It's Show Week Columbus!

Meet Trina Richardson from TAL and Accessories...
Hi I'm Trina Renee Richardson. I will be 63 on March 7th. I've been married for 33 years to a great guy Marvin. We have two beautiful young ladies Marnee 32, and Tylerr 29. I was a hairstylist for 42 years which I considered a form of art. I be came ill with CML (Leukemia) and other illness in 2012. I retired in 2015, which I was not ready to do. I have always loved crafts. 

After retiring, I started to realize how beautiful trees and flowers are that God made. Then I stumbled on the beaded trees and flowers as a craft. I kept working at them until I found my own creative design!' Ive been enjoying this for 4 years now as a hobby.

This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. I am so excited!I have always been into art since I was little child, crafting all the time. After retiring, crafts helped me relax and get into my own little world! When I can't sleep, I lay there thinking of what I can create and how I will put my own unique spin on it. I also realize that they can relieve stress! I also started making magnets with clay and beads. I make the bark of the trees with clay, and paint them.  I also paint some of the the vases and trays. In addition, I also make the benches.

It is my hope that my creation of trees and the inspirational words that I add on them will inspire and give people hope.I would love to continue  to create, sell, and have some unique designs of mine in art shows.

Meet Ellen Patrie from Schatzi Studio LLC...
My husband, Stephen, and I are the owners of Schatzi Studio LLC. We live in Worthington, Ohio and between us we have two sons and two daughters. I am a graduate of the Columbus College of Art and Design, with a BFA in fine art. My husband, Stephen, is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh with a BA in Creative Writing. I design and create French Beaded Flower arrangements for your home or wedding. Stephen manages our website and is involved with product development. In addition to running our business, we enjoy spending time with family, nature photography, visiting museums and seeing live music. 

 I credit my mother and grandmother as my inspiration to create. As a young child, I observed my mother sewing our clothes out of necessity. I was intrigued at a young age that simple materials could be transformed into something beautiful and useful. My grandmother moved from Hungary to Chicago to escape the Holocaust. There, she worked in her aunt’s tailoring shop doing beautiful embroidery on linens for elite of Chicago. My grandmother always had beautiful handmade embroidered tapestries in her home. As I got older, I learned more about the struggles my mother and grandmother went through in their early years and how creating things helped their economic outlook. I was encouraged to pursue my dream of owning my own business selling handcrafted art. 

This is an art form that began in France and Italy hundreds of years ago. Women would create these flowers from left over beads either for memorial wreaths, hair accessories or as floral arrangements in their home. I learned how to make French Beaded Flowers about twenty years ago. I was inspired by a picture frame I saw at an antique store that was embellished with them. I thought I could make a few flower pieces to make use of my left over seed beads from my jewelry projects. I discovered my talent for art of French Beaded flowers when my friends and family admired my work and thought my creations were real and requested to buy them for their homes. My husband and I photograph interesting flowers and foliage we see to determine the shape and color of our designs. 

I would love to have a brick and mortar French Beaded Flower shop in the future. I envision a creative space that offers classes and supplies, in addition to having French beaded flower stems and arrangements. I want others to enjoy and learn about the exquisite art of French Beaded flowers. Our work can be seen on our Creations Gallery page on our website. www.schatzistudio.com.

Meet Dixie Vargo from Beloved Servant Nature Photography...

Hello, my name is Dixie Vargo from Beloved Servant Nature Photography. I am a monk, a vowed member of The Order of Sustainable Faith, and the monastic expression of the Vineyard movement. I am 51 years old and live in Columbus, Ohio with my husband, Ernie, and our Shetland Sheepdog, Annie. I work full time for a pharmaceutical wholesaler and volunteer in my local community as a Certified Wellness Inventory Facilitator. Beloved Servant is my American Indian name, which was given to me by a native pastor when I was in my 20s. I have American Indian ancestry on both sides of my family.

I started nature photography as a hobby when I was in my teens, so about 35 years ago. When I was a teenager, my parents bought me a 110 camera, the popular shoot and click camera of the time. Throughout the years I have used different photographic tools - 35 mm, digital camera, and now an iPhone 7. I really like taking pictures with my iPhone because it is always with me and I like finding little bits of nature in unexpected places.

