News
New Sticks Collection Arrives at Smith Galleries
Posted by Wally Smith on
Some artwork hangs on a wall. Some artwork becomes part of daily life. That philosophy lies at the heart of Sticks Handmade, the celebrated Des Moines, Iowa studio whose newest collection has just arrived at Smith Galleries. Founded in 1992 by artist Sarah Grant, Sticks has earned national recognition for creating handcrafted furniture and home accessories that blur the line between fine art and functional design. What began with smaller decorative objects has grown into an extraordinary studio producing everything from clocks and mirrors to furniture and custom installations. What makes Sticks unique is its ability to tell stories through...
New Handmade Cherry Wood Spoons from Jonathan Simons Have Arrived
Posted by Wally Smith on
Every once in a while, a shipment arrives that reminds us why handmade craftsmanship matters. We are delighted to welcome a new collection of cherry wood spoons and kitchen utensils from Jonathan Simons, founder of Jonathan's Spoons. Jonathan's story began in a furniture shop when he discovered he had forgotten a spoon for lunch. He quickly carved one from a piece of scrap wood. That simple moment sparked what would become a lifelong pursuit of designing and crafting wooden kitchen tools. Today, after more than forty years of experimentation in both the workshop and the kitchen, Jonathan's Spoons has become...
38 Years with EL Designs: Exploring Their Newest Creations
Posted by Wally Smith on
For nearly four decades, Smith Galleries has had the privilege of featuring EL Designs (formerly Ed Levin Jewelry), a jewelry line celebrated for its elegant forms, innovative engineering, and enduring wearability. This summer, we are once again honored to be among a select group of galleries invited to preview their newest designs—fresh from the EL Designs studio. These pieces represent the evolving vision of a maker we’ve trusted for 38 years. Each design reflects a careful balance of artistry, comfort, and craftsmanship. What makes this preview especially meaningful is the role our collectors play. EL Designs values feedback from both...
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Vitrix Heechees: Contemporary Glass Art from the Heart of America's Crystal City
Posted by Wally Smith on
For more than a century, Corning, New York, has been synonymous with exceptional glassmaking. Known as "America's Crystal City," Corning's artistic legacy continues today through studios such as Vitrix Hot Glass Studio, where master glassblower Tom Kelly and his team create some of the most distinctive contemporary glass art being produced anywhere in the world. Smith Galleries is pleased to introduce three newly arrived Heechee sculptures from Vitrix Hot Glass Studio. Located in the historic building that once housed the legendary T.G. Hawkes & Company, Vitrix operates within a setting deeply connected to Corning's celebrated glassmaking tradition. Where Hawkes helped...
Naomi Jewelry: Where Simplicity Becomes Something Special
Posted by Wally Smith on
There’s something quietly powerful about jewelry that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly what continues to draw us, and so many of our customers, to the work of Naomi Lerner Tussin of Naomi Jewelry. Naomi’s background is in graphic design, and you can feel that influence in everything she creates. Her work is built on balance—clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and a strong sense of structure that feels both modern and timeless. Each design is intentional, carefully considered, and created with the understanding that jewelry should enhance the person wearing it, not overwhelm them. One of the first things people notice...