Save the Date: Holiday Open House

Our Holiday Open House is scheduled for Friday, December 12th from 6pm - 8pm. The folks from the Brigade Boys & Girls Club will be our guests that evening and will be on hand with information about their wonderful mentoring programs. Our neighbors: La Bella Forma, Beauty Bar & Corporate Skirts will also be open that evening wtih special treats and offers available.

Sip, Snack & Shop!

Why go to the mall or discount store and deal with crowds of people, park a mile away, and making your holiday shopping experience unbearable?!?!

Come into Spectrum and get out of the cold weather and rain! We have hot coffee, cookies and wine for the ultimate shopping experience! With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, we can help you find the perfect gift to fit any budget. Fill your belly and your hearts this season with gifts from Spectrum Art & Jewelry!

Interactive Art~A Hot Gift Item this Year!!!

Ever wish your artwork could interact?  Now it does!  New pieces from Carol Roeda allow you the freedom of mixing and matching different words, phrases, flowers, hearts, boats, fish, flip flops and more!  Attached with magnets to stands, frames, or other metal surfaces, this interchangeable art is perfect gift for someone who is starting an art collection and wants a more affordable, fun, and easy way to decorate, while expressing your individual style! 

These have been very popular this season and we will not be reordering more before the holiday, so come and get your pieces now before they are gone before Christmas!  Love, laugh, beach, friends, stars, swirls and fish are readily available as well as the small black and silver metal frames.  Stop in this week to design and interact with your very own piece of art!

Conni Mainne is BACK!

Conni Mainne lives and has her studio on the picturesque coastline of Northern California. From her studio, Conni is inspired by the lushness of her surroundings, professionally handcrafting each individual piece.


Brilliant blue moonstones have always been a integral part of her distinctive designs, chosen for their intense color and mystery.  Her work is feminine, elegant, and organic, with natural floral and fern motifs.  Conni's work has been very popular at the gallery and we are excited about her new arrivals! 
 
Stop in today to see her new collection! 

Event Marketing ~ Parties with a Purpose

Our marketing plan has always included events. I find them to be very effective ways to get good numbers of people in the gallery. It's non-threatening, as we aren't really pushing sales during these events. People get a chance to see our latest offerings while enjoying social time. It has been especially useful for convincing spouses to visit the gallery. They don't want to be pressured to shop but are happy to stop by for a free glass of wine and a chance to peruse at their own pace.

To that end, I have made the gallery available for private parties in the off hours. We will see, when we get to the end of December, just how effective that will be. It really seems to be a no-brainer - an opportunity to get my artists' works in front of a fresh group of people on a regular basis. The experience, itself, is often what makes it work.

So far, I have booked four special events in the gallery and they run the gamut from a Christmas party for an extended group of friends to a networking/social event for a local BNI organization to an internet meetup group and an off-site open house for a new business colleague. I'm pleased because each group of people embraces a slightly different demographic. I'll be able to see, from the feedback, just what appeals to whom. It may really help with my planning for the coming year.

I think that in the New Year, the events will lean toward networking and business presentations. I feel that first quarter will be an excellent time to further develop this concept. I plan to invest in some folding chairs and other types of supplies, to make the space more attractive to other businesses. I'd appreciate any feedback from businesses out there about what they are looking for in a space.

Where in the World is Nancy Noel May???

Next time you visit the gallery, keep an eye out for Nancy's new baby: "Bebe", the "Art Smart Car". You are going to be seeing alot of Bebe. Check out the car at http://www.artsmartcar.com/ or her blog at http://www.artsmartcar.blogspot.com/

Stay tuned for more information.

"Come Together.. Right Now" Seeking Connection with Beauty.

Web 2.0 tells us that social media is the wave of the future for the internet. What it really boils down to is people will spend hours on sites like twitter, myspace, facefook and youtube to learn more about each other and share their thoughts and feelings. This just tells me that people are hungry for connection. When the world seems so confusing and full of uncertainty, the only thing we can count on is each other.

I can tell you that after more than twenty years in jewelry sales, that it has always been about connections. Spectrum Art & Jewelry is just a method through which I personally choose to connect with an ever widening circle of people. The artists who create for the gallery are making their own statements, but they wouldn't put out the effort if they didn't want someone to receive those messages. The customers who come into the gallery are looking for an opportunity to connect through their appreciation of beautiful craftsmanship and creations.

