Meet Jennifer Roberts from Imperfecting Art...
Hi I'm Jennifer Roberts, a playwright and self-taught artist originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, now finding my rhythm here in Columbus, Ohio. I made the move last March and have been enjoying every bit of discovering Columbus’s vibrant art scene, and yes, even adjusting to the ever-changing Midwest weather has been its own adventure.
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My journey into mixed media and clay didn’t begin until later in life, six years ago, to be exact. Art had always intrigued me, but it took me a while to give myself permission to dive in. I had been writing about art for a local gallery when I realized I didn’t just want to write about others’ work. I wanted to create something of my own. That nudge, paired with a lifelong love of storytelling (and a healthy dose of inspiration from my grandfather, who was also an artist), is what finally got me started.
George Eliot once wrote, “You’re never too old to be what you might have been.” That quote stuck with me. So I leapt.
This spring’s Columbus Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be my first time participating as an artist, though I’ve been a fan and patron of the show for years. It feels surreal to now be on the other side of the table.
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What inspires me to create? Dichotomy. Much of my work explores the tension between opposites, nature and humanity, body and mind, creation and destruction. I’ve spent much of my life experiencing the fragility of balance, so I’m drawn to those moments where opposing forces push and pull against one another. I want my art to live in that tension. I want people to see the textures of decay, the beauty in imbalance, the harmony between contradiction. Science and superstition, logic and intuition, growth and erosion; they all have something to say if we’re willing to look.
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When people ask how I discovered my talent, it’s a tough question to answer. For a long time, I didn’t really consider myself “talented.” I was hesitant to even call myself an artist. Being self-taught comes with its own doubts and a constant feeling of not belonging. That changed, somewhat, when I was accepted into two online gallery shows and had my work published in their catalogs. That kind of recognition made me pause and think, Maybe I am on to something. Still, over time I’ve come to believe that being an artist isn’t about credentials or exhibitions, it’s about making the work. If you’re creating, you’re an artist. Period.
My creative process comes in waves, what I like to call “sprints.” When inspiration hits, I’m in the studio every day from morning to night. Then I crash. I embrace that ebb and flow. During the quieter periods, I’ll take an online class, work in my art journal, or soak up inspiration by exploring others’ art. It’s a cycle that keeps me balanced—ironically, amidst all the imbalance I tend to explore in my work.
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Looking ahead, I’d love to grow into a professional artist in the truest sense—someone who can support themselves through their craft and regularly take on commissions. I don’t envision opening a gallery or storefront, but I do dream of expanding my studio and deepening my practice.
As for the message behind my work, I prefer to leave that open. I know what I’m exploring when I create, but once the piece is finished, it belongs to the viewer. I want people to bring their own stories, memories, and interpretations to it. Art, after all, is a conversation—and I’m just here to start it.
Hi there! I’m Cinnamon McKinley, but most people know me as “Smee.” I’m originally from Trenton, New Jersey, and after relocating to the Columbus area in the fall of 2023, I’ve truly found a sense of belonging here. The city’s energy, creativity, and community spirit have captured my heart.
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By day, I’m an x-ray tech and the proud mom of two amazing neurodivergent teenage boys. Our home is lively and full of love, shared with three dogs, three cats, and even a hermit crab. We find peace in nature, taking long walks together and listening to the birdsong (yes, I’m a bit of a bird nerd… and proud of it!).
For years, I’ve been crafting essential oil rollerballs and sprays for myself and those closest to me. It started as a personal passion, a way to find natural relief for life’s aches and anxieties, but it wasn’t until about a year ago that it clicked: I should be sharing these creations with others. Since then, I’ve been pouring my heart into each blend, constantly refining recipes to make them more effective, more comforting, more “me.”
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What inspires me most is the desire to help. Whether it's easing migraines, soothing anxiety, or offering a moment of stillness in the chaos, my products are rooted in the concept of Self Love.
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How did I discover this talent? I just… tried. That’s really it. I truly believe you can uncover something magical when you give yourself permission to explore. My creative process is both magical and meditative, a little intuition, a lot of intention, and a whole lot of love.
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Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: Love. Whether it’s loving yourself a little more, showing up for others, or building community through shared care and connection, my hope is that every bottle I make brings someone a bit of relief, and a lot of love!
Hi! My name is Zoey Sheese (Zoella), and I’m a local artist based in Newark, Ohio. I officially launched my own LLC last year to start selling my art, and it's been such a rewarding (and sometimes chaotic!) adventure. When I’m not making art, you’ll find me managing a salon in Grandview, Columbus, or hanging out with my pets and my chosen family. I love staying active and grounded through hobbies like yoga, hiking, reading, and board games. Life is too short not to explore everything that brings you joy!
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If I’m being honest, I probably wouldn’t have been considered “naturally talented” in art when I was younger. But I never let that stop me. I’ve learned everything I know through self-teaching, trial and error, and just sticking with it because I love it. That’s a huge part of my message: art doesn’t have to be perfect or even “good,” it just has to be you. It’s about the joy in creating, not the pressure to impress.
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In five years, I hope to have a fully functioning website, a thriving Etsy shop, and a regular lineup of craft shows. I want to keep growing, learning, and sharing this journey with others who believe in the power of creativity.
You can follow along with me on Instagram at @zoellas.artsy.zoo, and check out my Etsy shop https://zoellasartsyzoo.etsy.com. Thanks for supporting small artists and helping us make big dreams come true.
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Hi there! My name is Gabrielle Alonzo, and I’m an Afro-Latina digital artist living in central Ohio. If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m obsessed with mermaids… of every shape, size, color, and style. They’ve become my favorite subject to draw because they’re the perfect blend of fantasy, freedom, and fun. While I love experimenting with traditional media and sketching with pencils or markers, most of my finished work happens on my trusty iPad, where I bring my dreamy oceanic characters to life.
Art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time creating things on my own, drawing, crafting, and getting lost in my imagination. But it wasn’t until about five years ago that I really dove into digital art. What started as a curiosity turned into a true passion, and it’s been a wild, wonderful ride ever since.
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My biggest inspiration? Color and joy. I’m drawn to bold, vibrant hues and characters who radiate happiness and personality. Hairstyles are one of my favorite details to play with, whether it’s bouncy curls, locs, or mermaid waves. I love using hair as a form of expression in my characters.
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As for the future, I hope to illustrate more children’s books. There’s something magical about helping to shape a child’s world through art and story. If my work can inspire even one young artist to pick up a pencil (or an iPad) and create, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something right.
At the heart of everything I make is a message of positivity and joy. I want my art to feel like a warm, colorful escape, a reminder that there’s still magic in the world if you know where to look.
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Meet Carolyn Kendell from Art by Carolyn...
Hi! My name is Carolyn Kendell, and I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve explored many different mediums, but for the last several years, my heart has been fully devoted to watercolors. There’s something magical about how the colors blend and flow—it's the perfect way to express both the beauty I see and the emotions I feel. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in several Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed connecting with fellow creatives and art lovers alike.
I never head out on an outdoor adventure without my camera in hand. Whether it's the delicate curve of a flower petal, the shifting colors of a sunset, or the quiet stillness of a forest path, the natural world constantly inspires me. Sometimes I paint exactly what I see, other times what I feel—and often, it’s a bit of both. My goal is to bring small, meaningful pieces of nature into your home through my art.
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When I’m not at a show, you can explore my work online at https://carolynkendell.etsy.com. You can also find me on Instagram @carolyn.m.k and now on Facebook at Carolyn M Kendell Artist.
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