Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

All of us at Amato's wish all of you everywhere a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Diane Ahrendt

Karen Amato

Linda J. Baker

Bert Cohen

Nikki Dilbeck

Chris Helton

Gretha Lindwood

Joni Michell

Beth O'Mahoney

Joe Pogan

Annie Salness

Donna Sanson

Bruce Ulrich

Peace in 2011



New Year, New Works - Save the Date

"New Year, New Works"
Saturday, January 8, 2011
6 to 9 P.M.
12570 SW Broadway St., Beaverton

Amato's will start 2011 with an artists reception featuring the jewelry of Bert Cohen and the watermedia paintings of Donna Sanson. Mark your calendars now so you can enjoy the new work by these two talented ladies. The reception will also include live music by Bossa Duo, and complimentary appetizers and local wines.

As always, Amato's will display the latest creations of its twelve member artists who work in an array of exciting materials - glass, stone, metal, fiber, pastel, oil, acrylic and watercolor. We have it all at Amato's! We hope to see you on January 8.

Amatos Gallery Holiday Party and Tree Auction

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Annie's Awesome Evening

Our very own Annie Salness was honored Tuesday night by her family, friends, and community with an evening to celebrate her spirit and the love we all have for her. Her closet friends and neighbors put together an awesome fundraiser based on prints of Annie's work and donations by a community of fellow artists. Annie surprised us with her presence and what a joy it was to see her, looking radiant as always in a Christmas green sweater and smiling face and eyes.

Joe Pogan's donation of "Bird on a Hitch" was the first piece of artwork to sell - and well over the asking price. Attendees were very generous and the event was an overall success - happy crowd of people, yummy desserts and coffee, music in the air, and artwork all around. Go Annie.

I posted an album of photos from the event on my Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44223&id=1838922784

Let the Auction Begin!

We're all set for our holiday tree event. The new artwork is in place, the trees are installed, the cookies have been made, and
the gallery is decorated.

We hope to have a good crowd tomorrow afternoon to see the new art, to enjoy the live holiday music, to nibble on the "World's Best Sugar Cookies," (a recipe from the kitchen of dear Mrs. Donovan), and to bid on ten of the most delightful little holiday trees you could ever hope to see in one place at one time.

The trees will be displayed and available for silent bidding through noon on December 18. Be sure to make a visit to Amato's a must-see experience this holiday.  You won't be disappointed!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

With a chill in the air and some snow on the ground, I found myself motivated to add a touch of holiday spirit to the window displays at Amato's Gallery.


One of the things I loved as a child was going "downtown" to see the holiday windows at Kaufmann's, Gimbels, and Hornes department stores in Pittsburgh, PA. My husband and I continued that tradition with our own children when we lived outside San Francisco. Each year we would ride the BART train into the city to see the wonderful Christmas displays in and around Union Square and up on Nob Hill. 


With our budget, we can't compete with the big stores, but with a little bit of this and a touch of that we can create a festive feeling for the shoppers who walk past our gallery on Broadway Street in Beaverton.  


Glitter and glowing ornaments, metallic papers and ribbons, catch the light and add some sparkle to even the most overcast day.

If you're looking for something special for someone special,

plan to stop in and let us help you select the perfect gift. We have truly unique items to choose from - hand blown glass and sculpted stone, welded metal sculptures and handmade clay pots and plaques, handcrafted jewelry, and paintings in all sizes and media.

And don't forgot to place orders now for your holiday plants and flowers, gift baskets and hostess gifts. Our floral designer can arrange a wonderful basket of specialty items from local sources - coffees, teas, candies, biscotti's, candles, soaps, sachets, lotions, art prints, art cards, and more.

A reminder that our special event in December is scheduled for Saturday, December 4, from one to four in the afternoon. Guests will be treated to live music by Basso Duo and delicious homemade cookies, candies and holiday punch.

A display of one-of-a-kind Christmas trees will be featured, with a silent auction

starting at one o'clock and continuing through noon on December 18.

Be sure to bring your friends and family and decide together on your favorite tree. 

The highest bidders on each tree at the close of the auction will surely make their unique purchase a family tradition this year and for years to come.  