My parents were the first ones to encourage my talent in photography. My first photo shoot was after an ice storm on our farm. I took a picture of my parents' farm from the hill above through ice-encased branches and they used that picture for their Christmas cards that year.

Nature is my ultimate source of calm. It asks nothing of me and gives me great joy. Time in nature provides me with everything I need to stay grounded, and feel at peace. It keeps me connected to the earth, the cosmos, and to experience the presence of the Creator of all beautiful things. Most of my photography blends nature and macro photography styles. When I am on a shoot I look for color and textures that catches my eye. When I see something, I then look at it closely to figure out what about it most fascinates me most. Then I am able to focus on that and snap the picture. Most of my pictures are of things in nature that many people walk by, completely oblivious to the hidden beauty there. My desire is to open up your eyes so that you can begin to see the world around you, slow down, and notice the way creation speaks to you. Many of the things I photograph are not overtly beautiful, but when you lean in close, you begin to see beauty hidden deep within that small piece of the earth.

Meet Jason King from JK Candle Company...

Hi, my name is Jason King. I am from Hilliard, OH and I recently left the corporate world to pursue my dreams of starting my own business. I was so miserable everyday going to a place where I did not feel valued and I felt like I was wasting my life. So I took a leap of faith and decided to bet on myself as a small business owner. I have been making candles and wax melts for just over 3 months now. My hopes are that in 5 years I will have grown JK Candle Company into a sustainable business that can help support me and my family.

The message behind my work is simple. I want to make a candle that anyone could feel good about burning. So I only make my candles and wax melts with 100% soy wax that is produced by American soybean farmers. Additionally, I use cotton wicks and all of my candles and wax melts are free of dyes and harmful chemicals. It inspires me to create something that can transport your mind back to different points in your life. Smells invoke memories and feelings of nostalgia and my goal is to guide your mind back to a treasured time in your life.

A little while back, I ordered a do-it-yourself candle kit and from there forward, I was hooked. I was having a blast working with different fragrances, waxes and designing labels and starting to create a brand. I have never thought of myself as being very creative, especially in comparison to my wife and two girls, who are all extremely creative. However, once I started making candles, I felt like I unlocked a creative part of myself that I never knew I had.  From there I went on to create and design my business and website, jkcandlecompany.com

This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft show and I am so excited to be a part of it!

2020 Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, March 7, 2020

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, Are You Ready?!

Meet Sara Berens from Sara Berens Studio - La Fleur de Papier...
I am an artist and educator living in beautiful Athens, Ohio with my husband and two spoiled cats. I've been a maker since childhood but honed my skills while earning my degrees in fine arts.  

I am inspired by repurposing items, so when it came time to plan our wedding, instead of using fresh flowers, I decided to make my own from various found elements. I got to work using a stack of handmade paper that I had pulled in a class, a mountain of vintage buttons that had been waiting for me to use them, a stage of twigs that I collected from a local source, and other baubles. They fit our book theme perfectly and I loved them so much that I decided to continue to create these lovely ladies.

Over the past few years, they have continued to be perfected and are the perfect forever flower that can be given as gifts for Mother's Day, birthdays, teacher's gifts, special occasions, or just to brighten your day. 

This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, but I have sold my flowers at several shops here in Athens, as well as at craft shows in the region. I am excited to join the Columbus show and am looking forward to meeting everyone! 

Meet Brittany Freeman from Pretzel Palooza...

I am a mother of two, dog mom, and wife to an awesome drummer. My "9-5" is managing a State Farm Insurance Agency. My family is also very involved at our church, and I love serving the Lord through small group ministry as well as Kids Ministry.

After I had my daughter in 2012, I started planning her birthday parties. Creating sweet treats for her parties that were always a big hit lead me to exploring different treat capabilities wit pretzels, cake pops, and chocolate candies. My creative process is trial and error. A lot time what is in our head doesn't always come out the way we want it to the first time. Before creating an order for a customer, I will gather all their desires and then make an individual item or small batch for them to try/approve. There are so many possibilities with colors, textures, sprinkles, and embellishments that I can do, and I like to make sure that they meet the customers' needs down to every last sprinkle! 

I LOVE to create a special treat customized for each individual. I love being able to take what they have in mind and turning it into reality. In five years, I would love to have the ability to provide treats and embellishments, custom printing tags for gift bags as well as possibly adding a few new products to what I offer.

Meet Carolyn Shisler from Jewelry by Carolyn...

Jewerly by Carolyn is hand created art jewelry - woven braided, fold-formed, forged, soldered or beaded. Each piece is creating with high quality stones, pearls and crystals in sterling silver, pure copper or Vintaj brass metals. 

Inspiration comes form my fascination to create unique designs with the stone itself melded with the metals to reveal an extraordinary focal piece that is easy to wear and affordable. 

Jewelry on display will be my popular wire-wrap and one of a kind gemstone cabochon pendant necklaces; chain mail with interlinked hand woven metal rings and fold-formed copper - all with semi-precious gemstones, crystals and pearls in bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

Jewelry features decorative elements (clasps, connectors and charms) that add dimension to my styling. Common design elements in my work are the quality of craftsmanship and the exclusive materials acquired at the Tucson Gem shows each year.

My jewelry is constantly evolving and fresh. She takes continuing silversmith classes in Oro Valley, AZ; learns new techniques from artists at the Tucson Gem show and at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center.

I participate in local Columbus juried art and craft shows, sell my jewelry in several central Ohio art galleries and shops, create custom order jewelry, and teaches private jewelry making classes in chain mail weaving and metal wire wrapping. 

2018 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, June 10, 2018

 10:00am-4:00pm

Makoy Event Center

5462 Center St.

Columbus, OH 43026

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

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Less Than 24 Hours to Go!

Meet Kristin Moore of Flair & Moore Jewelry Designs...
Hi, I'm Kristin Moore of Flair & Moore Jewelry Designs.  After my dear, talented, jewelry-making mom passed away unexpectedly in 2011 I found myself with a heap of beads and tools but little direction other than a creative vision. Slowly I transformed my lifelong love of paper crafting into an amazing new world of jewelry design that I think she'd be proud of.  While I've participated in a number of other craft shows, this will be my first Avante-Garde Art & Craft Show.

Many jewelry artisans have a preferred medium and recognizable style. My artistic leanings are towards earthy, asymmetry and sometimes delicate sometimes bold pieces. But working outside the box is what artists do, right?! So you will find symmetrical, colorful pieces in a variety of styles here as well. On my Flair & Moore Facebook page and in my Etsy shop you will also find pieces ranging from beaded to wired, traditional to funky, simple to elaborate. You will find shiny sterling and hammered copper, bits of leather, natural stone, glass and gems, suede and pearl and more. Eclectic might be a good word to describe my evolving style.

My creative process is two-fold really. Some days I spend allowing ideas to flow freely and I just design whatever inspiration brings. But I also love the exhilaration of creating a personalized, custom piece and nailing it. Being inspired by others' imaginations is often times where the fun truly lies!In five years both my children will have moved on to college so I hope to continue fueling this creative passion I have into a thriving online presence, as well as a few favorite shows I commit to doing every year! I hope to have my studio, which currently doubles as my kids' game room, all to myself to spread out and really dive in to design. With any luck my husband and I will be able to sail into our golden years, each still enjoying our hobbies as well as each other! 

Meet Rita Bertram from Oh So Delicious..
I have always loved to make appetizers and desserts, so last year when I decided to start a business, I began with those two strengths-because when you embark on a new adventure; if it’s not something you love to do, why bother, right?

I played around with my favorite recipes and ingredients, took the best combinations of flavors and created a line of dip mixes and sweet spreads. Thus “Oh So Delicious” was born!

 

I make a variety of flavors: Very Veggie, Horsey Spinach, White Cheddar Onion, Cranberry Pecan and Sweet Pumpkin to name a few. I make them all from scratch and each package is hand blended. I started selling my mixes at a local Farmers Market and offered all of my  dips & spreads for tasting. What a fun beginning that was! I soon was up to four Farmers Markets per week in Richland & Crawford Counties. That was  followed with booths at Fall Craft Festivals and Holiday Gift Shows this past Christmas. 

