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Something different? We've wrapped it up

By LIANE SMITH (Contact)

Saturday, December 2, 2006

'Tis the season for finding unique gifts, and as residents scour the town looking for holiday ornaments and gleeful presents, The Banner has uncovered two unconventional spots worthy of browsing — The Art Supply Store in North Naples and the Bonita Springs Historical Society off Old 41 Road.

Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner

Artist glass blower Craig Colquhoun will demonstrate his craft on Dec. 8 at Sidney Ann Pitchford's store.

Bonita Springs Historical Society

The Historical Society will sell the 2006 White House Christmas Ornament beginning on Dec. 4, but it also has historical books, artists prints and digital images of Bonita yesteryear available for the public to purchase for holiday gifts.

The 2006 White House ornament honors the administration of U.S. President Chester A. Arthur and his administration. The 21st president served just six months as vice president before replacing James A. Garfield, after he succumbed from the wounds of an assassin's bullet.

According to www.whitehousehistory.org, the design of the 2006 ornament captures the rich decor of Arthur's White House, which was designed by American artist and decorator Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The Historical Society has been selling the ornaments each year since 1985, and carries a small collection of some of the past years' ornaments still available for purchase.

"They're famous," said Wes Stillwaggon, Historical Society member. "A lot of people have every single year."

Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner

Sidney Ann Pitchford, artist and owner of The Art Supply Store in Tamiami Square in North Naples, prepares her store for the holiday season. She will have a holiday open house featuring a Naples glass blower who is selling handmade ornaments in her shop.

Each ornament, costing $20, comes with a story booklet and a decorative box.

"The quality is very impressive on these things — fine craftsmanship," Historical Society President Charlie Strader said.

The profit from the sale of the ornaments goes to the Historical Society. Members hope funds from sales during the holiday will help bring to fruition a historical resource room at the Liles Hotel.

In addition to the ornaments, the Historical Society also has "The Cracker In The Glades," by Everglades City and Naples pioneer Rob Storter, as well as postcard-sized prints of the Storter Collection, which is currently on display at the Liles Hotel.

Those looking for gifts rich in Bonita Springs history can visit www.explorationsinc.com/Historical/bshsphotos/ to see more than 500 photo prints eligible for purchase through the Historical Society.

"We can hook you up for special Christmas gifts — unique — something different," Strader said.

The Historical Society is selling the 2006 White House Christmas Ornaments on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the historical headquarters at 27142 South Riverside Drive, south of West Terry Street, and the first block west of the railroad, and during special events at Riverside Park at the Liles Hotel. For additional information and directions, call Mary Ann at 992-5471.

Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner

Sidney Ann Pitchford holds up a pelican-themed blown glass ornament created by Neopolitan Craig Colquhoun, of Naples.

The Art Supply Store

Art supplies aren't the only thing available at artist Sidney Ann Pitchford's shop.

"It's art supplies, framing, gallery and gifts," Pitchford said, as she prepared her shop for a holiday open house on Dec. 8.

Along with her own whimsical canvas framed pieces of oil and watercolor scenes in small and large sizes, the artist will feature a Naples glass blower at the event, who will demonstrate his craft.

Craig Colquhoun, who sells his ornaments for $65 a pop, will show guests how it's done from 4 to 8 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 8. The evening event, which is free to the public, will have refreshments and lots of great gift ideas for those who like art.

Colquhoun has ornaments featuring pelicans and dolphins at the bottom of a orange or blue shaded glass-blown piece. There is also a signature ornament designed especially for Pitchford with an artist's palette in blown glass. For those that cannot make the event, the ornaments are already in the store, awaiting new owners and new Christmas trees.

Photo by LIANE SMITH / Banner

The Bonita Springs Historical Society is now selling the 2006 White House Christmas Ornament, which honors the 21st president of the United States, Chester Arthur, and his administration.

At the open house, Pitchford plans to pack people in by offering special gift baskets for the artist and those fond of art from $10 to $300.

One already packaged gift item made by Pitchford was a decorative basket of paintbrushes for about $100.

And, if you need any more incentive to check out the store on Dec. 8, Pitchford will have door prizes and music, as well.

"We can satisfy the customer who's just looking for a unique gift for someone, (or) we can satisfy the artist looking for art supplies and art classes," Pitchford said.

The store, which is located on U.S. 41 about two miles south of Bonita Beach Road in Tamiami Square, also has a custom framing department.

From supplies to framing, to soaps, candles, greeting cards, knickknacks, ornaments and artwork from Pitchford herself, customers are sure to find something unique, Pitchford says.

"There are a lot of things we can take care of," she added, stating her store was a small, mom and pop type place, with personalized service.

The Art Supply Store, located at 14700 Tamiami Trail N. #3, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 597-8025.