Gallery artists were excited to be invited to visit a new business in the Williams area.  They call their business "Mystic Pines Fiber" and "Mystic Pines Alpacas" .  They have put together a bank of large machines that take sheeps' wool or animal fiber and processes it into yarn for knitters and weavers.  The fiber can come from their own Alpacas or from private individual's animals.
They have a very nice website:  www.MysticPinesFiber.com and can be found on FaceBook.
We had a great time and took some photos to share with you.
The photos will be posted tomorrow.

A DIFFERENT TWIST TO AVIATION ART:

Our woodworker, Don Nord,  has come up with a way to recycle the engine parts that are retired from the helicopters that fly tours over our beautiful Grand Canyon.
Enjoy the photos that follow:

Visit our gallery, 145 W Route 66 in Williams, AZ

BELLE'S HANDWEAVERS

Joanne Tallarovic, Louisa Ballard, Janice Woodburne

What do you want to share with others in your work?

We are all weavers who weave high quality works of art.

Which piece(s) would you never sell?

We would never sell our national award-winning pieces.

What (or whose) other artworks do you display in your home?

We all have Navajo, Hopi and international ethnic weavings displayed.

How do you make time for your art?

We are all full-time studio artists.

What obstacles do you overcome to create?

Our main obstacles to overcome are health issues.

Are you ever bored?  How do you break out of a slump?

None of us has experienced a slump.  We exchange creative ideas.

Whose work inspires you?

We are inspired by Navajo and Swedish weavers.

What other mediums interest you?

We find inspiration in ceramics, with knitting, sewing and needlework.

Where are you “going” with your art?

We plan to continue to be creative, productive and to exhibit and sell our weaving.

What kind of class/workshop would you most like to attend?

We would all like to learn more about weave structures, color and technique.

How does your artistic attitude affect your day job?

This is our day job!

How does small-town life help/hinder your work?

Living in a small town, one’s exposure to art galleries and exhibitions is limited.  However, there is a community spirit of helping each other which is missing in a metropolitan area.

Which family members are artistically inclined?

We all come from artistic families and our offspring continue the tradition of creativity.

Describe your ideal workspace.

We espouse a large, well lit, well equipped studio.

What are your thoughts on the co-op experience?  Is this new for you? 

This is not a new experience for us.  Being around other creative artists generates our own creativity.  The co-op enhances our production and the meeting of deadlines.

Christmas at the Gallery

    A great variety of original and hand-crafted gifts are offered at The Gallery in Williams, and prices are very reasonable.   When you give a gift of fine art, you give something that holds or increases in value.  You also are supporting the arts in Northern Arizona.  Here are a few items offered in various price ranges:

$10. more or less:

Many unique Christmas ornaments,   $2.50 up

Hand-painted candle holders by Helen Gorney,  $3-5.

Small ceramic finger bowl by Alma Aispuro, $7.

Gift certificate for 4 children’s drawing classes in January,  $8 (class size limited)

Stained glass Christmas ornaments by Paula Nord,  $8

Note card sets by gallery artists,  $10.

Hand-forged nail pick for horse by Tom Williams  $10.

$20. more or less:

Assorted small scratchboard prints by Joe Richardson,  $15.

“Shut Up and Play” CD by Steve Reynolds,  $15.

“JD’s Boots” children’s book by Kris Williams  $15.

Watercolor print, “Fall”, by Mary O’Brien,   $15.

Copper wire and turquoise bead angel ornament, by Harriette Hendel,  $20.

Gift certificate for adult painting workshop in January  $20-30. (class size limited)

Spray Can Monster Sculpture by Eddie Parker,  $25.

Large graphite print of hands, “Still Life”, by Lisa Noble   $25.

$50. more or less:

Ceramic dish with lid by Joni Pevarnik,   $30.

Hand-crafted crystal bracelet with bear fetish beads by Lee Magness,   $36.

Hand-made one-of-a-kind chenille winter hat by Sandy Amazeen, $39.95

Hand-cast silver arrowhead necklace by Jack McClung,   $40.

Silver Arizona Centennial bead by Dave Rabellino,  $65.

Original painting on wood,  “Autumn Aspen”, by Bonnie Dent,   $70.

$100. more or less:

Arrowhead and turquoise bead necklace by Connie Freson    $85.

Large laminated wood cutting board, various designs, by Don Nord,    $99.

“Spools and Stars” quilt by Gretchen Neil       $100

“Calla Lily” photograph  by Jim Winbourne    $100.

“Morning Sun”, photograph on canvas by Morgan Bross  $150

And Many More Choices…

Original framed paintings, photographs and drawings by local artists

Wooden clocks, lamps and cutting boards

Wheel-thrown and hand-formed pottery

Hand-forged metal glyphs, bells and muleshoe cacti

Quilts in many colors, sizes and styles

Hand-woven scarves, coats and accessories

Wide variety of jewelry pieces made by six different artisans

Stained glass windows in various sizes

Bronze sculpture of sparring elk by Neil Logan

Enjoy shopping in Williams!!