 

Finally, I love how this out of focus photo of Christmas ornaments softens their edges and 

the reflections of the surrounding lights; had to share it as part of my post this evening. 

Sneak a Peek at Another Tree

Another tree is ready for auction at Amato's.

This is a detail of Joni Mitchell's hand sculpted holiday tree. Joni started with a block of lightweight concrete and ended with a flowing spiral tree, sparkling with hints of black marble and rhinestones. The result is elegant and timeless. 

All ten trees will be installed by November 30 at Amato's in preparation for our holiday celebration on Saturday,  December 4, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Guests will be treated to homemade cookies and punch, and seasonal live music by Basso Duo.


You won't want to miss the chance to see these one-of-a-kind artist designed creations. Each one is truly unique. As always, our artists will be available to discuss their artwork and explain how and why they do what they do.


Bidding for the trees will start at the reception and continue for the next two weeks to give the public ample opportunity to view and select their favorite tree. Bring your family and decide together which tree could become a favorite part of your Christmas tradition. At noon on December 18, the bidding will close and the highest bidder on each tree will be notified.


Along with this holiday exhibit, Amato's will feature new art by our talented local artists. Gifts of art will last a lifetime so consider shopping at our gallery for your special friends and family members. 


And, from all of us at Amato's, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches...

I'm giving you a little sneak peek at three of the holiday trees to be auctioned off at Amato's in December. One is a mobile tree, a second is a tree of "jewels," and a third is adorned in all watercolor ornaments. The unveiling of all ten trees especially designed for this event will take place at our monthly reception on Saturday, December 4, starting at 1 p.m.

Amato's gallery will be sparkling with new artwork, holiday punch, sugar cookies, and tree sculptures designed and handmade by our talented member artists. The designs are as clever and diversified as the personalities of each artist. Bassa Duo will be there with their special blend of live music to add to the afternoon's entertainment. Mark your calendars now and spend some time celebrating this season of joy with Amato's family of artists!

Silent bidding on the sculptures will begin right away and continue through noon on Saturday, December 18, when the highest bidders will be contacted to come by and pick up their trees. These sculptures are pieces of artwork and will surely become a cherished part of family traditions for each bidder who gets to take one home.

There's Still Time...

If you haven't seen the latest show at Amato's Gallery, you're missing out. Bruce Ulrich's paintings are strong, intense, and fun. The man likes color and uses it in his artistry to express his joy of life.

His show continues through November 30. Amato's hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will reopen on Friday, November 26, at 10 a.m.

Christmas is coming - Shop Amato's

If you want something truly unique to give this Christmas, consider a gift of art.

Amato's Gallery has printed cards starting at $5, original cards at $10, fine art prints at $35, original paintings at $65, original ceramics at $55, jewelry from $25 and handblown glass for as little as $120. All of our artwork is created by local artists who staff the gallery during afternoon hours and can help you make the perfect selection. Gift certificates are always available so you can stay within your shopping budget. Let us help you surprise your loved ones with gifts they will cherish and remember for years to come.

We will be closed Thanksgiving day, but will open at 10 a.m. the following day. We hope you will stop by.

A Good Crowd Tonight

Despite the rain, we had a very good turnout tonight at the reception for Bruce Ulrich. Our first guests of the evening were Mayor Denny Doyle and his wife; visitors continued to fill the gallery until closing time. 

Bruce's paintings have a strong visual impact; they radiate color and a sense of adventure and risk. Whether he works with watercolor on Yupo paper or acrylic on canvas, you feel Bruce's joy in experimenting with a variety of materials  His show will run through Tuesday, November 30.

Most of Amato's other artists were in attendance tonight. Joe Pogan, who works in found metal, and Bruce posed for a photo; and Mayor Doyle and Paul Cohen discussed Broadway Street and the many new changes that are taking place on our block.

There were lots of new faces in the crowd this evening, as well as many familiar ones. We sincerely appreciate everyone who attends and supports our special events. It was a fun party, catered by our next door neighbor - Gloria's Secret Cafe; guests enjoyed mini sandwiches, cheeses, apple slices with caramel dip, wine, hot apple cider, and a special dessert bar made with dried cherries and pecans.