The adventure continues as I branch out with  my first Avant-Garde show in Columbus!

Meagan von Reuter from Felt Flower Market...

I've been making felt flowers for about 6 months, but have been constructing and crafting in general for many years. My inspiration for creation really varies- you never know what and when inspiration will hit. If I had to pick one thing though is probably say color is a big inspiration for me. When I see colorful things I just have to create. 

How I got into my business.. I just generally like to create and do crafts in my spare time. I have a room dedicated to it! I saw some felt flowers online and decided to give it a try. 

My creative process really is inspiration to manifestation. I love to make things. Build things also- not just crafting. I think that the message behind my work is that  everything I make is to think about things in a different way. I can't have a vase of flowers because my cats knock them over. How about felt flowers then?

Meet Carla Smith from CK Crafty Creations...

You will see by my picture that I most enjoy the sun and beach, but spend other relaxing times by doing a variety of sewing/craft projects.  I have been a crafter since my teens, and have done almost everything imaginable in that line for personal use during my lifetime. My passion is my current product of customized embellished serveware.  This product satisfies both my shopping and crafting urges, as I buy a beautiful serving plate and customize an wire- and bead-embellished spreader, fork, etc., to complement the item for a lovely gift set.  I take pride in matching beading so that the end product is a thing of beauty!  I also do a lot of custom work, i.e. cake serving set for brides in their wedding colors. 

Although this is my first Avant-Garde show, I have exhibited in many other venues, and especially love the interaction with my customers.  When they see an item that inspires them as a hostess or they see something that will be a perfect gift for their sister, it makes my day!

Meet Anika McCanna from Sew Agape...

My name is Anika McCanna. I have a 14 month old boy named Zion and another baby on the way. My husband and I have been married for 3 years and we have always wanted to find away for me to be able to stay at home and raise our children. Sew Agape represents our lives. Our lives with our family, and our life with God. Agape is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, the highest of the four types of love in the Bible. We rely on God's love to help us provide for our family and in doing so we are trusting in His grace to help this business grow. We want to provide able for our family. Provide in ways that give our family back their nights so we do not have to work two jobs. We have agape for our family. The same as God has for us. Therefore, through our sewing business, we want to share this love with others. We want this business to be a testimony to who we are and who our family is.

I've been sewing for 3 years now. This is our first time trying to get our business up and running. My inspiration comes from being able to make personal pieces for people and being able to create new memories for them. Being able to be a stay at home mom and help my husband provide for our family. All of this keeps me going!

How I got into my craft.. I had so much down time! When I was pregnant with my son, I went into labor early and was put on bed rest at 20 weeks. I needed something to do with all my time. So I started sewing, then people became interested, and I realized on day that I'd have to let all this go to go back to work, then it dawned on me that this could be my job!

My creative process comes from the ideas of those who put in orders. My products are exactly what the customers order. If they aren't satisfied, then neither am I! My five year goal... I would like to see myself in a brick and mortar location. I would like to open my own shop, or even be successful at online sales within my business!

The message behind my work is that Agape is a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, the highest of the four types of love in the Bible. We rely on God's love to help us provide for our family and in doing so we are trusting in His grace to help this business grow. We want to provide able for our family. Therefore, through our sewing business, we want to share this love with others. We want this business to be a testimony to who we are and who our family is. View more of my work at: www.sewagape.com , www.facebook.com/sewagape , https://www.etsy.com/shop/SewAgapeCo.

Meet Melissa Karate from Mango Designs..

I am 21 years old and currently studying biology and environmental studies at Denison University in Granville, OH. I graduate in the spring and hope to go into the field of animal sciences and/or behavior. I started making jewelry since I was a little girl and recently started selling it this year. This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show and my first show overall! 

I started making jewelry with my mom's childhood friend, who is a talented Cleveland artist. When we visited her during my childhood, I would sit and make little pieces for hours while her and my mom talked. Since then, I have always enjoyed the feeling of making jewelry, keeping my hands busy and being creatively focused was an awesome feeling. In the past couple years, I have been inspired by the healing and energy properties of different stones and sea glass and started to collect them. Then, I started finding these stones in bead form, and learned taught myself how to wire-wrap sea glass by hand. This is when I picked up my old jewelry making hobby, incorporating them into my pieces. With this, I know that each of my pieces have their own unique energies, and I would love to share them with others. 