Social media is a wonderful way to keep up with your friends, but it will never replace the experience of visiting a beautiful place and taking in the energy. Be that the beach, the woods, a museum, a church or an art gallery. The physical action of "being" in a lovely place is more nourishing than food sometimes.

I hope you'll take the time to treat yourself to the uplifting experience of just visiting a beautiful place. Take a break from the desk, the computer, the cell phone or the TV and get out and connect with people and beauty.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Less than $100

You'll love all the marvelous and memorable gift ideas we have at Spectrum Art & Jewelry. They come in all price ranges starting as low as $12. Here are a few suggestions for under $100:


1. Brighten up their home with these lovely glass ornaments by Luke Adams, including starfish, hearts and twists ranging from $33 - $40 each. (see photo)
2. Colorful dichroic glass keychains by Yourkowski Glass for only $15! This is a great way to celebrate someone's new home, car or business.

3. Remind them they are loved with thoughful and provacative jewelry designs by Kathy Bransfield. Each stylish pendant is inscribed with a meaningful quote. Prices range from $55 - $90

4. Luscious silk travel bags keep your jewelry safe and protected for only $12. Great stocking stuffer for all your girlfriends.

5. Dailey Woodworking creates hand turned maple burl and jewel toned acrylic pens. These fine writing instuments are works of art and are a special way to let someone know they have something important to say! $57

Shop Local ~ Support Your Neighborhood Businesses

The current economic situation affects us all. I just wanted to take a moment to stress that locally owned and operated businesses are the cornerstone of our communities. We are your neighbors and friends. Whenever possible, I encourage you to consider shopping with the small businesses here in Wilmington. Keep your dollars in your community, whenever possible.


Yes, I know Walmart has a big selection and low prices. The department stores offer some great deals too. But if you are reading this newsletter, you've already expressed an interest in creative living. Spectrum Gallery is more than a business, it is a community of artists. More than 100 people draw some portion of their living from our efforts. We support the creative and financial dreams of our artists, our team, our friends and clients.

We are grateful for your continued support and patronage. I am dedicated to thinking outside the box and I believe in mutally rewarding and beneficial relationships with my customers and fellow business owners. If there is anything you feel we need to do to improve or refine our offerings, please let me know.

I plan to be here for the long haul and to do that I need your support. If you aren't looking for anything at this time, refer a friend. Thank you!
Warmest regards,

Star

The Latest Issue of ViViD is Here!

The Holiday issue of ViViD is now available. Stop by the gallery to pick up your copy or Click Here to see the electronic version. Inside you will find:~ Meet Mark Rosenbaum, glass artist~ Visit with our ViViD Home owners, Lou & Jeanne Crisuolo~ Party tips and recipe from Charlene Dupray of South n'France~ Great gift ideas~ and coupons from our wonderful partners!

The Perfect Hostess or Holiday Secretary Gift!

The holidays are here. I'm sure you all have plans to visit friends or family or host something special yourselves. Don't show up empty handed. Even a bottle of wine or some fresh baked bread is always appreciated. But if you really want to make a wonderful impression, consider something from the new collection we recently acquired from Table Art. This small family business creates handsome pewter serving pieces shaped like leaves, coral, sea shells, sand dollars and sea horses. We've got wonderful napkin rings, bowls, and serving sets. Prices range from $50 - $105 for these incredibly elegant gifts. They all come with a custom presentation box as well.

Holiday Fund Raisers at Spectrum

During November and December, as we further embrace an "attitude of gratitude" we have established connections with three very lovely organizations to help them meet their needs.

Mother Hubbards' Cupboard ~ Food Drive

We have been collecting non perishable food items for this local food bank. As an incentive to our customers and friends we have a raffle for a gorgeous art glass vase by Mark Rosenbaum.

Each donation (per donation, not per item) gets an entry into the drawing. It has been working out to one entry per bag of groceries. We have been delighted to find people coming in with SACKS of food. Good stuff too! We will be continuing this venture through the end of the year, delivering food whenever we amass a quantity. Thanks so much for your participation.

