The History of Gargolyes

Whether monsters, animals, people or a combination of two of the three, throughout time gargoyles have been popular sculptural figures affixed to the corners of the roofs of buildings to direct water away from the building itself. They worked as, in simplest terms, ornamental gutters. But their origins are not clearly defined. While some people believe gargoyles were developed in medieval times to ward off evil, alternative theories range from that they were inspired from a bible passage, that they represent man's subconscious fears or that they were first inspired by the skeletal remains of dinosaurs.

"Irving" and "Dedo" Gargoyles with the "Gossip Monger" Wall Plaque

Originally carved from stone, typically granite, today's modern gargoyle ornaments can be made of a wide variety of materials ranging from stone to concrete, plaster or plastic.

Gargoyle Bookends

While the most famous gargoyle lives atop Notre Dame in Paris, France the nearest large scale (model) gargoyles reside atop the Haunted House attraction at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

A Humorous Coffee Drinking Gargoyle

If you are a gargoyle lover or know someone who is, drop by the Stone Griffin Gallery in Historic Downtown Campbell, CA where we always have a collection on hand. They make great gift items and decorations for your home or yard.

New Campbell Water Tower Website

What with our gallery selling art featuring Campbell's water tower — we decided to create a new, standalone website just of, for and dedicated to the water tower!

The website is campbellwatertower.com

We offer original art (oil on canvas and watercolor on paper) signed and numbered limited editions of selected originals, photographs on canvas, and digitally altered works. Most art is on stretched canvas ready to hang no framing required.

The above image is a photograph on canvas, stretched onto wooded bars.

Our artist John Cloud has created original works of art featuring the water tower. The picture above is one of his popular Campbell Water Tower Christmas ornaments.

This image above is "My Home Tower II" and shows the humor of the artist Terje Nordberg.

While we do sell artwork (need to pay the rent of course!) — it is not all business here at the gallery. John Cloud has created a photo-board of the Campbell Water Tower! The picture above I took shows a couple working on getting their dog to pose so that they could take a picture.

The photo-board is out for free use most any day — stop by and have a smile on us!

Again the address of the Campbell Water Tower website is campbellwatertower.com

We are:

Stone Griffin Gallery

234 E Campbell Ave

Campbell, Calif

408/374-5200

www.stonegriffin.com

Campbell Themed Christmas Ornaments

New at the Stone Griffin Gallery are hand painted ornaments by talented artist John Cloud! Pictured is a Christmas tree ball painted as the Campbell Water Tower. This one is $25, others are priced from $20/up.

Come on in soon and pick out what will sure to become a special treasured keepsake!

Stone Griffin Gallery

234 E Campbell Ave Downtown Campbell

408.374.5200

Warming up Downtown!

'Tis the season to be warmer - especially in downtown Campbell where we are shining a new "light" on things!

Recently the city replaced all of the tree lights here in downtown, the stark whiter less warmer lights that were switched out last year for economical purposes did not meet the expectations.  They were too white, less glowy and simply didn't hold up as we had hoped, so the city replaced all of the lights and viola! A new brighter, warmer and cozier experience!

November evening with new tree lights in downtown Campbell!

The trees lining the street here have a much warmer and inviting presence! I happen to notice the difference right away when walking the pup-pup a couple of weeks ago and I have to say that the new bulbs give you a sense of calm and comfort while strolling the avenue.



Be careful when admiring the new lights and that you don't run into anyone  :o)

Strolling along the downtown is certainly festive in the wonderful brisk November weather, the holiday banners are a compliment to the warmer trees and adding character to the light posts.  So, if you are strolling, the avenue while taking the doggie out, or walking for shopping or dining we hope that you feel comfort and warmth while vising us downtown!

Campbell Fall Winewalk - A Wine Connoisseurs Dream!

Hey there folks - here we approaching this fall season and with summer almost over (technically) what's there to do?

Well, successful downtown Campbell events in recent times have included the lively Wine Walk, a twice-a-year event which has become a favorite with wine lovers (new and experienced) and becoming the kind of special event for which downtown has become known.

This fall’s winewalk event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, and chair of the event, Sonya Paz has lured more than 30 wineries to enroll by setting up in downtown shops where they will be able to chat with participants about their winemaking process, which wines they recommend and how to place orders for favorite vintages.

Downtown guests can take part in the Wine Walk Raffle to win a wine basket including favorites from several participating wineries and proceeds to benefit The Assistance League. This event will include opportunities for late evening shopping, as participating shops will also be open for shoppers.

This is the fourth such event sponsored by Campbell’s Downtown Campbell Business Association (DCBA)who also booked some downtown music and artists to add to the festive atmosphere.

How do I get my tickerts?: Registration for the event can be made at www.downtowncampbell.com/winewalk.
Advance tickets can be reserved for pickup the night of the event beginning at 5 p.m. (Last spring’s wine walk sold out so advance ticket purchases are advised.) Headquarters for the event and the location where raffle tickets will be available is in the parking lot between First and Second Streets. Merchants also selling tickets currently are Bombshell Boutique, the Olive Bar and Sonya Paz Fine Art Gallery.

Ticket holders will be given a commemorative wine glass in which to sample the wines. All those purchasing tickets will be required to provide a proof of age and will be given a wrist band which is used acknowledge their participation. The Heritage Theater and the downtown Campbell Business Association (DCBA) are the official sponsors for this fall event.

Some of participating wineries include Aver Family Vineyard, Brassfield Estate Winery, Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards, el Sol Winery, Kings Mountain Vineyard, Naumann Vineyards and Roudon-Smith Winery.

Story submitted by Sally Howe of the Campbell Express.

"Alice's Restaurant" by Terje Nordberg

Just off of the easel (and the creative mind of Terje Nordberg) and currently on display at Stone Griffin Gallery is "Alice's Restaurant."

This piece continues Terje's mission to capture the beauty, splendor and the sheer nuttiness of California and California Living, and with that being the goal — I feel that Terje hit the bullseye with this piece!

In this painting we see two Happy California Cows arriving at the restaurant, about to park their hot pink Vespa next to a Harley, to pop into Alice's for Brunch.

"Alice's Restaurant" is an original oil on canvas, 30" by 40", please inquire on price and availability.

The Gallery's number is 408.374-5200

Downtown Campbell's Creepy Crawly Trick or Treat

Downtown Campbell hosts a Trick or Treat every year — usually the Friday night closest to the actually Halloween date.

This year we will have the event on Friday, Oct 28, from 5pm to 7pm. This event is sponsored by the Downtown Campbell Business Association (DCBA).

Our celebration includes the door to door trick or treat and a costume contest.

This picture below shows kids trick or treating in a local shop. We have about 50 Downtown merchants participating in the trick or treat. The Downtown area for the trick or treat includes the businesses on E Campbell Ave between Third St and the railroad tracks.

We have a very dog friendly downtown — and this extends to the Trick or Treat event. People bring their dogs along with and also part of their enjoyment of the event. The picture below shows someone in costume with their dog part of their costume.

Dogs are not only welcome, we also have a costume category for dogs (any pet really) with prizes!

This picture below shows a costume contest from some years ago. The location for the contest has not been chosen at this time, the contest will start at 7pm and the DCBA will award prizes to the best costumes in several categories, from infant up to early teen.

We also have categories for Adult/Infant and best pet!

Visit downtowncampbell.com for details, and while there be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss a thing!