Dragonfly Arts on Broadway

New Year

2012-01-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all our customers in Orangeville and area for making 2011 the best year ever! And now for something full of energy for the new year, Elena Henderson and her vivid acrylc paintings, studded with memorabilia. On the feature Wall till Jan 24th. In the Window on Broadway Lou Boisleau gives us a peek into the studio of an artist, with some paintings, sketches and sketchbooks. Lou was taught back in the day by Doris McCarthy, and she did a good job! Come see his studies of Orangeville.

Parades and little kids

2011-11-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

Santa's brother was hard at it again this year creating little replicas of his famous brother to hang on your Christmas tree. Doesn't he look great beside Rebekka Pom's handcrafted Rocking Zebra. He delighted the kiddies who were waiting for the parades to start, and tugged at the heartstrings of parents nostalgic for a old time Christmas. the tracor parde of lights was spectacular and the folks doing the Santa Claus parade out did themselves, lots of lights and music.

Tara Imerson

2011-11-19T18:17:00.001-08:00

You can see the cracks in the mortar, feel the rust, see the wind blowing in Tara's paintings. People think that they are photos, but they are much more than that. These are statements of forgotten places, And Tara's special process makes for intimate viewing, of watercolours, framing without glass.

Christmas is coming...

2011-11-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

George Perdue has finished his show on the "Wall" and Rosemary Hasner Headwaters Tourism Artist of the Year 2010 is now up. Rose has some new pieces on display and some old favourites of her mixed media photo collages. Here till Dec 7th. Right now the shop is preparing for Moonlight Madness, the town of Orangeville will be alight with tractor parade, real reindeer, and Santa's brother carving in the window at Dragonfly. We have put out all the handmade ornaments like raku stars, beaded dragonflies and wooden birds.

Facelift

2011-10-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

OK, so I didn't use the Botox myself , instead the shop has had a makeover! Thanks to Erin Ulrick and her Dad the shop now has some beautiful new jewellery cabinets. They are works of art with lovely glass tops and drawers for our huge collection of jewellery makers. The best part is that they are made with recycled windows which ties it in with our recycled doors beautifully. I love the way it opens up the room, you can see paintings on the walls and it welcomes you down the hall to the very last studio. Add to this a few layers of fresh paint, and we'll be ready for our busy season.
George Perdue has just replaced Carol Gregg on the Feature Wall, and Jill is in the window. This is an exciting time because every day new things are coming in. Today we got some crotcheted cotton and woolen hats made by Susan Reynolds.

Culture Days

2011-09-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

OK it's the beginning of 'Culture Days' Such a lot going on. We started the day today at the Mayor's Breakfast where Dragonfly was honored with an Arts and Culture award for "Community Impact by a Business" How lovely! Beth and I did lampworking demos all day.I'll be doing demos Sat Oct 1, Rachel Clark Hall will be at Dragonfly Friday from 2-4 Sunday Oct 2 Roslyn will demo from 11-2 Jill will show texture with pastel Oct 6 on Oct 8 Susan Powell will be painting nudes and Susan Reynolds will be doing some beautiful bead weaves....there may be some other surprises so stay tuned.So enjoy the next two weeks with lots to see and do. Try Headwaters Arts Festival, Authors Night, friday.

Advertising

2011-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Oh advertising.....what to do- there is so much choice these days. I don't like to insult people, with obvious messages, or bother them with incessant emails. but I want to let my customers know when I get new artists in, (especially when I am so excited about them,) or when we are having an event like the demonstrations we'll have during the Headwaters Arts Festival. or when a popular artist like Susan Pippy comes in with new ceramic fish.(yes she has!) So..the print ads, local papers, snap, In The Hills, hopefully fit some of my market, glossy magazines are cropping up all over, they promise to feature a' pick' in exchange for an ad or two. and recently I was approached by radio. hmmn certainly a different medium, a different clientele as it spans a larger area, from Oakville to Collingwood, but now new challenges what if they represent the gallery in a way that I don't like at least with print I pretty much do the ad myself. decisions decisions!, all the charities in town claim that my donations are great advertising...why do you ask am I doing this soul searching? A customer came in last week and asked how long we'd been here, she loved the shop, and had been coming into town for years to visit a close-by shop but hadn't been into ours! I'll let you know how it goes!

Rose Marie Armstrong

2011-09-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Rose Marie paints from her heart. Anything that has resonance with her, memories of hot summer days, an afternoon in an apple orchard. an old door. Come check out her meticulous oils in the Window on Broadway. On the feature Wall, Marg Peter has some lovely big sky country scenes. In other news, we have been working on the store to make it brighter and more welcoming and I think it's working!

Rachel Clark Hall - Rugged Beauty

2011-08-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Well, her paintings are rugged and she is a beauty! I think you'll agree, but back to the paintings now...The window is full of late summer memories, the old pump is just begging you to start pushing at the handle in anticipation of a refreshing drink of water tumbling out. The lounge chair is beckoning I think a good book is beside it. Exuberant, rugged partly abstracted paintings that have been doing well in Toronto galleries lately, we welcome back Rachel to Dragonfly and ask her to up her prices! whoa, some bargains here! Also in the same palate, Rachel has made some dynamic purse fobs/keyrings/necklaces. They look great in the window with Karen Gunna's leather sac bags.

