(Photos above: Sculpture Pottery by Mary Moore & Oregon Blue Opal Jewels by Karla Proud | courtesy of Artists Gallery Sunriver)

Fireplaces provide a warm, cozy place to escape the crisp November air, but if ever there was a reason to leave the comforts of home, it would be to visit the artists at the Sunriver Artists’ Gallery for a little party on November 11 from 4-5pm. Artists will be serving up not only beautiful art, but snacks and drinks. This month’s featured artists are more than worth the short trip to the gallery.

Jewelry artist Karla Proud moved to Oregon in 2005, partly to ‘romance’ the Oregon State Gemstone, Sunstone. After her arrival she discovered that Oregon is rich in gems! The artist found that there are other unique and beautiful Oregon Gemstones to play with.

One gem that she is particularly fond of is Owyhee Blue Opal. This is a natural opal and sometimes referred to as ‘common opal’ as it has no play of other colors in the gem….just a pure beautiful shade of blue. The stone is somewhat translucent and takes a great polish finish. It is found on private ranchland in the Southeast corner of Oregon near the Owyhee River. The blue is especially beautiful set into sterling silver finished jewels.

You will find in Artists’ Gallery a selection of Oregon Fire Opal from the Juniper Ridge mine, East of Lakeview. This gem is found in a color variety from pale yellows to oranges to reds. Proud actually mined this material and had it cut into faceted gemstones and beads. The perfect colors for fall.

Also featured this month is gallery newcomer Mary Moore. Moore, a figurative ceramicist, is a wonderful addition to the eclectic mix at the gallery. The artist’s whimsical clay figures will steal your heart when you pass by her display. Figures range in size from six inches to two feet, with each piece fired in a manner that accommodates her use of different types of clay. Often the pieces are fired with an underglaze and then embellished with acrylic paints. Each piece is designed using a technique call “Sgraffito” in which a partial surface of the underglaze is removed in a pattern before firing.

Moore’s smallest pieces are playfully named Mud Babies. They are similar to gargoyles, each one holding and protecting something of value. The artist’s series of Whispers figures is influenced by Native American images. The faces are emerging from the rock, representing new ideas coming to light. The largest figures explore different aspects of human nature. These pieces can reflect a different period in time and a sense of whimsy and grace.

Artists’ Gallery Sunriver Village, Building 19

541-593-4382, www.artistsgallerysunriver.com