Meet Artist Kim Vagt

 

Kim Vagt lives in our wonderous Sierra Nevada Foothills!

Recently retired in 2020 from a career in healthcare, Kim lives in the countryside near Mokelumne Hill in our pristine Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California where she has her art studio.

O-077 Estuary-in-Spring by Kim Vagt mm 10x10 $435

O-078 Wildflower-in-Spring-Air-by Kim Vagt mm 8x10 $335

Kim gain’s inspiration from the wonder of local landscapes and florals, abstract art compositions, and her true love for color.

O-079 Peonies-in-Blue-Vase by Kim Vagt mm 8x10 $375

She enjoys various mediums and techniques using Acrylic, Watercolor, Alcohol Ink, Oil Pastels, and Encaustic Wax. Every painting elicits pure creative energy for her with a desire to create a unique emotional connection for the viewer. “One piece leads me into the next and brings an exhilarating sense of joy, wonder, and learning”.  

O-080 Spring-Buds by Kim Vagt mm 10x10 $335

Her recent judged art pieces showcased at:

·        Amador County Fair, 1^st & 2^nd place in Fine Arts, Mixed Media, 2019

·        Crocker Art Museum, Wonderous Wax Exhibit 2020

·        Sacramento Fine Arts Center 54^th National Motherlode Art Exhibit 2020

·        The Gallery 48 at Natomas, Movement, Mastery and Medium Sierra Wax Artists Exhibit, which opens January 22, 2021

·        Ironstone Vineyard, 24^th Annual Spring Obsession Art Competition, opens March 6, 2021

Check out Kim’s website: https://www.kimvagt.com/

T-011 Spring Glory at Ironstone by Kim Vagt acry. 16x20 $435

T-012 Daffodils in the Light by Kim Vagt mm. 8x10 $335

Meet Artist Brad Stone

 Brad Stone

T-020 Golden Celebration by Brad Stone acrylic 16x20 $600

Art is not a reality but a personal perspective of what you see. O-063 First Summer by Brad Stone oil 18x24 $1000 O-062 Faitful and True by Brad Stone acrylic 30x40 $650

Delta College Ceramic and painting Classes Sacramento State College, Minored in Art (Art Education & figured drawing) School of Light and Color (Susan Sarback, seeing and painting approaches based on light) Experiences: Award winner of Bank of America (Pop Art) Calaveras County Fair (Best of Show and first in fine art category) California State Fair Cal-Expo Plein-Air painting participate and exhibit. Ironstone Winery Fine Annual Spring Obsession Arts Competition and Plein-Air Painting with Concourse De’Elegance Car Show. Ironstone Vineyard 21st. Annual Spring Obsession Art Show Family Merit Award. Calaveras County Arts Council Member

Meet Artist Ann Nall

T-001 Decoupaged Daffs by Ann Nall  decoupage 16x20  $475

 Ann Nall

1212 Shell Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

web: annnall.com

email: nall8900@comcast.net

Statement

I have been an avid watercolor artist for many years, capturing an animal's personality in detailed portraits. While I love it, and it will always have a place in my heart, a couple of years ago I felt the need to express myself more boldly, with an almost "devil may care' attitude.  This attitude has led me to experiment, first with acrylic paint, then mixed media collage and now to decoupaging glass. The detailed cutting of paper, bluing hundreds of pieces into place and having glue and paper waft all over the studio is joyful.  As I work on each piece, I combine the joy of childhood play with my learned knowledge of composition, balance and color.

O-001 Passing Storm by Ann Nall  acrylic 24x36 $600

 Biography

Ann started painting in 1985 to escape the pressure of work. Her first lesson was in the basement of a community center in Virginia, just outside Washington DC. Her teacher taught her how to hold a brush, mix colors, and put what she saw onto paper.  Watercolor landscapes and still life slowly evolved into a love of painting animals and finally hundreds of detailed, realistic pet portraits.

Next came acrylics, applying paint directly from the tube onto canvas.  Again, this was a challenge and she created some dramatic pieces of which she is proud.

In 2019 she saw someone decoupage an object and her energy, enthusiasm and interest sparked. Her first piece of used glass, combined with paper and glue and varnish turned that spark into a passion. Each new piece she creates stokes her creative energy, bringing joy and fulfillment.

O-002 Last Tuesday in P. G. by Ann Nall  acrulic 36x36 $600

She now uses decoupage regularly on glass and canvases. It is challenging and joyful.

Her work is currently on display at the Carmel Valley Art Association in Carmel Valley, California. She is also a Board Member of the organization.

Past Juried Shows and Awards Include:

Ironstone Winery, Murphys, CA (1st. Place winner of Themed Competition)

Pacific Grove Public Library, CA (one of 12 for their 105th anniversary, national competition)

San Luis Obispo Art Museum, CA (Art of Fine Craftsmanship)

Northern California Arts Association, Sacramento, CA (Award of Excellence)

Fusion Art Gallery, Palm Springs, CA (juried in 5 different competitions & honorable mention)

Pacific Art League, Palo Alto, CA (Awarded Honorable Mention)

Carmel CA (Carmel By the Sea Holiday Banner, one of 20 winners)

Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, AL (benefit auction)

WGBH Boston, MA (auctioned poster design)

Artists Group of Charlestown, Charlestown, MA (founding member)

Lapis Lazuli pendant Weekly Special

The semi precious stone, Lapis lazuli, is well known for its intense blue color.  In Ancient Egypt Lapis was celebrated as being The Wisdom Stone and can be seen in paintings and scrolls adorning the Pharaohs. 

