Party Do-Over

Due to a newspaper mis-print, we get to celebrate our anniversary TWICE! If you missed the May 1 celebration, here's your second chance. If you attended, please attend again and bring your friends! How many times do you get to celebrate the same event twice?  And how many times do you get to enjoy "one day only" bargains for two days?

You Are Invited

What: Omro Gallery 7^th Anniversary Celebration

When: May 8, 2009, 5 to 9 pm

Where: Omro Gallery, 115 E. Main Street, Omro, WI

Hosted by: Jill and Pete Hennes

Additional Sponsors: The Inner Circle Artists Co-op

Highlights of the Evening:

5 pm – 9 pm

· First 77 people to arrive after 5 pm will receive a coupon redeemable for an Inner Circle gift bag worth $25 OR $25 off a purchase of $77 or more.*

· Enjoy 7% off store-wide.*

· Light refreshments will be served.

5 pm – 5:59 pm

· Selected hair barrettes 77¢ per pair with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Vintage earrings 77¢ each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected sticky note journals $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

6 pm – 6:59 pm

· Selected magnets 77¢ each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected folders $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Any dog tag necklace just $7.77. Limit 3 per customer.**

7 pm

· 7 door prizes, courtesy of the Inner Circle (must be present to win).

7 pm – 7:59 pm

· Vintage brooches 77¢ each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected bracelets $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected greeting cards $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

8 pm – 8:59 pm

· Any 4 push pins for 77¢ with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected brag books $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Shoe clips $1.77 per pair with a minimum purchase of $7.**

*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

**Minimum purchase of regularly priced merchandise required. You may select one of each anniversary sale item at the drastically reduced price with each $7 purchase during that hour. If you wish to purchase more sale items, you must purchase another $7 worth of regularly priced merchandise to qualify for another item at the low price. Example: At 5 pm, if you spend $7 on regularly priced merchandise, you may purchase one pair of hair barrettes for 77¢, a pair of Vintage earrings for 77¢ and a sticky note journal for $1.77. If you spend $14 on regularly priced merchandise, you may purchase two of each...and so on. While supplies last. Limited to quantity on hand.

 

Omro Gallery 7th Anniversary Celebration

You Are Invited

What: Omro Gallery 7^th Anniversary Celebration

When: May 1, 2009, 5 to 9 pm

Where: Omro Gallery, 115 E. Main Street, Omro, WI

Hosted by: Jill and Pete Hennes

Additional Sponsors: The Inner Circle Artists Co-op

Highlights of the Evening:

5 pm – 9 pm

· First 77 people to arrive after 5 pm will receive a coupon redeemable for an Inner Circle gift bag worth $25 OR $25 off a purchase of $77 or more.*

· Enjoy 7% off store-wide.*

· Light refreshments will be served.

5 pm – 5:59 pm

· Selected hair barrettes 77¢ per pair with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Vintage earrings 77¢ each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected sticky note journals $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

6 pm – 6:59 pm

· Selected magnets 77¢ each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected folders $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Any dog tag necklace just $7.77. Limit 3 per customer.**

7 pm

· 7 door prizes, courtesy of the Inner Circle (must be present to win).

7 pm – 7:59 pm

· Vintage brooches 77¢ each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected bracelets $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected greeting cards $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

8 pm – 8:59 pm

· Any 4 push pins for 77¢ with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Selected brag books $1.77 each with a minimum purchase of $7.**

· Shoe clips $1.77 per pair with a minimum purchase of $7.**

*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

**Minimum purchase of regularly priced merchandise required. You may select one of each anniversary sale item at the drastically reduced price with each $7 purchase during that hour. If you wish to purchase more sale items, you must purchase another $7 worth of regularly priced merchandise to qualify for another item at the low price. Example: At 5 pm, if you spend $7 on regularly priced merchandise, you may purchase one pair of hair barrettes for 77¢, a pair of Vintage earrings for 77¢ and a sticky note journal for $1.77. If you spend $14 on regularly priced merchandise, you may purchase two of each...and so on. While supplies last. Limited to quantity on hand.

