Columbus Fall Show is Almost Here!

Meet Gary Board from A Board and a Dream… 

Hello, My name is Gary Board and I have been interested in woodworking for most of my life, but I got away from it for a long time when I was working a corporate job.  After almost 30 years in that world I finally had enough, and A Board and a Dream was born. I have only been doing this as a business since the beginning of 2025. This will be my first show, so I am excited and nervous about it all at the same time.

The inspiration for my one-off pieces is to find the beauty in things that would normally be discarded, like recycling pallet wood or using off-cuts from the lumber yard that some might consider scrap. When making pieces for specific clients, I want to help them bring their vision to life and give them the best piece possible. I also make epoxy resin crafts, and even that started out as a way to use resin that was left over from my charcuterie board.

I first got into woodworking doing projects with my dad as a kid.  The interest was fed through the years watching Norm Abram on “The New Yankee Workshop” until I finally started making pieces for family and friends. I discovered my talent just by trying it. My first project was a toy box for my nephew, and when people liked it I realized I might be able to be good at it. My creative process is to look at a specific material and see what it lends itself to, and then I follow that vision until it comes to life.

In 5 years I hope to be doing more custom work for clients, but still making one-of-a-kind pieces that I ship all around the world. The message behind my work is that it is never too late to follow a dream.  I feel lucky to be able to do this full time, so I put everything into my work so I can continue to do so.

Meet Betsy Lenihan from Ceramic Artist & Owner of Lazy Dog Ceramics...

The love I have for ceramics began in the early 1980s, watching my paternal grandmother and great aunt paint pieces. As a teenager, I was captivated by my mother’s intricate Old World-style Santa figurines, which sparked my own passion for the craft. However, life took me in other directions—college, grad school, marriage, career shifts, and more—leading to a 20-year break from ceramics. In 2021, during the pandemic, I rediscovered my love for painting after picking up a Santa or two, and I haven't looked back since.

Over the next two years, I dedicated myself to mastering acrylics on bisque and antique techniques, inspired by the methods I had watched my mother use years before. With the encouragement of friends and my husband, I took the next step in late 2023 by launching Lazy Dog Ceramics. The business focuses on producing high-quality finished pieces while supporting a cause close to my heart—local dog rescue organizations. As passionate animal lovers, my husband and I channel a portion of all proceeds toward helping rescue efforts. With no children, our furry family members are our babies.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Organizational Communications and an MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Leadership. My 25-year career in business strategy and tech leadership has been fulfilling, but ceramics serves as my creative outlet and therapy. Looking ahead, I plan to retire in 10 years and fully dedicate myself to ceramics.

Over the few years, I have immersed myself in learning, with guidance from my mentors. Through them, I have expanded my knowledge of glazing, painting techniques, kilns, and slip casting. In the next 5 years, I look forward to refining techniques, learning new techniques, and continuing my passion and expertise in ceramics—excited for the creative journey ahead.

2024 Columbus Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, September 21, 2025

10:00am-4:00pm

Makoy Event Center

5462 Center St.

Hilliard, OH 43026

For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at becki@ag-shows.com

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Columbus Summer Show Heads to Town!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet Cinnamon McKinley from Mandala Madra, LLC...

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. 

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.”

This upcoming Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will mark my second time as a vendor, and I couldn’t be more excited. My first show in the spring was an incredible experience, not just for the sales, but for the conversations, the connection, and the shared energy of people who believe in handmade healing.

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.

That all started with my very first creation: a Migraine Relief rollerball born out of my own battle with chronic headaches. I did the research, built a blend, tested it – and it worked. That one little bottle became the foundation for so many others: blends for menstrual symptoms, perimenopause, insomnia, and my favorite, the Love rollerball, made to encourage self-acceptance and peace within one’s own skin.

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.

Looking ahead, my dream is to grow this small business into something big enough to allow me to make essential oils my full-time focus, with x-ray work playing a smaller supporting role. I want to be all in creating, connecting, and spreading love through my work.

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!

Meet Zoey Sheese from Zoella's Artsy Zoo... 

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!

Even though I’ve only been running my art business since late 2024, I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. Art has always been a part of my life, it’s my outlet, my playground, and my personal form of expression. This will be my very first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I’m beyond excited to be a part of it!

What inspires me to create is the impact art can have on the world. It’s such a powerful emotional release, and there are endless ways to bring ideas to life. I love experimenting with different techniques and mediums, it keeps things fresh and fun. My goal is to eventually turn this passion into my full-time career, and every piece I create gets me one step closer.

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.

My creative process? It’s kind of all over the place! I usually start with a general idea, then narrow it down to a medium, size, and overall vibe. From there, I create a few versions of the idea, experiment, and tweak until I land on something I really love. I’ll often restart a piece a few times or get feedback from friends. It’s not always linear, but that’s part of the fun.

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.

Meet Gabrielle Alonzo from Gia Arts...

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.

This year marks my very first time participating in an Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s something so special about being in a space filled with other creators and people who appreciate handmade art. I can’t wait to share my work and connect with folks who love whimsical and colorful designs as much as I do.

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.

My creative process is a mix of relaxation and spontaneity. I do most of my drawing in the evenings while watching TV with my family, but I’m especially inspired when I get to sit near a sunny window or sketch outdoors. I usually start with a loose concept in my traditional sketchbook, then refine it digitally until it transforms into a full piece.

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.

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.

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.

