American crafts have 'Karisma'

Karisma gallery, located at Marco Walk just down from Chico's, is a spacious showplace for American craft artists — several of whom reside in Florida. Owner Karen Vervaecke said all pieces are exclusive to Collier County. "You won't see anything here at the Marriott shop or anywhere else in the area," she said.

Vervaecke describes herself as "a recovering attorney." She practiced juvenile law as a public defender, then went on to domestic and criminal law. The "horrid situations" she encountered became too much. So she "came to Paradise" from Nebraska four years ago and opened Karisma a year later.

Tropical themes, pastels and clever conceptions are the common threads that weave the various artist showcases together. All 125 artists are unique in their mediums and creations, but the pieces and the innovative manner in which they are exhibited feels like they were designed to be shown together.

To choose her merchandise, Vervaecke attends large craft shows all over the country, including one in New York City, where 1,200 artists take part. Handicrafts include painted furniture by Connie Brown; bright primary-colored handblown glassware by husband-and-wife team Peandoubu (their first initials are "P" and "W"); beach glass jewelry; giclées of Marco Island by Pete Ramberg; and hand-painted sweaters and T-shirts by Naples artist Victoria, to name only a handful.

One of the more unusual items — although there are many — is the dicroic jewelry (glass fused with titanium, which absorbs and reflects color). The artist, Roger, lives six months on Marco and the other six months in Ohio. The rainbow-hued pendants are draped on a sterling-silver chain. Each time the necklace is worn with a different colored top, the pendant metamorphoses and the dominant colors change. It's remarkable and must be seen in person.

Humor is prevalent in the gallery: A company called Buggy Whip makes painted clocks, bistro table and chairs, barstools and toilet seats that glow in the dark. The whimsical artwork is painted on a black or white background, with the glow-in-the-dark elements invisible in the light.

Another funny conception is by Billy Joe. He created stainless sink strainers with enamel charms as the grip. The easy-hold strainers are tropical designs: a flamingo, a palm tree, flip-flops and sunglasses.

At least two of the artists represented at Karisma use recycled objects for their crafts. Second Life Art takes broken liquor bottle and glassware pieces and "tumbles" them so they're polished and smooth. Then they produce decorative window hangings that reflect the light, jewelry, fan pulls and painted candleholders.

Florida artist Mark Layton turns found beach glass into fan pulls and other decorative items. He created a stunning royal and light blue beach glass chandelier — with various shades of green and other ocean colors. Painted fish emblazon the opaque lightbulb chimneys, which support dangling fish-shaped blue beach glass. It's reminiscent of swimming underwater in the tropics.

Sadly, Vervaecke said some of the craftspeople's work cannot remain in the gallery. With the economy low, making a living off artwork is difficult. Some artists do what they love part-time and take an earthly job to support themselves. However, Vervaecke said she has to replace about one-third of the people from whom she buys.

Help keep these American craft artists continue using their gifts for the public's enjoyment. Visit Karisma gallery and take a closer look. You'll be tickled, drawn in and awestruck all at the same time.