Stepping Stones Gallery

06/29/2014

Update: Tradewinds Treasure Gallery in Gig Harbor is temporarily closing. Much of their inventory, including Gary's paintings, will be offered in an auction through Hamilton's Antique and Estate Auctions. There will be 3 auctions starting July 8th. It could be very exciting and good exposure for Gary. In the meantime he's been really busy and hasn't had much time to think about painting. He might consider commission work perhaps in the fall. His email address is: [email protected] Thank you all for your interest!
Maxine Peterson

05/06/2014

This necklace was inspired by a trip months ago to the antique mall here in Port Townsend. The centerpiece was a vintage buckle with silver and abalone. It caught my eye! The beaded piece with the dangles measures 4 3/4" x 2 3/8". I used white pearls that reminded me of clam shells, square garnet beads, Swarovski crystals and abalone beads in the dangles and in the necklace strands. And 2 starfish charms on each side of the dangles, to remind viewer of the sea! The strands right now are about 10" long but I'm leaving them unfinished to custom fit the customer. $185, plus shipping. Thank you for looking :)

11/19/2013

Vintage glass that I beaded and felt like I created a garden of beads for this lady. It seemed to have a spiritual quality and it didn't surprise me when I finished that a metal cross ended up on my beading tray (had been looking through stuff). I liked it! When I finished, it reminded me of my mother's favorite hymn, "In the Garden". Will have it for sale for a few days and then she's going to Alaska! By Maxine Peterson

07/01/2013

Some of Gary's thoughts to go with the pictures we posted

Sometimes I get into a routine. I putter around in the shop most of the day and into the evening, taking breaks for meals and chores. In the evening I enjoy time with the family and then qu...

07/01/2013

The beauty of the season is inspiring and we thought we'd share some of our beautiful scenery.

06/30/2013

If you're interested in the creative process behind Gary's spinning wheels, check out our blog. The wheel Gary is currently building has a NW Coast theme. The native artists for centuries had a wonderful knack for combining great art and utility - spoons, boxes, bowls, etc., were all likely to transcend their function through the artist's touch. This new wheel is a good way to carry on this philosophy.

Compact, custom spinning wheels made by hand in Port Townsend, WA

06/29/2013

For those of you who miss seeing Gary's paintings in Port Townsend, here's a new opportunity for you. A new gallery, started by collectors of Gary's work, has just opened in Gig Harbor, a beautiful shop to visit. Along with the paintings, Shelby and Candice are showing a wonderful collection of Chinese carvings as well as jewelry and other collectables.
Here's the name and location:
Tradewinds Treasure Gallery
7700 Pioneer Way, Suite 104
Gig Harbor, Washington
253-858-8300

03/09/2013

Our Ram's head carving has finally been attached to a new wheel. We decided to photograph it at a nearby park, figuring the ram might appreciate the heather :)

03/04/2013

Gary has been busy carving an Icelandic ram figurehead/handle for a new wheel. Didn't he turn out cool?

02/28/2013

Although Gary hasn't been doing a lot of painting lately, the creative juices are still flowing! Until the new gallery in Gig Harbor opens sometime in early spring, Gary's been keeping busy building spinning wheels. This is his latest, made from walnut, western figured maple and padouk. It's just getting a few finishing touches before we take it to a spinning event in Oregon this weekend. We've already had people drooling over it :)

01/25/2013

Two of the pleasures of pursuing an interest in arts and crafts are going to interesting places and meeting interesting people. Last year, we spent time demonstrating our spinning wheels and photographing animals at Compass Rose Farm, near Discovery Bay. Several paintings resulted from our various visits to the farm, and we made friends with the wonderful people who live there. One of the "people" we really enjoyed was a sweet tempered, easy-going dog named Mick. We all fell in love with him. He decided to hang around our demonstration area during the farm tour and few people could resist saying hi and petting him. The last several times we've been to the farm, Mick has been suffering from a seriously infected toe. The only viable option is emergency surgery, and of course it will be expensive. Compass Rose Farm is a hard-working farm and though they are big on generosity and hospitality, they are short on funds for this. If you would like to help out with a donation (any amount helps), please contact Compass Rose Farm:

Beverly Fairing
1463 W Uncas Rd
Port Townsend WA 98368

Hopefully Mick will make it through this trouble and we'll enjoy his company for a long time to come.

MICK NEEDS YOUR HELP. He is in need of an emergency surgery next week. We are asking for financial support. If you can donate, please send your contribution as soon as possible to:

Beverly Fairing
1463 W Uncas Rd
Port Townsend WA 98368

If donations exceed his needs we will start a "Medical-Needs" Fund for other animals in need.

11/25/2012

11.24 Stop by and say hello if you're in Port Townsend!