"Phantasmagoria" - originally a form of niche-horror theatre, it has, over the centuries become more commonly associated with the unlimited scopes of imagination - be it whimsical, mischievous, or even bizarre.

As the days shorten and the nights get longer, our minds are sure to give way to more fantastical musings. Will you be surrounding yourself with the warm elements of fall? Celebrating the more spiritual and spectral customs in life? Or perhaps, anticipating the colder months ahead?

Wherever your tastes may lie, our artists are sure to provide you with an abundance of phantasmagorical artworks, pulled straight from the imaginary realm. So why not bring the stuff of dreams into your reality?

Have you seen our new arrivals at the gallery?

If you haven't, we've recently acquired a few lovely pieces from Mauricio Lasansky and Grant Wood, as well as exciting new works from Mary Koenen-Clausen and Kristin Stoeffler.

Make sure to visit the artists' page to view more works.

We checked in with Julia about her works in the upcoming exhibit Endless Planes and were presented with a question: "Would you like some wine?"

This question perfectly outlines Julia and her artwork. Inviting and casual, the world outside falls away as you're carefully led into her  isolated travels through paint, texture, plains, mountains, and the lake. Her personality is etched into the paint by way of brush stokes, and the coloring and composition pull you into a serene landscape of nothing-and-everythingness.

What a joy it was to chat about her new works. The love for intended seclusion and the act of painting is felt and seen. Read more below for the first peek.

Our custom framing service really knows no bounds. We can frame most anything, no matter the size or how intricate. And, in all reality, it's never easy and we know it. However, this was a challenge unto it's own!

The timeline for 4 giant posters did not seem overly complicated when they were dropped off and designed at the beginning of August. However, we would have never expected that a Derecho would hit our city and knock out power, phone and internet for as long as it did and slam our frameshop schedule right into the preparation for our current exhibition. Read more below for the details and how we got it all done!

With September upon us, autumn fast approaching, and much of eastern Iowa still reeling from the aftermath of the derecho, Gilded Pear hopes to offer a spot of solace in these ever-changing times. We invite you to peruse through a carefully selected collection of autumnal works, featuring ready-to-wear and ready-to-frame pieces.

From tranquil landscapes, to vibrant abstracts, to wearable art evocative of fall elements, we hope these pieces will bring an extra bit of warmth and energy into your life – and perhaps a much-deserved mental getaway as well.

Aftermath & update: the gallery is ok! We survived the Derecho that hit Cedar Rapids on Monday, August 10th. Our building did not take heavy damage and we are so incredibly fortunate. A billboard was swept into the park next door and bricks from the adjacent building (Phong Lan) tumbled. Our hearts go out to our business neighbors who sustained heavy damage and broken windows.

No art was damaged at the gallery. We were without power for 5 days and no phones or internet for 12 days. A sincere thanks to ALL of you for your patience. We’re still catching up on appointments and deadlines with clients and artists. We’re truly grateful for your understanding. We are touched that so many of you checked in on us during this disastrous time. We’re lucky to be a part of this community, here, with you all.

Below are photos and video (to be added) of the aftermath that we took. Also listed are community resources to help recovery efforts as well as news coverage.

There is a plethora of symbolism and iconography loaded into Mary Koenen Clausen's artwork. For the curious minds and who want to know more, read below for a few snippets about her work and download a PDF filled with terms and definitions. You can also catch her artist talk under 'videos' and artworks in Peculiar Reality.

Due to the nature of Mary's process, it's difficult to capture the intricacies of her process in a typical Studio Visit. Enjoy a little reading below about her inspirations.

We're calling this a Studio Visit but we didn't have the opportunity to see Jillian Moore's progress in person for her new line of sculptures (thanks COVID-19). Instead, Jillian shared these process photos of her work so we could get the inside scoop on how these are constructed! To see how all the works turned out, check out the finished wall pieces in Peculiar Reality.

View the rest of the studio photos below.

Fresh new works have arrived for July with plenty of colorful pieces for you to peruse. Keep an eye out as more will be added in the coming weeks.

Make sure to visit the artists' pages for more available works and information.

Usher in the summer season by adding a splash of color to your life! We have fresh works from Ann Royer and Mary Zeran that have newly arrive in the recent weeks.

Visit the artist's page to view more available works

Click the button below to read the article about John Beckelman's solo exhibition Stillness and Occurrence during the Covid-19 pandemic.

RE: Opening. To answer the burning question, YES we’re open- we are here (the lights are on and we’ve been working hard!). We’ve made the decision to continue operating BY APPOINTMENT ONLY until threat to health becomes less of a concern.  What does that mean? We ask that you call or email ahead (24 hours preferably, but will accommodate “hey, can I bring something in for framing in an hour?”). We also have a form on our website that you can use to book, if you’re feeling bashful. We don’t bite! (we can’t-we're masked!). If you are new to visiting the gallery, you don’t have to intend to purchase something to make an appointment. Feel free to contact us to see the current exhibit- the shows will go on! We cherish our clients, patrons and partners. All we really want is for everyone to be safe and healthy, so we ask that you arrive to your appointment masked. There are lengthy details on our homepage, contact page, and provided below in "read more"- about what we are doing to keep our space safe for your visit, this update is long enough, and we know you all are reading so many of these! Visit the rest of the website for your art-related needs/desires.

We’re operating with as much deftness in accommodating change and adjusting for the new landscape ahead. We all need respite right now. May art intrigue the mind and provide comfort in this challenging time. We miss you.

During our collective quarantine, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, an unprecedented amount of Americans set up shop to work from home. Here's a sampling of options to spruce up your new space-ready to go. That means everything is already framed or ready to hang as is. Click below to read more and see the rest of the featured works under $500. Fill out the inquiry to purchase or request more information.

Gallery Artists Featured:

• Fred Easker
• Stephen Metcalf
• Thérèse Murdza
• Kimberlee Rocca
• Corrine Smith
• Kristin Stoeffler
• Mary Zeran

Photos from December 11th, 2019 for our Jewelry Cocktail Party where we showcase contemporary jewelry.

View our Jewelry artists HERE
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6 of our jewelry makers were in attendance during the event.

Photos from December 6th, 2019 at the opening reception for Keeping the Bubble Happy, a solo exhibit of new works by Mary Zeran.

Works and documentation from the show can be found HERE
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The artist was in attendance during the opening.

Photos from October 18th, 2019 at the opening reception for Open Air, a two-person exhibit of new landscapes by Dave Gordinier and Kristin Stoeffler. 

Both artists were in attendance during the reception.

Photos from September 6th, 2019 at the opening reception for A Line Goes for a Walk, a solo exhibit of works by Priscilla Steele. 

The artist was in attendance during the reception.

Photos from June 14th, 2019 at the opening reception for Cedar River Artisans, a group exhibit of works by the Iowa collective. 

Most of the artists were in attendance during the reception.

We stopped by Kimberlee Rocca's studio earlier in the week to get an update and see a new direction in her latest pieces. We previewed of some new technical combinations, fresh composition works in progress, and a glimpse into new suspended pieces.

Check out a few sneak-peek photos below: Click here to see available works