If you wondering where to hold your holiday party this year, consider hosting it at Amato's Gallery. We are taking reservations for groups of 30 or less, so if you're interested contact us right away.

Presentation to Washington County Public Affairs Forum

I've been asked to make a presentation to the Washington County Public Affairs Forum in a week. Jayne Scott, Director of the Beaverton Arts Commission, invited me to share the journey that Amato's Gallery has taken since last February when local artists joined with Karen Amato and her floral design business. We've undergone a number of significant changes since then, including refurbishing and moving into a formerly empty store front on SW Broadway in Beaverton's historic district. 

What should I talk about, what should I say? I decided to let the artwork do most of the talking for me since we are so fortunate to represent twelve very talented and diverse award-winning artists. Our gallery displays an outstanding assortment of sculpture in glass, metal, stone and clay; memorable two-dimensional images in oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor; and stylish hand-crafted jewelry. I've included some images here that will be part of the power point presentation.

I'll also share how proud we are to be able to showcase the talent of local artists and to establish a welcoming fine art gallery within our own community. Collaboration works, and Amato's is certainly a good example of how indiviiduals' dreams, efforts, and talents can combine to achieve a group's goals. 

Plans for Broadway Street in the news!

In Thursday's edition of the Beaverton Valley Times there was an article on another independent small business reinventing itself much like Amato's Floral did when Karen invited local artists to exhibit in her flower and gift shop in early 2010. A&P, at the corner of Broadway and Watson, has added a line of  specialty goods including locally made organic cranberry juice, peach jam marinades, peanut brittle, cayenne caramels, and flavored balsalmic vinegars to their successful appliance repair parts business. It seems like an unusual pairing of merchandise, but the owners were looking for something fun and different. We wish them much success.

The article goes on to say, "Plans for Broadway have shifted as the Civic Plan evolves. Last month, citizens and the city considered a couplet, where Canyon Road and Broadway would be one-way streets and define a new downtown. That plan has since been scrapped, and the Civic Plan is looking at Broadway as a festival street, which could feature street trees and benches, slow speeds for cars and could be closed to cars for fairs or events."

Sounds like good news for Amato's Gallery and other small specialty shops and restaurants. Read the entire article in the October 21 Beaverton Valley Times.

Spend a night out on Broadway!

Mark your calendars now for an evening out on Broadway - that's   SW Broadway in Beaverton, OR.!

Amato's Gallery, at it's new location at 12570 SW Broadway Street, is pleased to present abstract acrylic paintings and collages by Bruce Ulrich for the month of November. The exhibit will open on November 6 and run through November 30, with an artist's reception on Saturday, November 6, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Our receptions are fun and free and informative, with our family of eleven artists on hand to visit and share their passion for art with anyone and everyone in attendance. Refreshments are provided of course, so plan to stop by and see us.

Amatos Grand-reopening Show

New Location! Celebrate With Us! 10/9/10

After weeks of the combined hard work of artists, family and friends, Amato's Floral and Fine Art Gallery has moved to a new location!

Witness the drastic transformation!

From this,

and this,

to this,

and this,

and this!!!!

We are now located at 12570 SW Broadway Street, Beaverton, Oregon . (Within walking distance of the Max stop at the Beaverton Round and just a few doors west of the Beaverton History Center.)

Please join the gallery artists and the floral designer as we celebrate at our Grand Re-opening Reception on Saturday, October 9th from 6 to 9 p.m.

This event is open to the public and complimentary refreshments will be served!

AND Amato's Floral will be holding a drawing for a floral arrangement valued at $75 !

We look forward to seeing you!

Below are some of the beautiful fine art pieces of our artists:

Fine Art & Interior Design Workshop

Amato's Art Gallery in Beaverton and Macadam Floor and Design in Southwest Portland are working together to present a Fine Art and Design Workshop. The event is free and will take place on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Amato's recently opened gallery, 12320 S.W. 1st Street, Beaverton 97005.

