Walk into Cape Fear Studios on any given day and you will be greeted by an impressive display in the main gallery; sometimes it is a pottery show, sometimes a juried-art competition, other times there will be exhibits by guest artists. This month though, the focus is on the work of Cape Fear Studios’ members.
    “It is to highlight our artists and to highlight our members’ work,” said Chris Kastner, Cape Fear Studios administrator. 
    The show hangs until Jan. 21, 2009, but quite frankly the exhibit is geared towards providing shoppers with the opportunity to buy original works of art to give as gifts this holiday season. {mosimage}
“I just think it is a really nice place to find truly unique gifts that you are not going to find other places,” said Kastner.
    There are more than 40 member artists at the studio, each lending a unique perspective to the upcoming show.  
    “There are a lot of personalities,” said Kastner. “We have artists from all over the world.”
With such a fun and eclectic mix of people, the work they turn out covers a huge range of artistic tastes. Whether you are looking for a still life to hang in the dining room, or a hand-turned coffee mug, some earrings, a stained glass lamp, a decorative wine stopper with hand-torched lampwork beads or something in between, chances are you will find it at Cape Fear Studios this month.
    “We’ve got, not just paintings, but we’ve got a large selection of pottery this year,” said Kastner. There are some pottery angels for the holidays and some new colors in the pottery as well, a lovely celadon green being one of them.
    “We’ve got four jewelers in a variety of price ranges, but all original jewelry.”
    Prices on items in the gallery range from $8 for a pottery bowl to hundreds of dollars for some of the paintings, although Kastner pointed out that there is quite a bit available for $30 or less.
    Keep an eye out next month for the faculty show. Cape Fear Studios has invited faculty members from Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Methodist University, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Meredith University in Raleigh to exhibit their works in the main gallery from the end of January and into February.
    “We’ve been talking a lot about trying to set up more cooperative stuff between the educational facilities and Cape Fear Studios,” said Kastner. “I just think there is a tremendous opportunity there for both organizations.”
    In the meantime, on your quest for that perfect gift this holiday season, consider stopping by the studio at 148 Maxwell St. to check out the sugar plum fairies dancing in the windows and hopefully find the perfect gift for that special someone in your life. Cape Fear Studios is open Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., or give them a call at 433-2986 for more info.