It’s always a tough decision when it comes time to frame a favorite photo or piece of art. Although many people jump at the chance to buy an inexpensive “ready made” frame, a professionally installed custom frame is going to be the better choice in the long run.
Many people and artists wonder why they should fork over the extra money to get their items custom framed. It’s no secret that having artwork framed by a professional will cost more money, but there are two very important reasons to have it done, namely presentation and protection.
As far as presentation goes, people need to understand that a frame is an extension of the artwork. A bad frame can make an amazing painting look drab or incomplete. Custom framing gives the customer the control to pick out the exact frame and mats (of which there are thousands) and the type of glass to ensure their work is complimented by the framing. When a customer decides to frame through Unique Gallery, our professional custom framer (Dan) will always take the time to make recommendations while educating the customer on framing. After all, it is your money and not only do you deserve a fantastic frame, but you deserve to know the whys and whats of custom framing. When it’s done properly, custom framing can help bring a piece of art to a new dimension of presentation. The frame becomes a beautiful addition to the artwork, rather than just a way to hang it on a wall.
The other reason to have your artwork professionally framed is for protection. Sometimes we forget that art, like anything else, degrades over time. Most of us buy art with the intention of keeping it throughout our lives and passing it on to our children, or sometimes we purchase as an investment and look to re-sell when the art gains value. So the last thing you want is for the piece that cost so much to fall apart or appear weathered. This is where custom framing comes in. A professional frame doesn’t cost more money just because it looks good, but because it protects the work. When done properly it can protect it for a long time and dramatically increase the life and appearance of the artwork.
For example, let’s say you were having a watercolor painting framed. Many people think that all that needs to be done is to pick a mat, slap a piece of glass on, and pick a frame that looks nice. But they’re wrong. The glass selection is very important. Glass is one of the most expensive components in a custom framing. There are several different types of glass, but just like anything else, the better the glass the more expensive it will be. It is easy to buy some washed clear glass for $20, but that washed glass isn’t going to protect your work. The biggest harm to artwork is UV exposure. If the glass used isn’t UV protected, the color of the work will de-saturate, and it will yellow and age very quickly. Soon, your piece of purchased art is disfigured and worthless.
Mats are also essential in custom framing. Some people don’t understand why a mat is even required. There needs to be space between the work and the glass. Over time, the piece can expand, and if it touches the glass for any length of time, it can ruin the artwork. In addition to providing space, the mats are also to be acid-free just like the foam backing behind the piece to ensure complete protection. If it isn’t acid-free, the piece will yellow and fade sooner. The right combination of superior materials will keep your art looking new for much longer. Too often, the cost of custom framing keeps collectors and artists from properly protecting their precious pieces, and they end up fading and being worthless a couple of years later.
Having a work professionally framed is a necessary investment if you want to present and protect your precious photos and paintings. Spending the money on the right custom framing procedures now, will leave you with a stunning piece that will last for your children to put on their walls.
There is a new addition to Unique Gallery’s Framing Services. We now offer dry mounting. Dry mounting is a permanent mounting process where the art is adhered to foam core or a board, using heat and pressure. A tissue adhesive is placed between the art and the mounting board. This combination is then inserted into a roller press and heated up to activate the adhesive while the press applies pressure. Gloss, matte, and canvas finish laminates are also available. Dry mounting is used when the aesthetic appearance of the art warrants it to be flat. Photographs, movie posters, and art posters can be dry mounted. Dry mounting with laminates can eliminate the need for framing with glass and mattes, so it looks great and costs less.
Unique Gallery provides the best prices and customer service on Custom Framing in the Grande Prairie area - guaranteed. We can frame almost anything and we do it in a timely fashion. With our professionally certified staff, we ensure your items are framed to last. We hope to see you soon for all your custom framing needs!
by FolkGraphis Frames
by FolkGraphis Frames
We guarantee you will receive the best custom framing service and quality at the lowest prices in the Grande Praire area.
Suppliers Include
FolkGraphis Frames: Supplier of all of Unique Gallery's fram....ing products.
Mad About Glass: Hand Made Glass Dishes....
Kitras Art Glass: Hand blown Kitras balls are a particular....ly unique and beautiful gift idea. Stephen Kitras has transformed glass into an affordable yet stunning home décor addition. Each ball is handcrafted by Stephen Kitras, with no two ever being the same. Although he creates vases, bowls and dishes, his glass balls are the most sought after. The balls come in a variety of different styles. There are friendship balls, fairy orb balls, calico balls, birthday balls, tree of enchantment balls, and witch balls. Regardless of the style or the size, the balls each have different sets of colors and different strands of inner glass. This gives you a truly one of a kind masterpiece. Unique Gallery carries an assortment of the Kitras balls year round, and they range in price from $40.95 to $55.95.
Padraig Cottage: Made of pure sheep wool, sheep skin and ....leather, original Padraig slippers are sought after for their color, comfort and durability. They now come in all sizes, from newborns to extra large adult sizes. Anyone who has owned a pair of genuine Padraig slippers praises their quality and comfort. Padraig Cottage has been around nearly 30 years, and is still located in North Vancouver. The married owners, Helen and Jeremy, spin, weave, knit and dye each slipper by hand. Their business of slippers began as a hobby, but soon the slippers were being requested more and more. Now, their popularity has grown so much that it’s hard to keep Padraig slippers on the shelves
CJ Alpacas: The CJ Alpaca farm is located 55 km east.... of Grande Prairie in the beautiful Peace Country. They have been involved in the Alpaca business since 1996. Their herd has grown to 36 alpacas. "Raising alpacas is like nothing we have ever been involved in before. There is a lot to learn and always something exciting going on in the industry. We now have a fibre Co-op that provides us with beautiful products made right here in Canada from our Canadian Alpacas!" "We take pride in the alpacas we raise on our farm. Our breeding program is focused on producing quality colored alpacas that are sound and manageable."
