Updates for Collectors

I feel so fortunate that we live in the great Pacific Northwest and are able to have incredibly beautiful winter days. As I look out my studio, the sun is shining once again as it has for several weeks. Compared to other parts of the country, we can have some of the most pleasant weather during the winter months. I have some exciting new developments here at the gallery that I would like to share with you:

I am delighted to have Gail Baer join me as an associate. Over the years the business and marketing aspects of the gallery have grown such that I feel that I could use some more help. This will enable me to further protect my painting and teaching time that I enjoy so much. She comes to me with extensive marketing experience and is loaded with creative ideas. I look forward to you stopping in the gallery and getting to know her. She has a broad depth of decorating and design experience and is eager to help you in your collecting needs. She has already picked out a new paint color scheme for the outside of the gallery, rearranged the painting display inside, and created more display space for my paintings. There are a lot more exciting changes to come!

With Gail coming onboard, Christl is able to focus more on customer service: framing, workshop scheduling, custom framing, and any questions that come over the phone. So don't worry, her smiling face is still here.

I am excited about conducting a new Saturday morning painting class for students of all abilities. Youth to adults are welcome. Over the years as I have taught workshops around the country, I have many times wished that I could spend more time than just the week allowed. I would really like to develop a long term painting relationship with individuals and be a more intimate part of their painting growth. The class is open not only to watercolors, but also acrylic, water-based oils, pastels, and any other medium the student wishes to paint in. What a wonderful opportunity for me to get involved in the lives of those in my community. Truly I am excited.

I've posted new watercolors and acrylics on the website, and I especially want to draw your attention to the larger 30x36 watercolors. With my new technique of framing them without glass, the larger format paintings are so much easier to handle without the excessive weight, let alone no reflection. They have a tactile canvas spring to them. Of course, any of the watercolor sizes can have this glassless mounting done to them. They are truly a beautiful presentation.

We are also pleased to announce our first Art and Wine Gala event in conjunction with the Shelburne Restaurant. We will have a full evening that will include: wine tasting of some of the finest spirits from the Northwest, a four-course meal to tantalize the palate, and I will share my thoughts and experience on the role of the artist in society and practical wisdom for the collector on how to wisely choose and complement his or her collecting needs. I look forward to an intimate evening of fine art and fellowship.

I am thankful 2008 was a strong year in the gallery, and I look forward to continued growth in 2009.

Sincerely,
Eric Wiegardt, AWS, NWS