Discover your inner artist at the Gallery in Williams

Article reprinted from the Williams News

11/8/2011 9:08:00 AM Discover your inner artist at the Gallery in Williams Local artists offering classes through November

Ryan Williams/WGCN Bonnie Dent signs a recently completed watercolor at the Gallery inWilliams. Dent will teach a watercolor class Nov. 16 from 1-3 p.m. atthe Gallery. Clara Beard Williams-Grand Canyon News Reporter WILLIAMS, Ariz. - Looking to develop your artistic side this winter? The Gallery in Williams has you covered, with lessons ingraphite drawing, watercolor, oils, clock construction and flower arranging available through theend of November. Gallery owner Tom Williams said the idea to offer art classes came about through discussions with theGallery's resident artists about what they could do to give back to the community. And, because the Coconino Community College campus in Williams is closed, the classes come as a welcome addition to the community. The classes will be small, with three or four people at the most. Pre-registration is required inorder for the instructors to plan ahead with supplies. "The small class size means really hands-on individual attention," Williams said, adding that community response has been positive, with drawing and watercolor painting being the most popular classes. Watercolor artist Bonnie Dent said the workshops are meant to be an introduction to the art world. Offerings might expand into regular weekly lessons if there is a desire from the public to learn more. Children's lessons are in the works as well, and might be offered next month. "It's all evolving. Its all a work in progress," Williams said. In the summer, pottery classes will be available, along with more of a variety of classes. If theprogram is successful, the artists are hoping to make classes a regular weekly occurrence. "Also in the works for March are featured artists," Dent said. " And we are going to be talking tothe school art teachers and devote the front window entirely to kid's art." In other Gallery news, Williams said they are implementing a supporting members group. For a yearly membership fee, members will receive a free annual print and a two percent discount on all purchases. A double discount will also be on offer when they have openings and special events. Article reprinted from the Williams News

NOTES FROM A GALLERY SITTER:

I am new to the gallery co-op idea, but it has always appealed to me.  I have enjoyed gallery-sitting these past few months.  This little town is on the way to the Grand Canyon National Park and is filled with visitors from all across this beautiful country and the big wide world.  One never knows who may be passing through the doors – I have been able to try my sadly limited foreign word vocabulary out on a number of extremely nice folks.  It is a pleasure to offer advice on restaurants, side-trips, and local road conditions.

The guests passing through are not the only benefit I have found.  It is fun to be in the presence of the great talents that Williams shelters.  I have enjoyed the positive attitudes and interesting insights of my colleagues in this business.  I am such an amateur and they give me inspiration.

I hope that everyone who is reading this note can someday come by this gallery – or there is probably another one quite similar in a place near your home – and see the spirit and hope in such a place.

Paula Nord

Meet the Artist-Don Nord

Meet The Artist - Don Nord Wood Work

What do you want to share with others in your work?

      I want to share the aesthetic of the American Arts and Crafts movement, most notably     simplicity, detail, craftsmanship, usefulness, and handwork.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_Crafts_Movement

Which piece(s) would you never sell?

      I am not sentimental about my work.

What (or whose) other artworks do you display in our home?

      I collect pottery, literature, photographs, and some woodworks from the early 20th            century. 

How do you make time for your art?

      Woodworking is a complicated process that requires time and concentration.  That time    has to be made.

What obstacles do you overcome to create?

      Sticking with a project until it is finished can be difficult.

Are your ever bored?  How do you break out of a slump?

      I have a nice collection of books on the American Arts and Crafts Movement.  I find         inspiration from the past and modify what I like to suit myself.

Whose work inspires you?

        Charles and Henry Greene were brothers who lived in Southern California in the early      20th century.  They were architect/designers with a high regard for craftsmanship and           detail.  A majority of their works survive in splendid condition today. Their work included             small and very large homes, furniture, lighting, pottery, metalwork, glasswork and           landscape management.

     

  What other mediums interest you?

      I am learning metal working and gunsmithing.

Where are you "going" with your art?

      I have been working on pressing copper and framing the piece with nice frames.

What kind of class/workshop would you most like to attend?

      I would like to study hammered metalwork, especially copper.

How does your artistic attitude affect your day job?

      My day job is making things with wood and metal. The attitude is consistent with nice        results.

How does small-town life help/hinder your work?

      My life is in my shop. That would not be possible except with my rural, out of the city        lifestyle.

Which family members are artistically inclined?

      My wife makes art glass pieces to enhance some of my projects. 

Describe your ideal workspace.

      Everyone I know wants a bigger shop and better tools.

What are your thoughts on the co-op experience?  Is this new for you?

      My previous selling experiences have been by internet and as a symposium vendor.         The co-op is new to me.  The co-op is a stable outlet for artwork and bringing local           artists together is a good thing.  

             

Don't forget to check out Don and all of the other artists from the Gallery in Williams at: www.thegalleryinwilliams.com You can also get all of the latest news and events happening at the gallery by visiting us on FaceBook and while you're there don't forget to LIKE us. You can also post comments tell us what you would like to see. 

As always Thank you for reading

Tom Williams

Interviews done by Paula Nord 

Thank you Paula