Mel V Inc.: Styling your home is never easy. But the.... wisdom tiles that are made by Melissa Spencer of Mel V. Inc. make decorating easy and elegant. With hundreds of phrases, sayings, and infamous quotes, these porcelain wisdom tiles add sophistication and simplicity to walls. All the tiles come in a light beige hue with a dark text so that displaying them in multiples creates symmetry and continuance. The soft hue also works well with nearly every wall color, making them adaptable and palatable to most walls. The tiles are sold ready to hang and are relatively lightweight. These tiles are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, even kitchens. At $33 each, they are an inexpensive way to bring your room together.
Stekken Designs: Sheet Metal Decor....
Meikles Christo: Supplier of unique planters and flower p....ots.
Kranberry Lane: Candles are an easy decorative addition ....to any room. The appearance of a lit candle eases tension and a soft scent tends to be the cherry on top. But so many people buy lovely smelling candles for decoration only – and never get to enjoy them for what they are meant for: burning. The fear of melting the candle that looks so pretty keeps the candle collecting dust. But we have the solution to that: Everlasting Candles. Our collection of Everlasting Candles is the answer to candle queries. These candles are filled with an oil reservoir, and use a fibreglass wick that will not burn “down” like traditional cotton wicks. In this fashion, the candle burns only the oil while the wax of the candle remains untouched by the flame. Everlasting candles keep their shape for years, while remaining fully functional. Additionally, all the candles are wrapped in a display of miloberries and eucalyptus to add elegance to any room they are placed in. There are many added benefits to the Everlasting candles. Each candle is sold with a 90ml bottle of oil. As long as you have the designated oil on hand, there is no limit burn time. Everlasting candles will always burn as long as they have the appropriate oil in them. The oil makes the flames taller and brighter, making a few candles do the duties of many traditional candles. Because there is no melting wax, this candle will not damage your furniture or tables. Most importantly, Everlasting candles are safe. The oil is not flammable, and if a candle is knocked over, the oil puts itself out. There has never been a more beautiful or functional candle. The Everlasting Candles come in a variety of scents, colors, shapes and sizes. They range in price from $25.95 to $32.95. You can find a great variety of the Everlasting Candles at Unique Gallery.
Village Artisan: Supplier of handmade paper products incl....uding journals, notepads, photo albums, guest books and more. Village Artisan was created out of the realization of what we as Westerners could contribute to the already gifted, but struggling communities of India. Through developing new innovative designs, raising the standard of quality, linking local artisans with the global marketplace, and advocating for sustainable development, we could bring a whole new paradigm to multinational business: a company with a conscience. Artisans from several villages now have the finances for education and better health for their families. Women are also empowered through dignified work and participation in decisions. Since the conception of Village Artisan, the result has been the transformation of not only individual lives, but whole communities. Fair trade is better than aid. It builds a sustainable future on producers own abilities, with the main objective being to improve the producers quality of life. We accomplish this by training local artisans in creating a viable product and then linking up with Alternative Trade retailers or distributors. By bringing the market to the village, the producer and the community benefit directly.
Blain Askew: Born in Lethbridge, AB and raised on a f....arm, Blain has been carving since the age of six. All his carvings are done entirely by hand using only traditional tools and methods. He is most focused on a method called Treenware - an old English term meaning "ware from trees". Each piece of Treenware is unique, with a character all its own. The colour, shape and size of the piece depend on the qualities of the wood. If the wood curves, the spoon curves; if the grain of the wood changes direction, so does the shape of the piece. The wood itself decides what kind of piece will result.
Missy Finlay: Local Artist....
Amber Sherwin: Amber Sherwin, the creater and owner of ....Karma Jewellery, is a bubbly and positive spirit that exudes creativity. Originally from Ontario, Amber has traveled all over the world. Her travels, which include Egypt and Australia, have fortunately brought her to Grande Prairie. “I believe strongly in living life to the fullest and I have a passion for traveling. I am very inspired by the places I’ve seen and the people I’ve met and I try to convey this through my handmade jewellery”. Amber’s passion for jewellery is not new, just refined. “I've always had an interest in creating different pieces of art and love working with my hands. I've actually been making jewellery since I was a teenager and just kept coming back to it”. An avid believer in karma, the name fit and a beautiful jewellery line was born. Amber began working mostly with silver but is branching off and trying more variations with gold. Her recent work for 2009 includes more romantic materials like rose quartz and cracked glass. She is quickly becoming known for her amazing necklaces made of hand blown glass, and ribbon. Her goal is simple, to provide gorgeous one of a kind designs that compliment the modern woman. Her pieces are whimsical, romantic, feminine and best of all affordable! Her home studio is filled with different jewellery projects and she admits she is always looking for new sources of inspiration - which can come from every direction. “I take a lot of inspiration from family and friends and am working on a lot of nature inspired pieces right now. In particular, I'm working with wood, fresh water pearls, and shells”. Supporting the local Canadian market while making her one of a kind pieces is also important to Amber. “I try to buy all of my products as Canadian as possible and I like to stay consistent with supporting Canadian communities”. Amber now makes a wide variety of necklaces, earrings, and matching sets. The prices range from $17.95 to $38.95.
