Don't forget the dessert !!!!!! Great location along with…read moreoutdoor seating . Check their calendar! Live music Excellent wine list Local art work / photography with some great stories!

It was late afternoon, and after a scheduled meet-up with an old High School friend went South,…read moreGayle suggested we hop in the car and enjoy a beer together at West O. I had already made my annual pilgrimage to West O the day before, and suggested something more to her liking - Wine. Since my last visit the Wine Bar and Art Gallery, the space has expanded into David Thoreson's Blue Water Studio. David actually owns the entire building and if you look behind the door in what I call the "Livingroom" addition, you'll see that his work space is alive and well. There's also an upstairs, but I have no idea what David has going on up there. As this is the 25th Anniversary of Blue Water Studios and the Wine Bar, all the art work on the walls is David Thoreson's, and what a stunning collection it is! Gayle and I hung out, enjoyed a couple glasses of wine, and wished we were here during the weekend to hear their live music offerings (played outside on the patio). Gayle and I were impressed with the wine selection, generous pours, and at a reasonable price, in addition to the comfortable space to enjoy them. And as much as I love West O, this was the right place for us to hang out and spend some time together.

Gayle and I happily returned to A Piece of Work this summer. The place looks a little more filled…read moreout and there were plenty of new items that caught my attention. I ended up with a really nice forged metal frame, another piece of Bogenrief glass, and a handsome money clip piece from Bladesmith. There were also a few bonuses this year. We were here for the 1st Friday Art Walk and then a week later the place was happy busy during Spirit Lake Days. I also got to meet Perry Polson (handsome wood pieces) and Dan Ruf (photography) and chat about their work. Of course the biggest plus abut A Piece of Work is finding so much great art at a fraction of California prices.

When I visit a resort area, there's a certain schlock factor that I come to expect within the more…read moretouristy portions. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco is a prime example and to a point where I simply won't go unless an out-of-town guest really insists. The Iowa Great Lakes isn't San Francisco, but for this Iowa Boy, it's a World Away that is close enough. As such, you'll find me here every Summer with my Family in tow enjoying another Blue Water adventure. As for shopping, I start with my favourite galleries - Bogenrief Glass in Spencer and Art on 16th and A Piece of Work in Spirit Lake. Arnold's Park and the more touristy shopping at the Central Emporium and the Queens Court come later and are covered quickly. World's Away is a notable exception to the model. It's clothing, art, and antiques makes this store a classy island within this sometimes schlocky sea.

The Bijou Gallery is located within a strip shopping center that is across the street from Goodies…read moreHandmade Candies. The space used to be occupied by a Curve's gym that Gayle used once during one of our Summer trips. The owner is Kathyrn Buckley, who used to run a similar enterprise in Kansas City. The Bijou Gallery is a handsome gift shop that features Iowa and other artists. I've visited twice this summer and came away the last time with a nice wood desk/clock piece from Tim Anderson of Twilight Zone Designs. Of course, I was tempted by other items, that there's always next time.

The last of 2 reviews for the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) was 10 years ago? This place is a…read morereal treasure, and this place has always been on my "must go" list when I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes. It's located right next to the Okoboji Summer Theatre, with its impressive building sitting on a nice piece of land with a pretty northern view. Gayle and I are members, even though we live way out here in Genoa Nevada. Gayle and I fell in love with the Iowa Art shown here years ago, and as we've contacted some of the artists (particularly Hank Hall and Daniel Ruf), we've grown to deeply appreciate the imagination, professional skill, and great friendships coming from their work. PLAC is a well-regarded anchor for these regional artistic endeavors, via their gift shop, annual auction, and specific exhibits. On the main floor, PLAC has a nice gift shop and a couple nice galleries. The front one changes themes fairly frequently, while the one in the back has featured Russian impressionism for at least the last few years. There's another gallery downstairs and a hallway that features the work of local artists. If I lived in the area more regularly, PLAC offers classes, children's programs, and a fairly impressive live entertainment calendar.

My sister is an artist, so I knew we had to head out and check this one. Very lovely permanent…read morecollection...as well as lovely local artist collections. It was a beautiful building, had friendly staff, and was free when we went!! (Thursdays!) Great way to add a bit of culture to a stay at the lake.

Gayle and I are big fans of the NW Iowa art scene. Whether it be Hank Hall (formally of Art on 16th…read morein Spirit Lake), Dan Ruff, Perry Polson, or Jesse Bogenrief (just down the street), the artistic creativity is impressive and at very reasonable prices. Arts on Grand is a spacious shop and gallery that features some of the above artists and more. They're also part of the annual Artisan Road Trip that allows one to travel the Iowa back roads in search of artistic treasure. Gayle and I wander in when we're in town each summer, and usually come out with a work of art that's both stunning and something we don't have any room at home to display. But we usually figure that out later.

Amazing treasure for the creative spirit!!!!…read more I love, love, love this place. They staff is passionate about their work and it shows. The gift shop/gallery is a beautiful reflection of local artisians and I couldn't resist buying some gifts while there. Do yourself a favor and stop in to find out more about their classes, the gallery shows and the gift shop. It will feed your artistic soul.

Loved the artwork and the owner is super talented and interesting. I love my new pieces!read more

From the owner: Welcome to Hallstrom Glass Studio and Art Gallery. HGS Gallery representing over 30 local and…read moreregional artists in a variety of mediums. We carry Stained Glass, Fused Glass, pottery, oil paintings, mixed media, jewelry, watercolor, printmaking, and photography. The gallery offers traditional and contemporary styles. Hallstrom Glass Studio is located in the gallery and is operated by gallery owner Lori Ann Hallstrom. The glass studio offers custom stained glass designs, Antique Reproduction, and Restoration. Select the tab above for more information about Hallstrom Glass Studio. In addition to Original Artwork, HGS Gallery offers antique furniture and custom made wood furniture from recycled wood .