Unusual Gift Ideas

Decorative Gourd Art

 Jim and Evelyn Schupp
Gourd 11” high, 13” diameter

A great holiday gift idea from Inner Eye Gallery. Gourd embellished with beads, feathers, agate slice and wood.
Arizona artists Jim and Evelyn Schupp use natural materials, such as feathers, stone, wood and leather, to create their beautiful embellished gourds.  Gourds come in a variety of sizes and shapes and it takes artistic sense and creativity to bring out the best in each unique gourd. As members of the Southwest Gourd Society, they have shown and sold their gourds extensively throughout the southwest.  What started as a retirement hobby has turned into a flourishing new career.

Gems of the Desert

Sierra Sandstone Planter/Sculpture

A great holiday gift idea from Point of Sedona. These planters are unique native stone, a fabulous centerpiece, delightful conversation piece, and gift item.  Planter is on swivel which turns so you can view all sides of stone.  Succulent is low maintenance.  Comes with watering instructions and water bottle

“Old Cowpoke”

Bob Black
Hand-built clay figure 16.5” high, 4” wide, 4” deep

A great holiday gift idea from Inner Eye Gallery

Cowboy with rope and leather saddle

Arizona artist Bob Black’s clever and whimsical “People Pottery” has been a favorite for many years.  Made of clay, every figure has its own distinctive personality.  Black’s characters take on his moods and, by using photos and descriptions, he can make them to resemble just about anyone.  “Making the figures is therapeutic.  I can release all my aggressions with these guys”.  We know you will enjoy your one-of-a-kind piece.  You may even find yourself talking to it.

Retablo Musical Instruments

 Nicario Jimenez
9.25”x8.5” Potatos and plaster of Paris. Wooden box filled with hand-made figurines.
Retablos are sophisticated folk art in the form of portable boxes filled with brightly colored figurines arranged into intricate narrative scenes.  From the 16th to the 19th centuries, Retablos were carried through the mountains by Spanish priests as portable religious shrines for Catholic saints.  Later, they were adapted by indigenous people to include their own deities and mythologies.  Nicario’s compositions depict religious, historical and everyday events.  His hands move quickly and with confidence to fashion people, animals, and mythical figurines as he creates poignant scenes from a doughy mixture of boiled potato and gypsum powder.  For his sculpting process, Jimenez’s only tool is a small piece of wood resembling an enlarged toothpick