Carrie Klukas: Grande Prairie artist Carrie Klukas has ....experience in a wide range of media including painting, bronze casting, printmaking, clay sculpture, pottery, and metalwork. Prior to attending the Alberta College of Art and Design, majoring in painting, she was a Commercial Interior Designer in Calgary for 12 years. Although she found the Interior Design field can have its creative challenges, she was always yearning for that complete creative freedom that so seldom, if ever, presents itself. She found that freedom in the world of visual art and has been a practicing artist and teacher since then. During this journey, Carrie started at the Prairie Gallery as technician, then Assistant Curator and finally the Interim Director. She has also worked at the Creative Arts Centre in Grande Prairie, focusing on program design and instruction and eventually becoming the Director. For the past four years she has concentrated on doing her art full time, embracing her creative side. Her work is included in many public and private collections throughout Alberta.
Jim Brager: Jim Brager grew up in a country setting,.... ten miles east of Camrose, Alberta. His interest in art as a child led him years later to the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. After graduating, he was hired by a Saskatoon printing firm where he worked as a commercial artist. Jim also spent a few years with the Saskatoon Star Phoenix designing ads, drawing cartoons and court room sketches. He is a member of the Alberta Society of Artists. He has also been recognized by the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolors (CSPWC) and has had his work displayed in their annual show in Toronto for the past two years.
Shauna Hoffos: From a very early age, Shauna loved pain....ting and was enthralled with the creative process. She started with oils; painting landscapes and animals, but soon became drawn to acrylics and the world of abstract painting. With each blank canvas, she has a clean slate where a new challenge and a new adventure begins. Shauna enjoys the freedom to use different materials and try new techniques, thus making her work predominantly experimental with no overarching theme, "Some pieces I will use only a palette knife, others brushes, while some employ both and still others are collage". It is often a very intuitive process with no distinctive references. Shauna's ideas come from within or subconsciously from things around her. "I feel as though I am still just at the beginning of my artistic journey. For me, it is an evolving process driven solely by an innate desire to create; nothing more and nothing less".
Dan Wourms: Born in Sherwood Park, AB, Dan took an i....nterest in art at a very early age. He began sketching when he was 8 years old. After moving to Grande Prairie when he was 10, he took more art classes and kept in close contact with his art and photo teachers. He began painting in his spare time and established his creativity. He was awarded a Fine Art scholarship upon graduation. Dan spent 3 years studying and practicing Fine Art at the GPRC. Focused primarily on abstracts, Dan spent 2 years mastering the art of oils with textures, bold colors and big canvases. His talent lies in bringing life to abstract ideas and paintings. He uses bright colors and believes that the frame of a painting is just as important as the painting itself. As a young man, Dan has been painting for 8 years, and has only scratched the surface of his talents. He is well known for his "Big Brown" painting which originally caught popularity in the 2007 Dream Home.
Phil Alain: Local Artist....
Suzanne Sandboe: Suzanne was raised on a grain farm in th....e farming community of Buffalo Lake in the Peace River County of AB. Suzanne now lives in the countryside near Buffalo Lake on an acreage with her husband and two sons. Suzanne spends much of her time painting and taking part in local art events. She is a "self taught artist" and has developed her skills through research, experimentation and practise of the many art forms. Those forms include watercolor painting, pottery, oil painting, airbrush painting and drawing. Her main focus over the past 10 years lie in watercolor painting. Her inspiration is derived from the scenic Peace River country where she resides, many trips taken during the summer and winter months to the Rocky Maountains South of Grande Prairie, West of Beaverlodge and in the provincial parks of Alberta and British Columbia.
Randy Fehr: Local Artist....
Donna Anderson: Local Artist....
Gloria Hesse: Local Artist....
Dan Arberry: Local Artist....
Emily Lozeron: Local Artist....
Ed Ashton: Ed Ashton is an Alberta artist living in.... Grande Prairie, and a member of the Artists North Society. Ed's interest in Alberta's Grain Elevators began several years ago, and he began to amass a collection of personal photographs, newspaper clippings, Internet photographs, snap shots from friends, and pictures from the library archives. Ed has been painting watercolor paintings of the Alberta elevators for the past eight years, and with his broad collection of pictures, is able to paint original watercolor paintings of most any elevator site that was or is in the province of Alberta.
Cortney Warr: Local Artist....
Cathy Stafford: Local Artist....
Carol Adrian Clarke: Carol's artwork takes inspiration from t....he beauty that God provides in nature. Whether it is the details of a flower, or the expansive view from a hilltop. All are of interest to her as she create realistic works of art in either oils or with coloured pencil. Some of the people who have influenced her art include her father Bill Adrian, whose watercolours she admires for their strong use of colour and flowing creativity. From the time she could hold a crayon he encouraged her in artistic endeavors. Artist Ernest Lindner as well has had a lasting influence on herwork, in that his art inspired an appreciation toward a realistic approach to art. It was through Lindner’s work in pencil that came to be interested in adapting this medium to her own work. Art and the making of art have always been apart of her life, and always have provided a wonderful way to express herself creatively.
Dianne Nelson: NWT Artist who paints on silk.....
Maria Pace-Wynters: Edmonton Artist....
Laureena Braatz: Local Artist....
Barb Greentree: Local Artist....
