Don's Blog

David Scherer

2009-08-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

We just received a shipment of David Scherer clocks. His fun designs and bright colors are a great addition to any room. They'll be available online so check them out because they're sure to sell fast.

Mystic Woodworks

2009-08-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Different Drummer carries a number of fun, but also functional items by a variety of artists. One of these artists is Mystic Woodworks. Located in Warren, Maine, Ray and Jamie Doubleday specialize in wooden cutting boards, bread boards, and kitchen and desk accessories. They combine fine craftsmanship with the strength and durability of wood to produce lasting items. Using American hardwoods and exotic woods from around the world, they create designs within the piece with the natural coloring of the wood. Be sure to stop by and see the wide variety of pieces.

Continuing Construction

2009-08-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Construction around the gallery continues. Across the street near the Spicer Village Townhomes wooden poles are being installed for what looks like fences. On the other side of us, we can see the finish line as the new U of A stadium approaches its final month of construction. We appreciate all of you braving the orange cones to visit us and, fingers crossed, it will all be over soon!

It's Time Again

2009-07-31T07:33:00.000-07:00

It's the first weekend of the month and it's that time again, it's time for the Northside Artwalk. From 5-10 Saturday night enjoy artist demos, live music, and street performers in addition to the local art of the Northside District of Akron. Best of all, it's free! Speaking of free, Saturday afternoon at 1pm Summit Artspace will have a free workshop titled "Graffiti en Plein Air" with the Mystery "Tagger". Don't miss out on all the fun and enjoy the art.

Kristy Sly Glass

2009-07-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

For over a decade Kristy Sly has been exploring the various methods to showcase the inherent beauty of glass. Starting in stained glass and mosaics she has since moved to her current process, kilnformed glassware. Using a combination of sheet glass, colored powdered glass, glass chunks, and thin threads of glass she assembles the materials on a kiln shelf to create her unique designs. The piece is fired a second time to form its shape. Her creations are functional art, they can simply be enjoyed as home accents or they can be used as fun table settings. Her pieces come in a variety of shapes and colors, be sure to check them out at the gallery.

Philadelphia Buyers Market

2009-07-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. A few staffers left this morning and a couple more will leave tomorrow with Don and Lisa as they head to the Philadelphia Buyers Market. This year we took a number of new products for the other artists to see, including Don's boxes and brand new garden stakes and ornaments. Hopefully we'll find some new artists to add to our gallery also. Stayed tuned in the coming months to see what we get in.

Leandra's Ladies

2009-07-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

We've just received a huge shipment of Leandra Drumm pieces. Not only did we get switch plate covers and ornaments, but shadowbox frames, coat hooks and these lovely lady wall hangings. Hopefully these pieces will get you in the mood for Leandra's Annual Tent Sale, taking place next to the gallery Saturday, August 15 from 10-3.

Enjoy the View

2009-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the view of the gallery this beautiful July morning.

Akron Arts Expo

2009-07-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Hardesty Park is the place to be this weekend. Located at 1615 W. Market St, (the corner of Market & Wallhaven) it is the site of the 30th Annual Akron Arts Expo. It will have everything from a wine tasting and silent auction starting tonight at 6pm to over 160 fine arts & crafts exhibits showing both Saturday and Sunday. The Ballet Theatre of Ohio will perform tonight and tomorrow night at 8:45pm and there's even a kid's coloring contest. It's sure to be a fun art-filled weekend, so don't miss out. Learn More.

Bustapalooza

2009-07-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

The NEO Rock 'n' Roller Girls are having a "Bout for Breast Cancer" August 29. In order to raise money for Stewart's Caring Place, the girls asked local artists to design renderings of their busts, which will then be auctioned. Leandra Drumm was asked by roller girl Scarlet Go Dancin' to design hers. Pictured is what Leandra came up with. Leandra's design will be on display, along with other busts, at the WE Gallery in Akron, August 1-11, and at the Cyrus Art Gallery in Canton August 14-26. Check out the busts in advance and help a great cause by participating in the auction during the August 29 bout's half-time. To learn more about the girls check out their website.

Urns are in...

2009-07-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

We've just received a shipment of Flambeaux Art Pottery Urns. The collaboration between Bill Campbell and Kent Follette allowed these beautiful pieces to come to life. They're available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Be sure so come check them out.

Falcon Lake, Canada

2009-07-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Pictured is a wall Don did for the Falcon Lake Hotel in Falcon Lake, Canada. Located about 75 minutes from Winnipeg it's in a very cold part of the country. Since the wall is in the pool & recreation area the developer wanted something warm and sunny for the guests. The developer must have felt like most of us, when it comes to suns Don is the best choice.

