Dear friends,

What a year it has been. I do hope that many of the events of 2003, such as tragic BC forest fires and SARS outbreaks are far behind us as we head into this Autumn season, and I sincerely hope this note finds you and yours healthy and well. In the next few weeks and months, I encourage all of us to single out those who are dear to our hearts, and find unique ways to say “thank you” for making a difference in our lives!

Here at the Van Dop Gallery, we have much to celebrate this fall—we have new works from a number of contemporary Canadian artists on display, two special exhibitions beginning in October and November, plus a brand new edition of the Art Guide to BC and its revised, easy-to-use web site http://www.art-bc.com!

Set aside some time in your calendar to drop by and visit us at the Van Dop Gallery. We can promise you “a new art experience” and a shopping experience unlike any other. The gallery is a relaxed, non-intimidating atmosphere. Browse for a unique gift, add to your art collection or simply learn more about a particular artist or medium.

To arrange a viewing, please call me at 604.521.7887, toll-free at 1-888-981-9886, or email trudy@vandopgallery.com   Treasure each day, Trudy Van Dop Gallery Owner P.S. Please forward this newsletter to a friend.

• Paintings: Consider a piece from Richard Cole’s new collection: “The Forest”. Inspired by the rainy west coast, Richard’s soft focus techniques and abstract backgrounds create depth and help to guide the viewer through his work.
• Glass: Sol Maya, a Native American artist, creates functional glass pieces which are a marvel of shape and reflection.
• Wood: For that extra special one-of-a-kind gift, commission a whimsical wall sculpture by Alan Boileau.
• Ceramic: Serve it up in style. Choose a platter, pedestal bowl, serving dish or sushi plate created by the Wildrice Pottery Studio.
• Metal: Experience the evolution of Aboriginal art in metal works by Hillhunt.
• Furniture: The Van Dop Gallery is pleased to represent the work of seven furniture artists from British Columbia including Judson Beaumont whose whimsical furniture for kids of all ages truly puts the “fun” in “functional”.

To view photos from these artists and more, click on http://www.vandopgallery.com/exhibitions.html

Plan your holidays with The Art Guide to BC! It’s your year-round resource to the arts and culture in BC…and the Art Guide web site (www.art-bc.com) is your round-the-clock guide to what’s new and what’s happening in British Columbia’s arts and culture community.

Not only does our web site look new and refreshed, but we have also added new search options so you can look for BC artists in your favourite medium, or by geographic region. You’ll also enjoy our e-magazine, calendar-of-events, on-line bulletin board and more. Coming soon: on-line portfolios so you can view all the artistic talent this province has to offer with just the click of your mouse!

Pick up your free copy of the Art Guide to BC at the Van Dop Gallery, 421 Richmond Street, New Westminster.

Enter to win one of six artful getaways in beautiful British Columbia! To enter, simply tell us how you used the Art Guide to British Columbia. Tell us where you visited, what you enjoyed most, things you learned and suggestions for how we might improve the guide in coming years. Click here to send us your feedback »

How much time did you spend at your desk this year? Do you feel like you ‘live’ at the office? There’s no better way to get inspired at work than by making it feel a little more like home. Here are just a few of Trudy’s simple tips for creating an “artful” work space:

• Take advantage of any natural light and scenic view
• Face your desk so you can always see outside; if you must face a wall, ensure you’re looking at art
• Incorporate a small meeting table or a hall table to display your art upon
• Handcrafted pieces are important because they help feed your work environment with inspiration—place one on your desktop to give you energy and help spark new ideas
• Art is not limited to just the walls—choose a wooden box for your pens, a handcrafted business card holder, a metal magazine rack or CD holder, hand blown glass paper weights, and glass or stone coasters
• Art can be included anywhere—don’t forget your mouse pad and your screensaver as opportunities for art, inspirational messages and treasured pictures of loved ones
• Be sure to matte and frame your diplomas and certificates—this will invite people to recognize them
• Above all, remember that art, and the stories behind the art, the artist and the region where they originate, all serve as terrific ice breakers when connecting with a new business associate