Drawing Classes Starting at Art On Broadway Gallery

Donna Sanson will offer Beginning Drawing Classes for Adults starting in March. If you ever thought about taking a drawing class, or if it's been a long time since you did and you need a refresher, then this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. Classes are scheduled for Mondays and students can sign up for either a 1 to 3 afternoon session or a 6 to 8 evening session. The fee includes all basic materials. Each time slot will be limited to six students so sign up early. You'll have fun and learn to really see what you're looking at! Contact the gallery or email Donna at donnasansonartworks@comcast.net

Love Art, Give Art

Love Art, Give Art

February's Special Event, "Love Art, Give Art"

Our February event will be an elegant affair, with champagne and chocolate in celebration of love and romance and to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day. The artwork this month will include a touch of pink here and a dab of red there and lots of hearts and roses scattered throughout the gallery. We hope you will stop by on Saturday, February 5, between 6 and 9 p.m. to enjoy a visit with all our members and see the exciting pieces they have submitted for this month's exhibit.

Below is an acrylic landscape by Nikki Dilbeck and a watercolor floral by Chris Helton. Also posted is an image of naked raku work by our newest artist, Kris Paul from Lake Oswego. The photos are beautiful, but the originals are amazing!



"Love Art, Give Art" - February Reception at Art On Broadway

Another notice to mark your calendars now for the next special event at Art On Broadway (formerly Amato's) in Beaverton's historic district. Our February 5th event will be spiced up with red art, heart art, smart art - the perfect time and place to select a gift that will make your sweetheart swoon!

"Love Happens," Watermedia on Canvas

Fine Silver Jewelry with Swarkowski Crystal

Found Metal Sculpture

Intricate Hand Blown Glass

Classical Oil Painting

Abstract Acrylic

Enjoy the company of our twelve wonderful artists, complimentary wine, and luscious chocolates. The evening starts at 6 p.m. and continues through 9 p.m. We offer layaway and gift certificates; and of course we accept cards and cash. Remember the date and look for reminders in the weeks to come.

Amato's Art on Broadway January Reception

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Ready for the Reception

One week into 2011 already. Still having to concentrate when I record the date on a check, but with online banking there aren't too many checks to write these days.

The new show at Amato's - soon to be Art On Broadway Gallery - is installed and ready for visitors. "New Year, New Works" opened on Tuesday and will continue through Saturday, January 29. The artists' reception is this Saturday, January 8, between 6 and 9 p.m. Bossa Duo will entertain us with live music, and we'll have wine and tasty refreshments for visitors to enjoy. Plan to stop by.

Bert Cohen and myself (Donna Sanson) are featured in January, but all twelve member artists have new and exciting work on display.

Bert has created some stunning silver and crystal jewelry that she will introduce, and I'll have paintings of European scenes that focus on shapes and patterns.

You'll be sure to enjoy the beautiful winter snow scenes by Chris Helton, the always delightful metal sculpture work of Joe Pogan, the striking color and freedom of Nikki Dilbeck and Bruce Ulrich's abstract acrylics, the mastery of traditional oil painting by Linda J. Baker, and the delicious glass work by Diane Ahrendt. Beth O'Mahony recently included fiber art along with her raku and stoneware offerings, Joni Mitchell has added stone jewelry along with her stone sculpture, and Gretha Lindwood is working in both pastel and oil these days. Annie Salness' acrylics are still on display with us and we are thrilled to hear that she is back in her studio again. Go Annie!

We're looking forward to an exciting year and invite everyone to become a regular visitor in 2011 to Art On Broadway Gallery. Donna Sanson

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

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

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: