May 14 - Smith Galleries is Twenty Today

Well, the big day has finally arrived! Smith Galleries is twenty years old today. We are so thankful to you, our customers who have made it possible. We cherish you along with the hundreds of creative American artists we work with.

Please stop by the gallery on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, and present this blog entry to receive a 20% savings on any one in stock item.

Today is the day to take home that very special handmade object that you have been wanting.


We encourage you to join our E-Club to keep up with Smith Galleries and to receive special benefits that no one else knows about.

Be sure to check this blog Thursday morning at 8:30 AM to find out about the special anniversary offer for Thursday, May 15th.

Click here to see a slide show of pictures taken in the gallery over the years. The pictures above were taken on opening day - May 14, 1988 - and this morning - May 14, 2008.

Jonathan's Spoons on sale May 12th at Smith Galleries

Smith Galleries is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Jonathan's Spoons have always been a feature of the gallery. Drop by the gallery today - Monday, May 12, 2008 - and receive a 20% savings on any of Jonathan's pieces. Just mention today's blog when you make your purchase and you will receive your 20% savings. This offer is valid in the gallery only on Jonathan's Spoons purchases made Monday, May 12, 2008. Please visit this blog Tuesday morning, May 13 at 8:30 AM to discover Tuesday's 20th anniversary celebration savings. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday.

Kaleidoscopes at Smith Galleries

Smith Galleries is celebrating its 20th anniversary and kaleidoscopes have been a main feature the entire time. Drop by the gallery today - Friday, May 9, 2008 - and receive a 20% savings on any in-stock kaleidoscope by any artist. Just mention today's blog when you make your purchase and you will receive your 20% savings. This offer is valid in the gallery only for kaleidoscope purchases made Friday, May 9, 2008. Please visit this blog tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM to discover Saturday's 20th anniversary celebration savings. Gallery hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday.

David Kalish's Lighthouse kaleidoscope shown here is a limited edition made of American walnut from the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's estate. See more scopes.

Smith Galleries Celebrates 20 Years

It is hard to believe that in just a few days...May 14...that twenty years will have gone by since the gallery opened in 1988. The picture shown is of Jean at the jewelry counter on opening day. We have several things planned to celebrate and we encourage you to join our E-Club to receive the full benefits. Stay tuned to our website and this blog for more old pictures and news of anniversary events. Be sure to drop by the gallery during the week of May 12-18 for our daily unadvertised events and mention this blog to receive a gift.

Marti Hughes

Marti Hughes is one of our favorite artists who lives here on Hilton Head Island. We met her through our church. She dropped by Smith Galleries today with this piece titled "Simple Pleasures" which shows a local family having a picnic on a sandy area near the marsh. I love the images of the children flying kites as I (Wally) too like to fly kites. It is a fun piece with positive imagery. It makes me want to pack a picnic basket. What is your favorite food item to go in your picnic basket? Mine is fried chicken.
The painting is acrylic on canvas and measures 16" x 20". It is offered framed at $650.

Colby Smith Door Knockers

Colby Smith door knockers are an elegant addition to your home's entry. They are all hand cast in solid brass by Colby himself here in the United States. What began at an evening high school foundry course in 1976 has evolved into a studio craft that makes these original door knockers a functional art form. This craftsmanship is distinguished by: multiple metal casting methods, alloys, finishes and patinas, mechanical and welded assembly and hand-tooled texture and detail. Production is limited to the finishing done by Colby and his wife, Jane. Each piece is signed. They will last for generations and each comes with all necessary hardware. See them on our website here or view them as a slideshow here.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Noah's Ark

This blog entry is a bit different from my (Wally) norm, but it seems appropriate as we look forward to the new year. My Sunday School class is currently studying Genesis where the story of Noah is found in chapters 6 through 9. Following are a few things that can be learned from the story.
1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Don’t forget that we’re all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
4. Stay fit. When you’re six hundred years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.
5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with what has to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
8. Two heads are better than one.
9. Speed isn’t always an advantage; the snails were on board with the cheetahs.
10. When you’re stressed, float awhile.
11. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic was built by professionals.
12. Remember that woodpeckers inside are a larger threat than the storm outside.
13. No matter the storm, when God is with you, there’s a rainbow waiting.
Happy New Year!