tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19420932400284463182012-02-10T16:33:58.060-08:00The blog of celebrated Fine American Craft gallery Manya Vee Selects in Edmonds, Washington. Leader of the local arts scene, creator of the famous Edmonds Third Thursday Art Walk.Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.comBlogger511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-48429823023752497382012-02-10T15:54:00.000-08:002012-02-10T16:33:58.072-08:00

Zeb stared up at the dark sky.  And began shrinking. As far as he could see, the pinpricks of stars radiated across the far-flung heavens.  Heaven.  He smiled at the thought, wondering just where God's Mansion was supposed to be - somewhere in one of the radial arms of the Milky Way?  Or maybe in the Andromeda Galaxy, our near neighbor?  He kept looking up, toying with this idea and that,

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-62371903855500808342012-01-30T16:21:00.000-08:002012-01-30T16:21:35.760-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it brings up so many mixed feelings for people.  It's supposed to be a day we celebrate the people we love most in our life.  A lover, spouse, our kids, special friends - all those could be put into the mix.  I see a lot of longing in the eyes of those coming into the store these days, and I'm convinced that what they seek is a lot more than a simple

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-28317483171269222922012-01-16T14:03:00.000-08:002012-01-16T14:03:58.662-08:00

Garnets have been used in jewelry for centuries, and were particularly common in the Late Antique Roman world.  Still popular today, it is not so well-known that garnets come in many colors.  The name itself is believed to derive from the Latin "malum garanatum" which means pomegranate.  The stones do, in fact, rather resemble those lovely seeds.  So no wonder we think of it only as red! Garnet

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-65218537346124351472011-12-29T14:25:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:55:34.351-08:00

Zeb's brownstone apartment from Three Ticks Thing, Jeff Stilwell's new novel about a man living three seconds behind everyone else. Zeb's apartment, with its green and orange striped curtains is on the right. And, yep, that's Snickey taking a nap on the front landing.  Ol' Mrs. Masland must have gone inside for her afternoon cordial(s).

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-65193421756109361262011-12-17T14:41:00.000-08:002011-12-20T16:28:14.440-08:00

Zeb stared out the window at the falling snow.  Okay, in fact, it was just the occasional flake or two cast about by a gusting wind.  Still, it held the promise of so much more. Besides, whenever he saw snowflakes, Zeb saw Christmas.  His favorite holiday.  The old Nordic tradition of Yul Tid, in early December, when Odin slipped out of heaven, donned one of his masks as Yul and roamed the

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-87423370278911416072011-11-29T13:58:00.001-08:002011-11-29T14:35:51.305-08:00

For many of us, the only ME time we get on a daily basis is in the shower.  Okay, then - let's pledge to make that a sacred time. How can we do this?  We all know how lovely scents enhance our mood.  So choose soaps and lotions that make you happy, and maybe even make you want to linger just a little longer in your sacred place! It's also important to choose soaps and lotions with natural

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-32115389289530403212011-11-10T17:04:00.001-08:002011-11-15T12:54:06.299-08:00

We talked about gifts for the home or office before.  Now it's time to turn our hand to personal gifts - gifts of jewelry, accessories or clothing.   Here are three tips that can help you get outside your own personal taste and focus on the person receiving your gift. 1.  What is your friend's style?  Is she conservatively tailored?  A northwest jeans and fleece gal? A jeans with tops and

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-48352428468164990702011-11-01T15:58:00.000-07:002011-11-01T15:58:13.351-07:00

I bet each and every woman reading this post has several scarves stuck way back in a drawer somewhere that she never wears.  We seem particularly challenged in figuring out how to wear the darned things! Learn this tying technique by watching the video below If any of you have visited Paris, you know that every neck is adorned with a lovely scarf - no outfit is complete without one. Let's

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-8329157019752703342011-10-17T16:49:00.000-07:002011-10-17T16:54:53.839-07:00

Choosing gifts is an exercise in frustration for many of my customers.  They come in, wander around aimlessly, hoping that something will "pop out" and scream the name of the person they're hoping to find the perfect gift for.  Well, as you can imagine, that doesn't happen very often. We've tested out some handy tips you can use to make your gift searches more fruitful, and have all your friends

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-21919076309258670312011-09-20T16:33:00.000-07:002011-09-20T16:33:34.301-07:00

I have always been the kind of shopper who purchases clothes as separates.  I find complete outfits boring and lacking in creativity.  Rather, I like separates I can wear with many of the other separates I already have, adding to my style choices.  It's much more fun!  It tends to be less expensive, too, purchasing one item at a time. I also prefer things that stand the test of time, rather

