More Gift Ideas :: Books at Bluerock Gallery

Day Planners and Books

Kim Taylor’s Day Planners

Kim Taylor’s dayplanners are in high demand around here—and for good reason. Her photographs depict western cowboys and ranchers at work in “On the Trail 2011.” Beautifully shot and documented, these day planners are poignant reminders of the magical place we call home. She’s collaborated with Mitch Drewes on a new fly fishing day planner too, called “On the Fly 2011.”  Both are wonderful gifts sure to be used all year long. $24.95 at Bluerock.

Hot Off the Press! West on One: The Stories Behind the Scenery by Kathryn Manry

This book is jam packed with natural history, native culture, personalities, geology, conflict, trivia and the sites themselves along the Trans-Canada Highway from Calgary to Lake Louise. Did you know there is a ghost town near Banff you can only visit by scuba diving? A perfect gift for the naturalist, history buff and hiker in your life. Check out her book site here. $32.00 at Bluerock.

Wild Alberta: At the Crossroads by Marion White and Robin White

Alberta is a beautiful place. The White’s have written a book that puts the onus on each and every one of us to forge a sustainable future here—for the people we love and all the wildlife and fauna we share it with. Learn more about their work here. $39.95 at Bluerock.

Music and Books for Kids

CD: Pied Pumkin’s “Pumkids”

We were treated to a house concert with singer/songwriter Shari Ulrich in November, and while she was here she left some of her Pied Pumkin (Shari Ulrich, Rick Scott and Joe Mock) cd’s with us. Yeah sure, the group took “Best Children’s Album” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards,” recently. The real test is seeing the little tykes groove and bounce to rootsy tunes like “Bowen Island,” “Papa Do Wah Diddy” and “Annabelle’s Fiddle.” Pure fun for kids of all ages! $20 at Bluerock.

Pocket Naturalist Guides

These laminated, handy guides are the perfect stocking stuffer for kids and adults alike. Jam packed with info and illustrations, the kids will be shouting “Yellow Bellied Sap Sucker,” and “Red Winged Blackbird,” faster than you can say,”Christmas in Alberta.” Other great titles on subjects like geology, knots, weather and first aid. Perfect for the budding young naturalist. $6.95 at Bluerock.

Kids Books

We don’t have many kids books at Bluerock, but a few GREAT ones!  In “Eh? to Zed,” Kevin Major does the all-canadian version of the abc’s with alliteration, fun and a great sense of rhyme—Cariboo and Dan McGrew! Sure to be a bedtime hit! Drop by to check out other kids titles. $18.95 at Bluerock.

Bluerock Holiday Gift Ideas—Small is…Thoughtful

The Small Works Show is in full swing at the gallery. Keeping in line with our chosen theme, we’ve put together a slideshow of small gift ideas. Enjoy!

Free Gift Wrapping

We are happy to wrap your Bluerock Gallery gift purchases at no additional cost to you. Because the season is busy, we may ask you to leave your purchase with us and pick it up in an hour or so. In some instances, we may ask you to pick up your wrapped gifts the following day. Wrapping is paper only. We’ll leave it up to you to embellish and add your own personal touch.

Gift Certificates

Bluerock has gift certificates! Sometimes giving a gift certificate is the perfect gift. Our Gift certificates can be made for any amount, and do not expire.

Crows, Ravens and Other Black Things, Saturday October 23rd, 2010 5-7pm

Ravens
One for bad news,
Two for mirth.
Three is a wedding,
Four is a birth.
Five is for riches,
Six is a thief.
Seven, a journey,
Eight is for grief.
Nine is a secret,
Ten is for sorrow.
Eleven is for love,
Twelve – joy for tomorrow.
- Old English Rhyme

Join us in a visual exploration of the crows, ravens and other dark things that have captured the imaginations of local artists. Come to our opening event before the Sam Baker concert in Turner Valley (starts at 7:30 – details here)!

Featuring works by Beverly Farley, Judy Perrin, Karen Gimbel, Linda Cote, Mady Thiel-Kopstein – and some surprise new artists as well!  This show will run through November 19, 2010.

SAVE THE DATE:  November 20th “Small Works Show” opens – Artist’s Reception 5 – 7 pm.  This show will run through December 31, 2010.

Making Art: September Classes in Painting at Bluerock Gallery

Authentic Impressionism Weekend Workshop
with Janice Tanton
September 18 and 19, 2010  NOTE: this class is being rescheduled because of weather – watch for updates!
Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 5 pm, lunches included

Choose your medium – oil, acrylic, watercolor – and come prepared for an adventure in plein air painting in and around Black Diamond.  You will experience the philosophy and practice of the authentic method for French impressionist painting en plein airas it has been handed down from artist to artist.  This program is a fundamental underpinning for artists, and teaches one how to see and how to proceed through a canvas from beginning to end – no matter what your particular style, subject matter, or medium.

Saturday morning will be spent in the studio at Bluerock Gallery for demos by the instructor, then everyone will head out into the small town of Black Diamond to paint.  Sunday the plein air painting will be on location at the beautiful Diamond Willow Artisan Retreat in Turner Valley. (You could also attend a house concert and stay overnight at this wonderful Bed & Breakfast – contact them directly for details.) Each painting day will end with a critique and discussion session back at Bluerock Gallery.

Janice Tanton is an accomplished, award-winning Canadian artist working professionally for over 21 years.  (Her work is currently filling the Bluerock Gallery street window displays!)

Level: Intermediate to Advanced (Participants should have a good working knowledge in their chosen medium.)

Class Size: Maximum 8 participants

Workshop Fee: $295  ($150 deposit to hold your spot, balance due on first day of class)

Introduction to Acrylic Painting
with Mady Thiel-Kopstein
September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 2010
Thursday evenings, 6:30 – 9:30 pm

Four Thursday evenings in the painting studio at Bluerock Gallery will give you a strong foundation for working with acrylics.  Join Mady Thiel-Kopstein, an accomplished and experienced painter and teacher (and Bluerock Gallery staff), in exploring the world of painting on canvas with acrylic paints.  No previous experience necessary, simply the desire to play with color and complete a small canvas painting. Basic supplies included.

Beginning to Intermediate Level. Maximum 8 participants.  (9/16/10 NOTE: Class registration is now closed.  Watch for the next series starting soon!)

$160 for series of 4 classes.

Stampede Style, Western Style—Silver Jewelry by Shelagh Blatz

Shelagh Blatz embodies western style. Long before she picked up a hammer and started making jewelry, she was working on the family farm, shopkeeping in Western stores, and barrel racing competitively in college. After starting a family, Shelagh’s love of western culture and style culminated in her expression of the unique western silver jewelry she’s been crafting for the last seven years. Hand forged and one of a kind, all of her pieces are stamped sterling silver and the gemstones are set by hand.

“I like jewelry that’s substantial,” she says. “I never liked fiddly little clasps. I wanted to make something that wasn’t going to break.” Substantial, indeed. Shelagh’s signature clasp is made from an Indian Head / Buffalo Nickel—pure silver coins from the 1930′s. Once the necklace is on, it isn’t going anywhere.

We were struck by the attention to detail and the versatility of her designs. Each of the pendants are designed to be worn on their own, and can be easily removed from the gemstone strand to be placed on a favorite chain or cord. Beautiful and practical.

A fine selection of Shelagh’s bracelets, earrings and pendants are available at Bluerock. Drop by and see us soon!