Cindy Kilani: Cindy Kilani lives east of Grande Prairi....e in a country home set amongst a vast expanse of natural beauty wherein she finds inspiration for all her artwork. She has created an accumulation of watercolors that have been featured in exhibits and are now in private collections across Alberta. Cindy has also assembled several series of landscape photography, and pastels of wildlife and landscapes.
Marjorie Henn: “I’m not happy when I’m not making art,”.... explains Marjorie Henn. “I need to do it, no matter what else is happening. It’s an emotional, spiritual kind of thing,” says the full-time artist who lives in Beaverlodge. The power of place dominates her work. “The Peace Country is so deep in me,” she states, referring to the landscape, the shapes and structures of hills and cliffs. “This is something I can see into.” As a very young child, Henn made art. Her mother studied art by correspondence, then taught Marjorie the lessons. Her father, who encouraged as he critiqued, made her really look at things and challenged her to “show me!” “I have to know about a subject,” Henn explains when describing her habit of intensely studying her subject matter. Henn’s diploma in commercial art from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary led to a 25-year career as a commercial artist, creating architectural illustrations from plans for houses and public buildings. Attention to detail is expressed in Henn’s work today. “Where does the eye go?” asks Henn, who is interested in realism and design, detail, drawing and composition in her preferred medium, watercolour. Experiencing nature in solitude is her preference; she produces her best work while alone. “Getting into my studio and making art is like soft water flowing over me,” says Henn.
Patricia Peters: Local Artist....
Lynn LeCorre: Lynn works in a variety of media and sub....ject matter, with drawing and painting being her primary focus. "I seek inspiration from the landscape, the figure and organic forms." She has been involved with the Prairie Figure Drawing club for seven years and enjoys the challenge and beauty of drawing the human form. "When painting ‘en plein air’, a small format allows me to quickly capture the fleeting light and striking colours of the land. It is the immediacy of painting the land or drawing the figure in the moment that inspires me and challenges me."
Karen Friedli: Local Artist....
Linda Yackel: Local Photographer and Card Maker....
Gail Penner: Photographer....
Keith Winsor: Local Photographer....
Terri-Anne McMillan: Local Photographer....
Cameron Smethurst: Photographer....
Angie Patterson: Local Photographer....
Klaus Peters: Original Photographer.....
Debbie Golden: Local Photographer....
Michel Harvey: Potter....
Earth & Fire Pottery: Earth N Fire Pottery is classy, lightwei....ght and colourful. Melody Robinson, the potter behind Earth N Fire Pottery, is self taught and has been throwing pots since 1995. It started as hobby, but in 2002 Melody left her professional job and began her adventure in clay. Melody’s stoneware pottery is handcrafted in Caroline, AB and fully functional. Each piece is safe for dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer use. All glazes are blended in house, are lead free and food safe. She has several collections including Black, Blue and Green. Every piece is unique.
Cheryl Brown: Cheryl was born and raised in Beaverlodg....e. She has enjoyed the cultural creativeness and nuturing environment of the area that has supported a great variety of art and craft endeavours. Cheryl has experienced and worked with a variety of mediums, but has found pottery to be the most satisfying and versatile means of artistic expression. Her hand made pottery is heavier in weight and mimics historic times while bringing a splash of modern to the table.
Mystic Fire Raku: Raku Potter....
Susan Dean: Susan Dean was born in Edmonton AB. She ....lives on a farm near Caslan. The quiet serenity of the country is the ideal setting to foster her creative spirit. An early interest in art and music later developed into a passion for clay. An avid reader, Susan is primarily self-taught. Susan is drawn to types of firing that have an element of surprise and unpredictability. Gas firing, Raku and Fuming all have their own textures and qualities in the various glazes, clays and methods. The uniqueness of the finished work brings an excitement that makes the work seem more like play. "It seems to me that in our ever-increasing cosmopolitan society, there is a yearning to reconnect with the earth and the elements. I see in my customers an often unspoken understanding, but deep appreciation of the natural forces that have come together to create the work." Susan's high fired stoneware is lead free and safe for the freezer, dishwasher, microwave and oven.
Originals by Judy: Potter....
Noboru Kubo: Noboru Kubo is Japanese born and educate....d. He studied with his father and is a 1964 graduate of the Kyoto Industrial arts School. A fourth generation potter, he first came to North America in 1969. Noboru has taken part in many one man, group, invitational and juried shows, as well as teaching and conducting workshops. He is represented in private, corporate and government collections in Japan, the US, Great Britain and Canada.
Donna Rathke: Dr. Donna Rathke is a retired music teac....her to many Grande Prairie students who had a passion for throwing pots on a wheel. She has studied with Jim Etzkorn of Victoria and Meira Matheson of the Metchosin International School of Art in BC. Donna has had her work exhibited with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Traveling Exhibition Program. Donna now creates hand made pottery with rich browns, oranges and blacks.
Burnt River Clay: Barb Barrs, the potter behind Burnt Rive....r Clay, was born and raised in the Peace Country. She and her family live on a farm near Woking, Alberta, where she also has her Burnt River Clay pottery studio. Barb’s interest in clay began in childhood when she would play with clay found in her father’s fields. While her life led her in other directions, she finally pursued this interest in 2000 by taking a pottery class at a local arts center. She was hooked! Since that time Barb has studied under such artists as Jim Etzkorn, Meira Mathison, Katrina Chaytor and Steven Hill. She established her home studio, and in 2006 she left her career to be a full time potter. Her work was published in Ceramics Monthly in 2008. Barb’s work consists mostly of wheel-thrown, functional pottery, but also includes handbuilt pieces and raku. Barb’s inspiration comes mostly from her surrounding environment, especially nature. She finds pottery refreshing and relaxing and hopes that this is reflected in her work. She hopes that her pieces may offer a bit of that feeling to those who enjoy them.
