Statuary and Garden Art
             By Carlos Montano

About the Artist…

Carlos Montano is known for producing some of the finest custom garden art in metro Atlanta.  Montano opened his own business in Fairburn, Georgia about 8 years ago, where he produces planters and statuary and reproduces antique garden pieces.  He worked with artist Christine Sibley for 10 years and found a passion for creating his own art.  At Casa Montano, he uses cast stone techniques to produce custom pieces for gardeners.  He still uses some of Sibley’s molds and designs.  (The late Ms. Sibley was known for certain faces that appeared in many of her works from vases to statues to wall hangings).
Says Montano, “A lot of things are made in other places and not handcrafted much anymore.  Someone may be inspired by this and can carry on the trade so it won’t die.”  When asked why his work is so special he responds, “I try not to be like everybody else, computerized and mass-produced, so I won’t lose the authenticity of the work.  Happy faces and people coming to look for my work is my reward.”

Dearness Gardens is the exclusive retail outlet for Carlos Montano’s artwork in the state of North Carolina.

Many of his larger pieces are available in locations throughout the garden center.  Please ask a staff member for assistance.

Handmade Pottery Birdhouses
       By Shelly Johnston

About the Artist…..

Shelly Johnston, of the Shelly Johnston Studio, resides in Iron Station, North Carolina.  All of Shelly’s work is handmade, rolled out flat with a slab roller and then shaped into individually designed pieces.  Each birdhouse is uniquely different; each is wonderful and playful.  Shelly’s work is featured in many NC galleries, including the Myersart Gallery in the South End district of Charlotte and Julia’s Fine Crafts in downtown Hickory.

Handmade Pottery Birdhouses
By Tammy Troyer

About the Artist…..

Tammy Troyer, a North Carolina native, has been living in Charlotte for over two decades.  Her entrance into the world of art was an indirect one.  After seventeen years of the stress of a job in corporate America, Tammy decided to make a huge life change—to have another child and be a stay-at-home-Mom.  Her new schedule allowed her try new things, including taking pottery classes at the Stretch Gallery in Pineville.  The classes encouraged her to develop her natural artistic talents and to experiment with different pottery styles and designs. 

Tammy initially started making birdhouses as gifts for friends and family, and after completing her first birdhouse, she was hooked.  Now she finds her head filled with ideas for new and unique designs just by walking outside and seeing a flower in bloom, a vine twining over a fence, or a leaf falling from a tree.  Tammy’s mission is to share the endless wonders of nature in each unique piece of art she creates.