Showing posts with label crafters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafters. Show all posts

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Columbus Spring Show is Here!

Elizabeth Toigo from Fairytales and Tiny Tails Rescue...

Fairytales and Tiny Tails Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Central Ohio, dedicated to rescuing vulnerable kittens and providing them with the love and care they deserve. Powered primarily by passionate volunteers, we offer safe foster homes, medical treatment, nourishing food, and essential supplies to ensure each kitten thrives. Our mission is to find forever families for every kitten, creating happy endings where they are cherished, loved, and part of a family for life. Through compassion, commitment, and community support, we turn their tiny tales into life-changing stories. Fairytales and Tiny Tails started in January 2025! 

Our vision is a world where every kitten is safe, cherished, and given the fairytale ending they deserve- a loving forever home. Through our crafts, we raise money to support our mission. Our passionate volunteers developed the idea of creating kitten-inspired merchandise for cats and cat lovers alike, in order to help fund medical treatments and essential support for the kittens in our organization. 

Our passionate volunteers have loved pushing themselves to the creative limit and trying to make crafts that truly cater to our audience. Crafting and creating merchandise was built on a lifelong passion for caring for animals and truly giving back to the vulnerable kitten population in as many ways as possible. 

We hope that over the next 5 years, our organization continues to grow. We want to be able to reach and rescue as many kittens as possible. Every kitten deserves a happily ever after.


Meet Halie Hood from Rise & Roll Coffee and Bake Shop...
Hi! I’m Halie, the co-founder behind Rollhouse Coffee & Bake Shop. I’m a creative at heart with a background in brand building, product development, and a community-driven small business. What began as a simple love for baking and coffee grew into a way to gather people — over thoughtfully made rolls, great drinks, and a space that feels like home.

I’ve been baking and experimenting in the kitchen for years, but Rise & Roll officially came to life a little over a year ago. Since then, it’s grown from a passion project into a fully operating pop-up and market business — with big plans ahead. This will be our first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and we’re genuinely excited to be part of such a creatively driven event. 
People, stories, and shared moments. I’m inspired by the idea that food and drink can slow people down, spark conversation, and create memories. Whether it’s a family tradition, a weekend market ritual, or a “treat yourself” moment — that emotional connection fuels everything I make. It started in my own kitchen. Baking became a creative outlet — a way to experiment, unwind, and make something tangible with my hands. Over time, friends and family kept asking for more, and I realized this hobby had the potential to become something much bigger.
I discovered my talent through repetition and curiosity. I kept tweaking recipes, learning from mistakes, and paying attention to what made people light up when they took the first bite. That feedback loop — paired with a lot of trial and error — helped me find my rhythm. 

My creative process is a mix of structured and playful. I usually start with a feeling or concept, then build flavor, texture, and presentation around it. I love experimenting, refining, and making small adjustments until it feels just right. Creativity for me is equal parts intuition and intention. 

In five years, I see Rollhouse as a permanent, community-rooted space — a coffee and bake shop that’s known not just for its cinnamon rolls, but for its energy, creativity, and sense of belonging. I also hope to continue collaborating with local makers, artists, and events to keep that community connection strong. 

Rollhouse is built on the rhythm of rising — again and again. It’s about honoring where you’ve been, embracing where you’re going, and creating spaces where people can pause, gather, and rise together.

Meet Carmen Babai from Chollipops...
I started making chocolates about 25+ years ago, always for friends and family, and later for my kids' birthday parties. I I love and enjoy doing all the decorations in my chocolates, so I decided to start doing little pop-up markets.
This was my hobby, now is my dream. I have been making chocolate for 25+ years and have had my business for two years! 
Decorating my chocolates is my therapy as well, and I love it when customer some times follow me just to see my decorations, and they end up buying some. My Mom has a lot of craft talents I learned from her since I was so young when I started. When I was 16 years old, a friend asked me to help her to make some chocolates, and I learn and. I was working for her for over 3 years I had to quit because I was busy with school.

A couple of years later, I was making some chocolates and fruits and selling them to friends and family back in my native country. 

In five years, I hope to have my own store! 
The message behind my work is, do something with your heart to make customers happy!

Meet Karey Best from Krafted by Karey...
My name is Karey, and I’m the owner and designer behind Krafted by Karey. I create handmade paper goods, including greeting cards, gift tags, bookmarks, samplers, gift card holders, wine/bottle tags, and more.  I love designing pieces that help people celebrate life’s moments — big and small. When I’m not crafting, I enjoy cooking, spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I have been crafting for 6 years, but Krafted by Karey began as a small creative outlet that quickly grew into a true passion and business. What started as making cards for friends and family turned into something I wanted to share with a larger community.

