It's fun, it's fresh ,it's FIRSTFriday!

The oncoming storm was actually inside the shop yesterday. MaryAnne Pollock and Suad Raja transformed one room of the gallery with their artwork. MaryAnne's acrylic work ranges from panaramic landscapes and intimate florals to collaged abstracts. Many of Suad's fine jewelry pieces are inspired by ancient Yemen and need to be seen up close to be appreciated. In fact I think they look even better on (me!). Their opening is this evening from 5 to 8pm and continues tomorrow, Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Do join us!

Views of a kitchen

The Pellegrino and tomato vignette only lasted as long as dinnertime, but my long suffering husband has well, suffered, a lot lately in the random decor department. The vintage blown glass bird has been sitting in the ficus tree since December 2005 because my daughter deemed it "pretty" and refused to pack it.

That dims in comparison though to the beat-up pink tinsel tree that is gracing our dining room at the moment. (You know it is bad when I had a half a dozen girlfriends and their families over and it didn't get moved out of the main floor so I could look like my house is clean all of the time!) Why is it there you ask? One of my curb crawlin' colleagues alerted me to its existence on trash night so I had to go get it. Actually, to be truthful, I had been sitting on the porch with neighbors for the equivalent of a couple of glasses of wine in me so I decided it would be prudent to make my husband Bob go fetch said hot pink tinsel Christmas tree as soon as he pulled in the driveway. He wasn't too happy about the idea of going with all of the snacks and beverages on the porch but I convinced him that someone else might liberate this marvelous convection before I can clean it up and use it for a shop display in my girly-girl room. So, ahem, there it sits in the dining room looking a Warhol-esque Charlie Brown tree. Will post another shot when it is ready for its close-up....

Rain down...all across the world

It's raining for the second day. That normally wouldn't be news but I think it's the first time it has rained all summer. Rain seemed fitting. Yesterday as I sadly spent the morning at a family funeral. Seemed appropriate. It is really a blessing to have relatives to gather around during life events: births, illnesses, joys or deaths all some how are borne better with family. I was sharing with a friend Wednesday that I have bought a dozen plus condolence cards in the past month. Odd how events seem to come in waves...

Back in the shop today I am plotting which of the treasures that my 6 year niece covets she should receive for her birthday gift this weekend. When you like pink, ballerinas and really gaudy, vintage jewels there is a lot to choose from here! Will let you know what she thinks next week, although I must confess I am NOT buying Miss M something pink, this time. Figure I should keep her guessing....

We are here Saturday normal hours but closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday. If you were planning a wild Monday shopping day, let me know and I'll come unlock the door!

New Artist - "Jenewly"

The latest local artist who has found me is Jenna of "Jenewly". This teenage phenom brought me a dozen cute beaded earrings and these fantastic fused glass necklaces. The camera with its glare does not do the colors in the pendants justice. They are quite spectacular! Check them out when you are in next time.

I finished two custom pillow orders last night. After all of the service work I have been involved in lately it was very satisfying to be able to MAKE something tangible. Certainly more exciting than cleaning the kitchen (my other project for the evening.)!

Please Note: The shop will be closed tomorrow so that I may attend a funeral. We will re-open on Friday the 29th at 10:00. Forgive any inconvenience.

Last call for AHO

Thank you to all that attended our first “Artists Helping Others” Benefit Show and Sale. If you are kicking yourself for not buying that special piece of art or if you were out of town and missed the show, you still have an opportunity to support CHO and Homestretch. Through August 31st all purchases from the gallery will benefit these two worthy organizations. Please view the gallery and if you have any questions about the art, please contact me.

The Day After

Well, The Great Hall is tidied up but I can't quite say the same thing about me. After clearing the decks on Saturday and Sunday I am TIRED. I think it is a combination of lack of adrenilan plus staying up way too late watching the Olympics. I am actually looking forward to getting back into the back to school routine next week!

I am going to make the "Artist Helping Others" show catalog available until the end of August. So if you are having "non-buyers remorse" and you would like to inquire about a specific painting please email me at theresa@stifelandcapra.com and I will let you know if it is still available!

