Kristina Swarner Brings Gigantic Charm

Autumn Tree by Kristina Swarner
Mixed Media on Paper, 21 x 32

Take a look at this beauty from Kristina Swarner, one of this year's participants in our 18th Annual Children's Book Illustration Show & Signing. Weighing in at nearly 2 feet by 3 feet in size, Autumn Tree is gi-normous when compared to her other teeny tiny artworks. Kristina combines a variety of mediums to create her charming images, anything from linolium cut prints to pastel, watercolor and colored pencil.

Click here to see more examples of her beautiful original illustrations, or better yet, see them in person at the gallery! While you're at it, stop in and pick out the books you'd like signed and dedicated for you at the artist reception on December 5th! You can preview our book list here, and if you're stumped for ideas, you can always ask us for book recommendations. Remember, pre-sales end on November 28th.

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Introducing The Wooden Floor

Newsflash!

Saint Joseph Ballet
is now

Saint Joseph Ballet, this year's beneficiary of the Children's Book Illustrators Show & Signing, has undergone a major change in the last week. For the last 26 years, this wonderful organization has been continually evolving and has finally grown into a new name and tagline. From now on, it will be known as The Wooden Floor, a metaphor for the solid foundation students receive through the outstanding dance, academic and family programs offered. Their new tagline pronounces, "From here you can step anywhere."

Keep your tissues handy as you watch this powerful video about
The Wooden Floor!

To find out more about this significant name change, please visit
The Wooden Floor's FAQ page here.

You can also read their press release by clicking here.

____________________________________________
Don't forget!
18th Annual Children's Book Illustrators Show & Signing
Books and original illustrations are on pre-sale NOW until November 28th!
Get your pre-ordered books signed and dedicated however you like -
just pick them out and we'll take care of the rest!
For more details, dates and times, please click here.
For the book list, please click here.
____________________________________________

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Ceramics Galore!

Got the "I Need Some New Ceramics" itch? Let Chemers Gallery provide you with a healthy fix of 20 new pieces from two extremely diverse and talented ceramics artists.

Kevin Nguyen

Acorn-style Bud Vases by Kevin Nguyen

Kevin's elegant, contemporary ceramics are like a breath of fresh air. His combination of textures and forms are one-of-a-kind. From an educational background in industrial design, Kevin was drawn to the immediate gratification of ceramics and has devoted his career to the art form. Originally from Vietnam, he and his family fled to the US when he was a teenager, enduring hardships and harsh, dangerous conditions throughout the journey. Now he finds his happiness in creating beautiful objects and sharing them with the community through classes and exhibitions. Kevin's shapes are skillfully patterned, reflecting Asian sensibility and clean line design. Their Zen aura makes you just feel good.


Lilia Venier

Beauty in Spring Teapot by Lila Venier

Lilia's warm, enthusiastic personality is infections. We love seeing what she's been busy creating and which killer heels she has on! Lilia combines a variety of techniques like throwing and hand-building to make truly unique ceramic works of art. Lately she's been playing with figures, birds and roses to achieve tactile and functional sculptures. Although Lilia holds a degree in business studies, she discovered a great talent for ceramics while at college and hasn't looked back.

Come in to Chemers Gallery to view and feel all of these gorgeously touchable works of art!

Still need more ceramics? Take a look at our website, you might discover something new!

_________________________________
Don't forget!
18th Annual Children's Book Illustrators Show & Signing
Books and original illustrations are on pre-sale NOW until November 28th!
Get your pre-ordered books signed and dedicated however you like -
just pick them out and we'll take care of the rest!
For more details, dates and times, please click here.
For the book list, please click here.
_________________________________
Check out our blog next week for an exciting announcement about Saint Joseph Ballet, our Children's Book Show beneficiary!

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or update your profile

18th Annual Children's Book Illustrators Show & Signing!

Last year's children's book illustration show seems like it was only last week, doesn't it? Yet here we are again, gearing up for our 18th Children's Book Illustrators Show & Signing! Once again, we have 5 accomplished children's book illustrators ready to share their talents with you.

