carmen's gallery newsletter - "Art Matters"

This was an infrequent but highly prized publication that we liked to use to surprise those on our mailing list. Rather than mailing our newsletter now, we're putting it online.  We would like to use this space to give you a smattering of news about this and that around our gallery and a few personal notes so you might get to know us better.

Artist News from carmen's gallery...

Marius:  Marius is painting fast and furiously for a museum show in Paris in March.  We still have many of his beautiful oil paintings for sale at the gallery.  It is the work of a master of Cubism and if you haven't seen his paintings, do yourself a favor and come in!

"Provence Landscape" - Marius oil on canvas	"Champs d'Elysee" - Marius oil on canvas

Carmen steps out:  Carmen has placed a few of her paintings in the gallery for display and sale.  She has sold about 8 paintings without putting them in the main gallery....just by people wandering into her studio and asking about the art.  So....here goes!  Here are a few examples of her style(s) below.  (And can you believe she's brave enough to show hers right under Marius'?)

"Magical Night" - faux encaustic	"Villa Laundry, Donnafugata" - acrylic	"Tribal" - faux encaustic

Candace Corona Pentz, framer and gallery assistant:  Candace is our framer at carmen's.  You'll also see Candace  in the gallery on weekends as she serves as gallery assistant as well.   August marked Candace's second anniversary here.

Sylvia Koskey  is the fashionable and charming part time staff member at carmen's gallery.  Sylvia helps us out during gallery shows and special events.  She and Carmen are painting buddies (or budding painters?) as well.  AND...she makes gorgeous "Magpie" jewelry that we sell in the gallery.  What a talented lady. (At left, from left - right:  Candace, Carmen, & Sylvia) photo by David Wright

AND about our pets at carmen's.....

A note from Carmen on losing her beloved mare, Mystic. "Mystic's Promise", known and loved as Mystic, was my wonderful friend.  I could turn to her when all was wrong with the world and she always could make it better.  At 25, she was racing around like a young thing the day after Christmas and a few days later she was gone.  She apparently had colic and the doctors at the Equine Hospital in Leesburg couldn't solve the problem without major surgery, if at all.  Saying no to the surgery was the most difficult decision that I've ever made.  But, as with Buckaroo, she's not hurting anymore and she will always be in my heart.  She was my girl.  Thank all of you who showed such love and support for Mystic and for me.

Since we lost Buckaroo, Bella became queen of the gallery.  Her reign is over.  She has now been joined by 3 feral siblings:  Picasa, Calypso, and Sayla.  She can hardly believe that they dare walk in her queendom, but indeed they do.  They were rescued from a boat at Calvert Marina and delivered to us to tame.  We've pretty much done that and more.  They don't want to leave our side.  And, they love Bella.  We hope that she reciprocates soon...		Interesting note:  We had the kittens neutered recently and were more than surprised to find out that Sailor is not a Sailor BOY, but a Sailor GIRL..(now REnamed Sayla).   So, the gallery is full of fun furry female felines.   Pictured at left from front to back:  Picasa, Sayla, and Calypso. Below:  Sayla self feeds, Picasa helps with bills, and Calypso & Sayla take a break from the tough gallery schedule.

Bella helping with the computer work.	Bella with Buckaroo's photo	Bella helping in the wrapping room!

Love those animals and support RESCUE pets! 

    As you must be able to deduce, Carmen and Candace are true animal lovers!  To that end, carmen's welcomes P.A.W.S. to the gallery to adopt out homeless pets during some of the island's busiest times.  The animals have been saved from "death row" at the pound and are fostered by volunteers, given shots, neutered/spayed/micro-chipped, and carried to various functions until they are adopted permanently.  P.A.W.S. volunteers contribute endless hours to this cause and we're happy, at carmen's gallery, to be able to give them a visible adoption site.  Please, if you're thinking about adopting a pet, give P.A.W.S. a chance. 

Candace just recently received a new "child" her home thanks to her gallery association.  We had a client whose cat, Oreo, had to find a home.  Candace took the cat home to a not so happy husband, but now Candace, Allen, and especially Oreo are settled in and very happy. 

We miss you very much.

xoxoxo

It is with great sadness that we tell you that we lost our Buckaroo.  Along with many of you, we will never forget him.  He had such a unique personality and we have received so many poems, cards, and comments about our beloved.  If you have a fond memory of him, please let us know.  He is greatly missed at carmen's.