"Through the Lens" Exhibit Comes to a Close

Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon
© Mestre/Manahan

The "Through the Lens" photography show and sale at the Portland Japanese Garden came to a close on Christmas Eve. Our thanks to all who came to view the exhibit during its month-long run (and, especially to those who bought something!).

We'd also like to thank the garden and its staff for hosting this wonderful event and giving local photographers such a great venue in which to show and sell their work. The number of places that any photographer can display work is limited, so it's always very much appreciated when a place like the Japanese Garden, with its prestige and large number of visitors, gives us such an opportunity.

Now that the Portland Saturday Market has ended its 34th season, we'll have a little more time to devote to our wholesale and online sales and to the gallery and coffee house exhibits we currently have going on.

Exhibit at Studio 101 in Garibaldi

Mount Hood, Oregon
Mesman Images

We've just started showing our work at Studio 101 in Garibaldi, Oregon. This quaint gallery on the coast is owned and operated by painter Susan Morrow. If you happen to find yourself driving between Tillamook and Cannon Beach, take a little art break and drop on in. The gallery is conveniently located right on Highway 101 in the heart of Garibaldi.

Studio 101
230 Garibaldi Ave. (Hwy 101)
Garibaldi, OR (503) 481- 5921

Fine Art Prints

FTD Stinks!

Yvonne recently received a bonsai plant as a gift. It had been intended to be something for inside the house, but the plant that had been purchased turned out to be an outdoor bonsai. This clearly wasn't what the person sending the gift had intended, nor was it what Yvonne wanted.

We consulted some local bonsai experts, who all said the plant would surely die if left inside. The FTD brochure that came with the plant provided a customer service number, stating that FTD hopes "you are very satisfied with this gift". We called and explained the situation and, after the rep unsuccessfully tried to convince us that the plant would be fine indoors, he finally said that we could exchange it for an indoor plant. It was late in the evening, so we said we'd call back during regular business hours.

When we called back today to perform the exchange, we were told that it wasn't possible, as FTD does not allow exchanges. In other words, they really don't care if you are "very satisfied" with your gift after all. Apparently, when ordering something through FTD, you'd better not make a mistake or have any misunderstanding, because you are stuck with your purchase whether it's what you wanted or not.

In conclusion, FTD really sucks! We will never again buy flowers or anything else through this unflexible, heartless, and greedy company. If you want to buy a gift for someone, we encourage you to use one of FTD's competitors, where you are more likely to receive good service and fair treatment.

Fine Art Prints

Exhibit at Cooper's Coffee in Mt. Tabor

Woodburn, Oregon

Mesman Images

We've just added Coopers Coffee to the list of places where our work can be seen (and bought!) This great coffee house is in the Mt Tabor neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. In addition to serving great coffee, you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or have a nice glass of wine or beer. There's also free wireless internet access! If you're in the area, we hope to see you there!

Cooper's Coffee
6049 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97215
Phone: (503) 238-2120

Reception at the Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon
Mesman Images

This afternoon, December 9, 2007, there will be a "Meet the Artists" reception in the pavilion at the Portland Japanese Garden from 2:00 to 4:00. This event is part of the "Through the Lens" photography show that's running until December 24th. This is a juried show (and sale) that includes images of the garden taken by 13 photographer members. Hope to see you there!

Through the Lens Photography Show

We're proud to announce that Yvonne's images from the Portland Japanese Garden are part of the photography show and sale taking place at the garden through Christmas. Titled "Through the Lens", the show features the work of thirteen of the garden's photographer members and is being held in the garden's beautiful pavillion. The participating works were selected by a jury. All of the featured images and related products are for sale. In addition to framed, matted, and un-mounted images, we are also selling note cards and magnets that Michael makes by hand.


The Portland Japanese Garden is widely considered to be the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. One Japanese dignitary even went so far as to proclaim it the most beautiful Japanese garden in the world, period.

Entry to the show is free with your garden admission. If you are going to be in the Portland area this month, why not drop by the garden and do a little unique Christmas shopping? Here are a few useful links:

Portland Japanese Garden
Map/Directions
Through the Lens