Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Here we go again!



We are fiddling with our blog presence. As an artists' collective, we can't seem to come to a concrete consensus on a good address name. You know, image is everything. We're at the Island Inn, spilling wine, writing ambitious lists, and generally enjoying the profile of artists with a plan.

The above image is a mixed media piece by Carol Cartier, who has a way with whales, bones, skulls, pick your fancy. She makes magic with found bits, sacred and profane. I think it's the juxtaposition of whales that are really soles thrown up on the beach that makes me conjure up the Gem Gallery. In a good way, honest!

The Gem Gallery is a cooperative of 26 artists living and working on Peaks Island.
That's the amazing part. In these spotty times, we are a crusty lot, ever hopeful, ever resourceful. We do art whether you notice or not. We can't help ourselves. It's as inevitable as the next tide.

We work in a variety of media: painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, assemblage, fiber arts, music, writing, jewelry, ceramics, and glass. Our mission is to share and sell fine art and contemporary crafts, and to reach out and create an inviting, professional, and accessible space that celebrates art.

We have a fantastic calendar of weekly shows that will begin in late June. But first,
we are closing out our spring show, Thaw.



The show is still up, in a refreshed form, as some pieces sold and some have been replaced with new work. (Like I said: we can't help ourselves.)

The Gem Gallery, located at 62 Island Avenue on lovely Peaks Island, Maine is open right now (off-season, it's called)on Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 5 PM. The gallery is staffed by any one of us. Come visit. Ask us how we work, how do we get through the bitter winters, how do we keep being creative against all odds?

It helps us to talk about it. Sometimes.

Stay tuned for more details. Or call the gallery at 207-766-5600. Or make a comment right here!