This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I am incredibly excited for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow creatives and meeting shoppers who appreciate handmade goods. 

I’m inspired by seasons, holidays, meaningful celebrations, and everyday moments that deserve a thoughtful touch. I love color palettes, textures, and layering beautiful papers together to create something unique. Most of all, I’m inspired by the joy that a handwritten card or small gift can bring to someone.
I have always loved working with my hands and being creative. I started making cards about six years ago after attending a card-making party at my cousin’s house. What began as a fun experience quickly turned into a passion, and I found myself wanting to learn more, experiment with designs, and continue creating on my own.

It truly started with encouragement from friends and family. After gifting handmade cards and projects, people began asking where they could buy them. That encouragement gave me the confidence to turn something I loved into a small business. My creative process usually begins with a theme or season. I start by selecting coordinating papers and color palettes, then build layers and dimensions to create depth and interest. I focus on clean construction, quality materials, and thoughtful details. Each piece is individually handcrafted, so no two are exactly alike.


In five years, I hope to continue growing Krafted by Karey through craft shows, online sales, and possibly offering workshops or card classes. I would love to expand into curated gift collections and seasonal releases while staying true to the handmade, personal feel that defines my brand.

The message behind my work is simple: thoughtful details matter. In a fast-paced digital world, a handwritten card or handcrafted gift is meaningful. My goal is to create pieces that help people slow down, celebrate intentionally, and make others feel seen and appreciated.

Meet Stacy Piper from Middle School Chaos...
My name is Stacy, and I have been a middle school math and science teacher for nearly 32 years. I am married to my high school sweetheart, and we have two grown children of whom I am incredibly proud.
I began scrapbooking when my first child was born. Over the past 26 years, my creative work has evolved from traditional scrapbook pages and bulletin board lettering to intricate, three-dimensional layered shadow boxes.

For several years, I have participated as a vendor in the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows in Hilliard. These events have allowed me to connect with many wonderful people, and I always look forward to meeting new customers and fellow creators.
Creating is both personal and restorative for me. Designing shadow boxes provides a meaningful way to decompress from the daily demands of teaching. Seeing others smile when they view my work is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.

I first discovered 3D layered shadow boxes on social media and immediately felt inspired to try. My first attempt was far from perfect, but perseverance and a commitment to learning helped me grow. Through research, practice, and determination, I have developed both my skills and my artistic voice. As I look toward retirement from teaching, I am excited to continue expanding and refining my craft.

Meet Amelia from Crochet Cuties...
Hi! My name is Amelia, I’m 13 years old, and I’ve been crocheting for almost 3 years. Outside of crocheting, I enjoy musical theatre, orchestra, watching medical dramas (my favorite being House MD), and I play field hockey in the fall. I love hanging out with my friends and having sleepovers with them. While I have been crocheting for a little over 3 years, I started my business 2 years ago. This Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be the first one I have participated in, and I am very excited for this new experience. 

I got into crochet with a kit that my parents got me for Christmas of 2022. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. I often get inspired by pictures I see on Pinterest or by creators I watch online who also crochet. Many of my friends and family noticed how adorable my crochet plushies were and persuaded me to start a business. The rest is history.
 
I would describe my creative process as something that is quite simple. I look for inspiration on Pinterest, find a pattern similar to what I’m looking for, and use the materials I have to make the project I have in mind. I’d like to see myself doing craft shows seasonally while also having consistent sales on Etsy. My hopes are that I can use my profit towards college or a Volkswagen Beetle. 

My message is that handmade plushies are much better than ones made by machines because each and every one of them requires love and attention from the creator. Not to mention that each one is completely unique, no two plushies will be the same.

Meet Megan Allardyce from The Crafty Canvas Room...
Hello, my name is Megan Allardyce, I am the owner of the craft business “The Crafty Canvas Room” where I specialize in seasonal vinyl canvas art. I have had this business for two and a half years now. I have a Etsy store for “The Crafty Canvas Room,” which is my craft website. The Avant-Garde Spring Craft Show will be the first craft festival that I am very excited about, presenting my amazing crafts to craft festival customers. Crafting inspires through the ability to transform raw materials into meaningful handmade creations, providing a profound sense of accomplishment and creative expression. It serves as a therapeutic, mindful, and relaxing escape that reduces stress, allowing for personal "me-time" while fostering skill-building and joy. 