Jack Zhou

2011-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

New Artist, Northern Landscapes, and Colour! Jack is a master in capturing light in a landscape. He has caught the moment just after a storm passes and the clouds part. He equally shows a soft misty marsh or a bright sunny day on the lake.
Jack loves the natural world and it shows in how carefully he combines brushstrokes and contrasting colours to achieve his effects. His work is on the Feature wall til August 10th

Artists Against the Mega Quarry

2011-07-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend a number of artists gathered at Carl Cosack's farm to paint the landscapes that will soon be turned into an enormous quarry. That is unless it can be stopped. the land we will be losing is prime agricultural. The water table will be permanently altered and likely polluted. Traffic on our roads will make them impassable. At 2300 acres this will be larger than anything ever developed before in this area or indeed North America. Many people are doing thier part to fight this quarry, at Dragonfly we will be selling a handmade lampwork bead resembling the landscape we stand to lose. Necklaces, bracelets, and key rings will be available to order and proceeds will go to help Stop the Quarry.

Found Art Festival

2011-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Yes tomorrow is Founders Day in our sweet town. And so to celebrate we are having the "Found Art Festival" I find it's a great way to make people think differently about art. First they gasp as look at the widget that makes up an element in Carmen's work, then they slowly look at another part, then they slowly get the message that the work is conveying. Artists participating are Carmen Hickson, Jim Reed, Dogbite Steel, Sue Tupy, K Ross, Betty Harris, and many others So come on out, the streets are pedestrian only, there are sidewalk sales...Art does not GO on sale, so ...We will be doing demonstrations, and perhaps having a 'Starving Artist Bake Sale' hence the freshly baked dragonfly shaped cookies! decorate your own.

Press for Robin Pouw

2011-06-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sideroads of Dufferin County for the great article on Robin. We are thrilled to have her here at Dragonfly. She is working hard at some great commissions. It's page 46/47 of the current issue http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=202e50b8-2fa8-4e3d-a4e4-42d195002ce3&pnum=46

Carmen's mind

2011-06-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah she constantly amazes me. This assemblage is called "Soundtrap". The statement that accompanies follows.... raised by wolves and comfortable being a predator, he knew his ability to call on birds with a lyrical whistle would help his ability to be leader of the pack... A sneaky and clever way of attack. Carmen Hickson you are sneaky and clever - the way your ART gets under my skin. this piece is of course part of the Found Art Festival.

Found Art Festival

2011-06-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand, the Found Art Festival is around the corner...July8 & 9th We are starting to get in new work from your favourites, Carmen Hickson, Dogbite, Rachel Clark Hall. Just so you know, this photo of 1955 artwork is from MOCA in LA, the artist is Robert Rauschenberg ...hmmn This coming window will be very interesting with button jewellery, sculpture , paintings and some larger items from Jim Reed, but in the meantime, it is the last day for Julia Veenstra's rich acrylics. She'll be taking them to a show in Hamilton. Jean Loney has the window now with beautiful new mosaics, some with 24 karat gold! Sideroads magazine did a wonderful article on Robin Pouw with lots of great photos of Robin and her jewellery.

Paint the Musician

2011-06-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

Wow it was quite the experience to watch the artists painting Tamara. We had Jill Pringle, Roslyn Levin, Jim Reid, Theresa Minten, Catherine Barr, Sue Powell, and assorted kids. Tamara sung with such emotion, and truth and it came through in the sketches. This photo by Roslyn Levin gives you the sense of it. Sara May is playing right now, and it is a lot of fun. Thanks to both performers.

Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival.

2011-05-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, Dragonfly is presenting two wonderful singer -songwriters We will be drawing/ painting the lovely Tamara of The Weather Station while she in turn plays and sings for us. Sat June 4th from 2-4 pm. If you miss her here she will be playing the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on Sunday June 5
So on Sunday we will be enjoying the sounds of Sara May. She has already modeled for Jill Pringle, so we can't wait to see what develops. This weekend is the most exciting of the whole year if you are a music lover! lots of free concerts and dining/music experiences abound.
To top it off Broadway is having another Tax Free Weekend. Now we hope that the weather cooperates.

New Jewellery

2011-05-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Liz Kain has just sent new jewellery. these beautiful pieces remind me of tiny quilts. Semi -precious stones set in sterling silver, with cut out figures and enameled elements. Very sweet!

Julia Veenstra is back!

2011-05-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

I just love Julia's work. Her colours are so bold, and fresh, brushstrokes are firm and create such movement. This cow is my favourite, but I love the tree, and the stone house. Julia's paintings will only be here till mid June.

