Expressions Gallery – It now computes

Sherry Blatner

Like everything else in the Creek, the Gallery is now under the aegis of the Northstar computer system. Many thanks to the incredible Gallery staff who underwent extensive training on system use and a new process of art intake and sale. I am happy to report that the Gallery is now fully stocked with new items for your selection and purchase. And many thanks to the volunteer crew that creatively redesign the Gallery displays for us every month.

You might have noticed that some of the studio windows recently displayed signs, Not for Sale. That was temporary until each item was officially logged into the new inventory system. So, when you return to the Creative Arts Center, wander the halls and be drawn to items displayed by the different art clubs that are again for sale.

The new sales tags on each item indicate Member Price; that is simply a software phrase and refers to the price set by the artisan. You do not need to be a card-carrying member of the HOA to shop in the Gallery! So be sure to bring friends and family for a souvenir excursion to the Gallery.

New in November is a terrific country music CD, Last Taste of Yesterday, by Gene Burkhart and the Arizona Pioneer Trio. One member of the trio is our very own Clyde Jorgensen, a new PebbleCreek resident.

For you sports aficionados, the glassmakers have plates and nightlights with the Phoenix Cardinal emblem beautifully displayed. There is also glassware indicating the following teams: G, T, W and USN. Now, with assistance from passers-by, I determined one of the teams is Green Bay and another is the Longhorns; of course, I knew USN without help. You really need to check these out for yourself and see if your team is in the mix.

Fall holiday décor is front and center in the Gallery. We have some exciting new fabric-stuffed pumpkins to decorate the quilted table runners available in lovely fall colors. There are even pumpkin earrings ready for you to harvest.

On display are onesies for the six to nine month crowd, adorably embroidered with sayings like, “So, you’re telling me my toes aren’t Piggies?” Or, for the ladies, how about a tee shirt emblazed with, “If you can’t fly with the big girls, stay off the broom?”

Additional fabric items include cloth dolls, quilted trash bags for your car or golf cart, wine bags, small totes, hot pads, casserole carriers, pet beds, chill out neck scarves and so much more.

Paper crafts include wonderful seasonal cards for Thanksgiving, November 23. Expect other holiday-themed cards shortly.

And, 10 days after Thanksgiving it’s the PebbleCreek Art Fest on December 2. Beyond your wildest dreams, the entire Creative Arts Center will be filled for one day only with unique, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your list. It’s been two years since we were fortunate enough to host this event in the Gallery and Studios, so start your lists now and don’t forget to include something for yourself!