Gene Rizzo

Gene Rizzo retired from the art show circuit in 2014. He loves Venice and Venice art fans have a mutual love for him.
We were thrilled that he and his wife, Norma, visited our store on Saturday, during the downtown Venice art show.

He spent the day chatting with his old friends and made many new fans.

If you have never met Gene, you have missed a gem. Not only is he a talented watercolor artist but his stories will charm you.

Gene demonstrated his talent by painting a watercolor that was awarded to a lucky customer.

 

 

He autographed our customer's purchases.

He graciously posed for pictures.

His smile is contagious.

He warms your soul.

He has a passion for art and paints because he loves it, not because he has too!

He shared stories about his inspiration for each piece.

For instance, "SHOWOFF".  

Notice the bird flashing the others and their expressions, especially the bird covering his eyes.

If you missed his visit, follow our facebook where we will announce the next time we will host him. You will not want to miss the opportunity to meet this humble talented soul.

CHANGING TIMES

Giving all of our shoppers a heads up that our store hours are changing. Sunday, March 29, will be the last Sunday we are opened. We will be opening at 9:30 every other day to meet your decor needs!
Have to share this new lamp with you.

Ingenious idea. When your space is limited on the skinny entry table, why not place this 1/2 lamp.

It is only 1/2 the shade so no fear of bumping it when you walk by. Great idea! 

Save these Dates

Mark your calendars!

Three exciting dates coming up for all of you!

Feb 23 - 28

Our annual clearance sale will begin! It's that time of the year when we do a clean sweep of our old merchandise. Our long time customers look forward to this sale. Gene gets a little red marker happy and begins to slash prices on all the stuff in the store that he is tired at looking at. The earlier in the week you come, the larger selection; the later in the week you come, the items that are left get marked down again and again! 

Feb. 28

You loved her the first time and we are happy to share that one of your favorite artist, Lisa Sparling, is returning. 

She will be here in the afternoon to do a meet and greet.
Several of her originals will be available to buy. 

The original Blue Lagoon. 

The original Tropical Lagoon 1 and 2. 

All pictures that that you buy that day will be personally signed by Lisa. 

And we will have a raffle for one her beautiful pieces of art.

March 7

And if that isn't awesome enough. Another favorite, Gene Rizzo, will be visiting our store during the Venice Art Festival weekend. 

Gene surprised us a couple years ago when he stopped by our store. While he was there, customers scrambled to buy his art so that they could have it personally autographed.  Within minutes, the nook featuring his art was wiped clean! 

Gene retired from the art show circuit and we are honored to have him in our store, Saturday, so his loyal fans can come by, say hello and watch him at work. He will be demonstrating his talent through out the day and one of his originals will be awarded to one lucky customer. He will share the inspiration for his pieces and personally autograph his works.

Stay tuned as we share more details as the days get closer!

A Taste of the Tropics

Tropical flowers are a great way to add a pop of color to a room. 

Whether used as a centerpiece on your table.

 Or hung on a wall in a picture. 

Take your otherwise neutral room and add some life to it!

Annual Celebration

Meet and Greet with Lisa Sparling

We are so excited to have Sarasota's renown artist, Lisa Sparling share her art with our customers, on Saturday, November 15. She will be in the store from 12 -4.  Lisa doesn't do the local art festivals so you may not have had the opportunity to meet her. She will be bringing a few of her originals. However, if that is not in your budget, we will have a large representation of her work at affordable prices. If you have been shopping home decor, you most likely will recognize her art. 
Blue Lagoon is one our customer favorites.

Gone to the Beach with the pop of red has brightened many rooms.

Tropical Toucan works into many tropical decors.

And her newest, Solace. Who would love to be sitting there enjoying that view?

It's always a joy to chat with the artist and learn where their inspiration for each piece came from.
Click HERE to read all about Lisa and then be sure to stop in next Saturday to meet her! 

Best Design Advice!

If you love it, just buy it!