Castle Gallery

The fire-fly gives light to its pursuer. -Oemaru

A pair of Eastern Bluebirds flew into a red bud tree in my snow-covered yard this morning, and the male was breathtakingly stunning - the texture of his brilliant blue coat of feathers slightly tousled, his ruddy breast the perfect compliment. To see him out the picture window in the backdrop of the light fluffy snow from yesterday was really a treat. The week after Valentine's Day in northern Indiana -

The pair of birds appeared to be a couple of sweethearts, and what better place to take your better half than to the Castle Gallery at the northwest corner of Wayne and College Streets in Fort Wayne. This lovely art gallery, built as a home in 1905, became the municipal art museum for a time. In 1983, when the city museum took residence downtown, the turreted 'castle' was restored to residential use.

The home is inviting and charming, and is filled with cherry, oak, maple, walnut and mahogany woodwork. There are beautiful antiques, rugs, Tiffany lamps and art glass everywhere. It's a warm and comfortable environment in which to view the all the splendid art for sale. One explores many rooms and bedrooms on three stories, climbing up and down surprising stairways to view new discoveries.

Artist in residence, Jody Hemphill Smith, has works prominently displayed and her colors are so wonderful for this time of year - bright romantic flowers, organics. For some local nostalgia and color, look for works by Fred Doloresco. One of my favorite featured artist is Leo native April Knox, who strikes me as having an Impressionistic style, shows careful brush work, and mastery of light and color that just stands out.

Rebecca J Schaab shows us familiar Indiana landscapes in warm tones and pastels, and there are more works by artists to numerous to name. If you'd rather look at jewelry, you won't be disappointed by the unique things - look for the case featuring stunners by jeweler Rich Pacula.

The gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Their Valentine show will continue through February 27. You can tour the inside of the house and many of the paintings on their website at www.castlegallery.com. The staff can also let you know the dates of any upcoming events, such as cocktail mixers and artist receptions. It's a fun place to take a date and hang out and socialize. A lovely piece of original artwork is a purchase that can bring pleasure and dear memories for years to come.