Rain-ware by Janska and Red Rover

Jan Erickson - creator of Janska

     March is marching onward and April is almost here. You know what they say about April, and since I married a boy scout I try to be prepared. We work with two artists who are not only prepared for rainy weather, they do it with color and style!

Simone Rain Coat by Janska

     Jan Erickson, a Colorado resident, founded her company with the purpose of making clothing that is both comforting and beautiful. Using material that is both designed and manufactured in the United States, she has designed all weather coats that are beautiful, durable, and washable. Oh, I forgot to say that they are also reversible. Two of my favorites are the Madison and the Simone. The Simone is an A-line coat with inseam pockets, a hood that packs inside a zipped collar and has a snap front closure. The Madison is a swing coat with 5 button loop closure and a generous hood. It also has pockets. Both are about knee length, made of USA milled water repellent fabric.

Cindy Walsh - Creator of Red Rover

     Cindy Walsh started sewing when she was a young girl. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in textile design. Most of the fabrics she designed became clothing. In 1993 she started Red Rover Clothing in her home and got her first customer feedback when she packed up her garments and went to her first craft fair.She now has a studio in a renovated historic home she shares with her husband's architectural business. Her designs are influenced in part by watching what people wear and what makes them feel comfortable and special. Her raincoats are made of rain-wear fabric that is both water proof and wind resistant as well as being washable. Her attention to detail for both comfort and style as well as the little surprise design elements make you wish for a rainy day.

Raincoat by Cindy Walsh

     Smith Galleries is located at 1000 William Hilton Parkway in suite J11 (UPPER LEVEL) of the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Visit the gallery online at http://www.smithgalleries.com  843.842.2280 smithgalleries@hotmail.com
   

Yardbirds© Garden Art at Smith Galleries

Azaleas thrive on Hilton Head.

It's official, Spring is here. The birds are busy searching out the perfect nesting site and the azaleas are in full bloom. My lemon tree is bursting with buds ready to open filling the backyard with their sweet scent, and Rusty is keeping watch over all that is happening in the front yard. Rusty is our hound dog made by Rich Kolb, founder of Yardbirds©.

Rich Kolb, creator of Yardbirds©

Rich and his father started Yardbirds© more than 25 years ago using scrap metal for their raw material. The popularity of those first animals quickly turned Rich into a full time critter creator. Using parts from garden tools, cars, bicycles, farming implements, and even doorknobs, Rich has created a menagerie of animal sculptures for both indoor and outdoor use. He also makes a variety of objects for the home including wine bottle caddies, salt and pepper shakers, pet dishes, and key holders.

"Barker The Dog"

His animals have almost as much personality as Rich himself and can add life to any party. And speaking of parties, a Louisville resident, Rich celebrates the Kentucky Derby with a huge party.

Although Yardbirds© were originally designed for the outdoors, most customers tell me they use theirs indoors. In either setting, they are equally happy and  will make your day brighter.

Smith Galleries is located in suite J11 on the second level of The Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, SC. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 843.842.2280

QMT Wind Chimes at Smith Galleries

Arias Elite Wind Chime

    The clay bells of Hazel Olsen, the glass windchimes from  Bottle Benders, and now the metal wind-chimes of QMT all have their unique appeal. From their diverse appearances to their individual sounds, these music makers are all popular additions to our outdoor living areas.

    The Arias Elite metal and wood chimes from QMT have unusual musical capabilities. These hand tuned heavy walled aluminum tubes produce exceptional tone and resonance. Available in six different sizes, each is tuned to a musical chord. Maybe one reason I (Jean) like them so much is because I play in a hand bell choir, and the longest set of chimes remind me of the sounds of our church carillon. You can feel the rich tones down deep in your soul!  You can find out more about the attention to detail that is taken in the making of QMT chimes by watching their video.
   
    Those of you who have visited Smith Galleries in person have undoubtedly heard us tell about the artists we represent and how we have gotten to know their families over the years. This is one advantage of craft as a business. Another characteristic of craft businesses is that they very often are made up of families. This was true with both Hazel Olsen and the Chalfants. It is also true of the Baisden family who own QMT chimes. Made in America has always been important at Smith Galleries and we enjoy getting to know the artists who run these small creative businesses. Just another reason to shop small!

Click to learn more

   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.

Bottle Benders Wind Chimes at Smith Galleries

Jean and Ted Chalfant

    There it goes again--a glass windchime tinkling in the breeze making a bright happy sound. It's like a choir around here with the different sounds of the clay bells of Hazel Olsen ( see last week's blog) and the Bottle Benders glass chimes. As you listen you can tell the sounds apart just as you separate the tenors from the sopranos in a choir. These glass chimes have a very interesting history, Jean and Ted Chalfant began making their glass chimes in 1970, about the same time that Wally and I, as well as Hazel Olsen, began our careers in the arts. Now, more than 45 years later, the Chalfants have three generations of family in their business.  Bottle Benders is a very appropriate name because the chimes began life as wine bottles! After they are sliced, they along with the bottom of the bottle, are melted in a kiln on their way to becoming music

Hummingbird
#0703HB
26" Length

producers. Marbles are also melted to make the dots in the middle of the chimes. The parts are all combined with string that will last for more than ten years, stainless steel chain, 16 gauge steel decorative tops that have been powder coated to prevent rust, and other parts American made parts that have been tested for quality. The result is a beautiful musical chime that delights both the eye and the ear. 

    The chimes are made to go outside but some care should be taken in choosing the appropriate spot for them.  They really love sheltered places like screened porches and other areas protected from strong wind. But don't worry should the unthinkable happen and your chime have an accident, Bottle Benders has constructed them in a way that makes repair/replacement a simple matter.

    Smith Galleries is located at 1000 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, SC, on the second level of the Village at Wexford in suite J11. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday. Call 800.272.3870 to for more information.