The Purple Pomegranate, a fine craft specialty store, is featuring work by Missoula artist, Monica van der Mars during the month of May. Monica has been creating art with paint, beads, fabric, and found objects since she was a child. Her mother Gunda, born in Sweden, filled their home with sewing, knitting, and various creative projects. Monica grew up in the Netherlands, her father’s native country. At age twelve, she sold her first pair of beaded earrings at a street market in Amsterdam. Monica has enjoyed creating and selling her work ever since. In 1983, she moved to Montana to join her older brother. Monica soon fell in love with this beautiful state and stayed to pursue a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Montana. Currently, Monica lives and works in Missoula, Montana, with her husband.

Monica speaks about her work “My work consists of stained and recycled glass pieces, combined with various glass, stone, and metal beads. Some of the glass pieces are wrapped with copper foil and lead-free solder. I also like to seal hand painted and found papers behind the glass. “Great colors,” is a compliment that I often hear from customers about my work. Creating attractive color combinations with beads and glass is like making a painting to me. This is one of my favorite aspects of my jewelry business. I enjoy providing my customers with beautiful objects that are also affordable.

Meet Monica during Whitefish Gallery Night, Thursday, May 7th, 2015 from 6-9 PM. Monica’s work will be displayed during the opening and throughout the month of May.

The Purple Pomegranate, located in downtown Whitefish, features handcrafted artware from artists across the United States. Representing more than 150 American artists, the store’s eclectic offerings include jewelry, ceramics, metal art, turned wood, glass art, fiber art, prints and paintings. Look for us on the web at http://www.purplepomegranate.com .