Anne Reeves: Delight Magazine Gallery Show

This week I filled the walls of an art gallery with delight. My mom lives in a wonderful apartment building for seniors and someone from the programs department saw me carrying a Delight tote as a purse all the time. When we showed her that I had designed 50 different covers it opened up a fun discussion about art and beauty. Wouldn't it be fun to take over their gallery and have a little party for its debut.

In my business, I have photographed and designed magazine covers for my imaginary magazine, Delight. My mom had about 25 of them glued to foam core and displays them as art. I love them as art and as a warm weather day bag. You can see them for sale online in my Etsy store here.

I have to say, my work looks beautiful when it fills a room (here are some of them on my kitchen island as I prepared for the show). I haven't seen all of my Delight covers in one place in years and it made me feel proud to look at them as a collection.

A huge part of my reason for an imaginary magazine about Delight is to encourage people to think. To read the article titles and question whether they would want to read that article or try that suggestion. I often make up something to see if it resonates with people. For example, "needlepoint maps" or "Fig & Brie Tart with Balsamic Ice."  I am trying to provide something to consider or try. 

At the gallery opening this week, one of the residents was completely taken with the idea of a magazine called Delight. She loved that I thought of it. She loved that it wasn't a real magazine (though I told her that a lot of people do read my blog, which is a lot like publishing magazine articles.) She loved that I made so many different covers. And she understood what I am doing with the power of suggestion. When I showed her this magazine cover

she declared that she would love a fig & brie tart! I hadn't made it and she hadn't tasted it, but the joy it brought to her was real. It made every moment of preparation worth it and I am so glad that as I tried to mix and mingle, I was able to connect with her.

Many residents came to the gallery opening and seemed pleased that it would be on display all month. I have photographs and Delight covers on every wall and I know that's a lot to absorb. I wrote little descriptions below many of the images, to help give some context. "This was taken in northern Michigan." "This picture highlights edible flowers - I took this photo and then I ate it." Little comments to help the residents understand my perspective and my art. 

When it was almost over, one of the women took my hand and said "This is wonderful; take every opportunity that you get." Yes ma'am.

#seattleblogger #artgallery #sentimental #photography #photographshow #momentsofdelight #annereeves #thiscreativelife

SnoValley Art Gallery: Art + Friends

"I'll be there!" That was my response when my new friend, Patti Bondi invited me to an art gallery opening - one in which she was showing her work! I had admired Patti's fine paintings in her home and was excited that she would have an opportunity to showcase her work in a permanent space with other local artists. 

A group of 12 women from the Mount Si Artist Guild banded together to open their own art gallery in historic Snoqualmie, Washington. Isn't that wonderful? 

The Art Gallery of SnoValley is located at 8130 Railroad Avenue, just across from the Northwest Railroad Museum. I feel so very happy for these artists, because their gallery is exactly 3 minutes from Snoqualmie Falls, a famous destination that draws 1.5 million visitors a year. If those same visitors feel inclined to stretch their legs and explore Snoqualmie, the gallery will have a steady stream of customers.

The artists of the Art Gallery of the SnoValley at the grand opening (above).

From where I stood, this gallery opening was a big success. In spite of the rain, there were art lovers of all ages streaming in the door. This is a supportive climate, for sure and it seems to me that the artists and residents have a mutual admiration society going on. Snoqualmie is one lucky town.

In terms of the art itself, I think the gallery will thrive because of the wide variety of artistic styles represented (still life, abstract, landscape,animals,sculpture) - that kind of selection, coupled with local landscapes, will certainly add to the gallery's draw. It was exciting to see a red dot next to some of the artwork, indicating that the piece had been sold that night. 

I was also really happy to see that some of the artists offered small prints of their larger paintings, which allows even those with a limited pocketbook to participate in the world of art. 

As a collective, each member takes a shift in the gallery. When you stop in, be sure to meet the artist and ask about their work. My friend, Patti Bondi is shown below with her lovely painting of hydrangeas, "Moonlight Becomes You." 

My favorite painting of Patti's is called "Make Lemonade." It is a still life of fresh lemons near a blue and white porcelain box. Click the link in the sentence above to take a peek.

Thank you, Patti, for inviting me to celebrate your new venture. 

Art + Friends = A Bright and Colorful Future in Snoqualmie.