Fordite Concave Bands

Rings are priced (left to right): $135, $155, $135 and $155.

Rings are priced (left to right): $155, $145, $165 and $135.

Rings are priced (left to right): $145, $155, $155 and $145. The concave bands are our most popular (and most comfortable) rings! The sterling silver shank is curved outwards, creating a "comfort" fit. All rings can be sized free of charge. Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Fordite Tapered Bands

Rings are priced (left to right): $145, $155, $145 and $155. These sterling silver bands are thick on the back and narrow towards the "stone". Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 for more information.

Fordite Notch Bands

Rings are priced (left to right): $165, $155, $155 and $165. Bands are hand-cut from sterling silver sheet. All rings can be sized free of charge. Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Fordite Oxidized Rings (Men's)

Rings are priced (left to right): $155, $165, $155 and $155.

Rings are priced (left to right): $155, $165, $165 and $165.

These rings are a brand new "wrap" oxidized style by James! Rings are priced (left to right): $175 and $165. The new styles require a $15 sizing charge.

All rings are made from hand-distressed oxidized sterling silver. All rings can be sized free of charge (with exception of the new "wrap" style ring). Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Fordite Sets

Rings are $145; Pendants are $165. These two sets are our best "matched" sets. Call Gallery Fifty to order: 231-932-0775.

Fall 2008 Gallery Update

We've just completed our fall re-do of the gallery. As many of you know, we pride ourselves on the fact that our space always appears fresh. This is because we work on relatively short consignment terms with many of our artists, allowing us to bring in new work every 2-3 months. And being a stickler for merchandising and interior design, this almost always means that I'm reworking the entire gallery to create appealing "environments" for our customers.


For fine wall art, we're now featuring the work of Larry Fox, Linda Chamberlain, Ginnie Cappaert, Christine Towner, Julie Pearson, Christine Krzyszton, Jacob Sposito, Robert Fitzke, Amy LeJeune Harper, Sue Bullock, Anne Higgins, Nancy Crisp, Robert Graham, Cherie Haney and of course, our best-selling artist Renee Hartig.


I'm really excited about two new studio jewelry designers we're introducing. Jodi Rae Brownstein is from Chicago and works in brushed sterling silver and natural stone cabachons. Her jewelry is deceivingly simple and contemporary with universal shapes and designs. We're also showing her work in 18k gold with diamonds and cut semi-precious stones. Austin jewelry artist, Jaime Jo Fisher also works in sterling silver, but her designs are more organic and she uses found objects such as bits of beach glass or vintage buttons. You can see examples of their work under the "studio jewelry" category of this blog.


We're also getting a lot of holiday merchandise in! Actually, we're having a tough time figuring out how and where to display everything... As in years past, we feature "50 Gifts Under $50" and "100 Gifts Under $100." I'm really happy with some of the new gifts we've brought in, and we'll continue to show some of our old favorites and best sellers. If you haven't been in for some time, this is definitely the time to check us out! Don't forget that we also offer complimentary gift wrapping -- just ask.

Breaking Boundaries: The Art of the Quilt

Gallery Fifty is thrilled to announce the opening of "Breaking Boundaries: The Art of the Quilt." Twenty-five regional art quilters were selected to participate by gallery owner Christie Minervini and guest curator Desiree Vaughn.

Artists were chosen for their unique design abilities, skilled craftsmanship and overall commitment to fiber art. Vaughn is being featured in the adjacent Rinaldo Gallery with her latest work.

Awards were announced earlier this month. First place and a $300 cash prize went to Pat McKean for "Blaze" (see photo); second place and $200 went to Jill Ault for "Divided Circle: Anthracite"; and third place with $100 went to Lenore Crawford for "Hybrid Lily III".

Honorable mentions went to: Jacky Trimble, "Thinking Outside of the Box 3"; Virginia Spiegel, "Boundry Waters 19"; Jeanne Beck, "Harvest"; Pamela Allen, "Autumn"; Susie Vigland, "Big Baby Girl"; Sidney Inch, "Plastic Fusion"; Lynn Krawczyk, "Talk to Me I"; Sue Holdaway-Heys, "Land of Blue"; and Lisa Chipetine, "Trapped."

"We were really hoping to capitalize on the interest that the Dennos Museum has generated with their 'Twelve Voices' show," says Minervini. "We're so proud of our exhibition — it really has exceeded expectations."

Over 100 art quilts are on display through the Mercato at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons through December 31, 2008. Gallery hours are Monday - Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exhibition may be viewed on-line at www.galleryfifty.com. Call 231-932-0775 for more information.