2025 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, June 22, 2025

10:00am-4:00pm

Makoy Event Center

5462 Center St.

Hilliard, OH 43026

For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at becki@ag-shows.com

Visit us on:

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Columbus! Are You Ready for It?

Meet Carol Barber from Trammelink...

Hi, my name is Carol Barber. After many years in the corporate world, I now have a chance to pursue a creative endeavor! Some of my former colleagues (as well as family members) have been able to provide knowledge or assistance to my new business. And a few of the skills from my prior career have also come in handy, even though the businesses are quite different.

I made my first Trammelink® about 15 years ago, and over the years, made several more for myself, friends, and family. I started working to set up Trammelinks as a business about a year ago.

It was my pleasure to participate in two Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows in 2022 in the Cincinnati and Columbus areas. Due to schedule conflicts, Trammelink will only be able to attend the 2023 Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. However, we are looking forward to Avant-Garde #3!

What inspires me to create is the fulfillment of finding out what people like and then creating trammelinks that resonate with them. Hopefully, people attending the shows will provide me with their thoughts and feedback, even if they do not purchase one right away. Listening to comments from others is the key to creating an exciting and diverse collection of trammelinks.

I started crafting as a hobby because an early retirement offer came my way last year. I always wanted to make trammelinks into a business, but I did not have time. So now I have a new career and purpose:

trammelinks!

The discovery of Trammelinks was truly born out of the “necessity is the mother of invention” phrase! The button-down-shirt-over-a-shirt style has always been a favorite of mine. But I found that wind, purse straps, and backpacks would make that style look messy very quickly. So I made the first trammelink to keep the outer shirt from flying open and to keep it somewhat aligned. The name really describes it once you know the word “trammel” means to tether or restrain. Then “link,” in this case, refers to connecting both the left and right sides of the clothing. Put it together, and you have a trammelink!

The way I would describe my process is a pendant, charm, or button will catch my eye, and then I find the appropriate other parts that look right with it. That might happen quickly, or it can take weeks! 

Buttons can be difficult because of the different sizes needed for different types of clothing. That must be considered, too, when matching up a pendant with a button. The chain and other “findings” are a different situation. For those, I want the strongest options available so the trammelinks will be sturdy.

In five years, It would be great if the business would grow and remain stable, so I can keep making trammelinks for many years to come.

The Trammelink slogan is: Helping you keep it together. Fashionably.

“Keep yourself together” is a good daily goal through good and bad times (although the “fashionably” part can be questionable at times for me). Helping others keep it together is also a goal, so a portion of the proceeds from Trammelinks is being donated to a breast cancer charity. Being able to do that is very meaningful as breast cancer has affected many of our friends and family members, and we were grateful to be able to donate $186.00 last year.

Meet Katy Mowery from Resonate by Katy...

My name is Katy Mowery; I am 17 years old and an inspiring artist and entrepreneur. I am a high school senior at Westerville South, and other than making bracelets, I enjoy theatre, running, dancing, and videography. 

I've been running my business for about 3 years now, but these bracelets specifically for around 2 years. This is my first ever Avant-Garde show!

What inspires me to create new jewelry is seeing what other people are loving and wearing around me. I love to take inspiration from what I see in stores, on people's wrists, and online that is doing well.

I've loved crafting for years, especially when I was younger, because my grandma loved to craft and would let me help her with crafts.

I discovered my talent when I realized how much this style of bracelet worked for me and my business.

I would describe my creative process as messy but exciting because when I finally have a new design that I love, it is all so worth it.

In 5 years, I will graduate from college and hopefully sell my bracelets in more stores nearby or have 1K sales on Etsy.

The message behind my work is that everyone can express themselves through jewelry, even in the daintiest of ways.

Meet Barb Whiskey from Artsy Ape...

My name is Barb Gibbon, and I have a BFA from CCAD (Columbus College of Art & Design).  My focus has been creating large abstract oil paintings and drawing charcoal pencil portraits of my children.  A few years ago, I illustrated and published a children's book, Animal Homes ZXA: an Out of Order Alphabet Book, using colored pencils. I recently purchased a pottery wheel thanks to a supply grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council.  While at CCAD, I took pottery for a few years but didn't go in depth, as painting was my major.  

I am really having fun honing in on my skills and throwing bowls, mugs, vases, teapots, and other items on my new pottery wheel.  I've been creating art professionally for the past 33 years, but I've been drawing since I was 3 years old.  

I discovered I was good at art in kindergarten when my classmates asked me to help them paint their pictures after seeing the farmyard I painted.  (My mom still has that childhood painting hanging on her wall.)  Ever since then, I was always told that I could draw and paint very well, and that I had a natural sense of design.

This is my first Avant-Garde Show.  I am excited to participate and look forward to selling my work.  

I enjoy the tactile experience of working with clay, and I'm glad to have an additional creative outlet.  My abstract paintings are inspired by emotions, and the colors and gestures directly correlate to how I'm feeling.  My charcoal and colored pencil drawings are motivated by the technical challenge of replicating or representing the realistic nature of a person or animal.  I am especially intrigued by drawing eyes.  When working in clay, making something successfully spurs me to create more.

I look forward to seeing the results of glazed items after they are fired in the kiln.  I'm never sure how they are going to turn out, so it's like a Christmas present to myself to see the end product.  This further inspires me to create more. I usually have an idea of what I want to throw, but many times, something else might form in my hands, and I go with it. 

My five year goal.. In 5 years, I will be retiring from the library, where I currently work in youth programming, and I will be able to delve deeply into the arts full-time. 

2023 Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday December 10, 2023 - 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:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN