Vista Gallery and Framing

Tahoe Vista Sunsets – December, 2011

Tony — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:25:49 +0000

The past couple of weeks we have been blessed with some great sunsets over Lake Tahoe. With the gallery being across the street from the Lake, we often run across the street to take some pictures and enjoy the view. Here are several images that Tony Spiker took from the beach!

Sunset on December 14, 2011

Tahoe Vista Sunset, 12-14-11

Sunset December 18, 2011	Sunset December 27, 2011
Tahoe Vista Sunset, 12-18-11	Sunset, 12-27-11 Sunset, 12-27-11

Vacuum Press Technology – by Tom Beebe

Tony — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:17:05 +0000

Vacuum Press

In our times of diminishing wood supplies, woodworkers are called upon to minimize impacts on the environment as much as possible. Accordingly, the use of veneer is once again taking its rightful place as a great choice for fine furniture and high end custom interiors across the country. Veneers maintain the beauty and feel of solid wood while greatly reducing the use of natural resources.

The process of vacuum pressing is simple and there are a variety of systems available in todays market. I use a bag system as seen in the photo to the right.

Vacuum Press

The Process:
A vacuum pump is attached by a hose to a closed vacuum bag containing a veneering project. First, as the vacuum is created, atmospheric pressure bears down on the work inside the bag with perfect uniformity and enormous pressure. Second, as the air is drawn out of the cells in th surface structure of the wood, it allows for deep glue penetration. This creates thin, even glue lines and an excellent bond. The results are dependable and consistent.

Below is a picture of a wine rack made using the vacuum press technology.

Wine Rack

Click here to see Tom’s portfolio.

Gallery Images – December, 2011

Tony — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:33:04 +0000

We recently rearranged the gallery and brought out some new images for our recent Holiday Art Show. Here is a peak at some of the artwork we have here at the gallery!

Here you can see Tony Spiker’s work along with Tom Beebe’s hand crafted wooden wine rack and keepsake box. On the right is a close-up of Tom’s keepsake box. Tom’s work is the latest addition to the gallery and we are excited to have his work here!

On the left you can see Don Britton’s original oil paintings and Mark Shaffer Mitchell’s landscape photography. On right are Barb Kallestad’s watercolors.

On the left are Janne Matter’s wooden boat paintings and Thomas Bachand’s photography. On the right you can see some of Bill Stevenson’s landscape photography.

And finally, below you can see some of Matt Dodge’s sculpted photographs!

We have many other pieces of artwork on display here at the gallery – please stop by and take a look!

Stained Glass Holiday Items – from Michael Phenicie

Tony — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:20:41 +0000

Michael Phenicie recently dropped off a few stained glass holiday items for our recent art show. You can check out his Christmas and holiday inspired items below:

Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Santa Claus

Angels

Hanging Poinsettia Candle

Reindeer

Hanging Angel

Crescent Santa Claus

We also have several of Michaels stained glass snowflakes in various sizes as well as several sets of Christmas trees that each unique.

Small Snowflake

Large Snowflake

Christmas Trees

You can see more of Michael’s stained glass pieces here.

Holiday Show – December 3, 2011

Tony — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:26:00 +0000

Small Snowflake, by Michael Phenicie

On Saturday, December 3rd from 4-6pm, Vista Gallery will be hosting its first ever Holiday Art Show, with three outstanding local artists.

Michael Phenicie, our wonderful stained glass artist, will be here to do a demonstration. His stained glass snowflakes and holiday trees would make lovely Christmas gifts.

Tom Beebe, a fine art wood craftsman from Truckee, will be displaying his incredibly detailed and exquisite wine holders and jewelry boxes, along with examples of furniture that he has crafted for local homes. Tom is a new addition to the gallery and we are excited to represent him.

Winter Sunset at Sand Harbor

Wolfgang Kohz, a Lake Tahoe photographer for almost 50 years, will be there with his selection of functional art, providing the perfect gift for that hard to find Lake Tahoe lover.

We will also have on display the work of over 20 talented artists in the gallery and we will offer several specials for the celebration!

Come out and enjoy some wonderful art by some amazing craftsmen, enjoy a hot cup of cider and hors d’ourves!

Hand Carved Wine Rack, by Tom Beebe

For more information on the event, please call Vista Gallery at 530-546-7794 or email us at manager@vistagallery.com.

Bill Stevenson to Showcase Fall Truckee Images at Trokay Cafe – October 15, 2011

Tony — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:04:39 +0000

Donner Gnarly Pine

On October 15th, from 4-6 PM, Vista Gallery and Framing will be heading to Trokay Cafe in Truckee to celebrate fall in Truckee. We will be featuring local Truckee photographer, Bill Stevenson, who will showcase his fall images taken in and around Truckee.

“I’m captivated by the magnificence of the world’s great mountain ranges, deserts, and rivers. I’ve traveled and climbed as much as possible, camera in hand. Along the way I have photographed many great outdoor athletes pursuing their dreams in the mountains. The grand and inspirational, as well as the small and peaceful, are what informs my photography.” Bill’s images have appeared in National Geographic, Backpacker Magazine, and Outdoor Magazine, just to name a few.

Our celebration of Truckee wouldn’t be complete without Truckee’s newest eatery, Trokay Cafe. Aptly named with the Paiute word for “everything is all right,” owners John and Nyna Weatherson have created an eatery where everything is definitely “Trokay.” Trokay Cafe is a modern cafe, offering avant-garde cuisine and Northern California’s finest Blue Bottle coffee.

Fall Cottonwood Trees Along the Truckee River

John graduated at the top of his class from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, in New York City. He worked under some of the most reputable chefs in New York before moving to Truckee last winter. While he may be the head chef, you must check out Nyna’s delectable baked goods. Her house-made confections wowed everyone at our last event. Together, John and Nyna have prepared a seasonal menu which is sourced regionally and changes every two weeks. Trokay Cafe will be serving hors d’oeuvres and canapés during the event and will also offer a special event menu.

Trokay Cafe is located at 10115 Donner Pass Road, Suite C, in Truckee, CA. They are open daily starting at 6am.

For more information on the event, please call Vista Gallery at 530-546-7794 or email us at manager@vistagallery.com

Click here to see more of Bill Stevenson’s portfolio!

Matt Dodge Describes His Image, Zenith

Tony — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:57:38 +0000

Zenith by Matt Dodge

Zenith is an image which captures the mood of an afternoon on the beach spent reflecting on life and seeking a harmonious understanding to things. The circular shapes represent many: thought process, life paths, pressing concerns, self & children… all sorts of mind turbulence being sifted through, while discarding the unnecessary and putting the rest into a tranquil, meaningful balance. The spiritual power of the lake can not be denied.

While my work is meant to be interpreted by each individual viewer, that is what it means to me today.

– Matt Dodge, 9-22-11

Click here to see more of Matt’s work!

Mountain Scene Created Using Wire Sculptures

Tony — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:48:12 +0000

If you have been to Rubicon Pizza up at Northstar, you may have noticed the wire sculptures throughout the restaurant. Those wire sculptures were done by Sten Hoiland, whose work can be found here at Vista Gallery.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a client call who wanted us to replicate the wall sculptures that she saw at Rubicon for her husbands birthday present. Using Sten’s unique wire sculptures, we created this mountain scene for her to hang on her wall:

Sten Hoiland Wire Sculpture

Tony Spiker Going Away Party and Show – September 3, 2011

Tony — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:25:29 +0000

Bonsai Rock Sunrise

On September 3rd, from 4-6 PM, Vista Gallery and Framing is pleased to host the first ever showing of Owner Tony Spiker’s stunning photographs. In addition to his dramatic black and white images, we will be premiering several color images of the Lake Tahoe basin.

This show is also serving as a going away party for Tony, who is deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of his commitment to the Naval Reserves. Over the next 7 months Tony will be serving on the front lines as a combat cameraman, documenting the lives and experiences of American Servicemen and women. “I love what I do for the Navy. I am lucky enough to document these brave men and women as they do the most amazing things under terrible conditions. I just hope that my images can do them justice.” Tony will be based out of Al Manama, Bahrain, in the Persian Gulf, but will have responsibilities all over the theater.

Vista Gallery invites everyone to come out and wish Tony Spiker “Fair Winds and Following Seas,” as he leaves to serve his country. We will be serving champagne, a selection of cheese and crackers, and Trokay Cafe of Truckee will provide housemade confections for the occasion.

Vista Gallery is located at 7081 N. Lake Blvd in Tahoe Vista. We are open Wed-Sun, 10am -5:30pm. Please call us at 530-546-7794 for more information.

Click here to see Tony’s landscape portfolio.

Gallery Images – July 2011

Tony — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 04:39:11 +0000

We have recently received several new pieces and decided it was a great time to rotate all of the artwork here at the gallery. These are just a few images of the great artwork we have here at Vista Gallery.

Our first show was on July 30th for Eric Jarvis. He brought over several new images that can be seen in the next two images:

Below is some of Tony Spiker’s work that we have here at the gallery:

On the left you can see Peter Spain’s images of Lake Tahoe’s East Shore and on the right is the work of our new watercolor artist, Barb Kallestad.

On the left, you can see some of Bill Stevenson’s images and on the right, you can see our some of our vintage images as well as the work of Liz Paganelli.

In both of the below pictures, you can see some of the work we have by Douglas E. Taylor. You can see Mary Spain’s plein air paintings in the right hand picture as well.