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-30355858181505222952011-07-23T20:18:00.000-07:002011-07-23T20:19:53.806-07:00

Fused glass by Kathy Hudson It happened again today.  A young boy of about 12 came into the gallery with his grandmother.  He loves art glass and enjoyed learning about the various glass artists whose work we carry.  He had a little experience with glass fusing, and hoped to do more. But then grandma had to make sure she weighed in with it.  "You better enjoy that now, sweetie, because you'll

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-4473822568714489452011-07-18T15:19:00.000-07:002011-07-18T15:19:28.334-07:00

Sometimes, an inclination toward something takes hold very early in life.  For Emily Hickman, jewelry was just such a thing.  Picture it if you will: little Emily, forming rings out of aluminum foil, and trying to figure out how to make them even shinier by adding rhinestones!  I bet you can just see a cute little blonde girl walking around, proudly holding out her hand for all to see her

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-38287300340906823922011-06-19T16:07:00.000-07:002011-06-19T16:08:02.398-07:00

Egyptian enameled jewelry Enameled jewelry has been around a long time, going as far back as the ancient Egyptians.  But what is it exactly? It is taking powdered glass and heating it up until it melts and fuses onto a metal backing.  The powder melts, then flows, and finally hardens when the heat is reduced.  It is a wonderful way to add color to metal without using stones. Ricky Frank

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-30113568296605122652011-06-02T12:38:00.000-07:002011-06-02T12:38:52.804-07:00

Asparagus Cutter It's asparagus season!  I love this time of year.  I grew up on a farm in eastern Washington.  The field around our house had asparagus in it before I was born.  But asparagus loves to grow and scatter its seed, so I was always sent out to pick the "volunteer" asparagus that grew along the edge of the field, as well as along the ditch bank.  A special cutter is used, and it can

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-83225286223422712832011-05-29T14:50:00.000-07:002011-05-29T14:50:47.192-07:00

We're in our third year of a recession, and being in the arts hasn't made that any easier.  We have been having a great time, however, making really delicious food within a shrinking grocery budget!  As they say, "necessity is the mother of invention."  And I'd like to add that creativity is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it becomes!  Our creativity has expanded into cooking

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-89080475226629843252011-05-18T13:12:00.000-07:002011-05-19T14:10:46.028-07:00

Manya in her aunt's Schiaparelli hat I fell in love with hats at a young age. I had a great aunt who hailed from England, and she was one of those stylish women who never left the house in anything other than a dress with hose, matching shoes and handbag, and a hat. She had an awesome collection of hats from the 40s and 50s, and I managed to acquire many of them upon her death. These are

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-2279476145995809302011-05-10T14:44:00.000-07:002011-05-10T14:44:33.156-07:00

Example of a raw emerald The emerald is the traditional birthstone for May.    There are a lot of fun things to know about emeralds!  Since May heralds spring and lots of green stuff emerging, it is fitting that the stone commemorating births in this month is also green. Another connection between emeralds, spring and new growth comes from the way emeralds form in the earth.  Within its

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-47148852100403094092011-05-04T12:51:00.000-07:002011-05-04T12:51:40.933-07:00

Yep, there's more than one. In fact, there are so many choices, you can really have some fun choosing which method to follow! But first, when did birthstones even get started, and why did they become popular? Early references to the idea of 12 stones are from the Bible in Exodus 28:17-20, which talks about the 12 stones in Aaron's breastplate, the 12 months of the year and the 12 zodiac

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-82783844526487701952011-04-04T16:29:00.000-07:002011-04-05T14:00:24.202-07:00

I love rings!  And I know I'm not alone because we have quite a group of women who love to collect rings too.  For me it all started in my teens.  I still remember my first ring purchase.  I was about 15 and some artists had set up kiosks in our little mall.  I fell in love with a simple silver ring with a leaf and an amethyst.  Purple was my favorite color for many years.  You may have noticed

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-15729081083779674152011-03-09T12:45:00.000-08:002011-03-09T12:45:12.376-08:00

Aquamarine has been a popular and meaningful stone for many ages.  It's lovely blue color is reminiscent of crystal clear ocean waters, and that is, in fact, where it gets its name.  Some fun legends of the past say that mermaid's tails were made of aquamarine. Another popular legend said King Neptune gave aquamarines as gifts to mermaids, which gave them a certain aura as a gift of endearment.

