The May birthstone is the Emerald…and what a perfect stone for springtime!

“The green of the emerald is the colour of life and of the springtime, which comes round again and again. But it has also, for centuries, been the colour of beauty and of constant love. In ancient Rome, green was the colour of Venus, the goddess of beauty and love. And today, this colour still occupies a special position in many cultures and religions. The magnificent green of the emerald is a colour which conveys harmony, love of Nature and elemental joie de vivre. ” – Excerpt from www.gemstone.org

In sticking with this “green” theme I wanted to highlight a few of our new artists that are working with recycled, re-purposed, and alternative materials.

One of our new artists that I’m extremely excited about has been receiving a TON of local press lately and it’s easy to see why. Jennifer Merchant’s jewelry is made from acrylic, synthetic gemstones, and found imagery. I first saw her work on a Kare 11 video before the American Craft Council Show in April, and when I saw the work in person I immediately purchased a ring for myself. Her rings, bangles and earrings are colorful, lightweight and perfect for summer!

“Bold, unique, fashion-forward; Jennifer Merchant specializes in alternative material jewelry pieces that blur the line between art and fashion.” -Jennifer Merchant Design website

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those produce bags and other miscellaneous plastic shopping bags? Minneapolis fiber artist Anne Masemore has found a beautiful and functional solution…turn them into purses and tote bags! Her colorful bags arrived last week and a few of them have already flown out the door. Perfect sizes for laptops, beach bags, or just for an afternoon of strolling down Grand Ave.

Brooklyn, NY fiber artist Caitlin Wicker, owner of Sweatertoys! makes adorable stuffed animals at a great price. After stumbling upon her work gallery staffer Linda was determined to get them into the gallery as soon as possible. I think it was the tiny stuffed squirrels that stole her heart…

“I began designing and sewing stuffed animals six years ago after the death of my sister’s very favorite stuffed bunny, Pinksey (RIP). I try to use mostly recycled materials in my designs – from that oh-so-soft cashmere sweater I accidentally shrunk to Grandma’s moth-eaten cardigan – because I like the idea of giving new life to something that was once loved so that it can be loved again! My inspiration comes from vintage stuffed animals, whose imperfections give them character.” – Caitlin Wicker

Christine Simpson Forni - Carnelian Necklace

It’s the start of a busy weekend here at the Grand Hand. Owner Ann Pifer has had a busy spring checking out the Baltimore and Philadelphia Craft Shows, and now the new work has begun to arrive! Stop in to see new jewelry from Chicago, IL artist Christine Simpson Forni. Her work is sparkly, fun, and a great addition to your Spring wardrobe. Her necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are dripping with gems such as Pearls, Pyrite, Labradorite, Carnelian, Topaz and Garnets! As soon as the work was put in the display case yesterday evening it started flying out the door, so hurry in and find yourself a treat!

Reintsema - Cashmere Vest

Another wonderful Craft Show find was “Reintsema” clothing… their elegant designs are great as layering pieces and perfect for the upcoming season. The Grand Hand just received a wonderful selection of jackets, vests, pants and silk tops. “As a partnership we collaborate on the selection of the fabrics to the finishing details. Our wearables begin with the careful selection of beautiful natural fibers including cashmere, silk, wool & linen. We hand dye, manipulate, &/or piece fabrics together to make unique textures & shapes through surface design. We then create our own designs of vests, jackets, dresses, & scarves. Because each piece is individually made by us no two are ever the same.” -Lynn Joris Reintsema and K Meta Reintsema

Other exciting arrivals this week: Devin Johnson metal accessories, and Marge Margulies pottery. Devin will be at the gallery today and tomorrow (April 13-14th) for a Trunk Show.

For the modern April birthstone, diamonds are more than just sparkle. Did you know many of our artists are working with not just the traditional white stones, but black, blue, yellow, red, gray, green, and even raw diamonds! These non-traditional diamond choices are becoming ever more popular due to their amazing spectrum of colors that give each piece a unique personality.