BOOK LIST

Over 200 original illustrations are here, and so are the books. Boy, do we have books! Over 40 delightful,whimsical and moving tales, filled with beautiful illustrations. We even have adult and chapter books, too!

18th Annual Children's Book Illustrator's Show & Signing
at
Enderle Center
17300 17th Street, Suite G
Tustin, CA 92780
714 731 5432
www.chemersgallery.com

Benefiting Saint Joseph Ballet

Saturday, December 5th, 2009 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Signing & Reception
Show Continues Through December 19th

Books and original illustrations are available for pre-sale
NOW until November 28th
Don't wait until the last minute;
trust me, you don't want to see our "frantic faces!"

When you pre-order your books, we'll have them signed and dedicated for you by the illustrators. Your books will be ready and waiting for you at the show on December 5th, but don't worry if you can't make it - you can pick them up after the show, at your convenience.

And oh, those glorious illustrations! We are now pre-selling with private and semi-private viewings of these extraordinary works of art. Prices range from $150 - $2500. Don't let someone else get the piece you fall in love with. Preview the work on our website, but be sure to see them in person because there is no comparison to the real thing.

You can meet the illustrators on the day of the show, listen to their presentations throughout the afternoon, and view and purchase their original illustrations. For those last-minute gifts, you can still purchase books the day of the show, although we can't guarantee to have all titles available.

Presenting our Five Fabulous Illustrators:
Ronald Himler | Rafael Lopez | Kelly Murphy
Kristina Swarner | Lee White

Ronald Himler - Ron has over 30 years of experience illustrating more than 150 children's books! This accomplished watercolorist has been the recipient of the prestigious Society of Illustrators Silver Medal, among many others. Ron's traditional paintings transport you to a by-gone era and the childhood of yesteryear.




Rafael Lopez - Rafael's vivid works are infused with the magical symbolism he experienced growing up in Mexico City. His bold acrylic paintings on wood are textural and rich, even appearing collage-like in their effect. Rafael's stylistic approach is reminiscent of Diego Rivera. He has won 2 Americas Awards and a Pura Belpre Honor.



Kelly Murphy - Using a rich color pallet, Kelly really brings her mixed-media pieces to life. Kelly's award-winning illustrations have been featured in curated shows and international magazines. Her adorable paintings really "pop" in person.



Kristina Swarner - Kristina's charming illustrations take their inspiration from her memories of childhood exploration. These little treasures are created using a mixture of techniques to create a magical mood that is uplifting. Kristina's recent book awards include the Koret International Book Award and the Sydney Taylor Book Award Gold Medal.









Lee White - Anything can happen in Lee's delightful, fun-filled worlds. His talents for illustration, discovered by chance while working as a graphic designer, are devoted to telling stories through pictures. Lee's playful, mixed-media artworks are a perfect companion to children's books. He is currently working on his 10th book!

CLICK HERE FOR BOOK LIST

A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the Saint Joseph Ballet, a non-profit organization in Santa Ana that provides a creative outlet for at-risk kids by integrating year-round dance programs with academic assistance and family services. Donations make it possible for Saint Joseph Ballet to provide these programs for nearly all of their student free of charge. 93% of students who have participated in the programs at Saint Joseph Ballet since 1993 have gone on to college or pursued professional arts training.

Don't forget to pass this information on to your friends, family, teachers, librarians and any one else who appreciates a good story and the imagination of a great illustration.

The show is open to everyone and enjoyed by all ages.

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2009 Book List for the 18th AnnualChildren's Book Illustrators Show & Signing

18th Annual Children's Book Illustrators Show & Signing
at
Chemers Gallery
Illustrator Reception
Saturday, December 5th, 2009 1:00pm - 5:00 pm
Benefiting Saint Joseph Ballet

Show continues through December 19th

Over 40 books and more than 200 original illustrations are NOW available for pre-sale until November 28th! Although we always have books at the opening, many of you like to pre-select and avoid the crowds. Pre-order by November 28th and we'll have your signed and dedicated books available for pick up at the show or any time afterwards, at your convenience. Stay tuned for more information!