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-86016535464885601922011-01-01T15:48:00.000-08:002011-01-01T15:48:36.534-08:00

Where does an artist get inspiration?  While it takes on the expression of the individual artist, both nature and meaning are most commonly cited.  I read lots of pieces about artists and their inspirations, and nearly always find new insights for myself too. My inspiration for the choices I make regarding what to offer our customers at Manya Vee Selects is closely related to meaning.  We

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-55114806216833790902010-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:002010-12-21T11:25:26.238-08:00

We just had a big party at a dear friends' the other night.  A poem to mark the occasion seemed in order... The Yule log burns at Bonbon's The Yule log burns at Bonbon's With crackling, cheered delight Heaping plate and brimming cup And laughter booming bright! It's Christmas time at Bonbon's Where tinsel'd hearts abeat With peace and joy wished to all And to all tidings sweet. The Yule log

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-48374384687909578742010-11-24T11:07:00.000-08:002010-11-24T11:07:47.070-08:00

Diamonds are fine.  Beautiful and sparkly.  But everywhere!  I've long been a proponent of choosing an engagement ring that has some personal meaning behind it.  Perhaps one that chooses one or two pieces of your shared history together.  Yes, a diamond is traditional.  But what does it say about the two of you and the new life you plan to create together? We recently worked with a couple to

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-41783629245889646662010-11-12T16:11:00.000-08:002010-11-12T16:11:39.223-08:00

10 years ago, when we opened our doors, there were only two places in Edmonds to buy art.  In March of 2002, we founded - and still direct today - the beloved Edmonds Third Thursday Art Walk.  And now, so many years later, not only has it become one of the largest art walks in the state, but it has also seen the birth of many new galleries in town.  One can now purchase art in 18 places on any

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-65892203126415795062010-11-10T11:54:00.000-08:002010-11-10T11:54:12.516-08:00

We just received an amazing email from a customer.  Sue C. has been visiting us for years.  Never in much of a position to purchase much, she would come in for inspiration.  Well, this is what she sent us today to let us know how we've changed her life these years: "I keep coming back to Manya Vee Selects because,  I feel a special connection with you. I love it that you always remember me when

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-70439556609575998332010-11-09T16:14:00.000-08:002010-11-12T15:07:47.443-08:00

It's hard to believe we opened our doors 10 whole years ago.  Where has the time gone?  And I know for sure I personally haven't aged that much.  These rites of passage seem to lend themselves to some strolls down memory lane, so here we go. Before opening our gallery, I was busy making jewelry and selling it at every opportunity possible - at craft fairs, farmer's markets, trade shows, through

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-53364982277320616602010-08-01T16:11:00.000-07:002010-08-01T16:11:59.201-07:00

What do you do when you lose faith in your own judgment of yourself due to long-term put-downs?  Well, you do what most anyone would do.  You start shopping for those things that attract the least amount of attention to yourself as possible.  After all, choose something that speaks to your heart, and you are guaranteed a barrage of negative comments enough to make someone want to hole up in a

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-18709335485969764162010-07-19T13:59:00.000-07:002010-07-19T13:59:58.943-07:00

Elaine and Nancy were drawn into the store by the scarves in our window display.  They mournfully walked up to our scarf rack and said "We love scarves, but we never know how to wear them."  As you can imagine, that is like a sparkly thing to a crow for this seller of wearable art! First, I showed them how to do the twist (something I've taught many of you as well!).  Naturally, they had to

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-80626658929086924632010-07-18T16:27:00.000-07:002010-07-18T16:27:09.536-07:00

We're throwing a party for old friend Bonnie H, who said of gifts, "Don't want any.  Already got everything I need." So....The inscription on the card says, "A thousand cranes (almost) to light your journey ahead with wisdom, peace and joy." Happy Birthday BonBon! Jeff and Manya

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-5675513485460795602010-07-12T18:05:00.000-07:002010-07-12T18:05:32.524-07:00

A few days ago, I was treated to a visit by someone soon to turn the ripe old age of 3.  Her parents were letting their dog drink water at our water dish out front, and she poked her head in the door.  Everything about her body showed she was really dying to come inside and see things.  But, well-behaved child that she is, she knew to wait for permission. Soon enough it came from mom, who

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-78163332849952851172010-06-27T15:02:00.000-07:002010-06-27T15:02:05.105-07:00

Two Hearts This World Have I KnownThe first so parched I could weepThe second so deep I could drownWhene'er I dare embark in each. The first, mailed, stares out from her keepNe'er frail, ne'er weak, ne'er stripped is she,Nay.  Nor is she lush, nor teeming,Nor verdant, nor dreaming to be. All who would know her break 'pon herStony walls high, thick and pit'less.Their sole succor tear-smeared

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-34965065581770028542010-06-27T12:48:00.000-07:002010-06-27T12:48:11.216-07:00