Opening Night, no jitters!

This is only a partial aerial view of the show from the sound booth. With the vaulted ceiling of the Great Hall the space feels nice & airy, and there was plenty of room for people to move around.

"Might As Well" sounds like a laid back attitude, but it also the name of the local band that played at the benefit art show last night. NICE group of guys and wonderful, very interactive music. Their intimate style made you feel like you were sitting in on a private jam session. (I think it was as far as they were concerned!). Thank you Christine for suggesting Paul & the guys; they did a great job!

I saw a lot of new faces last night as well as the usual suspects. Anyone from Falls Church want to guess who these feet belong to?

Remember the show continues today from noon to 4. I am heading over in a few minutes to set up. See you there!

Artists Helping Others - Opening TONIGHT!

Yesterday was the big day where we hung all of the art for the benefit show this weekend. I've got to say, it all went as smooth as the silk that Ashby paints on! Homestretch sent half a dozen hard working volunteers who learn that it is a tricky thing to get all that art hung level! The Homestretch staff did a fantastic job. Really made my load a lot lighter. Thank you ladies! Seventeen artists are represented and the is a wonderful mix of mediums and subject matter (as you can see from some of the photos here!). We also set up a bin gallery of smaller unframed pieces so there is quite a range of options to choose from.

The show is at the Great Hall at Vienna Prebyterian Church tonight from 6 to 9pm and continues tomorrow from noon to 4pm.






For those who have asked, YES, the shop will be open from 10 to 2. So if you are having Farmer's Market cravings, buy up all of those peaches and tomatos and stop in. I'll be there in the early morning and then Bob & Terry are taking over for me.

Coming Down to the Wire!

I realize with that title I probably should have used one of Lou's racing photos but we really ARE coming down to the wire to the benefit art show this weekend. All of the accompanying photos are art from the show. These plus dozens more will be on display. I think it will be a beautiful show. I hope you will join us.

Sitting here trying to think of something else to write but I am a bit "show obsessed" at the moment. Food? Check. Music? Check. Art? Check. Make a list and realize that you won't remember what you have forgotten until it is too late? Check. Apologize to Cathy for making her edit the show program for the 5000th time? Check...

The blissful beach.

I always say that if Bob & I hit the lottery you'll know where to find us. Sitting in the Realtor's office perusing water front real estate listings. It might be because I am from the mountains but I loooovvvvveeee the ocean. We went to the Eastern Shore this past week with family from Connecticut and the weather was absolutely perfect all week. That is, until, we did the one thing that was on my list of "grown-up" non work related items. The art league of Rehoboth was having a art show and sale. 20 minutes into the show it started to rain, blow and hail. As Bob's computer assisted leg isn't exactly water proof we made a beeline for the car and watched the storm on the north end of Rehoboth beach. VERY impressive and relaxing in a weird sort of way. We had our picnic in the car watching the crashing waves...

Did some great shopping for the gallery while I was on the shore. Should have everything tagged soon so will get some pictures posted as I unpack.

Speaking of unpacking I returned home to a shipment from Ann Carney Designs. Lots of new earrings (Erena alert!) and a dozen beautiful bracelets and watches. This one sparkles like the sea.


This week's big push is to figure out what I have forgotten to do regarding the big art benefit on the 22nd and 23rd at VPC. Artists? Check. Venue? Check. Advertising? Check. Refreshments? Check. Volunteers? Still working. Music? Still working. Attendees? You?

Party like a 11 year old!

Mom is enjoying the look on her daughter's face as all of the girls yelled "SURPRISE!" on Wednesday night. The young ladies (and they generally behaved like ladies!) ate pizza, didn't spill soda and learned how to use fusible interfacing, vintage fabric, trims and buttons to make some pretty ornate designs on their new custom pillow cases. This group shot was an "in progress" shot. More embellishing was indeed happening into the evening AND the next day when some girls came back in to play some more. LOTS of fun. Happy Birthday girl!

