Meet the Makers:
The Artists Behind Our Gallery of Gifts

Art has a way of carrying the presence of the person who created it- quietly, thoughtfully, and with intention. This season, our Gallery of Gifts brings together fifteen artists whose work fills the space with color, texture, emotion, and story. From fine art prints to handcrafted treasures, each piece reflects not only the creativity of its maker but the joy of sharing something meaningful with others.

We invite you to explore the artists behind this year’s collection and discover the pieces that speak to you and to those you love.

Step into the gallery, breathe in the creativity that fills the space, and meet the artists whose work brings this magical season to life.

Leo Bratenas- Acrylic Painting & Custom Framing

Leo’s presence in the gallery is both artistic and foundational. His bold acrylic paintings, fine art prints, greeting cards, and collection of small items offer a glimpse into the color, structure, and rhythm that define his work. Each piece carries the strength of his visual language- clean lines, rich tones, and thoughtful composition. As co-owner and master framer, Leo’s craftsmanship extends beyond his own art. The care he brings to framing transforms artwork into heirloom-quality pieces, elevating every detail.

Alejandra Blanco- Oil Painting

Alejandra’s work brings a gentle sense of presence to the Gallery of Gifts. Her prints and original pieces are grounded in soft realism, capturing moments of stillness, comfort, and quiet beauty. There is an emotional tenderness in her compositions-subtle expressions, warm light, familiar objects-that make her art feel instantly personal. Alejandra creates from a place of reflection, and her pieces make timeless, thoughtful gifts for anyone who appreciates art that speaks softly but deeply.

Bonnie Peacher- Acrylic Painting

Bonnie’s joyful, vibrant work lights up the gallery with energy and warmth. Her prints, cards, and giftable items showcase scenes of everyday life made extraordinary- children at play, gardens in bloom, and color that seems to hum with movement. Her art carries a sense of optimism that feels refreshing and sincere. Each piece invites viewers to reconnect with the simple pleasures that shape our lives. Bonnie’s collection offers gifts that feel uplifting and heartfelt, perfect for those who value positivity and connection.

Elizabeth Van Tassel- Fine Jewelry

Elizabeth’s handcrafted jewelry blends artistry with intention. Her collection features gemstones carefully selected for their color, character, and meaning, resulting in pieces that are both expressive and wearable. Each design reflects her intuitive understanding of balance, elegance, and story- jewelry that honors life's most meaningful moments. Alongside her jewelry, Elizabeth also shares small art items featuring her designs, creating a cohesive and beautiful representation of her creative world. Her work is timeless, personal, and crafted to be cherished.

Javier Moreno- Mixed-Media & Oil Painting

Javier’s prints reflect a deep emotional current, shaped by his journey as both an artist and storyteller. His expressive style brings together movement, color, and symbolism, drawing viewers into pieces that feel alive and evolving. Javier creates with vulnerability and strength, allowing his work to resonate on a personal level for many who encounter it. His pieces are captivating gifts for those who appreciate art that challenges, inspires, and lingers long after the first glance.

Jaymz Maurer- Photography

Jaymz’s photography invites viewers to rethink the places they know well. His prints and small items capture the character of Boise and Garden City- industrial textures, overlooked corners, early morning light, and unexpected shifts in atmosphere. There is a quiet honesty to his work that encourages a slower, more attentive kind of viewing. His work feels modern, moody, and deeply connected to place.

Jennifer Parks- Mixed-Media

Jennifer’s hats are wearable art- each one a bold expression of texture, imagination, and joy. Her mixed-media approach infuses every piece with personality, making her collection one of the most distinct in the Gallery of Gifts. Her creations are for those who love pieces that spark conversation and carry a sense of playfulness and originality. Jennifer’s work brings an element of surprise to the gallery, offering gifts that are not only functional but deeply expressive.