You can pre-view the illustrations on our website. Just select "Art Search," then "Children's Book Illustrations" under Category...or better yet, see them in living color at the gallery.

Book List Subject to Change
_____________________________

RONALD HIMLER

Always With You, ages 8-12
Anna and Natalie, ages 4-8
Bee My Valentine, ages 4-8
The Best Cat in the World, ages 4-8
By the Light of the Captured Moon, ages 4-9 - LIMITED QUANTITY!
The Caged Birds of Phnom Phen, ages 6-10
Fly Away Home, ages 4-8
The Girl on the Yellow Giraffe, ages 2-6
John Hancock, ages 6-10
Lewis and Clark, ages 6-10
Liar Liar, Pants on Fire, ages 4-6
Prairie Christmas, ages 5-9
Sadako, young adult
Six is So Much Less Than Seven, ages 2-5
Someday a Tree, ages 4-8 -LIMITED QUANTITY!
Tough Jim, ages 4-6
Voices of the Alamo, ages 6-10
The Wall, ages 6-9
Will I Have a Friend, ages 4-6
___________________________________

RAFAEL LOPEZ

Book Fiesta! bi-lingual, ages 3-8,
My Name is Celia, bi-lingual, ages 6-10
Nuestro California, Spanish, ages 6-10
Our California, ages 6-10
Yum! MmMm! Que Rico! ages 4-8
____________________________________

KELLY MURPHY

Beastologist, ages 9-12
Dancing Matilda, ages 4-8 - LIMITED QUANTITY!
Good Babies, ages 4-8 - LIMITED QUANTITY!
Hush Little Dragon, ages 3-7
Masterpiece, ages 10-15
A Place to Grow, ages 4-10
____________________________________

KRISTINA SWARNER

2010 Enchanted Dreams Wall Calendar, all ages
Enchanted Dreams Date Book, adult
Enchanted Dreams Folio Notes, adult
Enchanted Dreams Illustrated Journal, adult
Enchanted Dreams Magnetic Journal, adult
Enchanted Lions, ages 3-7
Girl in Castle Journal, adult
The Jewish Dream Book, adult
Leaves From the Garden of Eden, adult
Merry Christmas Holiday Cards, adult
One White Wishing Stone, ages 2-6
Season of Peace Holiday Cards, adult
Serenity Holiday Cards, adult
Well-Being Cards, adult
____________________________________

LEE WHITE

A Crazy Day at the Critter Cafe, ages 3-8
Druscilla's Halloween, ages 5-10
Ducks Don't Wear Socks, ages 4-6
The House Takes a Vacation, ages 4-8
Hush Little Digger, ages 1-4
The Library Ghost, ages 4-8
____________________________________

Just a sampling of this year's books!

Publishers include: Abrams, Brush Dance, Candlewick, Cavendish, Charlesbridge, Clarion, Erdmans, Dutton, Harper Collins, Henry Holt, Holiday, Houghton Mifflin, Jewish Lights, Lee & Low Books, Lerner Publications, Luna Rising, McElridge, National Geographic, Oxford University Press, Pelican, Penguin, Putnam & Putnam, Sleeping Bear, Star Bright, Tricycle, Upstart Books

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Adorn Yourself at Chemers Gallery

Seasons change and so do we. Yes, even in southern California and you know what that means: Time for a wardrobe update! Why not start with your accessories to give a fresh flair to your existing classic pieces?

Mary Austin Bame
Outrageous and Outgoing

Assemblage Necklace, House Ring

"Ordinary" is too safe for jewelry designer and metal smith artist Mary Austin Bame! Seeking limitless possibilities, she creates her signature metal and gemstone jewels with unique textures, patterns and contrast. We're so excited to be carrying her new line of chunky necklaces and earrings, we think she has created some of her best work to date! Mary first discovered her talent for jewelry design in college, where she incorporated her love of collage with new materials to create one of a kind jewelry pieces.


