, go see some demonstrations, enjoy the art process...have lots of fun!!
There's a bunch FREE art out there...go find it!!

This is a great week to go out to dinner
...in downtown Gig Harbor....
lots of choices....
even FREE art for you!
BUT
YOU have to find it this time.

"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts...such is the duty of the artist!"

"Art is your emotions flowing in a river of imagination!"

"Art is the wine of life!"

"What art offers is space...a certain breathing room for the spirit!"

"Every action in our lives touches on the same cloud that will vibrate in eternity."

Where ever your footsteps take you this week,
go with great joy and kindness to one another!!

Save the Date...for kindness

Save the date:

October 12; about 6pm; Galaxy Theatre
Admission is FREE with student ID
"Finding Kind"
According to some statistics, about 30 percent of teenagers in the U.S. have been involved in bullying, either as a bully or as a victim of teenage bullying.
"Finding Kind" is a documentary film about bullying; girls bullying girls.
Click on this link to watch a short trailer about the film, "Finding Kind"
In the coming weeks you'll be hearing lots more about this important film.
SAVE THE DATE
This documentary film is presented as a community service courtesy of the Gig Harbor Film Festival, Fuller Theological Seminary and Windrider Film Forum!
Let's Visit UPTOWN This Weekend....
to find FREE art!!!

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."

Your favorite location for a fun cooking class, or perhaps some kitchen essentials!!

"20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do....sail away from the safe harbor!!!"

Fast becoming one of your favorite locations for great shoes, in more colors than blue.....get it...and you won't find any cherries there either!!

"Start with what is kind rather than what is right!"

Everyone goes here for great soup, sandwiches, breads......

"Strive to be first...first to nod; first to smile; first to compliment and first to forgive!"

How about a little pizza?

"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as impossible situations!"

So, where do you go when you need a little something really extra special?...or perhaps just to visit with Buttercup?

Where ever your footsteps take you this week,
go with great joy and kindness to one another!!

Art Walk in Gig Harbor

Hi Everyone;

Tomorrow is First Saturday Art Walk in beautiful Gig Harbor!
Beautiful, is what it is going to be, so get on your feet and
visit local galleries,

enjoy artists demonstrations.....

Lots of FREE art out tomorrow, Saturday!
Where will you find your art!!

"The warmth of a friend's presence brings joy to our hearts, sunlight to our souls and pleasure to all of life!"
Stop in the Wine Studio, especially, on Sept 6, for a special wine tasting and to participate in the Tree of Life, presented by Gig Harbor Quilt Festival, fighting breast cancer one quilt at a time.
Stop in the Wine Studio everyday for great wine!!!

How many pieces of information can you get into one photograph!? Let's start with the beautiful green ceramic vase. If you find it first, it is free to you!! And it is created by Craig Novinski. If you miss Craig's vase at For Art Sake, walk on over to Ebb Tide Gallery and see more of Craig's pottery and paintings. For Art Sake, yep that is where you will find this FREE art. Everyone knows Rebecca, owner of For Art Sake. Stop in on Saturday to watch her work on some new mixed media paintings. And, yes that is a brochure for Open Studio Tour...happening in Gig Harbor the weekend of Sept. 17. Click on the link for more Open Studio info!!

Something always new at Kit Kuhn, A Jeweler For You.
A happy place to be,
great folks, and
gorgeous hand made jewelry!!! Stop in, see what's new AND how about a little FREE art for you!!!
"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it!!!"





Need a little something for your perfect dog. Meet Deloree. Find her at Sophie's Touch.....the perfect place in the harbor for all your doggy needs. Located on Harborview, just beside and behind El Pubelto. Many items are locally made just for your little 4 legged family members. Stop in for a visit!!
"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures, they give unconditional love...the role model for being alive"




Meet Scott Podruchny. Scott is one of the featured artist at Ebb Tide Gallery this month. Scott works in medium mild steel with natural metal coloring to get the images and coloring into the metal. It is then clear coated to hold the finish.


Also a featured artist at Ebb Tide this month is Judy Derbes. Yes, that is a hand created paper sphere. Down below is a little something special for your garden!!





"One of the most important trips you can make is to meet someone halfway!!"

The other important trip you can make is to where the Wild Birds are, everything for your garden and feathery friends!!

Getting ready for World Kindess Week....
November 13 - 20.

Two more Kindness cards distributed this week....did you find one?
What did you do to pass along a little kindness?

Where ever your footsteps take you this week...
go with great joy and kindness to one another!!

Are You Ready???

ARE YOU READY for World Kindness Week?

Feel Good Free Art is getting ready for World Kindness Day, Nov. 13, 2011 and
World Kindness Week, November 14-20, 2011.

The object is to bring like minded acts of kindness
together throughout the world November 13 - 20th!!

YOU CAN BE PART OF WORLD KINDNESS!

Every week, some where, someone will receive a Special Act of Kindness Card
meaning that someone has done something nice for you.
The giver's only wish is that you pass the card and a good deed along to someone else.
Your act can be large or small, monetary or sweeping someone's walk.