Recently, an artist friend of fused glass artist Heidi VanderWerff challenged her to try to make glass look like fabric.  Well, Heidi is the type whose wheels start turning as soon as someone makes such a suggestion!  She mulled it over, had unusual dreams about it, and tried out many possible scenarios. First, there's the problem of making something look woven.  In fabric, thousands of tiny

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-28622769027914354652010-06-25T14:46:00.000-07:002010-06-25T14:47:09.510-07:00

(Well, since it appears that the Edmonds arts scene has shut down entirely for this spell of sunshine...) Long Have I Chased Inner Peace Flitt'ring flutt'ring, all flowers kissed Brightly hued and fragrance sweet A meadow's worth, nothing missed But me.  I called to Peace, chased Through meadow deep, my palm out Stretched begging Peace to land Cajoling, pleading, a-shout To my hand to come,

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-59731336455696034592010-06-19T12:18:00.000-07:002010-06-19T12:18:53.241-07:00

(sigh) So, I imagine that it goes without saying that if you're going to spend your life running a gallery, building art walks, mural societies and putting on plays, the last problem that you'll ever have to worry about is worrying,  "What to do with all that money?" There isn't any.  Ever. Why do it, then?  Well, just occasionally, perks come our way.  Like the one to the right. What is it?

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-12422537445325004142010-06-07T22:06:00.000-07:002010-06-07T22:06:04.560-07:00

It's such fun when something new comes to the gallery.  Today, on a dreary and wet Monday, the entire place got livened up by a delivery from Edmonds artist Amy Vakontios and her Sagapo candles.  You already know that we like win-win situations quite a bit.  Well, Amy's candles are sort of a win-win-win-win and keep winning deal. First off, she uses palm wax, which is a renewable resource.  It's

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-86496881149471729632010-06-06T13:24:00.000-07:002010-06-06T13:40:12.440-07:00

Yes, I confess: It's true.  Novel writing - in the form of my new A Jade Coffeehouse; or playwrighting - in the form of my new A Dropped Stitch, going up in October; how are they constructed?  Usually via the process of sitting for months in utter agony, dreaming, always dreaming, waiting for the Muse to give me the power to wield words once more.  How do I spend the hours 'tween times?  Well,

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-88460672750649663352010-05-31T14:45:00.000-07:002010-06-06T13:32:58.931-07:00

Mural Mania, my new comedy, performed at the Edmonds Mural Society's First Annual Unveiling Gala, was a huuuuge success!  The wacky performances of New Classics favorite Lars Enden, alums Robin Strahan and Eileen McCann, and the New Classics debut of Catherine Bailey all hit the audiences' funny bone on target!  The idea of three hapless muralists at each other throats as a Mural Society board

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-91801047301821857482010-05-31T11:48:00.000-07:002010-05-31T14:19:10.775-07:00

It happened last Saturday.  A semi-regular customer came into the gallery.  M.R. was checking out the latest wearable art offerings rather leisurely when her hand rested upon a chrome and black peluche wrap by Laura Lawrence.  M.R. has the most amazing head of silver, straight, thick, wonderful hair.  The wrap would look amazing on her. Laura's wraps come to life when worn on the body.  The

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-74083423159811453602010-05-30T10:13:00.000-07:002010-05-30T10:13:00.241-07:00

Regardless of your political affiliation, Madeleine Albright was well-regarded as Secretary of State.  As a woman in this position, she had some different decisions to make that her male peers did not - wardrobe, colors, jewelry.  Her now-famous pin collection began when she criticized Saddam Hussein for refusing to disclose complete descriptions of Iraq's weapons program, and the Iraqi press

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-70210066310321720402010-05-11T10:49:00.000-07:002010-05-11T12:44:23.933-07:00

Thank you, thank you!  Everyone who has asked me to find more flexible options for getting a hold of my new novel, Fighting for Eden, recently published on Amazon.com's Kindle...  Thank you!  A typical example of the conversation with an old, old friend... AnnLouise:  So, it's available...where? Hapless novelist:  Ummm...on...Kindle? AnnLouise:  Great!  Now, when I get myself a Kindle in a

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-15285030940214903342010-05-04T14:03:00.000-07:002010-05-04T14:03:24.967-07:00

One of the greatest joys of my life is watching artists grow and develop.  First of all, it's quite difficult to become an artist.  It's one of the most difficult things a person can do.  (Check out this earlier blog for another example)  So watching it happen is sort of like watching a miracle. Case in point - Emily Hickman.  I first met Emily when she contacted me for an Art Business

