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Holiday Treasures Opening Gala at McLean County Arts Center

McLean County Art Center’s Holiday Treasures kicks off Friday, November 8, 2013 with an Opening Gala. Details are at the end of this post.

This year I’m sharing my Sea Glass Candy Series:

Sea Glass Candy pendants, earrings, bracelet

My husband and I found the green, amber, blue, clear, and brown bits of sea glass during many walks over the years on Florida’s Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach.

My favorite piece of “candy”.

I set the glass in fine silver metal clay, then fused the glass and silver together in my kiln.

Not all types of glass are created equal. Most retained their beautiful colors. I haven’t decided what to do with the ones that didn’t…

Remember wearing rock bracelets? This one is just as fun.

A few more pendants…

I also included my Hammered Heart Series, hearts hammered from copper or fine silver; some jeweled with pieces of art glass, crystal, gems, or beads.

How can you ever have enough hearts?

Hammered copper heart with ruby, garnet, emerald, crystal, fine silver.

It’s always a beautiful event at the McLean County Arts Center:

An Opening Gala on Friday, November 8 from 5-8pm will kick off the McLean County Arts Center’s (MCAC) 38th Annual Holiday Treasures Exhibition and Sale. A donation of $20 at the door is suggested for the evening of live music, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages a festive way to begin the holiday gift giving season with friends.

The Holiday Treasures Exhibition and Sale runs from November 8, 2013 through January 4, 2014 and features over 70 locally and nationally known artists exhibiting paintings, glass, fiber, photography, jewelry, wood, ceramics as well as handmade seasonal items. The McLean County Arts Center is free and open to the public during regular hours for the holiday season.

The Holiday Treasures Exhibition is generously sponsored by Sue & Julius Alexander, Ron Bacon & Dee Bohbrink, Anne & Brian Boyden, Kelly & Lynn Gray, and Steve & Deb Wannemacher.

The McLean County Arts Center is located at 601 N. East Street in downtown Bloomington. Arts Center hours are Tuesday, 10am – 7pm; Wednesday – Friday, 10am – 5pm; and Saturday, Noon – 4pm. For more information, please call 309/829-0011 or check on our website: www.mcac.org

You can also find this event on Facebook and/or follow my jewelry at Silver Charmer Jewelry on Facebook.

Would love to see you there! ~ aka, Ms. Silver Charmer

Hearts On Fire ~ The Red Lady Awaits

The Red Lady beckons from the front window of Main Gallery 404, where I just added tons of new jewelry, with a heavy accent on hearts, in honor of Valentine’s Day.

Who can resist the Red Lady?

When new owner, Lisa Lofgren, asked to feature my work in the window from now through February’s First Friday, I was honored and thrilled! Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The Neighborhood Thrift Store generously let us borrow a beautiful art deco vanity (the one in the above photo) for the display. And, yes, it’s also for sale.

On February 1, 2013, Downtown Bloomington, IL also celebrates with its annual Tour de Chocolat’:

“An annual event and celebration of chocolate! Participating downtown businesses offer free samples of food containing chocolate.”

Uh, huh. Trust me, there is everything chocolate to sample. It’s a super fun way to spend an evening.

My jewelry is now in the window until 2-2-13.

Gallery hours are:

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12-5 PM

Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Closed: Monday, Tuesday

Here are a few of the available pieces:

Key to MY Heart (pendant with fine silver, sterling silver, crystal)

Heart Ablaze (pendant with fine silver, copper)

You’ve run away with my heart… (pendant with resin)

You’ve sewn up my heart. (pendant with fine silver, copper)

It’s not all hearts…

Nothing shows love to your sweetheart like jewelry. These selections and much more are available now at Main Gallery 404 now through Friday, February 1, 2013.