Dreams of Wilmington ~ Holiday Cards

This wonderful organization provides arts education programs for local "at risk" children. They are trained in theatre, music, dance and art in a variety of after school programs. The teachers are all volunteers, mainly local artists. We are offering their holiday greeting cards featuring artwork by kids in the Dreams program. The proceeds of the sale goes to Dreams. I'm especially pleased to hear that a portion goes to each child artist, reinforcing the value of their creativity and self worth. Stop by the gallery to see the selection and purchase your holiday cards.

Brigade Boys & Girls Club ~ Ornament Fund Raiser

This is another terrific local organization looking after our local kids, providing a safe environment for afterschool activities and furthering a wonderful individual mentoring program, pairing up kids with big brothers or sisters. We are selling whimsical hand painted photo ornaments by artist, Carol Roeda, to benefit this organization. Over 50% of the proceeds from the sale of these ornaments will be contributed to the group.

Visit us during our Holiday Open House on December 12th from 6pm - 8pm

to meet the leaders of the Brigade Boys and Girls Club and some of the participating kids.

Our Christmas tree is currently decorated with the ornaments which sell for $19 each.

Supplies are limited so don't wait. These make great holiday gifts.

A Message from Wendy Rosen - Publisher of American Style Magazine

Wendy Rosen published two magazines, American Style and NICHE. She is also the producer and promoter of the Buyers Market of American Craft which is where we made contact with many of our wonderful craft artists. I received this email from Wendy and wanted to pass it along to those individuals in the arts and crafts industry as well as any other small business owners. Here are her comments following yesterday's historic election and regarding the challenges that face us all:

"For many of us, today we feel that our nation has exhaled a breath, one we’ve been holding for years. Today, it is time to move forward. Regardless of whom you supported, yesterday’s election was a testament to all of us and the world of the importance of the collective impact of individual actions.

Going forward, we feel assured that Main Street’s needs will be at the top of the list of “special interests” for our next president. Now is the time to share and promote our stake in the revitalization of our nation, our economy and the world at large. We encourage you to join us by taking action toward sustaining and supporting the economic importance of craft industry. Many of you – artists and retailers – have struggled over the past weeks, months and in some cases, years. Each of us owes it to each other to work together toward making our community a strong partner in creating a new small business-dominated economy. But before the turnaround occurs we need to be sure that we keep our own promises to each other, sharing resources, keeping informed and increasing both business and artistic skills so that when the time comes we are prepared to take our place as the small flame that ignites the resurgence of a stronger economy.

You can begin by sharing with friends and neighbors the incredible difference that can be made to our economy with each dollar they spend locally on products made by hand in the U.S. and Canada.

If the thousands of members of the craft family took one simple action a day – even one a week – imagine what we could accomplish in raising our community’s profile, and our individual prosperity. In the coming weeks, we will be offering easy, step-by-step small tasks that will help to create social action, craft and good cause consumerism. Visit us on Facebook, our blog, and on Twitter to hear our thoughts on spreading the word about our community. And we hope that in exchange, you’ll share your suggestions with us and others as well.

We can no longer retreat into the isolation of our studios and galleries or stores. Building relationships inside and outside our community benefits us all. Today is a new day – we hope you will join us on the journey."

Warm Regards,
Wendy Rosen & the Staff of the Buyers Market of American Craft

Caring for Your Find Pearls

By Nancy Noel May

Pearls should always be handled with care, whether natural or cultured. Always put on your pearls (in fact, all jewelry) after you have applied make-up, lotion, hairspray or perfume. The build up of these products is inevitable, but the less that gets deposited on your pearls, the better. After removing your pearls, wipe them with a soft cloth, such as flannel, chamois or soft cotton.

Your pearls may be washed in warm water and very mild soap, I like Ivory liquid. Gently rub the pearls with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. Rinse with clear water and lay flat on a towel to dry. Do not hang up to dry as stretching of your silk will occur.

Store your pearls in their own soft fabric bag, tossed into your jewelry box with the rest of your jewelry can leave scratches in the nacre coating. Periodically, have your pearls restrung, since the silk will stretch over time with wearing. Bring your pearls into Spectrum Art & Jewelry for our in-house restringing service, where we specialize in hand-knotting on silk.