  

 

Article...Gift Shop Mag Picks up Article from Northwestern

Gift Shop: Fresh Ideas for Retailing Success picked up the March 22, 2009 article in the Northwestern.

http://www.giftshopmag.com/news/2009/03/artists_help_omro_gallery_and_gift_shop

Article...Group of Artists Steps In, Remotely

Group of artists steps in, remotely, to help Omro Gallery

by Patricia Wolff

The Northwestern

March 22, 2009

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090322/OSH04/90318097

Press Release...San Francisco Green

Press Release

San Francisco Green Comes to Omro Gallery

For Immediate Release

January 25, 2009

Adaptive reuse gifts, crafts and jewelry from San Francisco, California are now available at Omro Gallery, the first of a number of shipments from artisans across the nation which will be arriving over the next 60 days. This collection has been hand-selected by Kaleene Kenning (www.victoriansanfrancisco.com), a University of Wisconsin – Stout graduate who has lived in San Francisco for the past 13 years. Kenning helped Omro Gallery’s owner, Jill Hennes, find the best green products that San Francisco artisans have to offer.

An artisan herself, Kenning is active in architectural preservation in San Francisco, and her commitment to reuse arts and crafts follows the model of that field. “In the world of architecture,” Kenning stated “preservationists are often left with the dilemma of what to do with Victorian era mansions which few single families can afford in today’s economy. Of course the ideal situation is to leave the house in its original condition, and used for its original purpose. But when the ideal situation is not possible, an alternative which allows one to appreciate the original structure is the second choice, and a far superior choice to tearing the house down and shredding the old growth redwood into sawdust. In San Francisco, there is a concerted effort to finding alternative uses for historic structures, many of which now serve as law offices, medical and dental offices, consulates, and even college dormitories.”

Unlike recycling, in which the products are generally ground, melted, crushed and/or remolded into entirely new products unrecognizable as their previous product, adaptive reuse products are altered and combined with other items, with less reprocessing, using less water and electricity. This is truly the ultimate in green, and it shows respect and appreciation toward vintage items, samples and/or overstocks which may otherwise be headed to the land fills.

In her selection of merchandise, Kenning focused not only on adaptive re-use artworks, but also on affordable prices. “No matter how dedicated you are to ‘being green’, if you cannot afford the products, you won’t buy them.” This collection consists of primarily gift items under $40, and many of the items are only a couple of dollars.

From Not Your Grandfather’s Dog Tag (www.smashingdarling.com/store/not-your-grandfathers-dog-tag), Omro Gallery has received “dog tag” style necklaces, a hot fashion trend from California to New York. These reuse necklaces use such components as coins, skeleton keys, vintage earrings, beads, and chandelier crystals on ball chains, leather, ribbon or cords. The necklaces sell for $5 to $40.

From Fancy Footwork (www.smashingdarling.com/store/fancy-footwork), Omro Gallery now has shoe clips, rings, and button covers made from vintage jewelry and buttons. Shoe clips sell for approximately $5 to $10. Adjustable rings made from vintage buttons range from $5 to $15. Button covers start at $1.50 each.

Shoe clips were a fashion must in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and their revival is upon us, as evident by some of the recent press that Fancy Footwork, and other San Francisco artists, have received. On Friday, January 9th, 2009, The San Francisco Chronicle listed shoe clips as number one in “2009 Wedding Trends: Discover the Top 10 Trends in Wedding Fashion and Beauty.” But shoe clips are not just for weddings. Shoe clips are a great way to make your shoe wardrobe look significantly more diverse. Placed on the front, side, or back, shoe clips will jazz up pumps, flip flops, or any shoes that need a little bit of bling.

