Karen & Chris Montgomery and Michael Markham

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Chris Montgomery and his wife Karen are the owners of this fun new company located in Cary, North Carolina. Both Chris and Karen had been accessory sales reps for over 20 years and they each have been fortunate to have represented some well know accessories lines. They had a showroom in the California Market Place in downtown Los Angeles for the last 16 years. But less than a year ago they decided to throw caution to the wind and live out their dream of starting their own business, so they sold their Los Angeles home and moved 2500 miles away to Cary, North Carolina and launched elizabeth keith designs.

The majority of the elizabeth keith designs consists of “whimsical garden suns”. Karen Montgomery describes their company this way. “A unique vision for your garden, that is our mission here at elizabeth keith designs. We want your garden to inspire, to calm and to delight. We offer you an abundance of personalities in the form of a sun. Whether you choose a large face, a happy face or a peaceful face, each face is meant to enhance your garden and to inspire you!”  In addition to the Garden Suns they have a large selection of Metal Words and Metal Garden signs to offer. They have recently been designing a whole new grouping of Metal Art such as Bird Cages, Metal Vines and Vases and so much more.

All of their Gardens Suns and Metal Signs and Rays are made in their studio and they are delighted to put “Hand Crafted in Cary, North Carolina” on all of their hangtags.

The sun and the moon are constants in our lives, radiating light and life, always with us but ever changing.  Artist Michael Markham has been drawn to these celestial symbols throughout his artistic career, rendering sun and moon faces in silver, in fine woodwork and in clay. “The sun is always rising,” says the artist. “Perhaps that’s why it’s such a potent symbol for me. It’s reborn every morning.”

Born and raised on a remote ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Michael developed an independent, observant nature. Artistic expression has been an essential element of his life, through its many seasons and phases. He now makes his home in the small village of Cambria on California’s beautiful Central Coast, an inspiring atmosphere for creativity. He enjoys spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow.

Working in his home studio, Michael sculpts the original designs in clay, striving to infuse each one with individual warmth and character.  The faces are then carefully cast in durable dyed cement.