Bibi Clement: Bibi resides in northern Alberta and can.... lay claim to having the largest Japanese pottery kiln in Western Canada - and possibly in the country. Potter Bibi Clement spends her days creating works of art at her studio in Hythe, Alberta. Over the last 27 years Clement has traveled the world giving pottery workshops. On a recent trip to Japan a master kiln maker volunteered to come to Canada and build her a kiln. Now potters from around the world are coming to work with Clement and fire in her kiln. "The attraction here is you open this big door, you can see the whole inside, you see each pot and you see it change, too," said Clement. About the size of a school bus, the kiln has arches, chimneys, air holes and doors. The 360 cubic foot chamber, capable of holding 1,000 pots, has only been fired up twice. "You haul the wood and then it needs to be cut. Ten and 12 cords of wood is a lot of cutting. And then there is the six-day firing, around the clock," said Clement.
Paula Fiorini: Born in Canada but educated mostly in En....gland, Paula has settled in the Peace and has become a successful potter. "My work is about Canadian landscape and animals. I was trained at C.W. Jefferies S.S. in Toronto. The school was unique because it offered an intense 5 year (grade 9-13) art program for students in high school. Although I paint, my first love is clay and hand building and I really enjoy Raku. The Raku process is exciting for me because it is so dynamic. Each piece comes alive in the firing.
Ross Handcrafts Inc.: Located in the town of Beamsville, ON — ....about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls — Ross Handcrafts Inc. has been producing quality stoneware for more than 20 years. The infamous blue/green/gold pattern brings class to any table. The pottery is made from a durable, lead-free glaze making it suitable for use in the microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher.
Newlands Imports: Harvest and sell 100% natural African Ro....oibos tea.
Metal Mania: Wrought iron, handmade wine racks.....
Mad About Glass: Hand Made Glass Dishes....
Kitras Art Glass: Hand blown Kitras balls are a particular....ly unique and beautiful gift idea. Stephen Kitras has transformed glass into an affordable yet stunning home décor addition. Each ball is handcrafted by Stephen Kitras, with no two ever being the same. Although he creates vases, bowls and dishes, his glass balls are the most sought after. The balls come in a variety of different styles. There are friendship balls, fairy orb balls, calico balls, birthday balls, tree of enchantment balls, and witch balls. Regardless of the style or the size, the balls each have different sets of colors and different strands of inner glass. This gives you a truly one of a kind masterpiece. Unique Gallery carries an assortment of the Kitras balls year round, and they range in price from $40.95 to $55.95.
Padraig Cottage: Made of pure sheep wool, sheep skin and ....leather, original Padraig slippers are sought after for their color, comfort and durability. They now come in all sizes, from newborns to extra large adult sizes. Anyone who has owned a pair of genuine Padraig slippers praises their quality and comfort. Padraig Cottage has been around nearly 30 years, and is still located in North Vancouver. The married owners, Helen and Jeremy, spin, weave, knit and dye each slipper by hand. Their business of slippers began as a hobby, but soon the slippers were being requested more and more. Now, their popularity has grown so much that it’s hard to keep Padraig slippers on the shelves
CJ Alpacas: The CJ Alpaca farm is located 55 km east.... of Grande Prairie in the beautiful Peace Country. They have been involved in the Alpaca business since 1996. Their herd has grown to 36 alpacas. "Raising alpacas is like nothing we have ever been involved in before. There is a lot to learn and always something exciting going on in the industry. We now have a fibre Co-op that provides us with beautiful products made right here in Canada from our Canadian Alpacas!" "We take pride in the alpacas we raise on our farm. Our breeding program is focused on producing quality colored alpacas that are sound and manageable."
Mel V Inc.: Styling your home is never easy. But the.... wisdom tiles that are made by Melissa Spencer of Mel V. Inc. make decorating easy and elegant. With hundreds of phrases, sayings, and infamous quotes, these porcelain wisdom tiles add sophistication and simplicity to walls. All the tiles come in a light beige hue with a dark text so that displaying them in multiples creates symmetry and continuance. The soft hue also works well with nearly every wall color, making them adaptable and palatable to most walls. The tiles are sold ready to hang and are relatively lightweight. These tiles are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, even kitchens. At $33 each, they are an inexpensive way to bring your room together.
Stekken Designs: Sheet Metal Decor....
Meikles Christo: Supplier of unique planters and flower p....ots.
Kranberry Lane: Candles are an easy decorative addition ....to any room. The appearance of a lit candle eases tension and a soft scent tends to be the cherry on top. But so many people buy lovely smelling candles for decoration only – and never get to enjoy them for what they are meant for: burning. The fear of melting the candle that looks so pretty keeps the candle collecting dust. But we have the solution to that: Everlasting Candles. Our collection of Everlasting Candles is the answer to candle queries. These candles are filled with an oil reservoir, and use a fibreglass wick that will not burn “down” like traditional cotton wicks. In this fashion, the candle burns only the oil while the wax of the candle remains untouched by the flame. Everlasting candles keep their shape for years, while remaining fully functional. Additionally, all the candles are wrapped in a display of miloberries and eucalyptus to add elegance to any room they are placed in. There are many added benefits to the Everlasting candles. Each candle is sold with a 90ml bottle of oil. As long as you have the designated oil on hand, there is no limit burn time. Everlasting candles will always burn as long as they have the appropriate oil in them. The oil makes the flames taller and brighter, making a few candles do the duties of many traditional candles. Because there is no melting wax, this candle will not damage your furniture or tables. Most importantly, Everlasting candles are safe. The oil is not flammable, and if a candle is knocked over, the oil puts itself out. There has never been a more beautiful or functional candle. The Everlasting Candles come in a variety of scents, colors, shapes and sizes. They range in price from $25.95 to $32.95. You can find a great variety of the Everlasting Candles at Unique Gallery.