August Sale Nears

2009-07-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Our Annual August Sale is nearly a month away. We just wanted to make sure it was on your radar, just in case it wasn't already. We'll keep you informed on more details and any extra special offers in the coming weeks. As for the very near future there is a FREE concert tonight at Hardesty Park.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival

2009-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

The 2009 summer season of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival started yesterday with As You Like It. "Shakespeare under the Stars" takes place Thursday through Sunday at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. The gates open at 6 to set up blankets or have a picnic to enjoy during the show. You can also wander the grounds before the show begins. The Greenshow starts at 7:30 featuring the younger actors entertaining with singing, dancing, and music to set the tone for the play. Curtains open at 8. As You Like It will be performing through July 25 and Romeo & Juliet will show July 30-August 16. It's sure to be a magical evening you wont want to miss. To learn more or buy tickets check out Ohio Shakespeare Festival or Stan Hywet Events.

Rising Tide Artisan Studio

2009-07-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Florence, MA artists Rising Tide creates colorful felted wool accessories. Their pocketbooks and coin purses are made from 100% sheep's wool using the ancient hand art technique of felting. This process requires scrubbing, pounding, and agitating the fleece until the naturally occurring barbs open up and lock on to one another creating a strong seamless product. The pieces are both unique and durable. The bright colors and quirky designs make these bags a must have for the whimsical at heart. Come check them out at the Different Drummer.

Private Residence

2009-07-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of a private residence Don did a number of years ago. Using cement, his designs crossed the threshold wall so his work could be admired from both the inside and out.

Design Lab

2009-07-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Gad Almaliah of Design Lab was a very talented artist and graphic designer. Despite his death two years ago his calligraphy and hand embossed metal illustrations are still some of our most popular pieces in the gallery. In addition to his artwork, Gad designed coins and medals for the Israeli Government and he created the emblem for the Six Day war. He also produced stamps for the Israel, United States, and Mexico postal services. We just received a shipment of his work so be sure to come see.

Enjoy the Day!

2009-07-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. With such a beautiful day ahead of us, make sure you get outside and enjoy it. Maybe even stop by the gallery and see some of the new pieces we're getting in daily.

Closed for the 4th!

2009-07-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Gallery will be CLOSED Saturday, July 4th for the Holiday. We will be open again Monday, July 6th at 10am. Have a fun and safe weekend!!

Hay Canvas Creations

2009-07-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

We have a new artist at Different Drummer that brings some extra Ohio culture with every bag. Nestled in the heart of Ohio's Amish country each Hay Canvas bag begins in a local Amish Canvas shop; sewn by machines powered by all things BUT electricity. There isn't hay in the bags, but rather named after owner and founder Cathy Hay. She values the talents of local men and women who have helped design and make each bag. Every embellished bag is hand-hooped in their local custom canvas bag studio in Berlin, Ohio. Be sure to stop by and check them out.

One of a Kind Acrobats

2009-07-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images of some smaller one of a kind sculptures Don did a number of years ago. These acrobats are most likely from his limited edition circus collection.

Plywood Sculpture

2009-06-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Plywood Sculpture artist Robert Hargrave's mission is to transform the ordinary into the exotic. He creates mirrors, shelves, and other works of art from everyday plywood. His work is about the contradiction between plywood's negative image and the unique and distinctive results that are achieved. Rather than hide the plywood with paint or stain, his goal is to bring out the natural beauty of the wood with fine sanding and a clear finish. Plywood Sculpture is made from laminated and carved Birch and Lauan plywood (obtained from sustainable sources). Each piece is signed and given a smooth, durable lacquer finish.

New Plant Hangers

2009-06-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

If you come to the gallery you'll notice a number of new editions to the grounds. Numerous colorful poles topped with brand new plant hangers designed by Don are everywhere. There are faces, birds, alligators, iguanas, flowers, and suns just to name a few. Many more designs for these totems are in the works so stay tuned. They'll also be for sale so you don't want to miss out.

It's Another Busy Weekend

2009-06-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's another busy weekend in Akron and there's something for everyone. Friday offers another night of Rock the Lock with a tribute to The Allman Brothers, as well as Slowhand, The Original Eric Clapton Tribute Band. There's also a free concert at Goodyear Heights Park starting at 7pm and Man of La Mancha will be performed at Weathervane Playhouse at 8pm. On Saturday there's a Farmer's Market at Lock 3 from 9am - 1pm. The second night of Akron Symphony Picnic Pops will take place at Firestone Park at 7:30pm. Enjoy everything from patriotic tunes to symphonic pops in a variety of styles, including A Chorus Line, Harry Potter, and Superman, to classic tunes. It should be a wonderful night with a little something for everyone. The gallery also has something for everyone, with new pieces coming in daily, so be sure to find time to stop by between the numerous activities this weekend.

Willseaobrien Glass

2009-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

We have a new artist in the gallery. Willseaobrien Glass is a husband and wife team, Paul Willsea and Carol O'Brien, who have been working together for over 20 years. Their beautiful glass bowls and vases are comprised of cast glass bases and blown glass tops. "The work reflects architecture, the effects of time, and the texture of nature. Their art is becoming more complex as they explore the different properties of color and how it relates to form. Their work is elegant and refined. It is a stunning complement to a contemporary or traditional decor." We don't have many pieces in stock so be sure to get in soon, before they sell, to see the beauty in person.