Ayala Bar
Intricate Design

Limited Edition Necklace

Ayala Bar has done it again with her new fall line! You know that her jewelry is beautiful, and that she re-designs every six months, making each piece a limited edition, but did you know she also creates very limited editions on top of that? We have 2 of these beauties currently in the gallery! They each have their own numbers and a signature card from Ayala herself. Using fabrics, beads, crystals and stones, Ayala has created her signature style through her choice of materials. Each is sure to be a conversation starter. We actually hear that our clients are stopped on the street by admirers of their fabulous neckware.

Mary Hammond
Delicate Artistry

Woodland Scarf

Some artists use paintbrushes, others, pastels - Mary Hammond's medium is thread in all forms. Using unique fabrics to map out her ideas and sewing over it to complete the design, Mary creates beautiful, delicate scarves that are stunning on or off the body. Roses, leaves, even faces can be found amongst her colorful patterns. If you don't wear scarves, why not dress up your home with a scarf that doubles as a table-runner? Or frame one up and hang it on your wall - Karen is doing just that for one of her many projects!

Amy Kekst
Ecclectic and Unexpected

Wrapped Peridot and Druzy Quartz Necklace; Gold, Pearl and Peridot Earrings

True to form, Amy Kekst's new fall jewelry pieces are stunners! Working in the arts for over thirty years, Amy combines unexpected elements together to create dazzling displays for your body. River rocks are married with gemstones, delicate wire wrapping with chunky druzy quartz. Her bold, fashion-forward jewels are sure to make a statement, whether you're dressing up or dressing down. For the more demure, Amy has also created elegant sets and simple earrings.

Busy Lizzie by Dina Yesachar
Feminine and Bold

Polymer Clay and Swarovski Crystal Necklaces

If it's feminine styles you're looking for, try on a few of Dinna Yesachar's polymer clay and Swarovski crystal pieces! Dinna's eye for detail is aparent in her bold yet delicate designs. She makes her intricate polymer clay patterns using the Itallian millefiori technique. By playing with scale and mixing large and small elements, Dinna creates truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Dinna lives in Israel, while her daughter, Aliza, lives in southern California. Together they make up Busy Lizzie, collaborating from afar to consistently push the boundaries with their art.

****

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the
18th Annual Children's Book Illustration Show & Signing!

Saturday, December 5th
at
Chemers Gallery

****

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New Discovery Leona Hawks

Light Catchers by Leona Hawks, hanging in the front window of Chemers Gallery

Even when Karen is relaxing, she's working, always searching out new artists for Chemers Gallery. Glass artist Leona Hawks is one of Karen's most recent discoveries. She uses fused glass to create gorgeous, contemporary "light catchers." These pieces are stunning when grouped together in a window that gets lots of natural light. Each pane of fused glass holds bubbles like air rising in the water, and the colorful wire-wrapped glass tails gently twist and turn in the breeze.

Light Catchers by Leona Hawks, detail

Leona's work is hot hot hot! Her whimsical light catchers, jewelry for your windows, have SOLD OUT after only 3 days! We expect to be receiving more next week, so let us know if you'd like to be contacted when they're in!

Soap Dishes by Leona Hawks, pictured with Soap Rocks

Let's talk about soap for a moment, specifically the long-lasting glycerine Soap Rocks. No doubt you will have noticed our geological display on our counter, and perhaps even been fooled into thinking they're real gemstones. After over 5 years of carrying them, we now have beautiful soap dishes to display them in, also from Leona! All dishes are textural and come in bright, jewel-like colors. What a perfect way to display your Soap Rocks - when you're not using them, that is!

From Left to Right: Cathy June (Arneson), Angela Russ-Ayon, Irina Mirskaya

A huge THANK YOU to all who celebrated the release of We Eat Food That's Fresh and We Love The Company on Saturday night! We had a great time, and we hope you did, too!

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