From a young age, my Aunt Betty introduced me to craft hobbies. She first introduced me to paper crafting, where we made greeting cards and other exciting paper crafts. I have always loved canvas art growing up, and I chose that to be my crafting niche for my store “The  Crafty Canvas Room”. I discovered my talent through the amazing craft company “Makers Gonna Learn,” where I got to experience using my amazing Cricut Explore Air 2 cutting machine and the amazing software program Cricut Design Space.  I would describe my craft process through the Cricut craft process that involves a three-step cycle: Designing in Design Space, cutting/manipulating materials with the machine, and finishing the project. It transforms digital designs into tangible items by cutting, writing, or scoring materials like vinyl and paper. 

In 5 years, my goal is to have established a loyal, engaged customer base and a streamlined production process that balances artistic creativity with business profitability. In five years, I see my craft business transitioning from a passion-driven side hustle into a recognized, sustainable brand known for vinyl canvas crafts that show high-quality, eco-friendly, handmade home goods. My message for my craft business is that there is a focus on highlighting unique, handmade quality, emotional connection, and passion to build brand loyalty.  A Effective message for my business, “The Crafty Canvas Room” is to emphasize that items are "crafted with love", tells the story behind the product, and underscores that each piece is a unique, thoughtful, and high-quality alternative to mass-produced items. 

Meet Janet Thiede from Organic Garments...
An Ohio-based sneaker business, we are rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and respect for nature. The vision for the business is deeply personal - shaped by the legacy of Josh's grandfather, a man who cherished the art of growing and found purpose in nurturing plants, vegetables, and herbs. From him, Josh learned values that continue to guide Organic Garments today: and do things right. Founded in 2018 with a bold goal - to reimagine footwear through sustainable design. Within the past year, we have commissioned local artists to use our sneakers as canvas to create original art and/or pieces of art that are meaningful to our customers. 
This will be Organic Garment's first year participating in the Avant Garde Art & Craft Shows. Nature inspires us to create. There is so much to learn from nature. Most of my family is involved in the creative arts in some way. When we were young, our mother realized we had an interest in the arts and gave us opportunities to participate in the arts. I have always been interested in sneakers and the fashion business. I'm fueled by the idea that business can be a force for good, that we can create products people love without compromising the health of the earth. I set out to learn more about sneaker construction, including taking a course by a Los Angelos shoemaker. Ultimately, it was designing, redesigning, and making several samples through work with factories to realize my dream of crafting a sneaker from innovative plant-based materials.
I use software to develop the specs for the idea and finalize the drawing. I usually have several ideas that I am playing around with until I have the moment when I believe I have the concept to the point of creation. Right now, I'm especially excited about the next evolution of our footwear line. In the future, we're introducing two new styles: a high-top sneaker and a blue denim low-top. Both build on everything we've learned so far - comfort and sustainability - while offering versatility for everyday wear. 

2025 Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, March 22, 2026
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:

Thursday, September 18, 2025

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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN


Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Columbus Fall Show is Underway!

 Meet John Huenemann from Brackett's Wooden Games...

Hi, I'm John (aka Brackett)! I've been woodworking for about four years, and I am passionate about art, music, gaming, and my amazing, wonderful family. 

This is my first time at an Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. I'm inspired by vintage and historical aesthetics, and mentally challenging puzzles. 


My creative process is 100% ADHD-fueled chaos- I look up records of ancient and vintage board games, puzzles, and toys, and recreate them with a modern look. 

In five years, I hope to have expanded my product line, and found more ways to create and play. I hope my work gives people a chance to connect to the past while enjoying the present. 


Meet Greg and Pamela Feldman from G&P Fine Craftory...

G & P Fine Craftory is the husband and wife collaboration between Greg and Pamela Feldman-Hill. We live in central Ohio, and we have always been “makers.” Greg is an ex-IT Manager who took up woodworking as a hobby in 2016, and has since turned this into a full-time business. He enjoys doing built-in bookcases for clients, custom charcuterie and cutting boards for gifts, and laser cut trivets and other items. Pamela is a professionally trained artist who has created artwork and illuminated manuscripts for clients all over the world for over 45 years. Hand painting ceramics and wood cut outs, including hamsas and cat shapes, and mandala-inspired coasters and trays are her meditation and passion. Pamela and Greg often collaborate on various products and designs. Our goal with the products at G & P Fine Craftory is to bring beautiful creations into daily life with fine craftsmanship and joy. Greg has been woodworking for 8 years, and Pamela has been creating art professionally since the 1970’s. Our collaboration with G & P Fine Craftory was born in 2021.


