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Home Decoration Pro; Art / Winery Tour Of The Northwest

How would you like to take an art / winery tour vacation in the Northwest (USA)? The scenery is beautiful, people are very friendly, first class accommodations are available, and you can enjoy some of the nationally acclaimed Walla Walla Wines while touring a few of the 100+ wineries in the valley. You can “double down” with a stay at the famous Hot Lake Springs Resort / Bed & Breakfast, another not to miss art resort. I’m not here to plan your vacation, but I can surely fill you in on some of the terrific highlights in the area since I’ve lived in the area all my life. If you want to get away from the crowds, taste some fabulous, award winning wines and enjoy a relaxing vacation this could be the one. For you golfers, there are some fantastic courses at very reasonable rates and if you arrive most anytime except the busy season there will be little if any waiting to get on the course. Courses in the lower valleys are playable even through most of the winter.

Walla Walla Valley In Its Splendor

The best way to arrive by air from out of the region is SeaTac airport in Seattle and then a direct flight to Walla Walla by Alaska Airlines. Be prepared for a small plane to Walla Walla, but I’ve flown on this same plane, and although it’s a twin engine prop I found it to be very comfortable (great safety record) with a friendly staff. You likely won’t have long lines of waiting to get on in Seattle, and you will have Hertz and Budget car rentals available in town when you arrive. If you’re looking for an upscale place to stay you won’t be disappointed in the famous Marcus Whitman Hotel with its lavish surroundings, first class eatery and service. Be advised, this is small town USA, but the people are very friendly and the artistic atmosphere and historic culture are unforgettable. “The arts are treasured here, from the foundry that casts sculptors’ artistry into products, to a wide selection of music provided at the Summer Sounds on the Plaza downtown. There is a well-regarded symphony, Walla Walla Symphony, and dance and theater productions through the Walla Walla Little Theatre and campus productions from the three local colleges” as described on the city’s cultural web site.

If you’re coming be sure to plan at least a 10-day stay to get a flavor for the whole SE Washington, NE Oregon area. I promise you will enjoy it all if you like art, wine, theater, music, great food and history. It can all be found in the Walla Walla Valley and you could easily plan the whole vacation there, but don’t. You would kick yourself later if you found out how interesting, relaxing and impressive Hot Lake Springsis (about 1 ½ hours away into NE Oregon). Plan on driving a rental car to La Grande, Oregon to see the incredible renovation that’s been done and still in progress after 7 years at what is becoming a world wide recognized art and resort destination. Being right on the Oregon Trail, and one of the oldest stops on the trail because of its hot springs, the native Indians of the region came from all over to use the curative waters in peace for centuries. Eventually a health resort was built on the site, which is next to the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad. Early in the 20th century this was a main stop for people from Portland on the West Side of the state,

Hot Lake Springs Resort & Bronze Foundry

and at one time was referred to as the “Mayo Clinic of the West.” Today it’s owned by the Manuel family who purchased the property and moved their foundry business from Joseph, Oregon. The site has been a huge undertaking with millions of dollars invested into the renovation. I’m convinced no other entity would have been able to see the potential of this previously, totally run down property if it hadn’t been for the Manuels. The property was devastated from non-use and abandonment for years, but with their vision, financial investment, family support and the support of local people and businesses it has evolved into a wonderful destination for art and history lovers. Each time I return to HLS I’m amazed at all of the work that’s been done, restaurant, theater, art and health professionals establishing businesses, bronze sculpture gallery and foundry, historic style rooms (bed & breakfast), antique fire truck and buggy collection, museum, hosted tours, gift shop, salon spa & mineral soak. There’s more, but you’ll have to see it, or go to their site to find out. Since HLS is at a higher elevation than the Walla Walla Valley, and is a family owned business they are closed for the wintry month of January. The months of March, April, August, October and December are scheduled for special events for 2012. The resort can be reached at 541-963-4685, or emailed for information at bb@hotlakesprings.com.

So if you’re adventurous, you’ll love what you find. If you’re looking for big city art centers and culture this is not the area. What you will find is lush forests, beautiful open valleys, and some of the most beautiful bronze sculptures in the country on the old Oregon Trail. The Old West atmosphere is intertwined with rich cultures of art, music, theater, golf, winter skiing, great food, fantastic wine, outdoor sports, comfortable living, friendly people and adventure that will fill your soul. Another element you will appreciate is the open skies, clean air and very low humidity which makes for a very comfortable visit, even in July and August. The highways are modern and well maintained, and about half of the travel from Walla Walla to the great Grande Ronde Valley to see HLS is a beautiful freeway drive which will take you past the popular Wildhorse Resort & Casino at Pendleton. If you have time you may want to consider a stop in town, another fun and famous western town with Pendleton Woolen Mills & retail store, and Pendleton Underground Tours. If you want to do something different and exciting plan on coming during the second week of September for the world famous Pendleton Roundup (rodeo). People come from all over, and it’s always a lively and spirited town with rodeos, night shows, street entertainment, and parades with real cowboys, cowgirls, and Indians with all of their western regalia. People come from all over the world to attend this annual event that began in 1910.

