Blue Monday – Art is a mood booster

Mandy Eve-BarnettArt, Inspiration

Image for Blog Jan 2025

We are all conscious of the effect of the aptly named Blue Monday, but did you know its origins? In American literature in the 1830’s it referred to the state of the labour workforce after the consequences of weekend drinking and the association of a depressed state of mind being called ‘blue’. Sky Travel labelled the day – 20th January … Read the article

Pantone Colour of the year 2025

Mandy Eve-BarnettDécor, Picture Framing

Pantone Color 2025 - 3

This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is Mocha Mousse 17-1230. It is a comforting but rich warming, brown hue. Utilizing this versatile and strong chromatic foundation allows applications to range from minimalistic to rich decor with subtle sophistication. The combination of coffee and chocolate tones brings indulgence, comfort and harmony reminiscence of sweet treats and moments in nature. The … Read the article

Unique, Heartfelt Christmas Gifts

Mandy Eve-BarnettGift, Inspiration

A Star For Christmas Trisha Romance

This Christmas, don’t be scrambling for that unique gift for your relatives, and friends. Create a one-of-a-kind custom-framed treasure. Instead, go for the unusual and delight in the surprised faces on Christmas morning instead of the usual.  Still, trying to figure out what that could be? Here are a few ideas: A creatively framed picture of the grandchildren for Grandma … Read the article

Beautiful Autumn Colours Depicted in Art

Mandy Eve-BarnettArt

Fall Sonata - Marilyn Hurst

Autumn is an inspiration for many artists to paint due to the season’s transitionary nature. The Fall season is symbolic of plenty, ripening, harvest, and abundance, but also a symbol of decay, decline, old age, and even death. It has associations of things being past their prime. It is also a time of contemplation and celebration of life in a … Read the article

The Art of Stone Carving

Mandy Eve-BarnettArt, History, Sculpture

Free & Easy - Roy Hinz

Initially, stone carving was believed to have been created in the Paleolithic era – 10,000 BC.  However, there have been subsequent discoveries, one of which was the stone sculpture – the Venus of Hohle Fels, which was discovered in southwestern Germany in 2008 and was made between 33,000 and 38,000 years ago.  Another known ancient art, is a set of … Read the article

Capture Summer’s Beauty

Mandy Eve-BarnettArt, Inspiration

Summer Lagoon - Richard Mravik

As Albertans, summer holds a special place in our lives. It is a time to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Gone are the frigid temperatures of winter, the isolation indoors, and some may say ‘cabin fever’. Like no other place on earth, we celebrate the joys of warmth and sunshine, fresh air, lush greenery, blossoms, and the emergence of … Read the article

Graduation – You earned it – why not display it!

Mandy Eve-BarnettPicture Framing

Grad Blog Picture

Graduation is a momentous rite of passage for our children, whether they are attending school, college, or university. It celebrates their hard work, dedication, and perseverance and is a visual and tangible representation of their academic journey. The individual regalia also highlights an appreciation for the knowledge, guidance, and support of the specific institution. This life event is worth celebrating … Read the article

Creating a Unique Gift for Dad

Mandy Eve-BarnettGift, Inspiration

Our Favourite Spot - John Weiss

As we approach Father’s Day and make plans for celebrations and ponder on a unique gift to give, we look back on the history of this important day. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on 19 th June 1910 in Washington, it was not, however until 1972 that it became an official nationwide holiday in the United States. Here in … Read the article

Masterpieces in Miniature Art Show – little show with big heart

Greg Donnelly - Media WriterArt, Art Show, Donation, Event

Masterpieces-in-Miniature1

There is an excellent opportunity for art lovers to add to, or even start, their collection of original artwork created by some of North America’s leading artists. It’s the 19th annual Masterpieces in Miniature art event  Opens May 4th and continues until May 23rd, 2024. Getting your hands on an original work of art can be difficult and for some, … Read the article

Earth Day and Art

Mandy Eve-BarnettArt, Event

Avatar Blue - Dominik Modlinski

We are fortunate to have access to wilderness, here in Canada. It is such a vast continent with eight geographic climatic regions, from mountains to prairies and deserts to name a few.  This April, we will celebrate Earth Day on 22nd April, in support of environmental protection. The celebratory day began in 1970 and in 2024, the official theme is … Read the article