occasions! by design

Occasions! by Design welcomes back fiber artist, Susan Klebanoff for “In Depth”, a show dedicated to her new body of work and the continued exploration of depth, dimension, space, light and shadow in her three-dimensional tapestries. Klebanoff’s collection will be on display February 23, 2012 through the month of March, with a reception for the artist on Thursday February 23, 6-9pm.

Klebanoff’s new body of work further builds on her ever present concepts of depth, space and light, through an increased complexity of components and layering. Working on the loom with hand-dyed yarn and painted thread, Klebanoff creates unique, original and sculptural three-dimensional tapestries. Her vibrant color palette, multiple layers and the use of space and the absence there of, compel her viewers to become active participants–moving from side to side and around her tapestries are not meant to be seen from one angle. A ‘woven sculpture’, each piece is as multi-faceted as the process and the concepts she builds while creating her tapestries.

Klebanoff explains, “The inventory of forms constantly alters as the eye moves across and through the three-dimensional works or the viewer changes his position. Here, the sum of the parts is made whole when the viewer completes the image.”

Klebanoff’s tapestries are highly coveted and can be seen worldwide in consulates, embassies, public and private collections, include, among others, the U.S. Ambassadors Gallery in Moscow, the Museum of Modern Art Nagoya, Japan, United States Embassy Main Lobby in Colombo, Sri Lanka, “U.S.A Today” Newspaper President’s Office in Virginia, U.S. Department of State Conference Room in Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian Renwick Art Gallery.

In 2009, Klebanoff was commissioned by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC to create a tapestry entitled “Space”, in which she will explore both the importance of space and the absence of space.

Please join us Thursday February 23, 2012 at Occasions! by Design from 6-9pm.

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Let your taste buds run wild…well maybe not in the literal sense, but do come down and enjoy yourself and your palette for art & tasty treats, at “A Taste of Art ArtWalk” on Thursday, January 19, from 7-9 p.m. The event will be hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association (SGA) in conjunction with the City of Scottsdale.

This year marks the 4th annual “Taste of Art ArtWalk”, and the evening is sure to be spectacular, with gallery shows, artists’ receptions and free sampling stations hosted by local purveyors, throughout the Scottsdale Arts District.

While indulging in delicious bites from some of Scottsdale’s famed restaurants, you will also be able to enjoy the ‘tasty’ sounds of a variety of local musicians who will be scattered throughout the Scottsdale Arts District.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes while lending your support to The Scottsdale Gallery Association’s new YEA! – Young & Emerging Artists program that will feature an artist demonstration. Sales of hot java from Shine Coffee and delectable desserts from Sweet Art Bakery will help raise funds for YEA!, which also benefits the nonprofit SGA’s Arts Education Fund.

As always Occasions! by Design will be ready for the festivities with doors wide open until 9 pm., so make sure to stop in and see us!

Diane Orchard 'The Game' $425

Turgala Frosted Tray, $30

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There’s only 10 days left until Christmas–so if you are behind on your tree-trimming or perhaps just starting to turn a greenish hue resembling that of the Grinch, then it is time to come into Occasions! and stock up on some wonderful holiday decorations. With 20% off holiday ornamants from Vietri, Waterford and Michael Aram, we couldn’t think of  a better holiday present for yourself!

Vietri Christmas Ornaments, $25 each

Waterford Crystal Train Set, $195

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We are thrilled for Nance McManus, awarded 2nd place in the category, Works on Paper by the European Confederation of Art Critics at the Biennale of Chianciano, 2011. Considered, “The Second most important curated Biennale after Venice”–AIAA, this is such a grand accomplishment.

We couldn’t be more pleased that we are supporting Nance and her work at Occasions!

We currently have multiple pastel pieces, and are expecting more, as she is one of the artists participating in our Small Works Show, December 1.

For more on Nance or our upcoming shows call us at, (480) 423-0506 or (800) 482-2532, or visit the event section on our website, www.occasionsofscottsdale.com .

Nance McManus, 'Abstract Squared', 20 x 15", $1200

Nance McManus, 'Violets Heart', 18 x 14", $1295

Nance McManus, 'Stoccato', 16 x 20", $1280

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It’s that time at Occasions! again. Yep, we have new artwork and jewelry! After a bustling weekend of the usual, packing, unpacking and rearranging the entire gallery, to make room for our wonderful new work, we couldn’t be happier with the transformation.

Occasions! gallery owner, Dr. Bull brought with him work by, Yenny Cocq, Fred G. Yost, Marcia Sednek, Kim Mason, Diane Orchard, Chrysan Spreng, Deb Vetterman, Wayne Mikosz and Riha Rothberg. We also have work from two new women, artists Ronna Katz and jeweler from Kathy Hunter, as well as new work from Ray Maseman.

Stop in and see the wonderful new works or checkout our website, www.occasionsofscottsdale.com.

Ray Maseman, 'Reunion', Etching 17 x 21", $300Deb Vetterman, Ceramic House, $125

Kathy Hunter, Chartreuse Enamel Ring, $198

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With Fall quickly approaching, it is time to start prepping for the wonderful shows we have planned for the upcoming season. The season will kick off with the Western ArtWalk, on October 20, 2011, and a visit from pottery artist Rick Loewenkamp.

During the ArtWalk 7-9 pm, Rick will stop in for the evening, where he will discuss everything from his firing process to his use of ‘wax resist’. Rick’s inspiration lies in his interest of prehistoric cultures, everything from petroglyphs, animal fetishes, spirit figures and geometric designs inspires him and finds its way into the designs on his raku pots.

