New Bern, NC – December is a homecoming for multi-media artist Janet Francoeur as she is the featured Artist of the Month at Carolina Creations on Pollock Street in New Bern. During the December 13th ARTWALK, from 5-8 p.m., Ms. Francoeur will be at the gallery for a wine and cheese meet and greet to discuss her artworks in ink, watercolor, clay, acrylics, and oils. Janet Francoeur founded Carolina Creations in 1989 and sold it to Virginia Spencer in 2017. Ms. Spencer said, “Janet is returning to the store to visit with her old customers, meet new ones, and show the new work she continues to create.”
Visitors to the gallery will find a distinctive selection of Carolina crafted personal, artistic, and household items to select for themselves, even while shopping for others. Janet Francoeur’s Celebration Pottery collection and her annual brass Christmas ornaments are favorites for locals and as New Bern souvenirs. The 2019 ornament features the North Carolina History Center on Front Street. Gallery owner Virginia Spencer notes, “We have many items that are perfectly priced for the annual office or club gift exchange. We’ve heard that just seeing our signature black bag is enough to start a friendly skirmish.”
Shoppers can find gifts that are easy to secret away or pack for a flight such as a colorful scarf, glittering jewelry, a fine leather wallet, a baby rattle, or a carved wooden pen. If you are traveling by car, the gallery will carefully pack your glass or ceramic purchase and even wrap it for you so that it can be safely stowed for your trip. For the larger paintings and décor, the store will hold on to your purchase until you can arrange to sneak the gift into place. “We enjoy being the elves working behind the scenes to make someone’s holiday extra special,” says Virginia Spencer.
Carolina Creations features a curated collection of artworks by Carolina artisans that includes pottery, paintings, prints, jewelry, needlework, décor, and memorable gifts. The gallery is located at 317-A Pollock Street and is open 7 days a week. The holiday hours are Monday-Thursday 10-6, Friday-Saturday 10-8, and Sunday 11-4. For more information call: 252-633-4369 or visit online at carolinacreations.com.
By Contributing Author, Jane Maulucci, The Reactive Voice