On the same day the, in the Smashing Darling Blog, Actress Brea Grant shared her editor’s picks (http://www.smashingdarling.com/blog/category/editors-picks/). “I love clothes and I love Smashing Darling...Picking just a few things was very hard so I chose one item and paired other items with it. This is often the way I create an outfit. I’ll have one handbag or one necklace and create the outfit based on an accessory instead of adding accessories to finish an outfit off. I feel like I’m playing dress up already....I started with the gorgeous Flowers in the Dark earrings by Fancy Footwork. I love dark earrings because they contrast with my hair and I feel like they go with anything. I am also a huge fan of vintage so these earrings caught my eye right away. These earrings really make a statement for me and I felt like I could match lots of stuff with them- so I did.”

From Victorian San Francisco (www.smashingdarling.com/store/victorian-san-francisco), Omro Gallery now has bracelets made from vintage jewelry and other beads. The bracelets sell for $5 each or 5 for $20.

From San Francisco Victorian Girl (www.sfvictoriangirl.etsy.com), Omro Gallery now has magnets, push pins, journals and photo albums. Unlikely materials such as tile samples and vintage jewelry have been used in the creation of magnets ranging from about $1 to $3 each and sets ranging from $10 to $30. Large photo albums made from hanging file folders are an extraordinary gift idea for the class of 2009. Small brag books complete with mailing envelopes are a fantastic gift for grandma, a college student, or any loved one that is not nearby. Photo albums range from about $2.50 to $15.

Omro Gallery also now has two types of reusable coffee cozies just in from San Francisco. Some of the cozies are decorated with such icons as hearts and flowers while others are two-toned reversible. Slip one of these into each Valentine Card you send to encourage friends and family to be green. Coffee cozies sell for $5 each or 3/$10.

You really do need to see these items to fully appreciate adaptive reuse in arts and crafts, jewelry and gifts. Stop by Omro Gallery soon for these, and many more, adaptive reuse products just in from San Francisco.

For Further Information about this Press Release, Contact:

Jill Hennes

Omro Gallery

115 E. Main Street

Omro, WI 54963

T: 920-685-5787

F: 920-685-5784

E: omrogallery@att.net

Website: www.omrogallery.squarespace.com

For more information about Kenning, visit her website at www.victoriansanfrancisco.com.

Press Release...Kids, Family & Community

 Press Release

Kids, Family & Community at Omro Gallery

For Immediate Release

February 25, 2009

Omro Gallery has a new look, reflecting kids, family, and community. The exclusive new product is a collaborative effort of artists and crafters who are members of the Inner Circle, a supportive cyber community that reaches out to the larger community. When members of the Inner Circle met Jill Hennes online, they quickly considered her a part of their online family.

The first boxes from an Inner Circle member to arrive at Omro Gallery were from Colleen Lawson of Redding, California. When her merchandise arrived at Omro Gallery in January, Jill had to contact her to request more merchandise just a couple of days later!

Colleen is an example of the kind of family person who fits right into the community store that Jill has created. Colleen has been interested in sewing as long as she can remember. She made her own clothing when in High School. And when her children were small, she made most of their clothes. As her children grew older, Colleen needed another outlet for her love of sewing and crafting. “After trying the craft fair circuit and roasting in the heat of Northern CA,” Colleen said, “it was wonderful to find a store to display my merchandise. It gives me real excitement in my crafting and still leaves me the freedom to stay home and watch my first grand daughter. At nearly 18 months of age she keeps me busy but still naps just enough to allow me time to make a baby quilt or a stack of book covers. I wouldn't miss this opportunity to promote Omro Gallery and to keep my life sane with sewing.” Colleen’s products run the gamut, from baby items to red hat items, and everything in between.

“I have never had the pleasure of meeting Jill Hennes in person,” said Colleen “but can see how much she cares for family and community by the way she is involved in the planning and organizing of events for them. I was excited to hear how she worked so hard to make a great summer fun-day at the local pool with food and games for kids, and how she pulled other businesses together to help support the effort. The Christmas party she helped plan was a big success and I am sure she has more plans in the works for the local kids.”

