Purses by Graf & Lantz now at Smith Galleries

   Smith Galleries is pleased to now feature the hand made felt purses of Holger Graf and Daniel Lantz.
   The making of a Graf & Lantz bag starts with the selection of leather and fabric. They hand cut the materials making sure to maximize yield and selecting the appropriate areas of the hides for use in the bags. The parts are then assembled in steps and stitched together by a small team of experienced bag makers. All finishing, quality control, packaging and shipping is done in house to deliver the very best product.
   Traditionally made with wool, felt is considered to be the world's oldest fabric. Although these days there are mainly synthetic fiber felts on the market there are still a handful mostly European producers left that specialize in high quality wool felt. Graf and Lantz import custom felts from Germany which has a rich history of felt manufacturing that continues today. The felts used are made of merino wool which is prized for its ultra fine fibers and soft feel. The natural oil content of the wool makes the felt stain and water resistant.
   If any spills occur just dab off moisture with a wet towel or rinse lightly with water and it can be dry cleaned as well if necessary. Best of all wool felt is a natural, sustainable and biodegradable material. The felt used in these bags is certified according to the Oekotex standard (www.oeko-tex.com)
   Smith Galleries is located at 1000 William Hilton Parkway in suite J11 (upstairs) of the Village at Wexford. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. 800.272.3870

Joyce Fritz Polymer Pins Featured at Smith Galleries

Sea Turtle Pin by Joyce Fritz

Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island, SC, features the polymer jewelry of Joyce Fritz.
Color and patterns are key to Joyce's process. She uses the technique of  millefiori, an Italian word meaning "one thousand flowers".  This ancient method originally used in glass designs has been adapted by Joyce to create the intricacy and delicacy of a dragonfly's wings.

The clay is prepared and conditioned, using a food processor to mix colors, then kneading every batch by hand. Sheets of clay are rolled out, using a pasta machine to achieve varying thicknesses. Sheets and coils of colored clay are assembled into a cane or loaf, where the design can be seen in cross section. The loaf is made larger than it needs to be, then carefully squeezed and stretched out to its final size, while maintaining the consistency and proportion of the pattern throughout the length of the loaf. As the cane is reduced in size, the color relationships change and patterns become smaller and more intricate.  Thin slices of these canes then become the wings of the insects and the colored bodies of other creatures. Metallic leaf, metallic powders, and glitter are also used to embellish the surfaces of the work.

Joyce Fritz working in her studio.

Other parts of the insects are created and stored until needed.  Joyce plies several strands of recycled telephone wire together to make long lengths of leg material.  She made her own machine to do this, using an old sewing machine motor and foot pedal control.  Antennae , made of wire and beads, are also made in batches.  When all of the elements of a particular insect are made, they are assembled in the studio  in small batches (or hatches!)

Smith Galleries is located in the award winning Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, SC. The gallery features the work of approximately 300 American artists. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday year round. 843.842.2280 info@smithgalleries.com

Swirl Stone Jewelry by Laura Timmins featured at Smith Galleries

Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, features the jewelry of Laura Timmins.

Her work is influenced by a past career as a research scientist, from which she brings a unique discipline, attention to detail and a passion for investigating how things work. Other ideas that are impressed on her art are her interest in natural growing forms, patterns, and structures and the interrelationship between them.

Many of the processes used to create these pieces have been invented in her studio, and are unique to her work. Colored and translucent polymer clays are blended and layered together to construct the intricate patterning in each piece. Patterns often contain gold or silver leaf and other inclusions embedded in translucent clay. Patterned clay pieces are combined, creating a rich polymer collage. The collage is then sculpted into shape, using an internal wire armature for support when needed, and cured with heat. The spiraling design seen in many of my pieces is created by twisting the polymer collage between two glass sheets prior to shaping and curing.

Smith Galleries is a gallery of fine craft, art, jewelry, picture framing, and creative toys for children. The gallery is located on Hilton Head Island, SC, in the award winning Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway in suite J11 (UPPER LEVEL). Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 843.842.2280 info@smithgalleries.com

Linda Kirstin Cole Exhibiting Paintings at Smith Galleries

"Time to Go" by Linda Kirstin Cole 30"x30"

Smith Galleries, Hilton Head Island's leading gallery for 25 years is please to feature the paintings of Linda Kirsten Cole. Her vibrant paintings are inspired by the light and landscape that surrounds her. Coming from a family of artists, she now resides in the low-country of South Carolina where she is inspired by the influence of the arts, historic homes and the beauty of the sea islands.

