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.