With Jill’s commitment to kids, family, and community, it just makes sense that Omro Gallery has expanded product categories to include gifts for anyone and any occasion. When members of the Inner Circle stepped in to help Jill diversify her product, the group decided to leave no member of Omro’s community forgotten. That’s how Jill operates her life, and the group felt that’s how she should represent herself through the store.

“We want Omro Gallery to be the first stop on visitors and local customers shopping trips” said Colleen.

“If you are looking for a baby shower gift you’ll find embellished onesies and bibs. For your new grandchild, baby quilts. For family and friends far away, brag books are available, complete with mailing envelopes.

The teens of Omro will find a choice of wild, crazy book covers sure to entice young people to read more, trendy dog tag necklaces, and jewelry, accessories, journals and photo albums in Omro’s maroon and gold!

Customers will be pleased with the variety of kitchen décor, aprons, dish towels, push pins and magnets, beautiful wallets, jewelry, photo albums and gifts for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, and every holiday throughout the year.

Even the ‘wise and more mature’ Red Hat Ladies will find a nice choice in red and purple items to purchase.”

Colleen is just one example of the many Inner Circle artisans now showing at Omro Gallery who share Jill’s commitment to kids, family and community. Merchandise continues to arrive from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the South and the North and the Midwest.

For Further Information about this Press Release, Contact:

Jill Hennes

Omro Gallery

115 E. Main Street

Omro, WI 54963

T: 920-685-5787

F: 920-685-5784

E: omrogallery@att.net

Website: www.omrogallery.squarespace.com

Press Release...Inner Circle Art

 Press Release

Inner Circle Art Comes to Omro Gallery

For Immediate Release

March 1, 2009

2009 has started with a display of community spirit that deserves some attention. Omro Gallery has just received exclusive product from artists and crafters who are members of the Inner Circle Artist Co-op, a supportive cyber community that reaches out to the larger community.

One member of the Inner Circle, Melissa from Philadelphia said “Helping Jill Hennes and Omro Gallery is just one of the generous things we do for each other. Each month, members from across the nation participate in an activity that supports a school, a non-profit, a business, or an individual they believe in.” The challenge presented for March 2009 was to put Omro Gallery on the map as a destination for arts and crafts from across the nation. But many members of the Inner Circle got so excited about the opportunity that deliveries started arriving in Omro by mid-January.

Joni from Texas said “During the hard times our Nation and peoples are facing it's a real privilege to assist a fellow artist and crafter in making her dreams come true by offering Jill and Omro Gallery works from my hands to her heart. With all the love that comes from the artisans of Inner Circle, we are confident we can keep this dream alive and allow Omro Gallery to become a real asset to the town of Omro.”

But one might ask, when there are so many businesses facing challenges in today’s economy, why did this group select Omro Gallery?

Leslie from California said “Omro Gallery is an extension of the love Jill has for the community and being a part of it.” Dee of New York, expanded on those feelings when she said “Our group was drawn to Jill for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we believe she is an ethical business person. We admire her dedication to her small town downtown, and to her community at large. We hope that her local community will support her store in the way she supports the community.”

This was truly a group effort, aimed at ensuring Omro Gallery had a nice selection of appropriate, unique merchandise. Emily of Texas said “We coordinated efforts to ensure that we offered a diverse group of products.” Gracie of New Orleans added “Many of us sent items that we do not offer to stores anywhere else, and some made exclusive items just for Omro, such as using the school colors or the town name on merchandise.” Cheryl from California added “Other artists chose to highlight the materials abundant in their own local communities, and make the merchandise reflect upon the diversity of our nation.”

“I am delighted to know Omro Gallery has the chance to display and offer items from all over the country to its customers” said Colleen of California. “Under Jill's talented watch I am certain customers will find unique home decor and gift ideas to suit every taste. From exciting one of a kind jewelry, to adorable baby items, to practical embellished dish towels. Jill's customers will be treated to a wealth of items made just for her shop.” The products, which have just arrived at Omro Gallery, also include needlework, magnets, push pins, photo albums, journals, and wine accessories made by artisans and crafters from the Pacific to the Atlantic and everywhere in between.

