CANNON BEACH, OREGON. - Did you ever throw a party and wonder if anyone would show up? Spring Unveiling Weekend this year May 1-3 was like that for Haystsack Gallery and the Cannon Beach Gallery Group. None of us knew what to expect. How would the economy and high jobless rate affect the weekend? Would the weather co-operate? Would the artists we invited show up? Would people come? Would they buy?

So we just sent out our invitations, placed our ads, bought our food and wine and planned for a great event. I am happy to say people came to our party, enjoyed themselves and they bought. The attendance at the unveilings on the weekend was a bit less than last year and I saw a different crowd than in previous years. It seemed to be a younger crowd, more kids and strollers. It was good to see them back.

Our weekend was kicked off with the unveiling by Michael Tieman, of his bronze sculpture, "Courage". This 36" stunning bronze, is a tribute to those who have, who are and who will battle cancer. "Courage" has a strong stance, eyes of determination and a presence that demands your attention. Meant to be touched, this sculpture is designed to help give courage and healing.

Michael about to unveil "Courage".	"Courage" draws a crowd .	Michael and wife Nancy with "Courage".
Breast Cancer survivors with "Courage" and Michael.	"Courage" is meant to be touched ... by all ages.	Tieman's sister Beverly from Texas, and brother-in-law John from Ohio with "Courage".

Michael's inspiration for this piece was a dream he began having shortly after his younger sister passed away after a recurring battle with breast cancer. Included in the purchase price is a minimum 25% contribution to cancer support services. This is designed to be a direct help to those battling cancer. His brother-in-law, John, has purchased the first piece cast and will be donating it to the Summa Health System's Jean B. and Milton N. Cooper Cancer Center, Akron City Hospital, Akron, Ohio, where Michael's sister, Connie, was treated during her battle with cancer. Michael also unveiled his book, The Building of "Courage", which contains his journal entries as he sculpted this special piece. The back portion of the book also shows the foundry process in detail.

Fire was an important element for us this weekend. (We thought it would be a nice balance to the rain and wind that was coming down outside!!) On Saturday, in our front courtyard, Eric Langeliers, a metal sculptor, demonstrated his techniques on heating, coloring, and welding his sculptures. He also unveiled two new images, "Berry Ambitious", a piece with two chickadees feeding on bright red berries, and the second image, "Star Grazer, featured a hummingbird feeding on some red flowers. Shortly before our Spring Unveiling Weekend, Eric had also brought us new images, among them a quail family and geckos. Eric continues to create new images featuring landscapes and wildlife.

Using a torch to demonstrate how to create glass beads, Jolene Riley entertained and educated many customers. Her designs vary greatly and the colors she uses are vibrant and sophisticated. Along with Jolene, was Linda Fordyce, who uses Jolene's glass and dichroic beads to create necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Linda also uses incredibly small beads in some of her creations. Her eyesight is obviously better than mine, as I would never be able to string the very small size beads she was using. In fact one of her necklaces, she estimated she had used approximately 2000 beads along with many of Jolene's dichroic glass beads.

About Haystack Gallery

A Fine Art Gallery established in 1977, Haystack Gallery displays the artwork of over 75 Northwest, national and internationally recognized artists, covering a wide range of styles including original oils, pastels, acrylics and watercolors, bronze and steel sculptures, hand-made jewelry, limited and open edition giclées and lithographs. We feature artists such as: Steve Hanks, Pino, John Ebner, Frogman, Rie Munoz, Sean Conrad, Mark Hopkins, Sally O'Neill, Don Bishop and Michael Tieman .

For more information Phone: 503-436-2547; Email: info@haystackgallery.com. Web: haystackgallery.com