Focus on the Body

2011-05-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Let your body move to the music! If Steve Wilson's art looks like it's 3-D that's because it is! Drop by our window and check out this life size realistic painting... this month we have a focus on the body and we'll be showing you how and asking you to come participate. During the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival we will be drawing a live model and we'll have live music! Sounds like fun! June 4-5 from 2-4 pm

CATS

2011-05-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Christine Montague can paint anything...It's just that she filled our Window on Broadway with cats! Six foot tall ones grey ones, cats looking through screen doors (my favourite) and cats looking at the striking orange fish swimming in the foreground. In one painting, the cat is but a tiny spot in a window amid a lovely landscape.

Congratulations Wayne Cardinalli

2011-05-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Dragonfly is so excited for Wayne, he has been chosen to send work to The 2011 International Ceramics Festival in Mino Japan. Of the 3500 entries from around the world only 200 were chosen. Wayne has long been one of my favourite potters. Not only is his work comfortable in the hand and very well proportioned, I love his rich glazes and ornamentation. Using a work of art for your apple crisp is such a luxurious feeling!! The teapot in our photo is a glimpse of his unique style.

Student Art Show

2011-05-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

It was very nice to be asked to jury the student art show that is now hanging at the Dufferin County Museum. There was some very obvious talent, and some good teaching evident. But... I wanted to see, I don't know, more originality, more variety, a message? I wonder how many of these young artists will continue in art, will they be encouraged? Will their life be enhanced because of their interest in art. It makes me wonder about our cultural future, ( maybe its Harper being elected.) how much attention will be paid to our young creatives. Will all our culture be made overseas, will our creative young people go elsewere to be fulfilled. Ahhhh, maybe I'll cheer up when I see their smiling faces on Saturday at the opening. Another great reason to go to the museum, Stitches Across Time, the show they have created, celebrates contemporary fibre artists and their inspirations from 100 years ago. well worth the trip. A huge thanks to Wayne and staff for doing such amazing programming.

Tax Free Weekend

2011-04-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Lots to celebrate this weekend, for Beads on Broadway the third birthday brings savings in the form of no tax for the rest of the month. Come and see the tribute to Newfoundland beads. And of course Kate and Wills wedding! What a day! Local artist Laurie McGaw had been chosen to design the coin to commemorate it, and Dragonfly has one. Check it out at the mint.ca or drop in and fill in a ballot. We'll be making the Draw July 1st

Hugh Russel Rocks the Window

2011-04-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

The sculptures in the window are breathtaking! Three large dancers and four small western themes with horses. Hugh captures unbelievable action in the cowboy clown and you can almost hear the conversation and feel the cold in another sculpture. Every small detail of harness, rock or tree is carefully rendered. But the dancers...they are just superb, grace beauty and strength portrayed in bronze. Hugh is working on an exciting project...more on that later.

2011-03-31T20:47:00.000-07:00

Tribute to Newfoundland

2011-03-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

This bead is my newest, called 'far hoizons' It sort of reminds me of looking out from shore and seeing islands in the distance. Reactive glass gives a thrill, a different colour every time, from greens turquoises and blues -lots of fun for the maker. End of April, for BoB's third anniversary.

Kelly McNeil is back!

2011-03-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

oh wow Kelly just gets better all the time. This little tiger is amazing, the colours, but my fave is the little kid on the shore line, looking for treasures. When you see the reflection of the water on skin, she finds colours that not everyone would notice. Now on the Feature wall, Jacek Wolski has some figurative work of another kind. Less ovious, but evocative, elegant. Oh and congratulations Neil Young on all those Junos!

Heart of Gold

2011-03-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

I'm dreaming of a ....Yes folks we will soon have some beautiful pieces from Vancouver artist Jessie Turner. Hearts of gold, silver and winged hearts...by end of next week. Right now we have Elena Henderson in the Window on Broadway. I just love the fluidity of her Acrylics. Large bright pieces. She has a show opening this weekend at The Alton Mill as well. Beth Grant and I are gearing up for our tribute to Newfoundland to celebrate Beads on Broadway's 3rd anniversary. All the New beads are inspired by the rugged terrain, water, ice and rock. We are busy designing and playing now.

Spring Coming.....please

2011-03-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

As you can see we are ready for it! in the Window on Broadway Susan Little has some bright vibrant watercolour flowers. Inside on the Feature Wall Lyn Westfall has brightened up the place with one of my favourite first spring flowers, the one pictured is "Magnolia in the Rain", 12x12 framed larger, $290...now now don't stampede, they'll be here till march 30th. We have also had delivery of some really fun cloth dolls by Betty Harris!

New Artist

2011-03-01T19:05:00.000-08:00

So much going on this time of year, new art-work flooding into the shop. I just love Anne Marie Chagnon's new collection. There is gold liberally sprinkled into it. I was just unwrapping some garden art. Funky flower stakes and recycled bugs. But the best news is a new artist in the fourth studio. Robin Pouw is a goldsmith, and will be forging, casting, fabricating jewellery. She works in silver or gold using semi-precious stones and those wonderful precious stones like diamonds and sapphires. She will be designing and working on commissions. btw, she's very good, she won all the awards at her college.