Cole’s paintings hang here and abroad, She has painted over 100 commissioned works, taught workshops and her paintings are owned by several corporations and the Kennedy family.

Working in acrylics, the artist exaggerates color and contrast, drawing the viewer into the depth of the painting. “I have to feel that I have created an emotion and set a mood for the viewer”.

Smith Galleries is located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in the area's most award winning center, The Village at Wexford. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. 843.842.2280

"Cheetah Over the Bridge" by Karen Hoepting at Smith Galleries

"Cheetah Over the Bridge" by Karen Hoepting at Smith Galleries, a photo by Smith Galleries on Flickr.

The art of Karen Hoepting is continually featured at Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island, SC. The gallery features contemporary American fine craft, art, jewelry, picture framing and creative toys for children. Smith Galleries is located in suite J-II (UPSTAIRS) in the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Call 800.272.3870 to purchase or for additional information. Visit Smith Galleries on the web at www.smithgalleries.com

"Cheetah Over the Bridge" is an original mixed media painting on paper by Karen Hoepting. The image measures 12 x 24 inches. Inventory # 144438. You may contact Smith Gallereis at 800.272.3870 for further information. Shown with virtual frame.

Karen obtained her Honors Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts from University of Waterloo in 1997. Her studio work at that time was divided between working with drawing mediums on paper and with acrylics or oils on canvas. Today, she combines her media together working on both canvas and paper creating brilliant, whimsical abstract images that make reference to the animals she loves.
The works of the German Expressionists and the Symbolists have always intrigued Karen. She has always felt emotionally drawn to the vivid and powerful imagery of Kathie Kollwitz, Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. Like some of these artists, Karen speaks to the viewer through symbols and stylistic motifs.


Animals have been reoccurring subjects in Karens work for several years. She grew up on a livestock farm and formed a strong attachment to animals. Today, Karen has two dogs and two cats and is an Ontario Humane Society Volunteer: ""Animals are definitely a passion for me. I feel compassion for all forms of life. Naturally, my feelings about animals [have] transferred into my art."" Her art is an exploration of animals spiritual and natural qualities and how these co-exist with industrial society. Through her primitive yet sophisticated style, she combines abstract elements together to create happy and lighthearted works.

Karen's Thoughts on Life
I believe that everyone has their own unique set of talents/gifts, as well as their own challenges/setbacks. How we cope with these challenges is what defines and evolves us - I always say, no one ever learned anything in good times! Hence that old expression, “worse for wear, but better for the expeience”. I also think that all interactions are meaningful on some level - like we all leave a mark on each other, no matter how small. Therefore, we should try to understand each other, because there is always something to learn.

Arias Elite Windchimes Now at Smith Galleries

Smith Galleries is pleased to introduce the fineset wind-chimes made in the USA. Arias Elite wind chimes are designed and made for the true wind chime connoisseur. Each of these wind chimes is carefully hand-crafted and hand-tuned. Made from aluminum tubing and finished redwood or Spanish cedar, Arias Elite wind chimes are made to be enjoyed outdoors for years. The soft, natural beauty of our wood, combined with the gentle tones and resonance of our tubes produce the classic wind chime by which all others are measured. Made in the USA!

Arias Windchimes are now featured at Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island, SC. The gallery features contemporary American fine craft, art, jewelry, picture framing and creative toys for children. Smith Galleries is located in suite J-II (UPSTAIRS) in the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Call 800.272.3870 to purchase or for additional information. Visit Smith Galleries on the web at http://www.smithgalleries.com See map here.

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Handblown Glass Bowl by Scott Graham and Christy Aloysi at Smith Galleries

Handblown Glass Bowl by Scott Graham and Christy Aloysi at Smith Galleries, a photo by Smith Galleries on Flickr.

"Sun Face" by Don Drumm at Smith Galleries

"Sun Face" by Don Drumm at Smith Galleries, a photo by Smith Galleries on Flickr.

New Arrivals from Mike Smith at Smith Galleries

"Maddie and The Tree Rose" watercolor by Mike Smith at Smith Galleries, a photo by Smith Galleries on Flickr.

"Maddie and the Tree Rose" is an original watercolor by Mike Smith. The image measures 20" wide and 16 inches in height. $675

The art of Mike Smith is continually featured at Smith Galleries on Hilton Head Island, SC. The gallery features contemporary American fine craft, art, jewelry, picture framing and creative toys for children. Smith Galleries is located in suite J-II (UPSTAIRS) in the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Call 800.272.3870 to purchase or for additional information. Visit Smith Galleries on the web at www.smithgalleries.com