In the final hour, Kim Caron decided to carry on, with a small group of loyal artists, a larger consignment collection, and a wider array of clay, glass, jewelry and wood. As one of the original artists of Gallery 127, she felt a strong sense of ownership when the chance arose to manage the gallery to her taste.

“As a pastellist, I love 2D work. However, I have a lifelong attraction to functional art, and feel that it has a broad-based appeal to many people who aren’t as interested in an original piece strictly for beauty’s sake.”

To that end, she has filled her store with art glass, ceramic work of uncommon decorative value, and functional wood and steel in addition to watercolors, oils, pastels, photography, and mixed media. Under her hand, the gallery has taken on a strong contemporary feel. This contrasts nicely with the hundred-year-old building that houses the collection.

Her artist group is growing steadily, as well as the variety of work available. For examples, please select a medium.

BLUE HOUR GALLERY PARTNERS WITH MARSHALL DISTRICT LIBRARY

Kim Caron, owner of the Blue Hour Gallery, is shown with one of the paintings that form an exhibit currently on view at the Marshall District Library. Caron and the library have joined forces to bring beauty to the walls on a regular basis.

“Any blank wall cries out for artwork, as far as I’m concerned”, Caron says. “I love the library, and have been a patron for longer than I care to admit. If gives me great pleasure to offer the patrons something interesting and gorgeous to rest their eyes on as they make use of the library”.

The artwork will be varied, probably every three months, she says. All pieces are for sale, and inquiries can be made at the gallery, with its back entrance just across the parking lot. Blue Hour Gallery hours are 12-5 PM seven days a week. More work by the current artists, as well as many others can be found there.

The Marshall District Library is located at 124 West Green Street and the hours of service are Monday – Thursday 10-8:30 PM, Friday 10-5:30 PM, Saturday 10-3:00 PM and Sunday (September-May) 1-4:00 PM.

Highlands to Hawaii – Contrasting Landscapes

The Blue Hour Gallery is proud to display new photography from Scottish photographer Ken Campbell, comparing the landscapes of Scotland and Hawaii.  This exhibit shows the different moods of these two ancient lands, and how time and tide have worked on them to magnificent effect.  Similarities and disparities abound in this thought-provoking and beautiful show.

Art in the Eye

Blue Hour Gallery artist Vee Kalnins has a new project – to bring sculpture to many commercial and private spaces and outdoor parks in Marshall.  His quest begins at Caron Chevrolet, and the very first “Art in the Eye” sculpture has been installed there.

These photos show Vee’s work, a collaboration with metal artist Dale Parlin who made the pieces at the tips, as it was being placed with the help of a cherry picker from Katz Well Drilling.  The sculpture, called “Escoria,” is visible from Michigan Avenue as well as the dealership lot. 

Caron Chevrolet owner Tim Caron says, “I couldn’t be more pleased to provide a place for this great sculpture.  I’ve always supported the arts in Marshall, and this is a wonderful chance to be part of something new that we hope will expand to include many other green spaces in town.”

The “Art in the Eye” exhibits around Marshall will be chosen over the course of winter of 2006-2007, with applications being taken from any artists interested in having their work shown.  The only specifications are that the art work be able to stand up to weather for at least a year, with installation details to be worked out as well.  Anyone from artists to craftsmen such as plumbers, contractors and other artisans are welcome to submit their ideas to be juried.

Contact the Blue Hour Gallery or Vee Kalnins at (269) 830-2118 for more information about “Art in the Eye.”    

Art Chairs of Susie Takach Seligman

The Blue Hour Gallery is proud to present the art chairs of Susie Takach Seligman. Her work features painted, beaded, hand silk-screened and antique fabrics. They are applied to vintage chair frames to create a beautiful fabric collage. Her designs are both traditional and contemporary, thought-provoking as well as beautiful.

She sews by machine as well as by hand, with every chair an original work of art.

Susie is new to Battle Creek and joins Kim at the Blue Hour in extending an invitation to the general public, area decorators, and other artists to see her new work.

GLASSWEAR FOR CHRISTMAS

Janet Kincaid, well known for her dichroic glass pendants, has something new for Christmas this year.  Her wood-faced watches have bands of curved and beautiful dichroic glass.  These watches will be offered for the first time at her "Glasswear for Christmas" show at the Blue Hour Gallery, which runs through the month of December. 

The gallery is hosting an open house reception for Janet on Saturday, December 9th, from 3 to 5 PM.  The artist will be there to answer questions, and the public is invited to attend, enjoy refreshments and view the work.  In addition to her newest pieces will be dichroic glass necklaces, earrings and bracelets of every imaginable color. 

NEW ARTISTS

• Andrew Scott, Turned Wood
  
• Marcia Johnson, Painted China
  
• Norm Hefke, turned wood
  
• Bill Williams, pastel
  
• Anchor glass, weights and ornaments
  
• Jill Weber, wood mirrors
  
• Richie Campbell, fiber art
  
• Chickenscratch, jewelry

Right now, we are looking for turned wood bowls, ceramics, fabric and paper art.