"The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals", by Judy Hall claims the following....

"Attributes Lapis Lazuli stimulates enlightenment and enhances dream work and psychic abilities. ... It possesses enormous serenity and is the key to spiritual attainment." She adds, "Lapis Lazuli is a powerful thought amplifier. It stimulates the higher faculties of the mind, ringing objectivity and clarity." 

Ironstone's Heritage Museum & Jewelry Shoppe makes no claims to the above. We are in love with this stone however and decided to make this our first of many Special Blog Sale pieces.  This one of a kind pendant is set in Sterling Silver with a stunning Afghanistan Lapis cabochon surrounded by inlayed lapis chips creating a beautiful contemporary design. With the wider bail, this piece may be set on a large chain or neck collar.  This piece is one of several designs custom made for Ironstone.  These pieces sell for $450.

As our Special from Thursday, January 14th through Sunday, January 17th, you may purchase this piece for $225.  Give us a call at 209-728-1251 extension #47.  This is a one of a kind piece, so there is only 1 available at this price.  You may also stop in to see the other pieces in this collection, mention you saw this blog post and we will honor a 30% discount on any pieces in this collection through Sunday, January 17th.

 

Scarce Agates just in!

 Ironstone's Heritage Museum has just received a nice little collection of scarce Puma Agates.  These little lovelies show a great range of color and patterns. They are being listed at $10 - $15 each.  They range in size from 3 cm - 5 cm.

If you are not familiar with Agates they are common rock formations primarily consisting of chalcedony and quartz. They are primarily formed within volcanic and metamorphic rocks.  The Puma agates of Argentina claim their discovery date in the late 1990's although agates in general date back to ancient Greece where they were used in jewelry and in the seal stones of Greek warriors. Our rock expert, Mr. Mike Hunerlach, has told us that Puma agates are becoming quite scarce pushing the prices up significantly.  

Here are a few photos of some of the little lovelies that now grace our shelves. If you see one that interests you, give us a call for more information. 

Call to Artists Deadlines nearing!

 Ironstone Spring Obsession Art Show art entry deadlines are fast approaching.  OPEN Division entries are due Sunday, January 31st. 2021.

Theme Division entries are due January 2nd. 2021 which is barely a week away!  You may download the forms from the pages above or enter online which saves so much time.  Just go to Ironstonevineyards.com  and click on Art Show.  If you have an issue with the entry fee portion of the form, just email Chris Gomez at cgomez@ironstonevineyards.  

There is a bit of a glitch in the programming of the web entry. Forms and images are coming through no problem, but the payment section seems to be off line.  You may mail in a check to Ironstone Spring Art Show Entry, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys, CA 95247, or call the Ironstone Vineyards office at 209-728-1251, let them know you entered the Art Show online and she can take your credit card over the phone.  Sorry for the inconvenience but it seems the website person is off for the holidays and won't be back till next year. One more fracture to chalk up to 2020.

Wild Things by Kathleen Dunphy new date

 NEW DATE for Kathleen Dunphy's "Wild Things". 

Mark your calendars and get your questions ready. 

Kathleen Dunphy goes live December 30th at 4:00 PM PST.  Facebook.

Ironstone Bistro new menu & More!

 Today's Covid requirements have sent us to the Breezeway.  Tasting Room & Bistro are now located downstairs in Ironstone's beautiful Breezeway Grotto. And with a new Bistro Menu!  (see below).  Waterfalls and fun Christmas displays await you for either tasting or dining. Generous spacing/distancing amidst the waterfalls, holiday decor and firepits, its a perfect way to move into the holiday spirit.  We all need a bit of that these days and Ironstone delivers.  Reservations are required so do call in advance.  The facility is closed Monday through Wednesday with the Bistro open Thursday thru Sunday.  Bistro also requires advance reservations.

Ironstone's Jewelry & Gift Shoppe is open Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 - 5:00.  We require masks properly worn and social distancing, and although we have limited occupancy the gift shop does not require reservations at this time. However, should you wish to secure a time period for private service with one of our staff, please feel free to call ahead to extension and we will most certainly try to accommodate you.  

Specials currently running in the Gift shoppe,  25% discount on the Winchester 14k yellow and white gold jewelry,  25% to 50% off on Diamond Case jewelry,  30% off special auction purchased sterling silver jewelry and 30% off special purchased estate pieces.  Just in time for Christmas!

Mind you,  we never know how the rules will change from one day to the next, but, will keep you informed on Ironstone's facebook page or here on our Museum blog.  Oh, almost forgot, the vault with the Crystalline Gold Specimen is currently closed as all indoor museums must be closed due to the current COVID regulations. 

New Bistro Menu!

Soup Du Jour    Cup 5, bowl 6

Gold Miner Chili with cornbread 8

Chips & Queso Verde housemade chips  9

Mixed Green Salad  9

Classic Wedge Salad  11, add chicken 4

Fromage Board assorted Cheeses, Dried Fruits and nuts  16

Brie Melt  9

Smoked Pulled Pork  12

Blackened Chicken Po'Boy 13

Obsession Smoked Brisket Panini  15

Bread Pudding with whipped cream 8