Highway Sign

2011-03-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

OK I've never seen grown women jumping for joy like I just witnessed when I showed my artists this picture!! hooray it's been a long time coming, and we deserve it. The sign indicates that the shop is more than just a retail space but also a valuable tourism destination, an interpretive centre, where not only will you see wonderful art but you'll see people making it as well. OK I think I was jumping as high as anyone. Very exciting!

Kandinsky

2011-02-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

yeah...while in LA of course I went to MOCA. It was quite something to stand in a room full of Rothko's. It's always better to see he real thing and not just a print, or a book illustration. WhenI got back I went straight into the studio, and created the Kandinsky bead. I'm not sure if it will continue but I love the silver mesh and I think I'll add some murini next time. In other news we're discussing standardizing hours on Broadway... I currently close at 5 some others on the street close at 5:30 or 6. What do you think?

The Grammys

2011-02-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Yes Yes I went to LA during the Grammy Awards. Our place was right around the corner from the event location, and we got there just in time to watch the clean up crew. I think I may have seen a few of the performers at the Starbucks. We had a lovely time in LA, walked the beach and climbed some hills. Always nice to get a little warmer in the midwinter. Returned home in time for snow squals however. OK now back to the real world.

Dragonfly Studio Artists

2011-02-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

News from the DSA's. Sue Powell's new years resolution is to spend more time in the studio. Yay! Roslyn Levin will be spending time writing a book on Sumie as part of her Reed Cooper Bursary from the DAC (Dufferin Arts Council) She is giving a talk at an international conference next month. Jill is trying out oil painting for a change, she's working on some cows, and she's very pleased so far. Beth has made some delightful beads in pinks and reds for valentines day. And all I can say is that there is a new dragonfly murrini annealing in the kiln as we speak...The last bit of news is that there may be a new artist joining the fold-very exciting!

The Coming Year

2011-02-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Last day for Lucille Weber, Elizabth Babyn ( the photo is an old one) is coming next, yes, another abstract artist, why is that ? Why do I crave abstracts in winter? I seem to enjoy the jolt, the making sense out of chaos, the colour, the excitement! This year, we will be showing pottery, sculpture, glass and garden sculpture in the Window on Broadway, as well as fine art. I can't wait for Steve Wilson's massive 3D paintings coming in June, during the Orangeville Blues and Jazz festival.

New Look

2011-01-31T19:01:00.000-08:00

OK I know many of you will mourn the old doors and the chipped paint...but we needed a change and some brightening up. So, with the help of Debbie Essex, faux finish expert, Sue Sue Jill Roslyn and I scrumbled the doors a rich creamy white. Wow it really makes a difference, nice and bright, sets up the dark pottery, and still has the feel of old doors. Besides we had great fun bonding! Thanks all !

Renewal

2011-01-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

January is the time to recharge the batteries! This past weekend I went to Ottawa and took a course with Lucie from Lunacy Beads. Lucie is one of Canada's best bead makers, her specialty is making huge complicated compilations of glass called murini. She generously showed us her techniques and tips for making murini. We got to make our own signatures, and a sample flower - which sounds pretty simple-but it was so much work ...and so fun! Her mermaid bead is a good example, the face alone is a murini with probably 4-5 pulled components that each take hours of work. I have used murini in my Starry night beads, but now I will be making them, watch for some interesting new directions in my Beadmaking, due to this renewal.

2011

2011-01-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

Wow this is going to be a great year, I'm just finalizing the lineup for 2011. Already we have started the year with the wonderful world of abstracts. Lucille Weber, B J Thompson, and now Emelia Perri We have been planning events, like a repeat of the "Found Art Festival, and doing something really interesting for the Jazz festival. In the window right now, Emelia's work has a feeling, an urgency, Her prices are great too! two people have already expressed interest!! It's an exciting time of year also because we're cleaning up, changing things around and bringing in new artists. Steve Wilson and Kelly McNeil brought in new works, Tanya will be bringing new in the next few weeks. The potters need some time to replenish stocks and in the meantime Beth has been busy at the torch, creating some lovely beads for Valentines Day.

It's a New Year

2011-01-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

Lucille Weber, yes she will try anything and everything in her artistic pursuit. Encaustic seems like a suitable follow-up to her acrylic abstracts. Lucille is our Featured artist for the month of January, be sure to catch the show. For the next two weeks, in the Window on Broadway is BJ Thompson. Her rhythmical abstracts are quite powerful.

12 days till Christmas

2010-12-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

The snow has come, it's not too cold , and the crowds are flocking to Dragonfly for the Advent calendar of savings! well, not really, but some people are taking advantage of it. Some up coming artists taking 10% off are Wayne Cardinelli, Anglin Bay Pottery, (shown) Kelly McNeil, and Roslyn Levin.
New work has arrived by John Adams, Sassafras jewellery, Anne Marie Chagnon and Susan Pippy (those funky fish) There are new blown glass, and Pottery goblets. I picked up some very extra large rocks from Philosophers Stone.

Rocking Horse

2010-12-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

This horse actually doesn't so much rock as glide, it's very smooth and large enough for a small adult to ride! it has real horse hair, and a leather saddle made with love by Rebekka Poms. A real Hierloom. She also has some smaller versions that she is just finishing off, and will bring them up next week. Next week brings Mens week. We will be offering 10% off, wrapping, no cheesy Christmas music, and a snack or two we'll stay open till 7pm - so get your orders in ladies!

December is ...

2010-12-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

Snow! we had a huge deposit...and that brings out the shoppers, just in time for the advent calendar, it's working well. Tomorrow it's time for savings with Dogbite Steel. And we just received a large order from Anne Marie Chagnon, in time for her day next week.

Hills of Headwaters Tourism Awards

2010-11-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

yay! The Tourism Association saw fit to award us the Best Customer Service Experience. That made me very happy because I do try to find just the right gift or artwork for my customers - match customers to artists for a very personal and meaningful piece of art. I guess it works Thanks guys! and the best part is that the award is a painting by Susan Powell, our resident artist and winner of 2009 Artisan of the year! I liked it so much I put it in the window... right in front...see it?

Dragonfly Advent Calendar

2010-11-28T19:10:00.000-08:00

Just wanted some more excitement like when we were kids...so I got some artists to agree that on one day in December they would put their work on sale !0% off. So 24 of our favourite artists are taking turns to offer you savings. You can see I'm having a bit of trouble describing the 24 days of savings, in any case, the Window on Broadway has this little game in it, with boxes (shaped into a tree) one artist in each box and a date on each, so pick your favourite date and find out who is on sale...or more likely find out which date your favourite artist is on sale! Gee you can see I'm having fun I hope our customers do too!!

Movember Moonlight Madness

2010-11-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

So much has happened ! this month in preparation for the next. We have had Douglas Brown's wonderful paintings, he really is the master at transparent watercolours! There are still some lovely snow scenes. Rosemary Hasner's time is almost up her Cow wall has been fun, the way she layers images to create moody masterpieces is quite unique. All Month we have been receiving new work from artists! Cutting Boards and bookmarks, Winston brought in some Santas and they have been flying out the door. It really is no wonder since he was our star attraction in the Window carving away during Moonlight Madness. It was quite the night, our live window, and demo's in the back with Roslyn painting and Beth making Beads. Out side the cadets had fire pits with marshmallows, the horse drawn hay-wagons sounded so lovely, David Nairn reciting Twas the night before Christmas, and of course the magical moment that the huge tree is lit. wow and good luck to all those young guys growing mustaches- Go Mark!

Julia Veenstra

2010-11-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

The paintings I just picked up from Julia Veenstra are wonderful, full of rich colour, juicy brushstrokes, and local subjects. It was a busy week and we picked up more pottery, new jewellery, and some great wooden cutting boards, you know that wood is better than those horrible plastic ones anyway! (this painting is from January but I will up load a new one soon)

Demented Pumpkin

2010-10-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

I ask you doesn't he deserve to win? Happy Halloween everyone. Last week for Tara Imersons wonderful watercolours on canvas, and Tanya Zaryski's landscapes are going fast! Steve Wilson a friend of Kelly Mac Neil has brought in some interesting three dimensional works. Next Window on Broadway has Chris Rogers' very interesting nature inspired 3D works for the wall. Hmm

Our Pumpkin

2010-10-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Oh my, we had quite a day on Broadway, with over 500 little gremlins and cuties coming out to trick or treat. Sharon nearly got worn out after her tranquil living of late, but it was a fun day all the same. All that is left is to find out if we scored big on the pumpkin carving contest...well yeah we didn't actually carve it, more like painted it, but an art gallery after all...anyway a tranquil marsh scene with floating dragonflies turned into ...monster dragonfly - hope you all enjoy.

Thanks-giving

2010-10-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I know it's pretty cheesy but I give thanks every day for all the wonderful and supportive patrons and customers. They appreciate what Dragonfly does, and remind me of why we're here. I love our artists, who continually surprise and thrill me with their creativity, and generosity. And of course all the wonderful folks who work here, how grateful I am that they keep us on track and make the shop run like clockwork, and look great.
Jill's Window is nearly up Tara Imerson will be in there right after Thanksgiving with her intricate watercolours of rustic doors and antique objects. Tanya Zaryski is bringing in a feature wall full of her rural landscapes, and hopefully a few surprises. Thanks guys!

Culture Days

2010-09-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the opportunity to celebrate arts and culture in this country. For us in Orangeville it started with the fist ever Mayor's breakfast with arts awards. Dragonfly has a packed weekend full of demos and 'make and take' projects. Dragonfly Awakenings, Focus on Nature will be putting he spotlight on Stone, Leather, and Wood. Leather belts, turquoise pendant, basket-weaving, stone cutting. Drop in and talk to our resident artists about their techniques. Also a busy time for Studio Tours and the Headwaters Arts Festival begins today.