While people like Cherese from Boise, Idaho commented “I am proud to be invited to show my crafts in Omro Gallery,” Omro Gallery owner Jill Hennes remarked “I am fortunate to know some of the most talented designers across the nation and consider our entire town of Omro, Wisconsin to be the fortunate recipients of this exclusive merchandise!”

Melissa from Ohio said “We hope that residents and visitors to Omro will stop in and ask Jill to show them what products she has received, and from where! It is a lot cheaper than flying coast to coast to see what our nation’s crafters have to offer!” And, according to Jill, that’s exactly what has been happening. “A few local ladies quickly figured out when my mail man delivers. They have been stopping by to see ‘what came in today’.” The gallery now has a map of the United States and adds map tacks as merchandise arrives from new locations.

And, if you cannot make it to Omro Gallery, check out the new website currently under construction. Kaleene from San Francisco said “We are confident that our merchandise peeking through the windows at Omro Gallery will draw residents and visitors into the store, but we also acknowledge that Jill had to have a website that brought her into 2009 and allowed her to stay up-to-date.” Much to Jill’s surprise, a brand new website was created for her. Kaleene continued “Jill needed a website that she could maintain by herself, quickly and easily, and without a programmer. I knew how to do that, so it was my privilege to help her with it.” An introduction to the creation of the website and best wishes to Jill from members of the Inner Circle can be read at http://omrogallery.squarespace.com/whats-happening/.

The team spirit behind this project has been phenomenal, and it has all been coordinated via the internet. Most of these women have never even met each other in person. There are no egos involved, just a group of women crafters and artisans supporting a small business woman. This coordinated effort is proof that community spirit does still have grand moments, regardless of whether or not you are part of the Inner Circle!

For Further Information about this Press Release, Contact:

Jill Hennes

Omro Gallery

115 E. Main Street

Omro, WI 54963

T: 920-685-5787

F: 920-685-5784

E: omrogallery@att.net

Website: www.omrogallery.squarespace.com

Love from the Inner Circle

A message from the web designers...

The Inner Circle Artist Co-op posts monthly "challenges" and when Omro Gallery was mentioned, we knew a website that was able to be maintained without professional programmers was something the gallery really needed.  And so it happened...this website is a labor of love from the creative friends of Omro Gallery and owner Jill Hennes.

We hope it creates excitement for Jill and reminds her of those who love her when she is having a bad day, and most importantly, that her customers see her the way we do...as an ethical business person who is active in her local community.  We hope that residents and visitors to Omro will shop at Omro Gallery, supporting local business, ethical business practices, and wonderful people like Jill who are following their dreams. 

This spring is an exciting time for the Omro Gallery.  In February, the gallery will be receiving children's products and adaptive re-use products from artists in California.  In March, Inner Circle artists and crafters from across the country will be sending items to Omro Gallery.  Some items will be for Jill to use professionally.  Other items will be for her to sell in the shop.  Please stop in and ask Jill to show you what she has received, and from where!  It is a lot cheaper than flying across the country to see what crafters from New York to San Francisco have to offer!

To residents and visitors of Omro, Wisconsin, please take a look at the very small "brag book" we have put together below.  And please share your stories about Jill and Omro Gallery.

Competition Piece - Congrats on Second Place, Jill!

 

Sharing Talent with Community - The baby Jesus statue from this Nativity was stolen on January 2, 2008.  When it was recovered, severely damaged, Omro Gallery volunteered to repair the statue.

Stop in soon and stop in often.  Stop in soon for the new merchandise that will be arriving from across the country.  Stop in often because you never know what project Jill will be working on next!

To Jill, we wish you much joy and success as you move Omro Gallery forward into the future!