Today is the first and that means it is FIRST Friday, so stop in tonight for snacks, a beverage and to see Kathy O'Brien's latest jewelry collection. We are here from 5 to 8 tonight and 10 to 5 tomorrow, before I head out on a week lonf buying trip, uh, vacation with my family. A posse of 4 is holding down the shop while I am gone so DO Stop in. I don't want to hear stories of them being lonely when I return!

Quintessential Customers

Saturday brought me a lovely treat. Two ladies dressed like ladies: vintage mid century frocks, cute shoes, vintage jewelry. Clients after my own heart! (But not my waistline, I must say. It's hard being six foot two and unable to wear all of the vintage fashion I love. That is why I live vicariously through women like Becky & Lori!) They had a grand time trying things on and left with fun fripperies: beaded gloves, flowered hats and fun summer dresses. The only bad side? They are here with the army and moving within a year. Darn.

ART SHOW UPDATE: We now have 19 local artists participating in the upcoming "Artists Helping Others" show in August 22nd and 23rd. The food is all accounted for, left to take care of is music and all that behind the scenes PAPER. Programs, art cards, etc., etc. All of you that have done this before PLEASE tell me what I am forgetting!

It has been brought to my attention that we have made it onto "Open List" for Falls Church. Please feel free to visit the site and review the shop, so other people can learn what you like about the local artists at the gallery and the rest of our quirky mix.

http://www.openlist.com/falls-church-va_stifel-capra/885413455/ is the link if you care to participate!

Linda Morgan of Purple Cat Cards brought in a collection of her larger collages to add to her card line at Stifel & Capra.
We have 5 left in stock with various themes, including two manly oriented ones regarding dad and Guiness (uh, not together though...)

You've heard it said that three of anything is a collection? I have three vintage canteens in the shop right now (why? who knows!) One girl scout, one boy scout, one more Michigan camp style, just right to hit the trail with!

When you hit the trail this week be sure to stop in the gallery. This Friday is August 1st and that means FIRSTFriday celebrations in Falls Church! Kathy O'Brien will be here with her newest South River Collection of fun jewelry both Friday from 5 to 8pm and Saturday from 10 to 5pm.

Gaining Momentum

You know that feeling when you are inching your way to the VERY top of the world's largest roller coaster and as it goes over the edge you are weightless for a second before the g-force hits you as you scream down hill? Well, that is how I feel planning our upcoming art show! We have reached a critical mass of artists (so I know I will like the way the show physically looks), I have commitments for the caterer, the music and the facility. Now all (?!?) I have to worry about is getting folks to come to the event. It's for SUCH a good cause, so I can only pray that folks rally 'round.

Progress is being made on other fronts as well. Remember those three gigantic trees that came down in my yard? The trunks have been removed, the branches chipped (an EIGHT HOUR endeavor) and yesterday the stump grindin' guy came out to annihilate any vestige of my once proud foliage. Thanks to neighbor Henry, my gnarly butterfly bush was unscathed and said driver didn't compact my neighbor's yard (although it was a near miss!) Good man though, did a tidy job, actually swept my broken and battered patio...

We've got lots of new merchandise in the shop. A new batch of the "cutest tooth fairy pillows ever" as one of our dentally challenged shoppers phrased it. New artisan jewelry and lots of mid century pottery pieces. I am here both Friday and Saturday from 10 to 2 (usually by 9:30 on Saturday!) so stop by and say "hi!"

If you know any artists (whether amateur or professional) that would care to submit to the show, have them contact me. I'd love to hear from them!

Good News!

I got some good news this morning when I got to the shop. My high school cohort, Leila, is now officially a breast cancer survivor! She sent out a note announcing the end of her treatments. Obviously one still has to be vigilant but how wonderful that she is on the back side of treatments. Hooray!

You know all of those stray earrings that you have in your jewelry box that you won't throw away because you hope their mates MIGHT turn up? Well, I had a client bring her three favorites in to see if anyone out there in cyberland had lost the same ones. IF these earrings look painfully familiar, DO drop me a line, Carol would love to find a match for her "orphans".