2 Years and a scintillating Blaze of Glory it was!

by Lillian Rennie, Gallery Assistant

The date was April 26th and a stunningly beautiful spring day here in Bonners Ferry; just perfect for a celebration, lively conversation and delicious libations - all exquisitely embraced by the backdrop of Hannah's perfectly executed fine art. She had decided to offer a limited, signed print edition of her very gorgeous 'Blaze' painting, to mark this special occasion. There was a palpable air of excitement as each person came to collect their precious order. We opened the door at 10am and immediately, people began stopping in for a visit, a chinwag and a jolly fine Mimosa. The atmosphere was so supportive, and the chatter was punctuated by hugs, laughter and positivity. We lost count for a while, as more and more people stopped by and stayed for some really in depth art discussions about everything from technique to commissioning work for their own private home galleries! I think we settled on about 85 souls, all told.

The day absolutely flew by for us, the point of sale system buzzing away as Hannah's many fans and several new ones added to their private collections with total glee, everyone quite wide-eyed to discover so much artistic versatility emanating from one artist. Teascarlet Fine Art Gallery is making a superb impact on Bonners Ferry, and it truly does deliver collectible treasures to suit every individual and each unique home. I am so proud to own the very first original piece sold on Teascarlet's opening day. It's called Heights, and that's a great summation of what I wish for this brave endeavor. I just 'had' to have it. Like a mouthful of perfect chocolate, this art is very 'more-ish'.

What a joy it is for me to be the Gallery Assistant here - I must admit I get a little possessive about several of the pieces surrounding me. I have my eye greedily fixed on a huge piece called 'Loosening my Grip', which is also a perfect conversation piece. It's a luscious, mesmerizing abstract giant and if you gaze at it long enough, different emotions creep in, all of which are comforting, yet alive with possibility.

At first glance I see the cosmos, then I start to imagine a fine (but empty) Single Malt Scotch bottle harboring just a few precious drops left clinging to the glass, longing to be licked up! We may not have had a 'wee dram' that day but we did enjoy beer and wine together, and I started asking people what their interpretations were, which proved a fantastic, and quite hilarious talking point. The range was pretty broad - from cast iron skillets creating eggy wonders, to an oceanic extravaganza - as spied through the hole in a precious beach souvenir stone, the type you make a wish with...and perhaps even carry in your jeans' pocket for life!

SO! here's to the next 2 years for Teascarlet Fine Art, and many more original works of all sizes (anyone can afford an original here; some of my faves are just $30 or $45 a piece) and here's to more commissioned beauties, prints (framed or unframed) - and more reasons to celebrate this truly Fine establishment gifted to our sweet little hamlet by the inimitable 'Teascarlet' herself, our kind and ridiculously creative Hannah Sucsy. Thanks for hiring me, Ms Hannah, although I have a vague premonition that 'Loosening my Grip' will likely end up loosening my bank account yet... unless some lucky collector beats me to it. I shall try not to cry.