I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t interested in the arts in some way. I come by it honestly as both of my parents were crafts people. My father had a great talent for wood carving and weaving Nantucket baskets but his real love was creating stained glass lamps and window panels in the Tiffany style. My mother was a self-taught weaver and quilter. She wove intricate Finn weaves, fine linens and even fabric for clothing. All her quilts were entirely hand sewn, and she especially enjoyed making water-color quilts, which use small pieces of fabric to “paint” pictures. She taught me to sew, knit, needlepoint and cross-stitch. In high school I discovered painting and sketching, interests that resurfaced later in life.
Soon after I was married I learned to macrame (this was in the 70’s of course!). It wasn’t long before I had a surplus of wall hangings, macrame jewelry and, of course, the usual plant hangars. Craft shows became a great way to support my habits and a growing family. In the 90’s I became interested in decorative painting and over a period of years developed expertise in a variety of styles. In these last years I’ve gotten hooked on mosaic art. I now spend quite a bit of time at flea markets and thrift stores looking for odd tables that need a bit of sprucing up, and for old china. I refinish the tables and create a design on the top using pieces of the china (no machines here, all pieces are hand cut) along with a variety of beads, stones and other decorative items. I give the tables several coats of a two-part resin poured over the top. This brings the mosaic designs to life with a beautiful clear glossy finish. I also create mosaic designs on mirrors, picture frames, wall plaques, boxes and drawer pulls.
Recent endeavors….making small boxes and earrings using eggshells (yes…real eggshells!) and alcohol inks and as I live close to the ocean, I’ve been using seashells to decorate boxes, picture frames and Christmas ornaments.
And now the unpredictable world of alcohol ink paintings.. A fairly new medium, alcohol inks are unpredictable, vibrant in color and made to use on nonporous surfaces. Full strength for vibrant color or softened with blending medium for a subtle look that can be poured, dripped, painted or spattered.
The Main Avenue Galleria is a haven for art-seekers and artists alike. We are passionate about supporting artists’ livelihoods and return 75% of your purchase to our members. Enjoy an eclectic mix of fine and fun art, home and commercial décor, art supplies, custom framing and wearable art. Shop online or visit us in historic Ocean Grove, New Jersey — a Victorian seaside retreat just 90 minutes from New York and Philadelphia.
Join us for private and group art classes and workshops, corporate team building, Sips & Serendipity guided painting evenings and art-themed parties. We offer over fifteen classes with more being added every day. This is the place to shop for the perfect course to learn a new skill, or to enhance your painting prowess. Courses range from Basic Drawing to Pastel Painting to Jewelry Making, Doll Making, Quilting and more.
“Continue what you are doing! Teaching us painting techniques—like how to use the brushes and achieve special effects—is the value-added benefit from attending a Main Avenue Galleria Sips & Serendipity event. It is clear that Norma cares greatly about teaching and making her painting guests feel they’ve learned something.”
The Main Avenue Galleria offers custom framing services in a broad range of prices and all-wood styles. Consult with owner and artist, Norma Tolliver to ensure your art, memorabilia, and heirlooms are beautifully displayed.
Norma Tolliver
Mary Wagner
Mary Wagner