Galleria of Cigar Box Art

Call it a meeting of the minds, a fashion co-op, a virtual art walk of collaborative talents. They call it The Galleria of Cigar Box Art."

(PRWEB) July 2, 2004 -- Artistic women and men across the country and around the world have discovered a new way to showcase their talents - the Cigar Box Purse." These one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art are considered by many, to be treasured finds and valuable collectibles.

Many of these cigar box fashionistas are regular members of a Yahoo Group dedicated to the design and creation of cigar box purses. The group consists of artists from across the US and other countries, who share their designs, resources, and ideas, so that each artisan can make the most of their unique talents, particularly in their own communities.

The Galleria of Cigar Box Art is the brain-child of Marlene Wong-Doutaz, owner and principal designer of Mushu Treasures (http://mushutreasures.com) and was created to give independent artisans the opportunity to display their work, on both a local and national level. If a customer is interested in buying one of the pieces or placing a special custom order, the independent artists contact information is listed so that the buyer may contact them directly.

There are so many unique talents out there when it comes to cigar box purses. I felt it was important to give artists a forum to showcase their works, who might otherwise go unnoticed," says Wong-Doutaz. I think visitors to the Galleria will find theres something to suit everyones tastes."

At the Galleria (http://imageevent.com/publicgallery/artsandcrafts/galleria000), visitors can enjoy the many diverse talents of featured artisans. Each month, the Galleria will feature artists whose hearts have found a home in this art form.

This months featured artists are:

ELIZABETH DUNN (EDJY Designs)

No stranger to the world of art, this North Hills, California collage artist became fascinated by cigar box purses a few years back after a visit from a college friend. Awed by the overall design and style of the cigar box purse her friend had designed she was determined to create a cigar box purse of her own. Her friend, an artist in her own right, graciously shared the basic materials and technique she used in creating her stunning purses. Dunns initial efforts were used as samples for teaching classes at local art stores. "But with the support and enthusiasm of Cigar_Box_Purse egroup," says Dunn, "I have a renewed perspective of my unique style of box designs as well as the creative edge they offer, and I embrace those differences. I enjoy the work I produce and the ability to share it with others." Dunn's work can be found at local craft fairs, the Galleria of Cigar Box Art, or by email at sedunn@socal.rr.com.

BARBARA KAUFFMAN (Sunsettimes)

Barbara Kauffman of Sunsettimes came upon the idea of designing cigar box purses because of her husbands (a devoted cigar smoker) rapidly expanding cigar box collection. Being an I can do something with those" type of person she started dabbling with a variety of designs but was afraid to show them to anyone. That all changed after a visit to South Beach, FL with her sister. Barbara designed a purse for her sister as a thank you for the trip. I mailed it to her and she went ballistic and wanted more," recalls Kauffman. Her travels take her to some great locations. She takes my purses with her and markets them wherever she goes." Kauffmans designs include evening bags, motorcycle styles, sequin and bead designs and unusual scenes. Her purses can be found at the Tinder Box in New Bern, NC, on her website http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7ibf9/sunsettimes2/ and the Galleria of Cigar Box Art.

PRU THOMPSON (Purse-a-nally Pru)

Pru Thompson of Purse~a~nally Pru was bitten by the creativity bug as a child. My mother still talks about me as a very little girl sitting on the kitchen floor for hours practicing how to make the perfect bow," says Thompson. I love beautiful things...fabrics, ribbons, trims, papers, wood, and beads!" This life-long love has led Thompson to crafting cigar box purses. I had been looking for something that I could make and sell incorporating the things I love. I did an internet search to see what was out there and cigar box purses kept popping up...I was hooked." Thompsons purses can be seen in the Galleria of Cigar Box Art and she will have an exhibit at the Creative Craft Fair at Pearkes Arena in her hometown of Victoria, BC on Nov 11-14, 2004. For further information or to purchase one of Thompsons creations, contact her directly at dearest_pru@yahoo.com.

The Galleria of Cigar Box Art -- http://imageevent.com/publicgallery/artsandcrafts/galleria000

The_Cigar_Box_Purse_Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the_cigar_box_purse_group/

Mushu Treasures (Marlene Wong-Doutaz, Editor) - http://mushutreasures.com

Cigar Box Diva (Lisa Cody, Editor) -- http://cigarboxdiva.com