BEACH NEWS YOU CAN USE
Covering 160 miles of Oregon coast travel: Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.

North Oregon Coast Gallery Snags National Honors

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – The cutting edge Cannon Beach gallery Dragonfire Gallery & Studio has been selected as a nominee in NICHE magazines's 2006 Top Retailer Awards. DragonFire Gallery has been nominated to receive an award in the following categories:

Top Retailer
Best New Store
Best In-Store Event

The award was formerly titled the Top 100 Retailers of American Craft, it’s now called the new Top Retailer Awards program. It will recognize 25 retailers and gallery owners, one Retailer of the Year, and will give separate awards in several new categories.

This is the second year in a row that DragonFire Gallery of Cannon Beach has been nominated for the top retailer award. The nominations are made by artists throughout the country, based on who they would like to work with and who they have particularly enjoyed working with.

"It is a remarkable achievement for a gallery that is only now celebrating its fifth birthday and is in a small town of 1500 on the Oregon coast," said Niche award-winning glass artist Robin Evans.

The gallery’s anniversary will be celebrated on July 22 with another distinctive event: “Palette to Palate,” which brings together live music, three course meals and art whose subject is food.

DragonFire was nominated for two new categories as well: Best New Store and Best In-Store Event.

"We have received enormous support from our artists and our gallery guests,” said Eeva Lantela, co-owner of DragonFire. “We have almost 90 original contemporary artists' work on display in the gallery. We are proud of the circle of artists that have created our Gallery with their vision, trust, friendship and spirit."

Advertisement

Niche magazine is a trade publication for retailers of fine American craft and arts. It will announce the winners at a ceremony on Friday, July 21st, 2006, during the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

More than 18,000 professional fine craft artists throughout the US and Canada nominated nearly 700 galleries, retail stores, arts nonprofits, museums and guilds for the inaugural Top Retailer Awards.

"I am honored to recognize this year's nominees, " noted Wendy Rosen, publisher of NICHE magazine. "Their commitment to the American craft movement ensures the strength and growth of the arts and small businesses in communities throughout the country." 123 S. Hemlock St., Cannon Beach. 503-436-1533. www.DragonFireStudio.com.

BREATHTAKING CLIFFTOP IN NEWPORT

STARFISH POINT is located on the Central Oregon Coast - in Newport - and offers only the finest in luxury condominium lodging. At Starfish Point, every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the beach.
All of the units boast two bedrooms, two bathrooms, designer kitchens, wireless broadband Internet, fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s and private decks - surrounding you in soothing relaxation. We have a friendly staff dedicated to high quality and superb customer service. 140 NW 48th Street, Newport. (541) 265-3751. (800) 870-7795. www.starfishpoint.com

Cannon Beach Ecola Creek Lodge

Ecola Creek Lodge, Cannon Beach. In a quiet neighborhood, this longtime coastal landmark boasts a koi/lily pond, spacious lawns, gardens, stained glass windows and wireless internet – all in a slightly Victorian vibe. With some rooms pet friendly, you are a couple minutes walk from town and close to the beach. Guests also get access to a full recreational and exercise facility. Wild bunnies provide an adorable addition to your stay, making for an especially serene coastal experience. 208 5th St. www.cannonbeachlodge.com. 800-873-2749.