Not Sure What You Can DO?

Click on the Kindness tab and you will get ideas for sharing acts of kindness.
Click on the Kindness tab and you can contribute your ideas for kindness acts.

THEN

Report back here and share your received and given act of kindness.
Let's see how many acts of Kindness can happen in Gig Harbor
through November 20???

"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito"
Here's the first kindness card. Someone will receive a Special Act of Kindness today, PASS IT ON!!!
Tell us your act of kindness that you passed on to someone else.

AND Be on the look out for FeelGoodFREEArt...
...where did you find yours!!

Good things come in little white boxes, with a bow. Open up this little white box and find a lovely necklace from Samantha Chavis inside. Be on the lookout for this little white box where you might find a delicious beverage or do a little ceramic painting along the waterfront.

Sam has more beautiful jewelry at Ebb Tide Gallery if you miss this one at Java.

"Happy go lucky days are the ones I spend in your company!"

And when you spend time at Sharon's you know that is true. Sharon's Consignment is celebrating 14 years this Saturday, 8/27; 4-7pm. Drop by for some refreshments and see new fall fashions. "Look Good....Feel Great"

"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed."

How much fun have you had at Heidi's Sweet Shop? Me, I seem to get lost in the dark chocolate expresso beans! Love! Love, Love, Love!!!!
Give them a try or perhaps you have another favorite...try them all!

Gonna be a gorgeous weekend. Do stop by the Bouncy House at Pen Met Family Fest this Saturday, if you are not at the UPTOWN Fashion show. A great place for a cold beverage, good food and people watching is the Tides Tavern. If you are really quick you will find this beautiful art card created by Kathy Thurston. Perfect for framing or sending, my address is %#%* Look for more of Kathy's beautiful art at Ebb Tide Gallery.

Need a little pizza? Need a little pasta? Need a good sandwich? Stop in at Spiro's for whatever you do need in the way of great food!!
While there find this beautiful photo card by Mark Ritchie. Yep, that is the entrance to our little harbor! Yep, that is our little light house, isn't it? Find more of Mark's great photos at Ebb Tide Gallery.

YOUR LUCKY DAY is when you fine two, yes 2 pieces of Free art at Spiro's. This hand created needlework book mark is by Stacey Webber. Stacey's bookmarks are always about love and kindness!!

Lots of ways to get ready for World Kindness Week...get started now!!

Where ever your footsteps take you this weekend,
go with great joy and kindness
to one another!!

Come Celebrate!!!

Take a little time to celebrate!!!!

The last movies of Cinema Gig Outdoors are this weekend!!
Friday evening, Donkey Creek, "Free Willy" about 8pm.
Saturday evening, Skansie Park, "Oceans", bout 8pm. Come earlier for Harbor Wildwatch!!
Celebrate 20 YEARS at the Olalla Bluegrass (&beyond) Festival
Saturday, at the South Kitsap Southern Little League Field on the Olalla Valley Road
Kids' activities, famous berry pie contest, great acoustic bands, food, crafts, pie auction, Feel Good FREE Art, "Empty Bowls" .....lots more..www.olallabluegrass.com BE THERE!!
Then come to Skansie Park on Tuesday evening...
The last Tuesday evening of Summer Sounds at Skansie Park!!
Tuesday, August 23, Skansie Park, 6:30, David Correra..
Come Celebrate!!!
And
tell us where you found your FeelGoodFREEArt

So, here's one to have some fun with....because it is tucked inside a little white box that just asks to "Open Me" It is a beautiful little ring created by Chantelle Tracy and you will find it somewhere inside SEASONS. Also you will find in SEASONS great Halloween decorations...so cute. Love, love the metal witches!!! You'll find more of Chantelle's art just across the street at Ebb Tide Gallery.

One of your favorite things is this woven sculpture by Sherry Mayfarth. She is our Joyful Basket lady and this is woven from cane and will look lovely hanging in your home. But, first find it somewhere hanging where the Wild Birds would like to visit.

Don't you just love this little hand cross stitched bookmark by Stacey Webber...("love", get it) Use it for your favorite books or as a gift with a wonderful book to someone special. Look for this bookmark at the Tides...a great place to go before you read your book...a warm, sunny deck just calling your name!

Let's welcome a new contributing artist to the blog. Craig Novinski is a talented potter and fine artist. Look for this piece of pottery at Bella Kitchen Essentials. While at Bella, be sure to sign up for their Sushi Class. Sounds delicious. Now, back to Craig, and to find more of his art head on downtown to Ebb Tide Gallery, where he shows his work.

This is a great art card, created by Dori Wheeler and yes, that is origami in the center of the piece. Be quick, be fast on this one...find it at Panera Bread. And find more of Dori's art at Ebb Tide Gallery.

These shoes are make for walking...so walk on over to Indigo Moon in UPTOWN...for great shoes, clothes and a piece of FREE art.
"Everyone looks at the world though their own unique window...just like you!"

Where ever your footsteps take you this weekend,
go with great joy and kindness to one another!!