Do you have an Anniversary coming up? Diamonds are traditionally the gift associated with a couple’s 60th anniversary, and according to the modern gift guides diamonds are now the official gift for 10th anniversaries as well. Get your sweetheart something glitzy!

“Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.”  ~S.D. Gordon

This upcoming weekend is full of family traditions, easter egg hunts, baby chicks and tiny chocolate bunnies. We at the Grand Hand have put together our own hand-crafted Easter basket in honor of this Spring season. Enjoy! Basket: Martha Monson Lowe, Rabbit greeting card: Artists to Watch, Felted Chick: KJE Felties, Recycled Felt Rabbit Puppet: Cate & Levi, Ceramic Cup: Marge Margulies.

With Saint Patrick’s Day one week away it’s time to “think green” (and not in the save the earth kind of way). Festive Shamrock pendants, scarves and other green goodies such as earrings, ornaments and glass coins are available now!

Jewelry by Heinz Brummel, Brian Western and Devin Johnson

Paper Shamrock

March Birthstone is Aquamarine

Our newest inventory includes many wonderful items for those March birthdays out there! Wonderful watery blues are everywhere; Aquamarine Jewelry, hand-dyed vintage linens from the James J. Hill estate, glass vases (perfect for a birthday bouquet), new Randall Darwall scarves and more. Have you filled out your birthday wishlist yet? Hurry in and ask our gallery staff about it!

Britta Kauppila and Karin Jacobson Aquamarine Necklaces

“Aquamarine stones are almost entirely free of inclusions.  Iron is the substance which gives aquamarine its colour, a colour which ranges from an almost indiscernible pale blue to a strong sea-blue.Its name is derived from the Latin ‘aqua’ (water) and ‘mare’ (sea). It is said that its strengths are developed to their best advantage when it is placed in water which is bathed in sunlight. However, it is surely better still to wear aquamarine, since according to the old traditions this promises a happy marriage and is said to bring the woman who wears it joy and wealth into the bargain. An ideal gem, not only for loving and married couples.” – from the International Colored Gemstone Association, www.gemstone.org

Stephen Vincent Design, Collection 522 - Aquamarine and Pearl Necklace

For all those February birthdays out there…

A large number of mystical powers are attributed to the Amethyst in all sorts of cultures. It was said to protect crops against tempests and locusts, bring good fortune in war and in the hunt, drive out evil spirits and inspire the intellect. Amethysts have also been called the “Friendship” stone. Amethysts have long been admired for its rich color and amazing sparkle…and no wonder! This month our artists have brought in some amazing pieces of glass, jewelry, and fiber that are sure to tempt you.

Did you know…

1. According to the ancient Greek saga, Diana turned a nymph whom Bacchus loved into an amethyst; hence the term Bacchus stone. Anyone wishing to protect a drunkard from delirium mixed some pulverised amethyst into the person’s drink.
2. It has been believed that this stone will protect one from being seduced!
3. Sudden changes in temperature and intense sunlight can actually fade your Amethyst…so take care of your gems this summer.

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Our intern, Nel Pilgrim Rukavina, has made some picks from collections by our local jewelry artists – enjoy!

While in the depths of winter, jewelry may be just the thing to get our minds off the cold weather. The work of jewelers Heinz Brummel and Devin Johnson offers a departure from the gray shades of winter with their exuberant and innovative designs.

Assorted work by Heinz Brummel

Assorted work by Devin Johnson

For those who choose to embrace this season rather than hope for the next, jewelry from Emily Johnson may be a subtle reminder of our Minnesota pride (is there any pride left when it is 30 below zero…?)

Pin and necklace by Emily Johnson

Whether you chose to embrace winter or are just waiting for it to end, stop by The Grand Hand Gallery to see the wide array of jewelry offered this month!