Claudia J Mc Cabe

2010-09-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have rarely seen such wild abandon. Colour, brush strokes, fanciful yet definite. Claudia is passionate about her work, each painting has a poem accompanying it and she has published this body of work in a book, entitled "Musings" Thank you Claudia.

Culture Days

2010-09-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Sept 24,25,26 Dragonfly will be celebrating the Arts with an event called Dragonfly Awakenings We will be having demonstrations alll weekend. Roslyn will be showing off her handmade brushes-try one out on her magic tablet. Jill is finishing off her new piece Girl with a Butterfly, ask her about it. Beth will be doing demos on Friday and I have been playing with some new glass and will introduce a dragonfly bead..... and many more activities.

PMC...oh oh

2010-08-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

Yay the Ontario Crafts Council had a precious metal clay workshop. I attended, It was great! very tempting... It certainly got my brain in gear, and I can't wait to get playing with it, now. must. work. on. creating more hours. in the. day. During the course, we made a ring complete with cubic zirconia, and a pendant that has an impression on it. (of course I carved a dragonfly into mine, that was modelled after this guy that I found in the garden )

Mosaics

2010-08-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Jean Loney is our featured artist this month, I just love the glass she uses for her mosaics, iridescent, rich colours. I think hte Beach is my favourite, especially as she adds natural elements like shells. And speaking of beaches, check out Robert Chisholm's paintings in the window inspired by his time in New Brunswick

Art a la Car

2010-08-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

The little pamphlet that could! Co- operative marketing is always a good idea, and when 6 galleries got together to promote a road-trip little did we know it would go National! thanks to Jim Fox and the Sun group of papers. It was in the travel section of all major cities in Canada. Lets hope that even more people will discover the great artists in Dufferin Wellington and Peel. http://travel--news.blogspot.com/2010/08/day-trips-for-art-lovers.html
so come to Orangeville , Alton, Brampton, Glen Williams, Fergus and Elora and check it out.

Last week for Gail Prussky

2010-08-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Gail is taking her work out this week, and will be out of commission for a while. I'm trying to convince her to become a Dragonfly Studio Artist. Gail's Art is out there, in your face, she does get emotions flowing. Watch for her work next in the Headwaters Arts Festival Art show.

Carmen Hickson moves inside.

2010-07-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Two weeks go by so fast. and now Carmen's work has moved out of the window to join other work by artists like Kevin Roach, Justin Richards, Deja Vu Designs and others. our festival goes on till the end of July.

Found Art Festival

2010-07-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

People are responding to our mantra of re-use, recycle, make beautiful, re purpose, make smiles!
Thanks to Rachel Clark Hall who did a demo during the opening of the founders festival. She painted found hunks of wood and even bark.
Betty Harris worked on her recycled fabric flowers, and chatted to people about where she gets her fabrics. She is building up stock of hats scarves and mitts for this winter.

Found Art for Founders Day

2010-07-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wow I am blown away by our Window on Broadway this week! Carmen Hickson's awesome creations are poignant reflections on the human condition, and they are all made with found objects. She makes us look at cast off things in different ways. A stair post becomes an elegant angel, her caged man is stark re- combined foundry bits with ancient silverware. And that's only part of our wonderful Found Art Festival...for Orangeville's Founders Festival. All month we will be having artists dropping in with their work. Justin Richards makes fine furniture with dovetailed drawers out of weathered barn boards, nail holes and all. Betty Harris makes purses, dolls and accessories out of dresses, coats and blankets found at the Sally Ann. We even have jewellery from old silverplate teapots and trays, and of course JP's flag and funky animals.

Banksy Strikes in Orangeville?

2010-06-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

No, not really, it was just some little punks. They apparently tagged a number of businesses in the back lane. I decided it was time to identify the doorway with our namesake. So Sue and I decided to channel our inner Banksy and turn the tag into a dragonfly. I think it needs a bit of work yet I'll keep you posted! or maybe you all think I should paint the door white again?

Randi"s Poppies

2010-06-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see Randi likes flowers and even though she is often out on location doing landscapes everyone always asks for her flowers!

Orangeville Blues and Jazz Weekend

2010-06-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Yahoo it's finally here a weekend of music and activities, most of it free. In our Blue(s) window you'll find two of organizer, Larry Kurtz's paintings, Roslyn painted some musical numbers in sumi-e. Some of our artists will be doing demo's in the tent outside Dragonfly, come chat. Blues and Jazz will be blaring. At Beads on Broadway we have been working on Blue beads...for earrings, bracelets and everything else. Kathryn Naylor's opening was lovely, we all have a better understanding of how difficult and uplifting a climb of mount Kilimanjaro was. The paintings will be up for the remainder of the month, but Lucille's garden will be coming down tuesday. I'm gathering work for our Found Art Festival for Founder's Day, so far recycled bags and sun hats, Rachel's pieces have just arrived, she was inspired! I'm impressed.

Found Art Festival

2010-05-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Rachel! Clark Hall. My sweet young helper has a Show in the big T.O. Gallery 432 It's on King St. near Sherbourne Opening the 27th of May, the wine is on Rachel, so go. Her work is large energetic, and full of emotion. It'll look great on all those loft and condo walls in T.O.
Rachel will be participating in the Found Art Festival as well. at Dragonfly. in July.

