Gingerbread, Gifts & Glitz set at Gilda's
Amherst artists to appear
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Shaun Silverwood of Getzville, above, will have her jewelry on sale during the show at Gilda's Club next weekend. The one of a kind pieces are fired in a kiln at a temperature of between 1,400 and 1,600 degrees. Sheila J. Morrison, of Williamsville, right, will showcase her heavy canvas floor cloths, painted paper mache items, and grain painted frames and boxes.

Shaun Silverwood's work with art has helped her cope, and selling it will help others.

Silverwood, owner of Road Kiln, will be featured at Artists in Buffalo's Open Studios and Galleries, as a fundraiser for Gilda's Club of Western New York.

"I have known a number of people that died from cancer so it is dear to my heart," the Getzville resident said.

Working in copper enamels, Silverwood will sell switch plate covers, jewelry and pictures at the event. The switch plate covers were recently added to her inventory.

An award-winning artist, Silverwood started in the craft as a release. The mother of a girl with disabilities, she found working on her art gave her an avenue to relieve her emotions.

Silverwood's art is her hobby, as she works in special education at a school in Buffalo.

She has placed first several times at the Lewiston Art Show.

Her pieces will be on display with those of 19 other artists, including Williamsville resident Sheila J. Morrison, who will feature traditional American crafts and fine arts, such as handcrafted heavy-duty floor cloths, painted boxes and grain painted frames.

With nearly 25 years experience in crafts and a lifetime of experience in painting, Morrison said she chose to show at Gilda's because it it is a good cause.

"I believe it is a very worthy charity, as it helps so many people through difficult times," she said.

Twenty percent of the artists' sales benefit Gilda's Club, an organization that provides a place where people with cancer and their families and friends can join with others to actively involve themselves in building social and emotional support.

The items will be on sale during the Gingerbread ... Gifts ... Glitz event being held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1 and 2 at Gilda's Club, 1140 Delaware Ave. at Ferry Street in Buffalo.

In addition to shopping for holiday gifts, such as jewelry, quilts and pottery, attendees can view, and bid, on gingerbread houses created by amateur and professional bakers.

For information, visit www.gildasclubwny.org or call 332-5900.