For anyone interested in pottery his visit is sure to be a treat! For more information on Rick Loewenkamp and his evening at Occasions! please call (480) 423-0506, 1(800)  482-2532 or visit our website, www.occasionsofscottsdale.com.

Rick Loewenkamp, Horsehair Raku w/ Bear Fetish, $350

Rick Loewenkamp, Primitive Nightscape Jar 11", $350

Rick Loewenkamp, Gold-leafing Ceramic Pot, $225

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After a weekend of unpacking, hanging and re-hanging, we have our newest arrivals up in the gallery. Among some of our wonderful new pieces are a few more whimsical ceramic houses by Deb Vetterman. A wonderful selection of abstract mixed-media portraits from Dianna Shomaker; brilliant fused glass pieces from Doug Gillis and a few more smaller ball gowns, dresses and yet another fabulous life-size ball gown from Marcia Sednek.

Stop in today or checkout our website www.occasionsofscottsdale.com for more new arrivals.

Doug Gillis, Fused Glass Mounted on Board, 12 x 12" $425

Dianna Shomaker, 'Girl with the Big Glasses' Mixed Media 30 x 24" $650

Deb Vetterman Ceramic House, $175

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Whether you are throwing an intimate gathering for friends or are having a family reunion, we have everything you need to stock your bar at Occasions!

For fabulous and chic get-togethers, impress your guests with a Michael Aram Waterford woodgrain decanter and ice bucket; sure to knock their socks off–or maybe their Manolo’s!

Michael Aram, Waterford Woodgrain Decanter $355

Michael Aram, Waterford Woodgrain Ice Bucket $230

If you plan to take your party outdoors, VacuVin’s cooling carafes, champagne and wine coolers keep all of your favorite spirits perfectly chilled, because in the sweltering heat warm drinks just won’t cut it.

Cooling Carafe, $45

Stainless Steel Champagne Cooler, $55

Stainless Steel Wine Cooler, $42

As far as bar glasses go, we have everything! If you are channeling Mad Men our Iittala Ultima Thule 1960‘s inspired highball’s and old fashioned glasses are perfect. For the man or woman of mystery, we have Waterford martini glasses and shakers, not to mention Reed & Barton wine glasses and carafes for sommelier.

Iittala Ultima Thule Highball, set of 2/$55

Yamazaki Martini Shaker, $52.95

Reed & Barton, Marielle, prices vary

For more barware necessities check our website www.occasionsofscottsdale.com.

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Whether you are newly engaged and need assistance getting your bridal registry started or only need to add a few last minute items to your registry, we are here to help! Saving frazzled brides and grooms from bridal registry overloads and meltdowns is what we do best.

To help out, we have come up with a bridal checklist, with our top five dining room and kitchen essentials for the bride and groom to be.

1-Serving Platters, Trays and Bowls

Every couple needs at least one of each of the following–a large serving platter, tray and bowl. For those couples who plan on doing some serious entertaining, two of each might be necessary–think one formal, one casual.

Beatriz Ball Soho Platter, $115

Vietri Quadri Platter, $110

2-Bar-Necessities

Barware necessities include carafes, decanters, 8-12 wine glasses and any other barware items you need. This can include highball glasses, champagne flutes, brandy snifters, etc.

Waterford, Modavi Oakville Carafe, $98

3-Dining Must-haves

What would your new serving bowl be without servers or tongs? Or what happens if you literally don’t have any salt to pass? These are just a few must-have items that you need for your dining table and kitchen. Stop in and see us or check out our website for others.

Alessi, Programma Salad Set, $82

4-Capturing Memories

Once the smoke has cleared, and you are settling into married life you want to make sure that your lovely wedding photos are displayed properly–from cutting the cake, to walks down the aisle and even the candid shots in between, beautiful frames are a must for your bridal registry.

Tizo Frames, prices vary.

5-Sexy Gadgets

Sexy Gadgets are just that–fabulous kitchen gadgets that you are going to need once your marriage gets ‘cooking’. Some of our sexy gadgets include a mincing-machine garlic press for the cook, egg pillows and colorful kitchen timers–all are perfect gifts for the kitchen pro or chef in the making.

Egg Pillows, $14.50/set of four

Garlic Press, $26.50

Alessi, Michael Graves Timer, $38

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At Occasions! we can never have too many Marcia Sednek dresses, and whenever Marcia sends us more of her delightful, found-object fashions we revel in delving through the box to find our new favorites! Almost as if paying homage, we have her newest dresses hanging from their “clothesline”, on display among the others–just waiting to find the right home.

What makes Marcia’s found-object dresses so unique is the combination of familiar and forgotten–Marcia has truly mastered transforming vintage, found and neglected objects into intricate metal fashions. Almost as if tricking your eyes, you are forced to take a closer look and re-interpret the assemblage of items, ‘stitched’ together to create her lovely wardrobes.

These intricate and detailed mini-wardrobes and even life-size gowns make perfect gifts, and with our gift registry you can add any of Marcia’s dresses or dolls to your wish list. Or see what wonderful items your friends and family have registered for and surprise them by fulfilling their wish.

Sednek Assorted Mini-Dresses, starting at $37.50

Sednek Life-size Shift, 18 x 40", $995

Sednek Child's Linotype Dress, 17 x 23", $395

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