Lucille Weber Shouts Spring

2010-05-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

The energy! the colour! this is spring like you've always wanted it to be! Although Lucille's paintings are termed abstracts, you easily see blossoms blowing in the breeze, or a profusion of flowers fighting in a garden. Lucille is in the Window on Broadway till June 8 this lovely peony just does not compare.

Kathryn Naylor Paints Kilimanjaro

2010-05-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Last year Kathryn took the trip of a lifetime, a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Inspired by the incredible landscapes she passed, she has painted a series in her signature style, an interesting mix of realism and abstract. The Feature Wall begins May 26 and runs for 4 weeks, but come for the Opening, May 29th 2-5 meet Kathryn talk to her about her trip or her techniques.

Dragonfly - a Family Joke

2010-05-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

I just received one of the best compliments ever! A customer came in and as I packaged up her purchase we were chatting and she revealed that Dragonfly is a family joke. The story goes that whenever things get too frantic she says that she'll quit her day job and go work at Dragonfly!! Apparently it is an oasis of calm and beauty! It sure perked up my day (which until then had been full of paperwork!)

Dragonfly Slide Show

2010-05-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

this is a slideshow

Christopher Peet, Originals

2010-05-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have originals, his finely detailed houses, some from Newfoundland , some from right here in Ontario. We do have some prints as well, but from someone as wonderful as Christopher, you'll want the real deal. Queen Elizabeth does! His paintings start in pencil then he goes over each line in ink and then adds watercolour washes. Many hours go into each painting.

Second Anniversary

2010-04-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend marks the second year that Beth and I have had Beads on Broadway at Dragonfly.It has been exceptionally successful partly because we are doing demonstrations as often as we can. Also having access to the artists for commissions has been a draw. We put our favourite colours together in a bead series to mark the date, and we are having a contest to name the bead. Beth did a lot of polka dots and I made some flowers, they're fun.

Kelly's Window

2010-04-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday Kelly will be bringing in some more of her amazing wildlife paintings. The key piece is an enormous Tiger- it is the year of the tiger after all. She has brought in a variety of subjects and sizes, there is even one very small landscape where the wildlife is invisible. there is a wonderful eagle, some pelicans, a dolphin. It's only in for two weeks.

Whirligigs Birds and Dragonflies

2010-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Garden Art from Tod Waring in the window now. I just love the spinning leaves. His whimsical birds are so cute I want to create a row of them bobbing through my vegetable garden.
And of course the multicoloured dragonflies are wonderful. They are selling so fast I hope we have some left for Mothers Day.

Paintings Go Hollywood

2010-04-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Wow a Film Crew was in town, and they had need of an art gallery in one scene, they looked at Dragonfly for the venue but ultimately decided it was too small, but we were able to lend them some art!! Yay, Lynda's whole window was taken and 10 large paintings from Elena Henderson as well. We are all so excited, we hope that it doesn't end up on the cutting room floor! filming is today and tomorrow but the paintings will all be back on Tuesday. In fact Elena will be our featured artist for the next month, her work will be on the wall behind the counter. Come in and see them before the whole world gets a chance!

The Balloon Lady

2010-04-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Wild and wonderful, Lynda Pogue is our special guest in the Window on Broadway. Her paintings are larger than life, this window is shimmering with coppery goodness, but of course this is only a small slice of her life.

Starry Starry Night

2010-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I found the time, but I was playing at the torch and came up with a little bead I like to call Starry Starry Night. I picked up some murani at the show in March and designed a series of beads around them. I hope you like them too!

Elizabeth Babyn Feature Wall

2010-04-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

I think that people who like AMC will also love Elizabeth's work. Her large bold acrylics are deceptively simple, but are really meticulously planned. I like the one with gumballs.

Anne Marie Chagnon

2010-04-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Oh it's here!! Our new order of Anne Marie Chagnon's 2010 collection. She keeps doing it -outdoing herself. This new collection has bold colours and shapes, some really powerful pieces. I's all you need with your little black dress or better still jeans and a T shirt. Very unique and I always love the way her pieces transmorgify. I'll tell you what I mean when you come in.

Recycling Kevin Roach Style

2010-04-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

It's now after Easter, Kevin Roach's Window on Broadway is almost up,he has brought some very interesting airplanes made of almost anything...One titled "record flight" has two old 45's involved, there's the barnstormer, from old pieces of ...you guessed it... a barn. Next Week Tod Waring will be bringing in more fun for your garden! Moving sculptures, some Dragonflies, his wind powered twirling leaves, can't wait.

he hee he

2010-03-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

These little balls are so cute, they make me laugh. So many things you can stash in these sturdy little balls ( they are made of stainless steel) ear buds, coins, tokens, earrings, the larger ones would fit an orange. The zip is strong, the shape is fun and you won't lose it in your purse.