Village Artisan: Supplier of handmade paper products incl....uding journals, notepads, photo albums, guest books and more. Village Artisan was created out of the realization of what we as Westerners could contribute to the already gifted, but struggling communities of India. Through developing new innovative designs, raising the standard of quality, linking local artisans with the global marketplace, and advocating for sustainable development, we could bring a whole new paradigm to multinational business: a company with a conscience. Artisans from several villages now have the finances for education and better health for their families. Women are also empowered through dignified work and participation in decisions. Since the conception of Village Artisan, the result has been the transformation of not only individual lives, but whole communities. Fair trade is better than aid. It builds a sustainable future on producers own abilities, with the main objective being to improve the producers quality of life. We accomplish this by training local artisans in creating a viable product and then linking up with Alternative Trade retailers or distributors. By bringing the market to the village, the producer and the community benefit directly.
Blain Askew: Born in Lethbridge, AB and raised on a f....arm, Blain has been carving since the age of six. All his carvings are done entirely by hand using only traditional tools and methods. He is most focused on a method called Treenware - an old English term meaning "ware from trees". Each piece of Treenware is unique, with a character all its own. The colour, shape and size of the piece depend on the qualities of the wood. If the wood curves, the spoon curves; if the grain of the wood changes direction, so does the shape of the piece. The wood itself decides what kind of piece will result.
Missy Finlay: Local Artist....
Amber Sherwin: Amber Sherwin, the creater and owner of ....Karma Jewellery, is a bubbly and positive spirit that exudes creativity. Originally from Ontario, Amber has traveled all over the world. Her travels, which include Egypt and Australia, have fortunately brought her to Grande Prairie. “I believe strongly in living life to the fullest and I have a passion for traveling. I am very inspired by the places I’ve seen and the people I’ve met and I try to convey this through my handmade jewellery”. Amber’s passion for jewellery is not new, just refined. “I've always had an interest in creating different pieces of art and love working with my hands. I've actually been making jewellery since I was a teenager and just kept coming back to it”. An avid believer in karma, the name fit and a beautiful jewellery line was born. Amber began working mostly with silver but is branching off and trying more variations with gold. Her recent work for 2009 includes more romantic materials like rose quartz and cracked glass. She is quickly becoming known for her amazing necklaces made of hand blown glass, and ribbon. Her goal is simple, to provide gorgeous one of a kind designs that compliment the modern woman. Her pieces are whimsical, romantic, feminine and best of all affordable! Her home studio is filled with different jewellery projects and she admits she is always looking for new sources of inspiration - which can come from every direction. “I take a lot of inspiration from family and friends and am working on a lot of nature inspired pieces right now. In particular, I'm working with wood, fresh water pearls, and shells”. Supporting the local Canadian market while making her one of a kind pieces is also important to Amber. “I try to buy all of my products as Canadian as possible and I like to stay consistent with supporting Canadian communities”. Amber now makes a wide variety of necklaces, earrings, and matching sets. The prices range from $17.95 to $38.95.
Carrie Klukas: Grande Prairie artist Carrie Klukas has ....experience in a wide range of media including painting, bronze casting, printmaking, clay sculpture, pottery, and metalwork. Prior to attending the Alberta College of Art and Design, majoring in painting, she was a Commercial Interior Designer in Calgary for 12 years. Although she found the Interior Design field can have its creative challenges, she was always yearning for that complete creative freedom that so seldom, if ever, presents itself. She found that freedom in the world of visual art and has been a practicing artist and teacher since then. During this journey, Carrie started at the Prairie Gallery as technician, then Assistant Curator and finally the Interim Director. She has also worked at the Creative Arts Centre in Grande Prairie, focusing on program design and instruction and eventually becoming the Director. For the past four years she has concentrated on doing her art full time, embracing her creative side. Her work is included in many public and private collections throughout Alberta.
Jim Brager: Jim Brager grew up in a country setting,.... ten miles east of Camrose, Alberta. His interest in art as a child led him years later to the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. After graduating, he was hired by a Saskatoon printing firm where he worked as a commercial artist. Jim also spent a few years with the Saskatoon Star Phoenix designing ads, drawing cartoons and court room sketches. He is a member of the Alberta Society of Artists. He has also been recognized by the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolors (CSPWC) and has had his work displayed in their annual show in Toronto for the past two years.
Shauna Hoffos: From a very early age, Shauna loved pain....ting and was enthralled with the creative process. She started with oils; painting landscapes and animals, but soon became drawn to acrylics and the world of abstract painting. With each blank canvas, she has a clean slate where a new challenge and a new adventure begins. Shauna enjoys the freedom to use different materials and try new techniques, thus making her work predominantly experimental with no overarching theme, "Some pieces I will use only a palette knife, others brushes, while some employ both and still others are collage". It is often a very intuitive process with no distinctive references. Shauna's ideas come from within or subconsciously from things around her. "I feel as though I am still just at the beginning of my artistic journey. For me, it is an evolving process driven solely by an innate desire to create; nothing more and nothing less".