We launch our 2012 exhibition schedule Saturday, February 4 with Peter Kramer – Postcards to Save the Post Office and Kathy Wismar – paintings and ceramics. The show runs through Sunday, March 4.

In the meantime, we’ve been in touch with many of our regular artists and are expecting new work from gallery favorites throughout the season. Look for new furniture designs from Dan Dunbar, fresh pottery from Sandra Shaughnessy and Mike Tonder‘s glass bowls very soon!

The Grand Hand conducts regular reviews of work submitted by prospective gallery artists from across the country. As we begin the new year, we welcome two artists whose distinctive media caught our eye in the course of the last review:

Andrea Martin, Prefab Housing

Trained as a biologist, Andrea Martin explores themes of adaptation, evolution and the interaction between humans, animals and the environment in her cut paper art. Cutting away paper to release an image in a process similar to her work with dissection, the artist crafts each image entirely from one piece of black paper. Colored Japanese papers are sometimes added to highlight design elements before the work is mounted on archival museum board.

In 2011, the St. Paul artist, who is a member of the Guild of American Papercutters, earned both a Merit Award and a Friends of the Fair Award for her work at the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition.

Andrea Martin, The Harvest

Patti Roberts-Pizzuto, Spring #12

Patti Roberts-Pizzuto applies painting, drawing, collage and embroidery techniques to handmade paper, creating meditations on what she describes as her “observations of the passing of days, the drama of the unseen, the meaning of stillness, and the witness of the objects around us.” She achieves amazing detail and texture in her works.

The artist earned a BFA at Florida’s Ringling College of art and Design, and stayed on at the school for 25 years as a library cataloger and curator. Currently living and working on the banks of the Missouri River, she finds inspiration in the history and the spirit of the land near her home in Burbank, SD.

Patti Roberts-Pizzuto, Scroll for Letter B

Autumn meals and holiday menus are on our minds. In our opinion, baking and serving in handmade pottery enhances any dish.

Grand Hand ceramic artist Lisa Buck – who crafts especially “cook-friendly” casseroles, bakers and servers – has graciously shared a few of her family’s favorite recipes. Enjoy!

Artichoke Dip with Ahoohaa

This artichoke dip has evolved over the years at our house and has a nice kick from the addition of chipotle peppers.  It is always made in an earthenware baking dish.  Adjust quantities to fit the size of the pot and crowd.

2 cans of artichoke hearts, halved or quarters, drain
1 cup grated good parmesan (or more!)
3-4 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp- tbsp chipotle pepper with sauce (from a can of chipotle, like La Morena brand…the peppers are in a smoky, thick delicious sauce- cut off a little pepper and scoop a bit of sauce with it.  You can transfer the rest to a small lidded jar and it will last in the fridge for almost ever.)
1 baguette, sliced diagonally, brushed lightly with olive oil and toasted to a bit golden in the oven….do this when the dip is almost ready.

Using a food processor, begin by adding artichokes, then mayo, Parmesan and chipotle to taste.  Blend until nicely mixed, a little chunky or smooth if you like.  If a little dry add more mayo, if very wet add more Parmesan. Spread into baking dish not more than 2 ” thick.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes until golden on the top.
Enjoy on toasted baguette.

Radiant Eggplant Terrine

We call this our “Wedding Dish”, because we served it at our wedding.  It can be chilled, sliced and served on a handmade platter or assembled in a long oval baking dish where it moves from oven to table beautifully.

1 or 2 eggplant (about 1 pound size)
Salt
Vegetable oil for frying
1-2 cups Tomato Vegetable Sauce (recipe below-worth it!)
2 red pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded and cut into 1″ squares
4 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and cubed
8 oz. fontina cheese, cut into small cubes
3 or more TBSP fresh grated parmesan
2 TBSP butter
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
* you can always adjust quantities depending on the size of the handmade baking dish you are using

Cut off top and bottom ends of the eggplant.  Do not peel.  Slice lengthwise into very thin slices. Freely salt each eggplant slice and lay in a colander to drain for 1 hour.  Rinse off salt and pat each slice dry and set aside.  In a heavy skillet, fry the eggplant and place on paper towel after to drain off oil.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl combine the tomato vegetable sauce, red peppers, eggs, fontina cheese and seasonings to taste. Set aside.

