We're Back!

After a brief hiatus, the Monsoon blog is back and better than ever! We've had a busy summer here at the gallery - we've launched a new website, lined up shows through December, and added a member to our gallery team, but more on that later.

We have a full lineup of shows planned for the fall, starting with Marty Desilets and his show "A Mirror With Memory" opening on September 4th. His digitally manipulated photographs transform everyday environments into surreal scenes. The skies in his photographs can be ethereal wisps of clouds or brooding storms on the horizon. Regardless of the subject, Marty’s work invites you in to his unique world.

October brings us local metal artist Dan Minnich. As an apprentice to world renowned artist Steve Tobin, Dan is learning from the best. He has his own unique style of painting landscapes - he paints with hot welded metal. Dan tries to utilize his steel skills in every creation by making every tree, and every part of the scene, out of steel, bronze, and stainless steel. Visit the gallery to see Dan’s view of nature in metal. His show opens October 2nd.

For November and December, we are once again partnering with the Pennsylvania Society of Goldsmiths for a special 2 month jewelry show. With jewelry artists from Pennsylvania and beyond, PSG’s artisans are some of the most talented in their field. With an array of jewelry in various mediums and price ranges, All That Glitters arrives just in time for the holidays. Artist receptions are on November 6th and December 4th, so be sure to stop by and meet the many talented jewelry artists who make the show possible.

Most of our summer here at the gallery has been devoted to launching our new website, Artfully Elegant. Artfully Elegant is a new, easier way to shop for jewelry and gifts for the home. It's more user-friendly than our Monsoon site - you can sort by price, artist, material, create a wish list to keep track of your favorite items, and lots more. Take a look over there and explore! All of us here at Monsoon have spent countless hours perfecting the site and we are all very proud of it. We hope you feel the same!

Last, but certainly not least, we are pleased to introduce the newest member of the Monsoon team, Wilco. Wilco is Rori's dog - he's part cattle dog, border collie, and husky. He's the friendliest dog you'll ever meet, so if you stop by the gallery sometime from Monday to Friday, you should be able to meet him! Check him out below!!

Special Offers for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner, so what better gift than a handmade piece of jewelry or one-of-a-kind work of art for that special woman in your life. Check out the coupon codes at the bottom of this post for some special savings, for your mom and you too!

Check out Figs and Ginger's family necklaces featuring birds, deer, and bunnies, they represent every member of the family - even dad! Check out another option pictured below!

Don't miss new jewelry artist Christine Mighion's Never Alone ring. It perfectly expresses the relationship between parent and child, husband and wife, siblings, best friends and more.

Why get your mother flowers when you can get here some of these paintings by Kate Birch? Unlike those bouquets, these lovely flowers will last forever and continue to brighten her day!

For the nature loving moms out there - check out mixed media metal artist Dan Minnich. His work strikes a balance between the heavy metals and the delicate trees. One work, Mixed Metal, is pictured below.

Use coupon code ForMomma to receive 20% off all work from Figs and Ginger, Christine Mighion, Todd Reed, Kathy Bransfield, Nature Crafts, Kate Birch, Dan Minnich, and Gary Benfield. Valid until May 11, 2009.

Use coupon code ForMe to receive 15% off all other work in the gallery and online store. Valid until May 11, 2009.