Dan Wourms: Born in Sherwood Park, AB, Dan took an i....nterest in art at a very early age. He began sketching when he was 8 years old. After moving to Grande Prairie when he was 10, he took more art classes and kept in close contact with his art and photo teachers. He began painting in his spare time and established his creativity. He was awarded a Fine Art scholarship upon graduation. Dan spent 3 years studying and practicing Fine Art at the GPRC. Focused primarily on abstracts, Dan spent 2 years mastering the art of oils with textures, bold colors and big canvases. His talent lies in bringing life to abstract ideas and paintings. He uses bright colors and believes that the frame of a painting is just as important as the painting itself. As a young man, Dan has been painting for 8 years, and has only scratched the surface of his talents. He is well known for his "Big Brown" painting which originally caught popularity in the 2007 Dream Home.
Phil Alain: Local Artist....
Suzanne Sandboe: Suzanne was raised on a grain farm in th....e farming community of Buffalo Lake in the Peace River County of AB. Suzanne now lives in the countryside near Buffalo Lake on an acreage with her husband and two sons. Suzanne spends much of her time painting and taking part in local art events. She is a "self taught artist" and has developed her skills through research, experimentation and practise of the many art forms. Those forms include watercolor painting, pottery, oil painting, airbrush painting and drawing. Her main focus over the past 10 years lie in watercolor painting. Her inspiration is derived from the scenic Peace River country where she resides, many trips taken during the summer and winter months to the Rocky Maountains South of Grande Prairie, West of Beaverlodge and in the provincial parks of Alberta and British Columbia.
Randy Fehr: Local Artist....
Donna Anderson: Local Artist....
Gloria Hesse: Local Artist....
Dan Arberry: Local Artist....
Emily Lozeron: Local Artist....
Ed Ashton: Ed Ashton is an Alberta artist living in.... Grande Prairie, and a member of the Artists North Society. Ed's interest in Alberta's Grain Elevators began several years ago, and he began to amass a collection of personal photographs, newspaper clippings, Internet photographs, snap shots from friends, and pictures from the library archives. Ed has been painting watercolor paintings of the Alberta elevators for the past eight years, and with his broad collection of pictures, is able to paint original watercolor paintings of most any elevator site that was or is in the province of Alberta.
Cortney Warr: Local Artist....
Cathy Stafford: Local Artist....
Carol Adrian Clarke: Carol's artwork takes inspiration from t....he beauty that God provides in nature. Whether it is the details of a flower, or the expansive view from a hilltop. All are of interest to her as she create realistic works of art in either oils or with coloured pencil. Some of the people who have influenced her art include her father Bill Adrian, whose watercolours she admires for their strong use of colour and flowing creativity. From the time she could hold a crayon he encouraged her in artistic endeavors. Artist Ernest Lindner as well has had a lasting influence on herwork, in that his art inspired an appreciation toward a realistic approach to art. It was through Lindner’s work in pencil that came to be interested in adapting this medium to her own work. Art and the making of art have always been apart of her life, and always have provided a wonderful way to express herself creatively.
Dianne Nelson: NWT Artist who paints on silk.....
Maria Pace-Wynters: Edmonton Artist....
Laureena Braatz: Local Artist....
Barb Greentree: Local Artist....
Cindy Kilani: Cindy Kilani lives east of Grande Prairi....e in a country home set amongst a vast expanse of natural beauty wherein she finds inspiration for all her artwork. She has created an accumulation of watercolors that have been featured in exhibits and are now in private collections across Alberta. Cindy has also assembled several series of landscape photography, and pastels of wildlife and landscapes.
Marjorie Henn: “I’m not happy when I’m not making art,”.... explains Marjorie Henn. “I need to do it, no matter what else is happening. It’s an emotional, spiritual kind of thing,” says the full-time artist who lives in Beaverlodge. The power of place dominates her work. “The Peace Country is so deep in me,” she states, referring to the landscape, the shapes and structures of hills and cliffs. “This is something I can see into.” As a very young child, Henn made art. Her mother studied art by correspondence, then taught Marjorie the lessons. Her father, who encouraged as he critiqued, made her really look at things and challenged her to “show me!” “I have to know about a subject,” Henn explains when describing her habit of intensely studying her subject matter. Henn’s diploma in commercial art from the Alberta College of Art in Calgary led to a 25-year career as a commercial artist, creating architectural illustrations from plans for houses and public buildings. Attention to detail is expressed in Henn’s work today. “Where does the eye go?” asks Henn, who is interested in realism and design, detail, drawing and composition in her preferred medium, watercolour. Experiencing nature in solitude is her preference; she produces her best work while alone. “Getting into my studio and making art is like soft water flowing over me,” says Henn.
Patricia Peters: Local Artist....
Lynn LeCorre: Lynn works in a variety of media and sub....ject matter, with drawing and painting being her primary focus. "I seek inspiration from the landscape, the figure and organic forms." She has been involved with the Prairie Figure Drawing club for seven years and enjoys the challenge and beauty of drawing the human form. "When painting ‘en plein air’, a small format allows me to quickly capture the fleeting light and striking colours of the land. It is the immediacy of painting the land or drawing the figure in the moment that inspires me and challenges me."
Karen Friedli: Local Artist....
Linda Yackel: Local Photographer and Card Maker....
Gail Penner: Photographer....
Keith Winsor: Local Photographer....
Terri-Anne McMillan: Local Photographer....
