The following events were held in September of 2008. These are examples of the types of events held at each Art Hop.

Second Street Art Market & Wine Bar
May 21 through June 12
Bloom! Floral paintings by Suzanne Jenne
Negative shape painting over many layers of under-painting is what gives Suzanne Jenne’s florals their loose and luminous quality. Suzanne states, “I love the Chiaroscuran (Italian for light-dark) style of painting. It’s all about the contrast between light and dark and was popularized during the Renaissance. While my work is more modern, I am attracted to the drama in paintings of this era because they remind me of the unique qualities of light here in Colorado. Because of our elevation and the lack of humidity, there is great variation in our light—you can see very defined shadow and highlights as you drive through the Palmer Divide area, for example. I like to bring this quality to my florals, I believe it exalts the nature of flowers and makes them more extraordinary.”
Public Opening: Thursday, June 18, 5 - 8 pm;
show runs through July 10

Bella Art & Frame
Ceramic sculpture and potter Thad Handrick has been producing his artwork in the Tri-Lakes area since 1997. “My visual and three-dimensional esthetics are drawn from Asian culture. My new work is an attempt to put a fantasy spin on the Japanese tea ceremony but still staying true to my own style.” Handrick’s “Art Tea Pot” collection will be the feature.

Nationwide Flooring and Design Center /Schmallen Home Organization and
Window Coverings
Come see our local photographer, Laura Gangi-Pond and some of her collection of her works. You will also enjoy our state-of-the-art design center. Come see the latest trends.

2-Watts Creative Center
We have invited a surprise guest who is a famous potter! Come in and see who she is and enjoy her wonderful pottery!

Bella Casa
Born in America’s heartland and a student of medicine, Debbie Bolton expresses the human form and landscapes through pastels and charcoal. Wine and refreshments will be served.

Margo’s on the Alley
Gary Gore as an early artist focused on western subjects having grown up in west Texas. His love for the mountains was always close at hand when painting and he began a transition to landscapes. He moved to Colorado Springs in 1980 where the mountains were now right outside the studio. A great number of his paintings are plein air. The work shows more vibrant and pure color and minimal brushwork.

Santa Fe Trail Jewelry
Come see this charming nook filled with one of a kind works of the jeweler’s art. Stop by for refreshments and take a moment to look at what waits there to brighten your life.

Covered Treasures Bookstore
Two local authors will be signing their books. David A. Wismer will be signing Shamrock Ranch, Celebrating Life in Colorado Pikes Peak Country. The Sixth Extinction by Karl Roscoe is about a fictional meteor strike in our local area; Karl will also be signing his book.

Paradise Ponds and Landscaping
Stop by and see our outdoor living and water feature displays. PP&L is a design build landscape company as well as your neighborhood pond supply store. Come stroll our gardens. relax and enjoy!

Holiday Fantasies
Looking for unique gifts and collectibles? From Christmas to Halloween and everything in between—explore our shop and indulge in your imagination. Sales on retired Dept 56 villages and accessories, florals, wedding accessories and more . . . refreshments will be served.

Wisdom Tea House
We are displaying the oil and acrylic painting and mixed media works of Cynthia Pimental and Lois Rabey through July 26. Cynthia’s exhibit of oil and acrylic paintings, “Inspired by Nature,” atmospherically depict the sky, clouds, and moon in a serene color palette. Lois and Cynthia collaborated on their exhibit, “Journeys into the Past.” These colorful collages of vintage photographs, ephemera, and found objects beautifully compliment the “grandma’s house” feel of our upstairs.

La Casa Fiesta
Your “After Hop Stop,” stop by after Art Hop, relax on the patio-enjoy some New Mexico-style Mexican food, sip on a mojito, and enjoy the live music from 7:00-10:00pm.

The Love Shop
Meet our Vera Bradley rep and get a sneak peek of the new Signature Collection as well as next season’s exciting new patterns and styles. Also check out the new Frill, Stationery, Microfiber and Nylon Collections. Register from 6:00 to 7:30pk for prizes that will be given away every fifteen minutes (must be present to win). Refreshments will be served on the patio.

Prickly Pear
Helen Boyle hand paints murals, wood pieces, ceramic pots and other pieces with branches, florals, trees and vines. Come visit with Helen and get some fresh ideas for summer decorating.

The Bead Corner / Heart and Hand Marketplace
Curt Dunaway, chain maille artist, will demonstrate different weaves and display his work. Refreshments provided.

Purple Mountain Jewelry
GRAND OPENING! There will be a drawing (at 7:55, must be present) for a piece of fine jewelry (valued at $150.00) Free jewelry cleaning. Refreshments served. Jennifer of Conqueress Gems will showcase her gems.

Winter | Helmich Gallery
Wayne Nickle will be the featured artist. Wayne is concerned with color and light, using a combination of sometimes unorthodox materials to reach his objectives. “I’m always seeking ways of manipulating the elements into a surprising artistic statement.” Wayne paints abstracts and representationals in oil, acrylic, watercolor and a variety of other mediums.