Gifted Gator Boutique
Phyllis Vallon (505-0607)
May, 2008
May has arrived, so it is time to let everyone know about our summer hours. In June and July, the hours will be 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we will close for the month of August, and open again after Labor Day maintaining the shortened hours through September. We will open again full time in October.
We have added a new feature at The Gifted Gator: a monthly sale table. The items are significantly reduced, and you can find some true bargains. Be sure to stop by, we know you will find a treasure.
We focus this month on two special vendors, Milena McCall and Howard Hartke. They are remarkable artists.
Milena McCall started making bags about five years ago. It all began because she wanted a good-looking, inexpensive bag, but couldn't find one. Each of her bags is unique, because people are unique, and a bag is a very personal object. Her bags are now selling in local boutiques and galleries. In addition, Milena has generously donated dozens of bags to give out at our monthly Punta Gorda Trolley visits. We always give our visitors a gift to remind them of their stay in Punta Gorda.
Howard Hartke has been “in the mud” for fifteen years. Never giving a thought to clay, Howard was a photographer and abstract artist. While at the University of Buffalo, and running a successful photography business, Howard wandered into the UB pottery studio one day. He sat down at the wheel and that was it... he was hooked! In the years since, Howard has had the opportunity to throw with Master Potters in various parts of the country. He has incorporated their vast knowledge into his own techniques. These works of art must be seen to be appreciated.
We always welcome browsers and new volunteers. We need extra help this summer to cover for our snowbirds who have flown away! You do not have to be a vendor or even a paint-by-number artist to work at the shop. I cannot even use Elmer's glue without making a mess!!
Thanks for everyone's support and patronage.
Talk to you next month.