Thinking Gardens

2010-03-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Bev de Jong came by and brought us some amazing garden sculptures. Fantasy flowers in copper of course, with a wonderful patina. I can just see them nestled in to a bush or two. Some are just perched in a block of wood but we also have two that are plumbed for a fountain. We just put out some lovely handmade paper cards, which you can plant because seeds are embeded in them. Just waiting for some green sprouts.

Monday Night Movies

2010-03-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Just watched An Education last night. This group of volunteers do such a fabulous job bringing great movies to our area. It's part of the Tiff movie circuit Check out www.mondaynightmovies.ca Best bargain in town and they support other groups too like the Blues and Jazz Festival. The fundraiser March 22 6:30 is a screening of "Young at Heart" with live music before the show. www.objf.org

Kelly's magic

2010-03-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

Kelly McNeil is one of my favourite artists, not only does she capture the likeness of an animal, but she gets the spirit as well. Her use of colour is extraordinary, who else knew that there is turquoise in the fur of a golden lab? my tale begins, on friday a woman came in to inquire about the painting in the window, it looked so much like her dog. After reflection, she asked to have a day to think about it. Saturday morning, a couple came in and said they loved the painting in the window and wanted to buy it...I told them they would have to wait for the woman's decision. Not one hour later another couple decided to buy it!! Needless to say I took it out of the window, and quickly called Kelly to see if she had any other golden lab paintings at her place. I hope that we can satisfy everyone, since the painting reminded each of them so much of their own dogs.

I'm Baack

2010-03-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

Yes a few days in LA was just what I needed- now to unpack all those boxes!! but before I do , I must say that Eleanor Brownridge has filled the Window on Broadway with some very beautiful fused glass, my favourite is the three sisters, only here for two weeks! Bruce Ley put up some interesting Abstracts on the feature wall. Up for a month!

2010-02-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ah winter, I may have to leave you behind for a few days. So even though Spring is just around the corner, and every day new work is streaming into the shop, I'm going off to somewhere warm. when I get back I'll be opening all those boxes...Greeting cards that have seeds embedded in them, that you plant after receiving. I have hand-picked some beautiful soapstone pieces from Dorset carvers. And by the time I get back, Eleanor Brownridge will have filled the Window on Broadway with her unique fused glass. I had a preview, and there are some pretty interesting items.

ReUse or Recycle?

2010-02-20T17:21:00.000-08:00

Straight from Wine country, seasoned retired barrel staves are made into fashionable home accessories. Deep rich claret coloured wood, as a fruit platter, or candle holder. Simple lines recycled spoons make a unique piece.

Two New Jewellers at Dragonfly

2010-02-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Wow we just received the jewellery of two new to us Quebec designers. Planas has a line of pendants in sterling silver with huge shock of colour nestled within a framework. I'll try to get a photo up soon. The other is Meto pairing gold with silver. We have some very unusual shaped hearts using gold leaf and some rings that are stunning - some are suitable for men as well!
those Quebec designers, very chic.

Window on Broadway

2010-02-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Theresa Minten just brought in her wonderful oils for a show in the window. Her images reflect growing up on the north shore of Lake Huron. she prefers painting out in the open, on location.
New work from Greg Shafley just came in also. His etchings tend to be scenes from northern Ontario, I love his rocky shores. We have some of his famous red canoe. Canadian Icons all.

Christian Morrisseau at Dragonfly

2010-02-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

This week's Window on Broadway features Christian Morrisseau. His bold canvases resemble his fathers work, but the approach is somewhat softer. Aboriginal symbols revealing the interconnectedness of nature.

Valentines Day

2010-02-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

Wow, Christmas season is finally over, and what a great time it was! Now in the quiet time this January, we have had time to put together some new promotional materials, go to the gift shows for new works and create some beautiful glass hearts for valentines day.

Christmas is coming

2009-12-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

The shop is full to the brim...we have new pottery from Anglin Bay ((kingston) Jim Lorriman brought in some earrings, made of slices of different woods. Beth Grant has glistening stained glass snowflakes. Of course the lampwork studio is full. I now have some new Glass beads for the "Broadway Bracelet" and some to fit those other bracelet systems. The santas made by Elizabeth Tupholme are heirlooms. This week we will be having a woodcarver in the window. He looks exactly like the little santas he carves, the other night as he was carving in the window I overheard a mother explaining to her young child, "no honey, that's santa's brother" he will be back fri 18 Dec 6-8 while we have our big Christmas Open House All our artists will be there, snacks, music,and lots of fun.

well, inspired by....

2009-09-10T19:18:00.001-07:00

fire and ice! looking forward to doing a whole series of iceberg inspired beads

icebergs

2009-09-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

I visited newfoundland this summer, and was captivated by the icebergs. We got to drink thousand year old water. Thanks to our hosts! I couldn't wait to get home and make some beads inspired by them...

my first blog

2009-09-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Expect a lot of experimentation, till I get it right.
I hope to talk about the art and artists that Dragonfly Arts on Broadway will be displaying now and in the future...I'll also let you know what I've been up to in the lampwork studio.