News from Bogarts

Bogarts Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles has commissioned artist Peter Barger to create original artwork for its custom wooden jigsaw puzzles.

While attending the South Shore Art Center's annual juried art show this past summer in Cohasset, Massachusetts, I had the good fortune of meeting Artist Peter Barger. Peter's most recent etching "Black Cat" had won best of show, and he was being recognized for his accomplishments.

His whimsical subject matter and wonderful sense of presentation caught my attention. While at the show, I had an opportunity to meet and talk with Peter, and during our conversation, I asked him if he had ever seen a wooden jigsaw puzzle. He had not. As I explained to him what a wooden jigsaw puzzle was, I could see his interest and inquisitiveness grow. Peter offered to send me an original etching so we could both see how it would work as a jigsaw puzzle. Peter sent me "A Bright Idea". The results were spectacular! As soon as Peter assembled his puzzle, he was hooked!

A Bright Idea © Peter Barger 2000

Sample of Whimsies

Peter has made available to me a selection of his etchings. They can be viewed in my Artwork for Puzzles section. Each etching is hand pulled by Peter, signed and numbered by the Artist. Most editions have been limited to a quantity of 90 etchings, and when the edition is sold out, the image will be permanently retired. Present quantities vary from image to image. Response to Peter's work has been most overwhelming! Peter's etchings and watercolor paintings can be viewed at www.peterbarger.com. 

One evening, while viewing Peter's work in my studio, it occurred to me, why not have Peter design original etchings solely for Bogarts Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles. The etchings would be reproduced in a limited quantity, using the state of the art Iris Giclée printing process. Winthrop Editions in West Boylston, Massachusetts, renown for their work in this medium, will print the edition on 100% cotton archival water color paper. Each print will be limited to an edition of 100. The Artist will sign and number each print. The first twenty prints will be issued separately, with each one receiving a remarque [a small distinguishing sketch] drawn by Peter Barger. This is a wonderful opportunity for the puzzle enthusiast and collector to purchase a very special-one-of-a-kind wooden jigsaw puzzle. 

Our first offering is Art Dog. We have already begun taking pre-publication orders, and anticipate the demand for these puzzles to be exceptional. Remember, only 100 puzzles will be made, and upon completion of the series, the image will be retired. Details and pricing can be viewed in the Limited Edition Gallery.