Butter the inside of the earthenware baking dish and then line it with the eggplant slices placed snuggly side by side so that they move in a radiant pattern around the pot.   At this point, about 1/3 or more of the eggplant will hang outside the pot.  With a large spoon transfer the vegetable mixture on top of the eggplant.  Gently fold over the eggplant that is hanging outside the pot to hold in the mixture. Then add any remaining slices as needed to create an enclosure.
Sprinkle Parmesan generously over the top

Bake for approximately 30 minutes until rather golden and any liquid that oozes out is bubbling.  Allow to cool for 15 minutes, and serve with warm crusty bread, a nice dry red wine and a simple green salad. 6 servings

Tomato Vegetable Sauce

2 pounds tomatoes
1 large clove garlic, minced
2/3 cup onions, chopped
2/3 cup carrots, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh, Italion parsley
2 Tbsp fresh oregano
2 Tbsp fresh basil
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
fresh ground pepper
(you can also add red peppers to the sauce, we always do)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, starting with olive oil, onions and garlic, then carrots and tomatoes, followed by spices, etc.  Cook uncovered over low heat for 30 minutes stirring frequently until delicious and thick.

Lisa also recommends Paula Wolfert’s Mediterranean Clay Pot Cooking: Traditional and Modern Recipes to Savor and Share

Afton, MN potter Lisa Buck’s red earthenware pots show the influence of her explorations in clay at home and abroad. She uses a combination of wheel-thrown and hand-built techniques to produce works that often feature generous forms, fanciful feet and fluid handles. An interplay of glazed and unglazed areas is characteristic of her pieces, which are fired in an electric kiln.  Lisa’s pots are oven, dishwasher and microwave safe.

Click HERE for more on Lisa’s work.

New Arrivals in the gallery include…

Pottery by Simon Levin, Bill Gossman, Ed & Kate Coleman, and Marge Margulies, Lucy Grantz whistles, and Andy Shaw. Glass pumpkins by Nolan Prohaska. Jewelry by Fullerton-Bahr, Britta Kauppila and J.Lynn Brofman.

Handcrafted Holiday Sneak-Peek!

As the holiday season quickly approaches and the weather gets colder, our wonderful artists are beginning to send us their amazing Handcrafted Holiday items! A selection of holiday cards and winter wearables are already available. Ornaments and other holiday items will be available at the beginning of November. Our full “Handcrafted Holidays” show will be up and running on November 18th in time for the Holiday Open House! Buy holiday cards online here!

Joel Nichols

New furniture has arrived from Stillwater artist Joel Nichols! He creates fine hand-crafted furniture from a variety of woods, referencing traditional styles in his own designs. The new pieces include two benches, one hall table, and a wall mirror made from cherry barn wood. These are the perfect accent pieces to get your home “holiday ready”.

Reiko Ishiyama

New York City based jewelry designer and metalsmith Reiko Ishiyama is now showing work at the Grand Hand! Her elegant brooches, earrings and necklaces are made of sterling silver and 14k white gold. Reiko says of her work “Each idea for my pieces begins with the pure forms of a circle or a square reshaped and combined to form spirals, cylindrical curls and other three dimensional shapes. Through techniques of hammering and heating, oxidation and heating patina these simple forms are transformed into small works of sculpture designed to be worn.”

Time to dig through your kitchen cupboards…our 2nd Annual Ceramics Makeover is coming! October 7-16th bring in any mass-produced mug, bowl, etc…and get 25% off a comparable hand crafted item. All trade-ins will be donated to a local charity. The Grand Hand Gallery has a whole slew of events coming up during American Craft Week including gallery talks and book signings. See event page for details.