This is our fourth year participating in Avant-Garde shows.


What inspires us to create.. adding beauty to our daily lives while we keep our hands and minds busy definitely motivates us to create!

 

How we got into our craft.. Greg started woodworking as a hobby after refinishing some tables and cabinets for our house and discovering that he enjoyed working with wood. After he retired from Nationwide Insurance as an IT manager, he decided to pursue this passion full time, and converted our garage into a full wood-shop, with a CnC and laser machines. Pamela has always painted, and began hand-painting ceramics and wood cut-outs about 10 years ago as a way to fill time between her illuminated manuscript commissions. Creating work that is functional and smaller provided a nice outlet, and utilizes her love and knowledge of pattern and color in a new way. 

 

Meet Jennifer Roberts from Imperfecting Art..

I’m a playwright and self-taught artist from the SF Bay Area. I moved to Columbus last March and am having fun adjusting to the weather and discovering the art scene here. 


I started working in mixed media and clay six later in life, six years ago.

I’m inspired by dichotomy. The transitory nature of balance I'd experienced for most of my life made me keenly aware of the tension created between seemingly incompatible ideas trying to dominate space at the expense of the other: nature and human; body and mind; creation and destruction.

It's the investigation on how we can achieve equilibrium between  oppositions that fascinates me. I want us to witness the beauty that comes in the textures of decay, see the dichotomy and harmony of nature and human, science and superstition… These are only a few contradictions I want to investigate. 

I’d been doing some art writing for a local gallery and was inspired to finally follow my dream of creating art and storytelling in a new, visual medium. My grandfather was an artist and I’ve always wanted to express myself visually. That’s why I was also drawn to playwriting. It was scary to jump over to art, but was inspired by the quote by George Eliot, “You’re never too old to be what you might have been.”


That’s a tough question. I think I didn’t think about being talented until I was accepted into two online gallery shows and published in their catalogue. It was only then that I thought I may be on to something. There can be a stigma associated with self-taught artists who didn’t do traditional study. A lot of that questioning and lack of confidence came from this feeling that I didn’t belong, so it did take the validation of having my work shown to accept the term “artist.” Though looking back, I don’t believe having work in a gallery makes you more of an artists and if you are creating work, you are one.

My creative process.. I go into what I call, “sprints.” I have periods of time where I am in the studio morning to evening every day. Then, I crash. I use the downtime to take a class or work in my art journal and looking at art for inspiration.

In five years, I’d like to be a professional artist, meaning that I can support myself to some degree and take commissions on a regular basis. I don’t see owning a storefront, etc. but I would love to expand my studio.

 I leave messages about my work to the viewer. I know what I’m looking for or exploring when I make it, but I want the viewer to look and interpret what they see however they wish.

My website is jenniferlynneroberts.com

 

Meet Cinnamon McKinley from Mandala Madra...

My name is Cinnamon McKinley, but I also go by "Smee". I'm originally from the East Coast - I grew up in Trenton, NJ. I moved here to the Columbus area with my family in the fall of 2023, and I have absolutely fallen in love with this city. I am an x-ray tech by trade and the mother of two beautiful neurodivergent teenage boys. We're all animal lovers - we have three dogs, three cats, and a hermit crab at home. We relax together by taking long nature walks or strolls around the neighborhood. I am a bird enthusiast and love listening to their songs while we walk.

 

I've been creating essential oil rollerballs and sprays for myself, family, and friends for several years now. However, it only just dawned on me to try to sell my wares over a year ago. I'm very proud of my recipes, and am constantly tweaking and improving them. This will be my third Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. They really are so much fun.

 

I am inspired by a need to spread Self Love, and the relief of ailments that may get in the way of that Self Love.

 

My first essential oil creation was my Migraine Relief rollerball. I suffer from frequent migraines and was looking for a more natural way to combat that pain and pressure without adding more (or less) caffeine. I did my research, created a recipe and tried it out on myself. I found that it helped considerably, and I wanted to branch out into relief of other ailments. I now have rollerballs and sprays that help with menstrual symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms, insomnia, and anxiety. My favorite scent is my Love rollerball, which promotes Self Love and ease within one's own skin. 


I describe my creative process and Meditative and Magical. My goal for five years.. I'm hoping that within five years' time, I gain enough momentum to work on my recipes and sell my products full time, while taking x-rays becomes a part time gig. That's my dream.

 

My work is all about Love - Self-Love, Love of others, Love of community. I am hoping to do nothing more than spread Love and relief.

 


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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

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
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