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Hello Galena! News: Released Sept. 1, 2010

Meet Three Special Ladies

Women are the focus in Galena this time of the year. To share in the celebration, Hello Galena!, a local artist co-op, features works of “Three Special Ladies” during the month of September. The creative expressions of Arlene Ehtessabian, M. J. Hodgins, and Lorlee Servin are on display in the shop at 121 N. Commerce Street.

Ehtessabian is a scent artist, who, for years, noticed that fragrances effect mood. She observed that citrus refreshes and lifts spirits; lavender relaxes; mint energizes; and, floral and vanilla enhance romantic settings. During the empty-nest phase of her life, Ehtessabian has decided to make quality body products using various fragrances. She shares, “I've done my own research, and tried many creations to finally develop a product to my satisfaction.” Exceptional moisturizing body splash, body scrub, lotion and reed diffusers in floral, citrus, anti-stress, and even a men's scent are available at the Hello Galena shop and online at SweetSensationsInc.com.

Hodgins creates functional art in the form of cigar box purses with beaded handles. In mid-life, she discovered her creative talent during one painting classes that she took to complete her college degree in counseling.

“The thing I love the most about making my purses is designing the beaded handles to match the boxes," Hodgins said. "No two are alike. Someday when I get to retire I would like to add jewelry to my offerings.”

Servin is a photographer, painter and illustrator, whose passion for drawing began at age three or four and lead to a bachelor’s degree in art. She got her first camera at age 10, but started serious photography five years ago. Servin’s innate and cultivated “good eye for art” enables her to find the beauty in “…what God has given us in Nature. I am amazed at the patterns and details in flowers. That’s why I do a lot of floral close ups.”

Meet the artist Arlene Ehtessabian at the Hello Galena shop Saturday, Sept. 11 from 1-4 p.m. during Galena Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend. Additionally, Ehtessabian will conduct a “Make Scents” workshop from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Participants may create a personalized fragrance and go home with a unique body splash, at $10, per bottle.

Hello Galena! is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization made up of more than 65 local artists. Their artwork and signature gift items are displayed at 121 N. Commerce Street, Galena, Ill. Artists staff the art-only shop. Check out our handy online map, store hours and directions.

For more information, call (815) 777-1448 during shop hours.

Link to more Hello Galena news.