Grande Ronde Valley / Spring Vista

To learn more about Hot Lake Springs and the beautiful bronze art statues produced there by David Manuel see our previous article Home Decoration Pro; Art As An Investment.

Don’t forget the need for artistic accents when you send home your newly purchased art treasures. We have what you need for those final artistic touches using silk floral wall sconces, silk plants, and silk floral arrangements in that special art room from Silky Flower Store.

Have Fun & Start Planning Now,

Billy Goldmark Silky Flower Store

Feast 2010, in one word. from Wine and Dine Walla Walla on Vimeo.

Home Decoration Pro; Art As An Investment?

A famous work of art can be a phenomenal investment if you have the funds available, but at a lower level you may want to consider some of the up and coming artists, and mid range valued pieces from $10,000 to $250,000. If that’s still not in your price range I’m suggesting taking a look at top of the line art that hasn’t yet priced you out of the market, but is yet unrecognized by the big spenders. Art that fits your decor and tastes, and has a growing demand is the perfect art investment. There are some terrific opportunities if you’re careful and willing to do your research, and someone I’d consider is David Manuel from La Grande, Oregon, an important bronze sculpture artist. I’m biased toward David’s art as I’m personally acquainted with David and his lovely wife Lee, but I feel who wouldn’t be biased after seeing his art in person. David is widely acclaimed as one of the best bronze sculptors in the country, and rightly so. He produces some amazing pieces and you never realize the amount of research, fine detail and artistry he’s invested into each piece until you see one of his works in person. David specializes in pioneer Western themes and Western U.S. history, such as famous native Americans (benevolently known in the West as American Indians), pioneer history, and animals native to the western United States. Since his personal story is such a unique one I’ll be submitting an historical article later about his family’s gigantic renovation project they’ve taken on at Hot Lake Springs, Oregon (“The Mayo Clinic of the West”).

Here are some of David’s most famous works, and some can be seen in their gallery photos:

Hondo Lane & Sam (John Wayne with his dog)

Council Fire on the Columbia (Lewis & Clark depiction)

The Shootist (John Wayne on Horseback)

John Wayne American

Rolling Thunder (American Indian sculpture)

U.S. Marshal (life size sculpture at the Pentagon)

The Promised Land (“A weary pioneer family on the Oregon Trail”)

Some of David’s other noted accomplishments in the art field are his designation by the state of Oregon as the official sculptor for the Oregon Trail Celebration, John Wayne Family official sculptor (Wayne Enterprises), sculptor of the “U.S Marshall” life size bronze at the Pentagon and at the U.S. Justice Department, Washington, D.C., and the bronze monument at Custer Battlefield National Monument named “The Recall,” Battle of the Little Bighorn, Montana.

David is not only known for his bronze works, but also his paintings and drawings. At the age of 3 ½ his sketches of airplanes were already being sold by his aunt to pilots at a local air base at Walla Walla, WA. Some of his paintings today are valued as high as $20,000, and he and the family have crafted monuments that range in value as high as a million dollars (Council Fire on the Columbia).

You fine wine connoisseurs may be familiar with the beautiful Walla Walla valley in the state of Washington, and the highly rated world famous and prize winning wines and art culture. This could be a great vacation for those who love the art culture and love sampling fine wines as there are over 100 wineries in the valley. People from all over the world come to the valley for the tours, tastes, and art culture that abounds. Only 90 minutes away is the Manuel family’s bronze foundry, art complex, bed and breakfast, restaurant, museum, theater, and western historical complex they’ve been working on since 2005 and over $6,000,000 invested in one of the oldest historical sites in Oregon, Hot Lake Springs.

