Friday, December 1, 2017

Only 3 days away!!

Meet Emily Shaw from Sweet Aromas by Auntie Em...
My name is Emily Shaw. I am from Columbia, Missouri, and I moved to Hilliard in the summer of 2017 to pursue a PhD in Nutritional Sciences at The Ohio State University. I make hand-poured soy wax candles and melts. My interest in candle-making started last December - my mom loves the scent of lilacs but has always had trouble finding lilac scented candles. I took it upon myself to make her lilac scented candles as a Christmas gift that year, and I have continued learning and working to perfect the art of candle-making! 
After several months of learning and testing, Sweet Aromas by Auntie Em was born. The name embodies what I want to capture with my work, as I feel I am the best version of myself when I am around my two nephews, Hudson and Harrison. I have been able to connect to people through my work in creating what they want in a candle. I have fulfilled requests for novelty scents such as pizza, bacon, and Booberry cereal, I have customized a candle in remembrance of a customer's friend who had passed away, and I am always open to hearing new ideas. 
This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and my second craft show overall. I hope to continue making candles for many years and to expand the presence of my business, both locally and online.

Meet Bob Corby from Back Porch Comics...
My name is Bob Corby I am the owner of Back Porch Comics. I run the Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE) in Columbus each year and have been a small press comics publisher since the mid-80s. Some of the comics I produce are hand printed linoleum cuts which is what will be featured at this show. I also produce Oh, Comics! an annual comics anthology which features many local Columbus area artists and writers and a number of different minicomics.
I have been doing comic conventions since 1986, and started SPACE in 2000. I have also done a few craft shows in the past. I have been drawing comics since I was a child. I build ideas from the absurdity of daily life. I got interested in linoleum printing in high school, and was reintroduced to it as an advisor with the Columbus Art Explorer Post 407.
I began doing this as a business because I wanted people to read my work. It sparks from something within my imagination that I just want to share with others. I enjoy this hobby because I have a somewhat stressful regular career, so doing something handmade is very therapeutic.

The message that lies behind my work is don't let anybody stop you.

Meet Linda Saville-Roth from Tino's Treasure...
I retired from The Ohio State University, Microbiology Department in December 2011. I grew up on a farm in southwest Ohio and have always enjoyed the outdoors. I’m married and have two grown children.
I have been doing this since Summer 2012. This will be the fourth Avant-Garde show that I have participated in! My husband and I enjoy travel, hiking, and camping. I’m inspired by the forms I see in nature.
When I retired, I had plenty of time to “explore my artistic side”.  After reading an article about fairy houses and seeing an exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, I constructed some houses of my own design. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and seeing where my creativity leads me.
First I collect interesting items from nature that have a shape or texture that I like. I then select a container. Usually the shape and size of the container helps me as I begin to choose nature items to turn it into a fairy house.
In 5 years, I expect to continue participating in four to five juried art shows per year. All the materials for my houses are collected from nature. Preserving resources and the environment are important to me.

Meet Christy Sturtz from Just Try It, Georgie!...
This is my first Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show.  I began writing my first children's book in 2011 and it was published in 2016.  I was inspired to author a children's book because I am a teacher and mother, and having read thousands of children's books with my students and my children, I wanted to create one of my own.  The theme was chosen in response to a concern I had for young children and the characters, story, and information I included were chosen to teach while entertaining. 

I began writing my first book as a creative writing project with my oldest daughter.  We brainstormed characters together, and I showed her how to research facts about the animal characters we'd chosen.  I continued to work on the story when I had the time while working as a full time mother of three and a reading tutor.  Once I had a finished manuscript, I sent it to my brother, who is an artist, and asked him to illustrate the book.  We found a small independent publishing company in Ohio to design and publish our book.  My brother has since written and illustrated his own book, and we are working an a second book together.  I have done several preschool and elementary school visits where I talk about the writing and publishing process, and we have done a few school visits together, including illustration demonstrations.
Teaching is my passion, so I love to teach through my stories and my interactions with children.  I'm looking to set up more author visits at local preschools and elementary schools so that I can encourage more children in their love of literature and writing.  I have designed a writer's workshop that I hope to begin doing with students in local elementary schools as well, in which students publish their own children's book to share with younger children.


