Shannon Wall "Pine Needle Basket with Walnut Shell" at the Joyful Jewel 4-30-13

"Pine Needle Basket with Walnut Shell"

Shannon Wall

6" diameter, pine needles, walnut shell, reed

          Shannon Wall usually makes smaller pieces, ornaments of many pine needles and beads.  This bowl is of grand size and includes more pine needles that anyone can count! It's incredibly sturdy as well as being beautiful with not a needle tip exposed.  Shannon has dyed some of the pine needles a dark shiny navy blue and the others have handsomely weathered to a rich creamy brown.  It's hard to believe that the center is a real walnut shell because the shape is so symmetrical and strong -- but it is.  Shannon uses her proceeds from sales of these treasures for the dog rescue operation she and her husband are so devoted to.                 ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Shannon-Wall.html

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Joseph Sand "Blue Lidded Pot" - pottery at the Joyful Jewel 4-28-13

The Joyful Jewel

Blue Lidded Pot

Joseph Sand

8" dia. x 13" high Pottery

$125

          Time to start collecting Joseph Sand's amazing pottery.  This elegant blue pot with swirls and understated sparkle would be a perfect addition to anyone's pottery display. We fully expect that Joseph Sand will be world-known in the near future as his pottery is already in great demand.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Joseph-Sand.html

     
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Siglinda Scarpa "Coffee Cup with Saucer" at the Joyful Jewel 4-27-13

"Coffee Cup with Saucer"

Siglinda Scarpa

~ 5" x 4 1/2" Pottery, $45

     How clever is this - a coffee mug or tea cup with saucer attached!  This interesting shape with it's unexpected curves and curl would feel soooo good in your hands.  The color can be described as either frosty or frothy depending on what tasty liquid is dribbling out onto the saucer.  Siglinda Scarpa, a master potter, is also the mavin of the Goathouse Refuge in Pittsboro where homeless cats find solace prior to finding their loving new homes.  Our much loved cat, Vincent Van Gogh, once lived at the Goathouse.
 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Siglinda-Scarpa.html

     
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Debbie Englund "Raku Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 4-26-13

The Joyful Jewel

Raku Vase

Debbie Englund

Pottery, 4" x 11"

$75

I think this piece should be called "Rakish Raku Vase" because of all the curves and the sense of flirty motion!  Debbie is known for her fanciful face mugs but also makes curvy beautifully glazed vases and sculpture.  This one would be perfect standing by the front door greeting visitors with one gladiola.                ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Debbie-Englund.html

     
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Pam Epperson "Rabbit & Bird" Covered Jar, at the Joyful Jewel 4-24-13

 

"Rabbit & Bird" Covered Jar

Pam Epperson

Pottery, ~ 3 1/2" x 7", $16

     Pam Epperson just brought in a whole new line of whimsical blue and turquoise glazed pottery.  This covered jar is simply irresistible!  I wonder what will go inside this jar, and will the two animal friends sneak little bites while the humans are asleep.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Pam-Epperson.html

     
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HP & Sandra Pelzel "Eared Bowl & and Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 4-24-13

"Eared Bowl and Vase"

HP Pelzel and Sandra Boyd Pelzel

Ceramic, Bowl: 5 1/2" x 3", Vase: 3" x 4 1/2"

Bowl $18, Vase $15

What perfectly beautiful pieces of pottery these are!  Each is formed with sweet even, sinuous shape and glazed with lush blue and burgundy.  Even the ear handles on the bowl are perfectly coiled and useful as secure gripping (I might say caressing) finger holds.  They are separate pieces that go together so well.                                                                                    ~Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/H-P-Pelzel-Sandra-Boyd-Pelzel.html

     
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Susan G. Luster "Ikebana Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 4-23-13

"Ikebana Vase"

Susan G. Luster

Ceramic, 8" x 2" with frog, $28

   The simple single green fern on white motif of Susan Luster's Japanese flower holder evokes a clean, pure calmness.  This style vase allows a small arrangement where the stems are cut at different lengths to represent a natural scene.  The vase will hold water for fresh flowers or can be used with a dried arrangement.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Susan-G-Luster.html

     
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Writing Your Life-- 4 week series 4-22-13

Sitting here today, I find myself wanting to write poetry about Sarah McTeer Ogburn's images--and as always, find the Joyful Jewel an endless source of inspiration. So, I decided to get our Writing your Life series set up. We met once on First Sunday and everyone wanted to continue....so here we go, and newcomers are very very welcome. 

Email skyprairie@gmail.com to register. Register before May1 as spaces limited......