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-29719360360971852952010-04-29T09:11:00.000-07:002010-05-11T10:52:09.003-07:00

Yep!  Isn't that whole Kindle phenomenon just kind of cool?  I mean, even a little bit?  The idea that you can download title after title after title... So.  After one conversation too many with yet one more literary agent that goes something like this... Agent:  But...you wrote a literary novel? Jeff:  Yes. Agent:  And...why?  There's so much money to be made in thrillers. I'm sure there is

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-87026784463750161042010-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:002010-04-28T15:24:53.429-07:00

Yesterday, an artist came into the gallery to say hello.  Cheryl Waale paints lovely impressionist paintings inspired by nature, with lots of texture and intense colors.  Several years ago, she submitted an application to our Third Thursday Art Walk.  It was near the beginning of her career as an artist, as she had recently left behind the hectic and soul-killing life of the corporate world. She

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-84967400617388175192010-04-28T12:54:00.000-07:002010-04-29T09:49:16.717-07:00

Let's face it: the arts can be brutal.  Uplifting, meaningful, inspiring even; yes, the arts can be all of those things.  The arts can also be brutal. Recently I sat through one of the worst performed plays I've ever seen.  By this judgment - and I want to be fair, here - I mean the following, specifically: the actors didn't know their lines (most were reading straight out of the script,

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-17501823823034608352010-04-25T15:10:00.000-07:002010-06-19T15:07:34.436-07:00

Jeff Stilwell as Man In The Box.  Courtesy Wendy Enden. So that's why I've been bonkers the last few days.  Complete creative exhaustion.  Alarmingly incoherent babblings and rantings on Tuesday, the day after we closed.  After several glasses of wine, and Manya's soothing caresses; finally, tortured sleep.  The following day?  Press repeat, if to a less pronounced degree.  And so on. Why the

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-70023141262951073972010-04-12T12:13:00.000-07:002010-04-29T09:51:10.208-07:00

Goodness, where has the time gone? Well, I suppose that's what happens when you are mounting a new play.  The final weeks pass by in a flurry of activity.  Barely a moment to catch one's breath. This one, my heart-warming new fable, Teacup Tipsy, is no exception.  It began quietly enough.  As usual, a couple of designers had to drop out and be replaced.  Barely a ruffle there.  But, then, an

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-47449478933374563812010-04-01T17:18:00.000-07:002010-04-01T17:18:45.552-07:00

Many of you know me as a jewelry designer and gallery owner.  Well, in the immortal words of MVS artist Pat Brier, "Sometimes one form of creativity leads to another."  So yes.  You can now add choreographer to the list as well! In Jeff's latest play, Teacup Tipsy (opening April 17 at Driftwood Players in Edmonds), there is a dance sequence in which our heroine, Lyla, dances her sorrow.  (Yes,

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-34660684637781298882010-03-30T14:18:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:28:46.231-07:00

I just got asked why we count Art Walk exhibitions instead of artists.  Actually, we count both but, yes, we put greater emphasis on the number of exhibitions achieved each year. Why? Well, simply put, each time an exhibition takes place, that means, yes, that an artist has been juried in to display her works.  That also means that a downtown Edmonds merchant has willingly agreed to provide the

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-72551924408186176542010-03-29T16:21:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:20:48.064-07:00

Anybody remember the first Art Walk?  Nine years ago? Legend has it that we began, after much hand-wringing and nervous sweating (but not by me, of course), that first fateful evening almost a decade ago with five exhibitions.  (Or was it eight?  Nobody can remember.)  And we felt downright lucky to get 'em, too! Clearly the Art Walk has grown a bit.  I've been going over the stats for the

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-10111164782492824292010-03-28T13:11:00.000-07:002010-03-28T13:23:05.021-07:00

Yes, let the work begin!  (Or is that: Let the work continue?) From a wee gallery featuring Manya's jewelry designs, to an Art Walk that grew to be one of the largest in the state, to the newly celebrated Mural Society, to my latest, most artistically ambitious play: Teacup Tipsy (my fourteenth produced!).  That's an awful lot in just ten years. What's next?  If anyone had told me a decade ago

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1942093240028446318.post-11805439308000934082010-03-27T18:04:00.000-07:002010-03-28T13:23:50.721-07:00

The one, the only, Manya Vee Selects blog!  We invite you to post comments and thoughts on our posts as often as possible!  We'd love to have a conversation with you in this way.  We can talk about art, creativity, beauty, and how those things affect our daily lives. I'm sure you all know by now that for me, incorporating art into every aspect of your life is a very powerful thing.  Eating your

Manya Vee Selectshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02702423547609823900noreply@blogger.com0