Meet Emily Mullen from Written Paper Goods...
I'm Emily Mullen, the writer/artist/founder of Written Paper Goods. I grew up in Vermont, came to Ohio by way of The College of Wooster, and moved to Columbus in 2010. I love this city and its incredible creative community! 
In the spring of 2016 I quit my job as a writer and editor of an online magazine and founded Written Paper Goods. Back then, each card was individually handmade with my old school calligraphy dip pen. Since then I've learned how to digitally manipulate my lettering. This enables me to continue creating designs featuring my unique hand lettering style (which I still achieve using that same calligraphy dip pen!), add color and pattern to my designs, and sell my products at a much more affordable price point. 
This will be my first Avant-Garde show! I'm excited to meet more makers and more people who love to shop local. More and more I'm realizing they're my favorite kinds of people.

I've always loved whittling down a phrase until it feels just right, until every word feels as though it's in its right place. I always planned on being a writer, but once I got there, I found that I felt too hemmed in, writing for other people.
My designs are inspired by my life, by my relationships, by the sentiments that I want to share with the people who matter to me. Sometimes a friend will be going through something rough, or I'll listen to an awesome podcast, or read an incredible book, and I'll have an idea waiting to be polished and turned into something unique to Written Paper Goods. That's why I love Instagram so much; not all of these ideas are quite right for a greeting card. Instagram enables me to share those moments of inspiration freely. (If you're curious, you can find me @WrittenPaperGoods.)
I had been intrigued by calligraphy for a long time, but when I finally started dabbling in it, I didn't enjoy the rigorous training involved in learning the precise styles of traditional calligraphy. Instead, I found that I wanted to create something new, something that felt unique and personal to me. 

It sounds silly, but I've gotten a lot of compliments on my handwriting over the years! I used to work at a stationery shop, and customers were always half-jokingly asking if I would address their envelopes for them. I think all that flattery was percolating in the back of my mind, just waiting for me to find a medium. Turns out, a calligraphy dip pen was just what I needed to get those creative juices flowing!

My creative process could be described as "structured whimsy." Like I said before, inspiration can come from anywhere, and the work of turning an idea into final wording can look like long walks, journaling, spending half an hour scribbling various combinations of words. It's basically the quintessential artist montage, lots of inky fingers and gazing out windows thoughtfully. But once I've finalized the wording, everything gets technical and I have a strict process that requires a lot of drafting by hand and (somewhat tedious) work on the computer. I love that the stages balance each other out, even though both have their frustrations. And seeing the final design is always worth it. 

In 5 years, I want to see Written Paper Goods carried in shops around the country, and I want it to be turning enough profit that I can focus on it full time. I want my designs to really strike a chord with people, so I can support myself entirely by creating work that motivates people and inspires true connection.

I strive to write authentic sentiments that ring true. I think the world would be a better place if we were all more honest, more vulnerable, and more generous with our love. Whether it's a card that's perfect for your bestie, a print that's perfect for your office wall, or a coffee mug that's the perfect reminder to be your best self, I want Written Paper Goods to help you be more present, more connected and more authentic. 

2017 Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday December 2, 2017 - 10:00am-4:00pm
Makoy Event Center
5461 Center St.
Hilliard, OH 
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
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Meet some of our amazing Columbus vendors!!

Meet Anna Allen from Corn Husk Dolls...
My name is Anna Allen, and I am a corn husk doll artist.  I’ve always had a love for Old Time music and traditional Appalachian Mountain crafts and art.  I’m happiest when I’m creating. I have been making my dolls for about 9 years. This is my first Avant-Garde show, and I’m honored to participate.
Inspiration for my dolls comes from my Appalachian roots.  I like creating old time scenes from nature, old stories, and memories of my grandparent’s Old Time customs. My brother was an artist, and he was a great influence. I’ve always been the creative type.  As I created more corn husk dolls, my skills improved, making me realize I had a talent for it.


Each corn husk doll tells a story.  My creative process, like a story, has a beginning, a middle, and an end.  However, sometimes my dolls tell me what they want to be. My five-year goal is to have more time to devote to my craft and continue to improve. The message of my art is the importance of preserving the Appalachian culture.
 
Meet Waldena Hendrix from Pine Needle Art...
I create coiled art from long-leaf pine needles in the time-honored Native American tradition.  As a modern coiling artist, I create contemporary baskets with asymmetry, bright colors, and unexpected patterns.  Like many original Native American objects, my baskets are both beautiful and utilitarian.  I use wood, clay, natural and dyed Southern Long Leaf pine needles, waxed thread, and various embellishments to produce decorative and unique pieces.  As a descendant of both Appalachian America and the Cherokee peoples of the Tennessee Valley, my European ancestors included talented quilters, blacksmiths, clock makers, gunsmiths and painters.  I strive to continue a tradition of pride in craftsmanship. I’ve been creating pine needle art for over 14 years, but this is the first Avant-Garde show in which I have participated.
I find inspiration in nature and the unique items I find in thrift or antique stores which I upcycle into my pine needle art.I first tried creating coiled pine needle art after seeing a photo of an old coiled basket.  It required a few years to develop my skill enough to give my finished pieces as gifts and participate in art and craft shows.
I can’t say that I discovered my talent.  I was just determined to master it even if it took several years to do so. I often imagine a finished product and draw a rough sketch for inspiration.  Coiling is like meditation.  The concentration required allows me to forget all other distractions.
Although I am still employed full time, I hope I can continue and expand my creativity into my retirement. My coiled pine needle art does not send a message but exists as an example of the beautiful items one can create with nature’s bounty.
Meet Will Bezio from Art of Will Bezio...

My name is Will Bezio and I am from Columbus, Ohio where I live with my wife and 2 small children. I have a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in drawing and photography from BGSU. I also have an additional degree in Fashion Design from CCAD. 

I have been painting and photographing since college...about 17 years! This will be my first Avant-Garde show. 
I am inspired by pop culture, anything creative from fantasy books, sci-fi movies, or runway shows. I have always been creating art since I was able to pick up a pencil. I studied oil painting in Florence, Italy for a semester and fell in love with their techniques. From there it evolved into my style. 

Most of my paintings and photography are very organized and planned out. I love line work and contrast. I love what I do and will always be doing art. Not sure where it will take me but I will surely enjoy the ride. 

I love pop culture and the amazing creativity that others bring to the world. I am a huge fan and love creating something fun and beautiful that can be shared

Meet Kelli Johnson from Kelli's Crochet...
My name is Kelli E. Johnson and I am the owner and sole designer of kellij’s crochet creations. I create handmade crochet accessories that include; scarves (custom, infinity, standard style, sports team), cowls, wraps, leg warmers, ear warmers, wrist warmers, hats (beanie, kitty, slouchy), bags (clutch, hobo, messenger), pillows, throw blankets, baby blankets and afghans. This is my 3rd event but my 1st with Columbus Avant-Garde and I am beyond excited!




When I crochet, I maintain a connection to my mother who first taught me how when I was 8 years old. My first commissioned business opportunity was three years ago, when I was asked to crochet scarves that were being given as Holiday gifts. I credit that moment as being the fire that was lit in me to turn what I considered my beginner crochet skills into an actual business. My ability to transform a single strand of yarn into a handcrafted fashionable accessory is a magical and humble process.
My Facebook Crochet Groups, Youtube, Pinterest, Google searches, the yarn aisles of any craft/retail store as well as my closest friends provide me with a steady flow of inspiration. My creative process centers around yarn, yarn and more yarn. As long as I have a robust supply of yarn in my craft room/office, I will crochet until I have lost the feeling in my fingers. My greatest satisfaction with my craft comes from hearing my 4 year old granddaughter call me “Scarf Gurl”.
My five year goal is to continue to broaden my product base by creating different types of accessories that will offer me a presence throughout the four seasons. My current line caters mostly to the fall and winter months. I also want to attend as many events as my inventory will allow. I would like to sell my accessories in local boutiques and also create an online presence. I am in a constant state of growing and developing my crochet skills. I persistently learn new crochet stitches and designs from Youtube and have yet to learn how to read crochet patterns.
My message is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt…”You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you cannot do”.
Custom orders are welcomed.
View more of my creations on Facebook and Instagram @ kellij’s crochet creations