WRITING YOUR LIFE

WITH SHARON BLESSUM

an opportunity to practice journal keeping

with various writing excercises

4-5:15 each Saturday in May

at the Joyful Jewel

begins May 4

$10 per class or $35 per series

Carolyn Levy "Flower Box" Wall Piece at Joyful Jewel 4-21-13

"Flower Box"

Carolyn Levy

8" x 8" Ceramic Dimensional Wall Piece

$75

      This piece is wonderfully dimensional and the merry poppies seem to jump right out from among the ferns and other flowers.  Carolyn Levy is always thinking of new ways to fashion her clay and she bring a lot of details into her creativity.  I love the ragged edges and the way this Flower Box comes out from the wall a good inch or so, as if the flowers are having none of the confinement of a box, choosing to burst forth wherever they choose!                                                  ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Carolyn-Levy.html

     
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Chatham County Court House Grand Re-Opening 4-20-13 at the Joyful Jewel

    These are Mariah's amateur photographs of two fabulous photographer's work and one of the "new" court house. 

        In the first picture is the awesome photographic record of the Chatham County Court House fire that happened a little over 3 years ago.  Gerald's photos are awesome in the horrible sense of the word, first quality photos of a scary humbling day.  The larger photo of the Confederate Soldier in the smoke, which also graces the cover of Gerald's book, tell the story that leaves words inadequate.  Also in Mariah's photo are Sharon Blessum's photographic postcard of the court house before the fire and her Chatham County license plates.  

       The other photo is the "new" court house today!  Isn't she beautiful all decorated and ready to greet the public.  I just keep going outside and smiling!  The street is full of people and everyone of them smiling too.

~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jan-Dunn.html

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Jerry Fowler "Sonic Chicken King" - Pottery at the Joyful Jewel 4-19-13

The Joyful Jewel

"Sonic Chicken King"

Jerry Fowler

Pottery, 10" x 8" 3-dimensional

$98

    Here is my favorite of the Sonic and Cosmic Chickens that Jerry has here now. BTW - that's King not a la king. This guy really rules the roost with a proud swagger-mixed with benevolent character that is quite striking.  To top it all, he is very cute although I'm sure he wouldn't want me to say that! (So is Jerry of course, cute that is + perfectly named with a last name of Fowler).                                                            ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jerry-Fowler.html

     
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Kate Ladd "Breakfast" 4-18-13 Joyful Jewel

"Breakfast"

Kate Ladd

Acrylic, 8" x 10"

$45, Original

    I'm hungry aren't you?  Of course, as DG (my husband, Sunday morning cook) knows, this is my favorite breakfast, captured in all it's lusciousness by Kate.  The colors on the original are brighter than this photograph and it's quite a cheerful scene.    ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kate-Ladd.html

     
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Marrianna Osolin-Putnam "Appalachian Autumn" 4-17-13 Joyful Jewel

"Appalachian Autumn"

Marrianna Osolin-Putnam

Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 16"

$25, Original

          I don't usually comment of the price, but in this case I just had to go back to Marrianna's area to be sure I had recorded it correctly -- just $25 for this large fantastic original painting!  I think Marrianna must have had it for a while and just wants it to find a good home.  There  is certainly no other reason I can think of as the painting is gorgeous!  It's full of firey autumn glowing and is fairly pulsing with life.          ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Marrianna-Osolin-Putnam.html

     
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Emma Skurnick "Turtles"4-13-13 fine art

"Turtles"

Emma Skurnick

8 x 10 Print, Mixed Media Painting

$12

          Isn't it fun to see these turtles, some interacting, some as turtles do seeming to climb on top of or next to another turtle oblivious to their counterpart.  Emma has captured the variety of their movements and individual personalities.  A colorful, nicely spaced and interesting layout on the page as well.

~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Emma-Skurnick.html

     
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Shannon Bueker "Brown Cat in Grass" 4-16-13

"Brown Cat in Grass"

Shannon Bueker

Watercolor on Paper, ~ 10" x 12", Framed

$125, Original

     Here Kitty, Kitty . . . here."  Caught midstride, this cat is listening intently.  With his grand white necklace and flirty tail, he wants YOU to come to him!                       ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Shannon-Bueker.html

     
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Steve Clarke, "Bethany" 4-12-13 Fine Art Photography

 

"Bethany"

Steve Clarke

Photography

 Pigmented ink print, 20"x24" framed, $250

          One of Steve's new photographs, and a favorite of mine.  Steve is able to catch the refinement of dance in motion.  There is wildness in  the form, joy, precision, yearning, exquisite beauty.  What a feeling privilege Steve must feel in witnessing this scene, and what joy from the dancer having her art show so skillfully!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Steve-Clarke.html

     
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Forrest Greenslade "Egret" - Fine Art 4-11-13

Egret

Forrest Greenslade

8" x 10" Computer Augumented Watercolor

$100, Matted & Framed in 11' x 14" Frame 

        Forrest says, "This Egret was inspired by a trip to Florida to visit my wife’s sister.  It may possibly be my very first use of watercolor in a painting."  