Katinka Van Dyk- Oil Painting

Katinka’s prints reflect her ability to capture emotional nuance with delicate precision. Her portraits and figurative works often reveal quiet introspection, vulnerability, and depth. She paints with a sensitivity that feels deeply human, creating pieces that resonate long after they’re seen. Her art makes meaningful gifts for those who appreciate subtle expression and the kind of storytelling that unfolds gently rather than all at once.

Nina Sloan- Oil Painting

Nina’s work radiates movement, color, and emotion. Her prints and small items feature expressive brushwork and luminous palettes inspired by the natural world. Each piece feels alive with energy-wind, water, shifting light-captured in the way she layers color and shape. Nina’s art carries a sense of wonder and nostalgia, making her pieces wonderful gifts for anyone drawn to nature’s poetry.

Patricia Gibbons- Oil Painting

Patricia’s greeting cards transform her tranquil oil paintings into thoughtful, shareable moments of beauty. Her work often features serene landscapes or peaceful scenes that offer viewers a sense of calm and reflection. Her pieces are perfect for meaningful correspondence or paired with a framed gift. Patricia’s contribution brings warmth and grace to the Gallery of Gifts.

Randy Rasmussen- Mixed-Media Mask Maker

Randy’s handcrafted ornaments are enchanting miniature works of art. Each piece draws from his lifelong fascination with birds, movement, and transformation-expressed through feathers, texture, and mixed-media detail. His ornaments carry a sense of story and spirit. The craftsmanship and intention behind each one make them gifts to be kept, displayed, and passed on.

Richard Serros- Oil Painting

Richard shares prints of his richly layered, mythologically influenced paintings- works that reveal new details the longer you look. Some of his pieces feature a soft 3D dimensionality that adds depth to his already symbolic imagery, inviting viewers to experience his worlds in a more immersive way. A pair of 3D glasses accompanies these prints, offering a unique perspective that highlights the movement, texture, and storytelling within his art. His work is thoughtful, expressive, and unforgettable.

Stephen Rybacki- Mixed-Media

Stephen’s small original works reflect his fascination with texture, natural materials, and transformation. His pieces invite viewers to explore the layers-both physical and symbolic-within each creation. There is a grounding, tactile quality to his art that makes it especially compelling in person. His work is ideal for those who appreciate pieces that blend abstraction with organic detail.

Svitlana Prouty- Acrylic & Silk Painting

Svitlana’s display fills the gallery with vibrant color and fluid motion. Her hand-painted silk scarves, original works, prints, and cards each carry her signature sense of storytelling and heritage. Her pieces feel elegant and expressive, offering gifts that are both practical and deeply artistic. Svitlana’s artistry adds richness, texture, and vibrancy to the Gallery of Gifts.

Thomas Van Stein- Oil Painting

Thomas’s prints and giclées reflect the expertise of a seasoned painter who understands light, atmosphere, and mood with exceptional mastery. His work invites viewers into richly painted scenes that feel timeless and deeply expressive. His pieces make powerful gifts for collectors who appreciate classic technique elevated by a contemporary sensibility.

Give a Gift with a Story

Every artist in our Gallery of Gifts brings a distinct voice and vision to the season. As you explore the collection, we hope you find pieces that resonate, spark connection, or simply bring a moment of beauty into your day.

The Gallery of Gifts is open through December 13. Visit Create Gallery and Frames to experience the collection in person and discover artwork and handmade items created with purpose, skill, and heart.

Let this season be filled with art, beauty, and gifts that truly speak from the heart.

Read more about our artists and view their work: www.creategalleryandframes.com/collections

Watch artist interviews from the gallery of gifts event: www.youtube.com/@creategalleryandframes

Learn about all upcoming artist talks, demos, workshops, etc. www.creategalleryandframes.com/events

Create Gallery and Frames

3520 W. Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID. 83714

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-6PM

Follow us on our socials (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, Pinterest) @creategalleryandframes for artist news, event announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.