Macadam's professional interior designer, Jenny Ruth, will offer complimentary advice on choosing colors, remodeling with green materials, designing solutions for specific spaces, etc. She is an Associate Member of the Northwest Society of Interior Designers and encourages individuals to bring their questions and design dilemmas to be addressed during the evening. In addition, Jenny will discuss how original artwork can enhance your home or office and bring you lasting pleasure. As a special thank you, workshop attendees will receive sale coupons from both Amato's and Macadam's.

Registration is limited, so sign up today. To register, contact Karen Amato, kaamato@msn.com (503.601.3300). If you have questions about the event, call Donna Sanson (503.477.0489).

Drawing Classes at Amato's Gallery

Monday evenings, July 5, 12, 19, and 26, from 6-8 p.m., I'll be teaching drawing classes at Amato's, 12320 SW 1st Street, Beaverton 97005. Fee for the 4 classes is $90 and includes materials. Registration is limited to eight students.

It will be fun to teach within the inspiring atmosphere of this fine art gallery. We'll use this real life set-ups and photographs as references. My goal as an instructor is to teach students to really see what they observe by studying shape, value and relationships.

If you - or someone you know - has an interest in learning to draw, please contact me to reserve a space. I taught drawing and watercolor for years out of my studio in California and for the Fremont Adult School in Fremont, CA. To register, email donnasansonartworks@comcast.net or call Amato's at 503.601.3300. Visit my website http://www.donnasansonartworks.com/ to see some of my work. Donna Sanson

Beaverton Valley Times article on Amato's

Fine art gallery rises in Beaverton from business owner’s imagination

Area fine artists find Beaverton does have a gallery to serve their needs

BY KRISTEN FORBES

The Times, Jun 17, 2010 (1 Reader comment)

KRISTEN FORBES / TIMES NEWSPAPERS

Gretha Lindwood (from left) Brenda Boylan and Michael Orwick are three local artists whose work is displayed at Amato’s on First Street in Beaverton.

From floral arrangements to gift items to wine, chocolate and coffee, Amato’s on First Street in Beaverton offers a wide variety of products. Still, when 2010 began, owner Karen Amato was looking to diversify her business and decided to put a posting on Craigslist, seeking local artists interested in displaying their work. Beaverton’s Brenda Boylan was browsing Craigslist on New Year’s Day when she came across the listing.

“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, who is doing this?’ We know a lot of artists who have really been wanting to have a gallery in Beaverton for some time. There’s nothing out here that you would call a fine art gallery in the Beaverton area,” recalls Boylan.

Boylan began gathering artists whose work would complement one another, including Michael Orwick, who lives blocks away from Boylan, and Cedar Mills resident Gretha Lindwood. The facility operates as an artist-run gallery; each of the hand-picked artists displays work, helps pay the cost of rent and works together as a team – especially when preparing for the shows they host every few months.

“This area has a lot of creative people,” says Lindwood.

Apparently, this area also has a lot of people who appreciate creativity. At its first gala in February, the gallery was so packed, visitors had to leave and come back to wait for the area to clear out.

“We counted around 120 people,” said Boylan. “Throughout the course of the evening, from the time it opened until it closed, there were people here, which was fabulous. We loved that we had that kind of response.”

Most of the artists at Amato’s are veterans of the art scene and display their work at various shows throughout the region – and sometimes throughout the country. Many of the painters have been meeting for years for plein air (painting outside in the tradition of French impressionists). They take monthly field trips throughout the area to paint outdoors and spend time together, combining art, friendship, sunshine and nature.

The background of the artists who display at Amato’s is as varied as the artwork itself. Orwick began as a children’s book illustrator and was able to get his illustrations into galleries.

“It was more whimsical work,” Orwick says. “I began to daydream about what I’d do when I retired and was able to make the transition over to do landscapes. So, now I know what I’ll do when I retire.”

Boylan has a degree in Applied Art & Design. She says graphic design did not come naturally; she was always drawn to illustration and painting classes in school.

“But that was where the money was, and my parents encouraged it so I’d have a career,” Boylan says. “I slogged through that until I finally decided I just couldn’t take it anymore and decided to stay home, paint and raise kids. People kept asking me, ‘Why aren’t you selling in a gallery?’ I started looking into that and, step by step, got into shows regionally and now nationally.”