Bronze by David Manuel

Art can be a great investment, but be sure to do your research before you buy. There was a big drop in art values in 2008, but the turn around has been just as dramatic in the higher investment grade arts. “In 2007 the art market reached unprecedented highs, with the global revenue for Fine Art reaching $9.39 billion, more than double the 2005 total ” says Thierry Ehrmann, CEO of Art Price. Mr. Ehrmann goes on to show that art auction global revenues (from noted auction establishments such as Christies and Sothebys) practically doubled in 2010 versus 2009 sales. The total for the later year was at $9.36 billion and was almost 3 times the amount sold at auction world wide in 2000. Modern art represented 51% of those sales in 2010, with post war art coming in second at 18%, meaning there’s a very good chance of an abundance of later fine art having room for some valuable appreciation. An important point made in the article was the fact that more and more people are getting into fine art as investments, and that China has now become the number one art seller at auction in the world.

The art market can be a great investment with the right pieces, but don’t expect it to be a quick flip for high profit, nor even an especially even rise to the top. If you buy, buy something you will enjoy and plan on owning for a long time. If you research carefully and don’t over price you’re likely to at least keep from losing value in your money and a good chance of gaining some real value over time. Purchase wisely, enjoy what you buy, and plan on keeping it a long time. Don’t forget to use some artificial plants, wall sconces, or silk floral arrangements to accent your art smartly. Use the best art accents and they will add even more to your art enjoyment.

My Best, Billy Goldmark Silky Flower Store

Home Decoration Pro; Carnival “Breeze” Ship Tropical Decor

Ok, so lets do something a little different today and take a cruise while we’re discussing décor trends (yes, on a cruise ship). We’ll be reviewing the exciting new decor of the yet to cruise Carnival Cruise Ship “Breeze” (maiden voyage, June, 2012). If you’re planning that special relaxing tropical retreat at home or in your specialized business, this will help get those design juices flowing in the right direction. Take a sneak peak and enjoy a sampling of cruise ship pictures and historical background to see what all the excitement is about. Put on your life preserver and here we go! Well that may not be necessary. We’re not cruising on the Titanic.

The biggest problem I see with all of the Carnival Cruise line décor until now is little or no relaxing themes that include plant life or natural flora to promote the vacation aura. Fortunately, on the Breeze I found evidence the designers realized the need for it in their new tropical theme where it’s displayed perfectly. “Created by Germany-based Partner Ship Design, this striking new tropical design theme will be carried out in the ship’s public spaces, as well as staterooms which will offer a combination of bright colors and soothing pastel hues, with iconic images of palm trees and other island-inspired elements adorning hallway corridors,” as mentioned by Cruise Planners.

Previous Carnival Cruise ships have been designed by Joe Farcus since the early 1990’s and his décor themes seemed to have no limits. Bright, glitzy colors, and nothing left unconsidered in flashy designs is what “Carnival” has been all about. Some people prefer all the flashiness and casino style designs of the Las Vegas strip, but it was time to design another theme for clientele who considered all Carnival ships having strictly a party boat atmosphere. You can find the flashy casino theme on the Las Vegas strip whenever you’re ready to go, and you can depart when ready, however I haven’t noticed Las Vegas floating around the Caribbean lately.

Carnival Decor on the "Miracle"

For those who love the glitzy style that’s fine, but for the rest a much more relaxing Caribbean atmosphere is what a vacation is all about. I’m elated to see this theme in the Carnival “Breeze” with its realistic trees and plant life and a tropical design the whole family is going to enjoy. This relaxing style is something anyone can incorporate into their own home or even business where warranted (restaurants, hotel lobbies, offices,etc.). Take a look at how inviting the “Plaza” and “Plaza 2″ is in the 2nd and 3rd pictures. Soft tones and lighting, uncrowded, nice gentle lines, and the use of tropical palms and greenery to add some life to this gentle environment. The result is a greatly enhanced and friendly atmosphere thanks to the understanding and thoughtfulness of Carnival’s new Germany-based Partner Ship Design Team.

Relaxing Caribbean Decor on the "Breeze"

Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to help Carnival recoup some of their invested Italian Lire for this new 14 deck, 360,000 ton ocean liner that departs on its maiden voyage June 3, 2012 (now booking according to Carnival) from Venice, Italy. Better yet, this will help you realize it’s really not all that hard to come up with a great new design for that special area using a tropical theme with a few realistic artificial trees and silk plants that are easy on the maintenance and pocket book.

Caribbean decor on the "Breeze"

In case you’d like to see a video of your chosen Carnival ship here’s a link, but most are advertisements and up to 10 minutes long. (Only a few on the first page have been previewed by us, so we can’t verify their safety). Don’t expect to find tropical designs here……just party atmosphere. Oh well, we all like a party once in awhile.

My Best, Billy Goldmark

Silky Flower Store

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