Wind Bells by Hazel Olsen at Smith Galleries

Hazel Olsen

    It is a sunny spring day here on this February day in Hilton Head Island. As I sit here at my computer I can hear the wind bells ringing in the breeze. Hazel Olsen, a California artist, has designed a group of ceramic wind bells we feature here at Smith Galleries. Bluebirds, chickadees, and cardinals compete with pelicans and dolphins for ringing dominance. Incorporated into her designs are shells, driftwood, and other natural elements from her California home.

Double dolphin windbell 

    Hazel hasn't always been a production artist. A working mother of three and a teacher, she opened a studio in 1970 where she could not only focus on her love of clay, but could provide a work space, equipment, and classes for other developing artists.
    Fast forward to this century--Hazel has a successful business in which her grown son plays an artistic role. She has taught ceramics and design for the University of California at Santa Cruz and has exhibited her work internationally while maintaining her creative and business roles at Potters Studio.
     Inspired by the coastal wildlife and flora of her home, Hazel's wind bells are a perfect fit for Smith Galleries. Oh, and she loves cats also!
    You can see these lovely wind bells in person in Smith Galleries at 1000 William Hilton Parkway,  on the upper level  in suite J11 of  The Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The gallery is open from 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Other places you may spot them are on our Facebook and Twitter, pages as well as on Pinterest,  Smugmug, and our website smithgalleries.com. For additional information, email us at wsmith@smithgalleries.com or call us at 843.842.2280.