Cameron Smethurst: Photographer....
Angie Patterson: Local Photographer....
Klaus Peters: Original Photographer.....
Debbie Golden: Local Photographer....
Michel Harvey: Potter....
Earth & Fire Pottery: Earth N Fire Pottery is classy, lightwei....ght and colourful. Melody Robinson, the potter behind Earth N Fire Pottery, is self taught and has been throwing pots since 1995. It started as hobby, but in 2002 Melody left her professional job and began her adventure in clay. Melody’s stoneware pottery is handcrafted in Caroline, AB and fully functional. Each piece is safe for dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer use. All glazes are blended in house, are lead free and food safe. She has several collections including Black, Blue and Green. Every piece is unique.
Cheryl Brown: Cheryl was born and raised in Beaverlodg....e. She has enjoyed the cultural creativeness and nuturing environment of the area that has supported a great variety of art and craft endeavours. Cheryl has experienced and worked with a variety of mediums, but has found pottery to be the most satisfying and versatile means of artistic expression. Her hand made pottery is heavier in weight and mimics historic times while bringing a splash of modern to the table.
Mystic Fire Raku: Raku Potter....
Susan Dean: Susan Dean was born in Edmonton AB. She ....lives on a farm near Caslan. The quiet serenity of the country is the ideal setting to foster her creative spirit. An early interest in art and music later developed into a passion for clay. An avid reader, Susan is primarily self-taught. Susan is drawn to types of firing that have an element of surprise and unpredictability. Gas firing, Raku and Fuming all have their own textures and qualities in the various glazes, clays and methods. The uniqueness of the finished work brings an excitement that makes the work seem more like play. "It seems to me that in our ever-increasing cosmopolitan society, there is a yearning to reconnect with the earth and the elements. I see in my customers an often unspoken understanding, but deep appreciation of the natural forces that have come together to create the work." Susan's high fired stoneware is lead free and safe for the freezer, dishwasher, microwave and oven.
Originals by Judy: Potter....
Noboru Kubo: Noboru Kubo is Japanese born and educate....d. He studied with his father and is a 1964 graduate of the Kyoto Industrial arts School. A fourth generation potter, he first came to North America in 1969. Noboru has taken part in many one man, group, invitational and juried shows, as well as teaching and conducting workshops. He is represented in private, corporate and government collections in Japan, the US, Great Britain and Canada.
Donna Rathke: Dr. Donna Rathke is a retired music teac....her to many Grande Prairie students who had a passion for throwing pots on a wheel. She has studied with Jim Etzkorn of Victoria and Meira Matheson of the Metchosin International School of Art in BC. Donna has had her work exhibited with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Traveling Exhibition Program. Donna now creates hand made pottery with rich browns, oranges and blacks.
Burnt River Clay: Barb Barrs, the potter behind Burnt Rive....r Clay, was born and raised in the Peace Country. She and her family live on a farm near Woking, Alberta, where she also has her Burnt River Clay pottery studio. Barb’s interest in clay began in childhood when she would play with clay found in her father’s fields. While her life led her in other directions, she finally pursued this interest in 2000 by taking a pottery class at a local arts center. She was hooked! Since that time Barb has studied under such artists as Jim Etzkorn, Meira Mathison, Katrina Chaytor and Steven Hill. She established her home studio, and in 2006 she left her career to be a full time potter. Her work was published in Ceramics Monthly in 2008. Barb’s work consists mostly of wheel-thrown, functional pottery, but also includes handbuilt pieces and raku. Barb’s inspiration comes mostly from her surrounding environment, especially nature. She finds pottery refreshing and relaxing and hopes that this is reflected in her work. She hopes that her pieces may offer a bit of that feeling to those who enjoy them.
Bibi Clement: Bibi resides in northern Alberta and can.... lay claim to having the largest Japanese pottery kiln in Western Canada - and possibly in the country. Potter Bibi Clement spends her days creating works of art at her studio in Hythe, Alberta. Over the last 27 years Clement has traveled the world giving pottery workshops. On a recent trip to Japan a master kiln maker volunteered to come to Canada and build her a kiln. Now potters from around the world are coming to work with Clement and fire in her kiln. "The attraction here is you open this big door, you can see the whole inside, you see each pot and you see it change, too," said Clement. About the size of a school bus, the kiln has arches, chimneys, air holes and doors. The 360 cubic foot chamber, capable of holding 1,000 pots, has only been fired up twice. "You haul the wood and then it needs to be cut. Ten and 12 cords of wood is a lot of cutting. And then there is the six-day firing, around the clock," said Clement.
Paula Fiorini: Born in Canada but educated mostly in En....gland, Paula has settled in the Peace and has become a successful potter. "My work is about Canadian landscape and animals. I was trained at C.W. Jefferies S.S. in Toronto. The school was unique because it offered an intense 5 year (grade 9-13) art program for students in high school. Although I paint, my first love is clay and hand building and I really enjoy Raku. The Raku process is exciting for me because it is so dynamic. Each piece comes alive in the firing.
Ross Handcrafts Inc.: Located in the town of Beamsville, ON — ....about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls — Ross Handcrafts Inc. has been producing quality stoneware for more than 20 years. The infamous blue/green/gold pattern brings class to any table. The pottery is made from a durable, lead-free glaze making it suitable for use in the microwave, freezer, oven and dishwasher.
Newlands Imports: Harvest and sell 100% natural African Ro....oibos tea.
Metal Mania: Wrought iron, handmade wine racks.....