When Lindood graduated from art school in Seattle, her first job was as a retail illustrator doing fashion illustrations.

“That was really fun. I really liked that,” Lindwood says, “But that sort of went away when photography took over. I was doing graphic design also – layout, they called it in those days – and it was a good creative outlet for me. That was mostly in black and white. When I started working in color, it was like Dorothy in Kansas when she steps out of the black and white world and lands in Oz.”

Until last year, Lindwood was working as a graphic designer for Joe’s. Since that company shut down, she has been focusing more and more of her creative energy on painting.

Though Lindwood, Boylan and Orwick are all painters, the Westside artists who display at Amato’s work in a variety of mediums. Painters, sculptors and jewelry makers all come together to bring the best of their work to the Beaverton community.

A fine art gallery in Beaverton is refreshing, but perhaps most refreshing is the camaraderie, lack of competition and passion these artists have for their work.

“I love the social aspect of being an artist,” says Boylan.

“It’s very rewarding when somebody loves a piece enough to part with their money because that represents their time and their energy,” says Lindwood. “What did it take for them to make that money? It’s very validating and humbling.”

“How many jobs get celebrated?” asks Orwick. “When we come out, there’s music and food and wine and people. It’s a party.”

This is the reward of being an artist, a reward that only comes after many, many hours of hard work. To see the fruit of their labors and celebrate their artwork, too, visit Amato’s Floral, Fine Art, Artisan Jewelry & Gifts at 13230 S.W. First Street in Beaverton or call 503-601-3300. Also visitwww.amatosflowershop.com and www.amatosgallery.blogspot.com.

'Signs of Summer' video

'Signs of Summer', Amato's June reception featuring Christy Perrine, Linda Baker, Annie Salness, Gretha Lindwood and jeweler artisans, Sheri Gorman, Bert Cohen and Rosie Long. Amatos served up some fun treats of popsicles, ice cream cups, watermelon-aid, chocolates and of course, wine tasting. A fun crowd! What has been most interesting to note is the many new visitors that attended the celebration. It keeps getting better! Thanks for those of you who came out to recognize the talented artists.

"Signs of Summer" show opens June 4th

Amato's Gallery announces a new show of paintings to celebrate artists' interpretations of summer. Featured in the exhibit are works by Linda J. Baker, Gretha Lindwood, Christy Perrine, and Annie Salness. In addition the exhibition includes work by jewelry artisans Bert Cohen, Sheri Gorman and Rosie Long. The show runs June 4 through July 3, 2010.

Beach scenes, blooming plants, farmer's market, and lazy days at the lake are just a few of the motifs shown in oil, pastel and acrylic.

An opening reception with wine tasting that will be held 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4th is free and open to the public.

Last night, May 17th, the City of Beaverton invited the community to a yearly award ceremony for those who demonstrate outstanding achievement in the arts. Amato Gallery owner Karen Amato receives the award from Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle for bringing a fine art gallery to the City of Beaverton.

Beaverton Arts Commission's Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, "Outstanding Business in the Arts" award.

Demos at Macadam Flooring

This past weekend, Amato's artists' Christy Perrine and Brenda Boylan were invited to demonstrate their talents at Macadam Flooring and Design Center in Portland. Because interior decorators use fine are to enhance their clients environments, the pairing of Amato's art with Macadam's open house "Spring is Green" event was a great way to share what our artists can do and provide. Spearheaded by Amato's artist Donna Sanson with the owners of Macadam Flooring Jenny Ruth and Samir Dean. Thanks Donna!

Cannon Beach Spring Unveiling Art Walk.

Join me for an artist reception at the Primary Elements Gallery in Cannon Beach on Saturday May 1, 6-9PM. 172 Sand Piper Square, Cannon Beach, OR 97110. (Upstairs next to The Jeffrey Hull Gallery. The Art Walk goes on all weekend. All the Galleries are open late.

Another Secondary Video!

Amato Gallery Show 4/23/10

Amato Gallery Show 4/23/10

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