In my eyes, both the Egret and the background have a mysterious almost eerie look, floating in the mist together.    ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Forrest-Greenslade.html

     
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Nancy L. Smith "Love Bird" 4-10-13 - Fine Art

"Love Bird"

Nancy L. Smith

10" x 8" mixed media

$105, framed original

          This is one of Nancy's smaller paintings, and it makes just as bold a statement as any of the larger ones!  Looking you straight in the eye daring you to love and to dance through the day.  The shells are from nature adding wonderful dimension and clarifying just where this bird lives.                       ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Nancy-Smith.html

     
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On a Monday 4-8-13

This last weekend was full of fun, beauty, and all kinds of activity. Kate Ladd's reception was lovely. First Sunday was buzzing. The Writing your Life workshop was sweeeet, on and on.........

I was here at closing on Saturday and Sunday which gave me the opportunity to witness Steve Clarke's magic. We all know he is a photographer unparalleled in his work with dancers. But did you know he is bringing two professional dancers right here to the Joyful Jewel to perform along with videography on Friday April 26 at 8pm. Seriously, this is a big deal for Pittsboro. DPAC, maybe, but right here at the Jewel. We are most fortunate.

Steve and his crew have been in many evenings to set up screen, sound, and begin rehearsal for this complex demonstration of dance improvisation and image. Mr. Clarke's photographs will be displayed and there will be opportunity for audience questions and discussion. I know Mariah will be putting out flyers and photos to promote this event. Having had a glimpse of the preparations, I hope we have standing room only that night!

On a Monday,
sharon and sengi

Anne Adams "Still Life" 4-7-13

"Still Life"

Anne Adams

Watercolor, 10" x 14" Framed

$75, Original

          Here is a bounty you can almost taste the juicy pears bursting out of their basket onto the table in front of you!  I like the subtle colors and the interesting play of brown pattern & texture geometric compared tot he ovals of the fruit.   Helps us to remember what Spring prepares the land and us for!                                   ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Anne-Adams.html

     
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Vangi Cathcart "Hydrangeas" 4-6-13

"Hydrangeas"

Vangi Cathcart

Watercolor, 11" x 14"

$45, Original

   I've been to her studio so I know how much Vangi loves these flowers.  She has several paintings on her wall, large plants that bloom profusely outside the window, and even dried hydrangeas in a bowl.  So, when I look at these it seems that there is Vangi love fairly dripping off the luscious blue & violet blooms!    Art is a way of deeply honoring what we love and this is a great example.                        ~ Mariah

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Vangi-Cathcart.html

     
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Kate Ladd "Blue Shutters" 4-5-13

"Blue Shutters"

Kate Ladd

Acrylic, 16" x 20"

$225, Original

          Wouldn't you like to come home to this cheerful scene?  Colorful, vibrant flowers waving at your window.  Kate loves sunflowers, as can be evidenced in the title of her April show at the Joyful Jewel.  I think she loves poppies just as much as I often see her painting them as well.
       Come see more of Kate's Sunflowers tonight at her Opening Art Reception 6 - 8pm at the Joyful Jewel.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kate-Ladd.html

     
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Donna Cassidy "Small Glass Piece" 4-4-13

"Small Glass Piece"

Donna Cassidy

Stained Glass, ~ 5" x 10"

$28

          I often have small pieces of glass that are too lovely to throw away , but not big enough to use in other windows. I try to come up with designs that use these, and this is one such design. The center of the windows is a
piece of glass I made in my kiln .          ~ Donna Cassidy

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Donna-Cassidy.html

     
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Florence Johnson "Pet Portrait Sample" 4-3-13

"Pet Portrait Sample"

Florence Johnson

9" x 10 1/2" Pastel, Framed

          Florence asks for a good photo of your pet, and says "I'll do the rest."  She certainly did just that on this sweet sweet dog.  I've seen her do Siamese cats, Golden Labs, Collies, Maltese and more, each one with the brightest eyes and most loving looks imaginable -- unless you have the animal right next to you on the couch!                   ~ Mariah Wheeler

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Florence-Johnson.html

     
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Rosanna Johnson "Fall Tree" 4-2-13

"Fall Tree"

Rosanna Johnson
$85, Original
 

          I love the bare-bones of branches and trees of the colder seasons.  It's like peeking into their inner most lives, a tender exposed place.  These silvery branches and twigs seem all to be reaching, swaying, moving to their own beat in the other-world.  Still ever so beautiful, this painting, even though it is now Spring.          ~ Mariah Wheeler

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rosanna-Johnson.html

     
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On a Monday 4-1-13

WOW! Sunflowers serenade me as I walk through the front door today. Gorgeous detail and shades of yellow cast rays from the featured artist wall, painted gourds hang cheerfully, field of sunflowers in the front window seems straight from my childhood farm, and that white house, blue awnings, red poppies and  openhearted sunflowers facing ................really, Kate, really! Ms Kate Ladd, featured artist this month and hostess of opening reception this Friday at the Jewel, has brought Flower Power back into the world!


Thank you Ms Kate, for a wonderful first day of April. Mariah will post pix and info this week, so I'm just acknowledging their cheery salute!  Each golden flower, open to the sun invites me to sing, 'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...'

On a Monday,
Sharon and Shuga