enamel pins by local artists

Some last minute stocking pinners. 

Cat Woman by House of Avalon.  $12

Not just Cat Woman, but Michelle Pheiffer’s Cat Woman. 

Matthew Castellano’s Comfort.  $10

Contemplates his next move.

Mickey Courage by Miguel Arrue. $10

Cowers from Disney lawyers. 

anti-bling by Myriam Saavedra

Myriam is Master of the Coping Saw.
Word and Lip pins, $50 / Geo Studs, $25

Myriad of Mischief

Bracelet by Lilia Hernandez

Here's one of the items that inspired the upcoming 'small works' show. It's a bracelet by Lilia Hernandez. That dragony creature is about as small as they come. Lilia is a master at working tiny.

Jewelry by Ally Short

In no way do these pictures show off Ally Short’s jewelry adequately. The druzies and labradorites especially need to be seen up close to appreciate them. Rings, earrings and pendants range in price from $15 to $60 and most are mounted in sterling silver. Come shop.

Kelley's Case

The current crop of Kelley Wise's jewelry is on display.

Hint: Jewelry makes a perfect last minute gift.

Button Rings

You can be sure our resident jewelry artist, Kelley Naylor Wise, will always find a way to match her abilities to whatever themed show we come up with. So, this time, she has up-cycled antique buttons into Sterling silver rings. I understand she's also converted nuts and bolts into jewelry as well, but she's keeping those under wraps until the opening. Come out Saturday to discover what she's been up to.

Collaborative Turnings

Five collaborations between our resident jeweler, 

Kelley Naylor Wise and wood turner Vernon Oberle.

2 black walnut wings w/ turquoise, coral, lapis, onyx & sterling.

1 bubinga wood, turquoise & opal pendant in sterling.

 2 rose-cut jars w/ lapis, turquoise, malachite & sterling.

Aren't you adornable?

Necklaces, bracelets and ear rings by Steph Brouwers 

remain on display and for sale through the end of April.

Her monster necklace is loaded with amulets, talismans and positive juju.

Bobbi and Kelley came up with the frame and fabric concept

for the purpose of display and Steph ran with it. 

Over in the display case are freshly minted 

rings and things by Kelley Naylor Wise.

 A gorgeous druzy and silver necklace 

with matching ear rings by Kelley.

International Trade 2

Some of the Artist Trading Cards made by folks who came by last Friday's opening for Steph Brouwers, made by Wade, Darion, Bobbi, Jess, Jay, Kelley, Micah & Jessica.   These and others will be travelling back to Belgium as trade for her students' ATCs. Thanks to all the participants. Enjoy your art.

We had so much fun with this project that we decided to do it again soon.  We might trade with Steph's students again or we might just trade among ourselves, but stay tuned and we'll let you know when the next ATC workshop will take place.

Steph flies out of Little Rock tomorrow morning, but her jewelry will stay at the gallery through May 4th.  Prices range from $20 to $250.

360 on 16

Steph and Kelley visited this morning with Deedra Wilson on Fox16's Good Day Arkansas to tout the new jewelry.  The open reception is tonight from 6 until 10.  Rural War Room will be spinning some European sounds in Steph's honor.  Come by to see (and maybe buy) what Steph (and Kelley) have been working on lately.  Très décoratif!

International Trade

Steph Brouwers has arrived stateside and we have been in awe of all the wonderful wearable art she has made for the upcoming show.  Each necklace is like a museum dedicated to world travel.  Beads of ceramic, wood, glass and stone from Africa, Europe, China, and India all mixed in with bone and shell and fabric and feathers…  And that's just for starters.

Steph doesn't just make art, though.  She teaches art.  Her students are teenagers; 13, 14, 15 years old.  They're represented in this show as well, with ATCs.  What are ATCs?  Artist Trading Cards.  They have several things in common with each other. 1.)  All are 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.  2.) All are unique works of art.  And, 3.)  They not sold, but traded.  Here are nine of them.

Now, if you would like to obtain one of these beauties, all you need to do is make one of your own.  Your creation will travel back to Belgium with Steph and be presented to the student who made the card you adopted.  It's that simple.  

You can make your ATC at home and bring it to the opening Friday night.  Or, you can come prepared to create your ATC at the gallery.  We will have card blanks on hand, as well as markers, crayons, collage materials, scissors, glue and assorted sundries.  You can even bring in your own raw materials, but all you really need to provide is your imagination. Consider it an experiment in international trading relations.

Steph Brouwers' Jewelry Show and Workshop

Our next show is titled "Inner Visions: Wearable Art" and features jewelry made by Steph Brouwers.  Steph is a good friend of ours who lives in Olne, Belgium, where she teaches art, sculpts, makes beads and constructs jewelry.  If you asked her what she does (and you'll get a chance to), she'd simply say she makes things.

We will be posting more pictures of her necklaces, bracelets and earrings in the coming week, but right now I just want you to:

1. Mark your calendar for Friday, April 5th.  That's the date of the opening of the five week show.  The time is set for 6 pm to 10 pm at Gallery 360, 900 S. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock; and,

2. Consider signing up for her talisman workshop held the next day, Saturday, April 6th, from 2 to 5 pm at the gallery.  Participants will learn the significance of amulets and talismans, become familiar with the wonderful world of polymer clay and create a talisman for themselves.  Clay and tools will be provided.  Students may wish to bring findings such as earwires, clasps and cords.  They are also encouraged to bring in damaged costume jewelry or special fragments they may like to incorporate into their creations.  The cost of the class is $35.  Register by calling (501) 663-2222.

Bobbi Nesbitt has posted an interview with Steph over on her This Is Arkansas blog, along with pictures and more about the exhibit.  Also, check out Steph's own blog.  And Pinterest. Oh, and tune in Channel 16's 'Good Day' program next Friday morning at 7:45 am.  Steph and Gallery 360's resident artist Kelley Naylor Wise will be discussing jewelry making with Nichelle Sullivan.