While I just recently turned this hobby into a small business, I would love to watch it grow, as I myself learn and grow. I hope to continue sharing my unique creations by selling them to friends and family and at more shows. 

Meet Jim Siemer from OhioArtwork.com...

Jim Siemer is an artist from Columbus, Ohio whose family built a cottage on Middle Bass Island in 1983 and he was inspired by the beauty of the Lake Erie area to begin painting watercolors. Jim believes that Ohio is the most beautiful state in our nation and over the last 25 years he has painted numerous watercolors capturing Ohio’s splendor.

Jim is a graduate of Bishop Ready High School, Columbus, Ohio where he was first challenged by art teacher Sister Marie Miller to appreciate the wonders of art. He graduated from Ohio University and attended Columbus College of Design and Maryland College of Art and Design. Jim has taken several watercolor classes in Ohio, Maryland and Virginia. Jim was a board member of Ohio Citizens for the Arts and is a member of the Clintonville Artist’s Guild.  Jim has had several art exhibits in various venues throughout Ohio. He was the co-coordinator of the “Columbus: Then…Now…When?” art exhibit celebrating the bicentennial of Columbus at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower and was the Merchandise Manager for 200Columbus which celebrated the bicentennial of Columbus.

Jim recently created art for the Bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie (2013) and the Ohio Statehouse Sesquicentennial Poster (2011). He has also created the official art for the 1996 National Cherry Blossom Festival, the 1997 official parade designs for President Clinton’s Second Inauguration, the 2000 holiday card for the Ohio State Representatives, the 2003 Taste of DC official poster design, official designs for the 2004 America Celebrates the Greatest Generation Word War II Memorial opening, the Paris on the Potomac official art for the Washington Convention and Tourism Corporation, the 2005 poster art for the 100 Anniversary of Lake Erie Miller’s Ferry and the 2009-2013 covers for the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club Year Book.

Prints of Jim’s Ohio watercolors are available in shops and galleries in Columbus, Middle Bass Island, Port Clinton, Put-in-Bay, Catawba Island and Marblehead. Jim’s art is also available online at OhioArtwork.com or LakeErieArt.com.  Jim Siemer can be contacted at jsiemer9@earthlink.net or 614-313-6200

2016 Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, March 5, 2016

 10:00am-4:00pm

St. Agatha's Parish Hall

1860 Northam Rd

Columbus, OH 43221

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

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Capturing Beauty Through the Use or Inspiration of Nature!

Meet Angela Pennock from Marang Studios...

My name is Angela Pennock and I am the creator and designer behind Marang Studios. I create eco friendly fashion accessories, jewelry and home decor mostly from old t-shirts and reclaimed fabrics. I love to garden and be outside as much as possible. I enjoy crocheting, painting and anything that keeps my hands busy.

 

Art and creating have always been a huge part of my life. My mother and both Grandmother's are quilters and seamstresses, and my Grandfather was a woodworker. It was natural to me to follow in their footsteps. I attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and have my Bachelors in Fine Art.

I began creating flowers 5 years ago and have loved every minute of it. I have been creating all my life in one way or another. My large flower necklaces are my favorite item that I create! They are so much fun and can really show off your personality.

How I got into my hobby... I began using magazines to make elaborate paper collages and have always worked with fabrics on the side. I began making the flowers and wanted a material that was fun and readily available. The t-shirts are fun and versatile and the colors are endless! It's such a thrill to know where the materials had started, as old t-shirts, and to see what you can make with them! 

I got into selling my work when a friend  told me about Etsy and that she thought it would be a good place to showcase my creations. It's been a wonderful outlet and space to show my pieces.

I work pretty intuitively. I usually begin with a selection of colors and see what comes out of it in the end. It seems more like playing than it is work a lot of the time!

 

Giving new life to old and forgotten materials is always fun. Sometimes you don't know how it's going to turn out and it's fun to see the outcome. And then having someone else enjoy your creation just makes it even better! The message behind my work is that even though something may be old and can't be used as it is, there is still a whole other life in there.

 

You can view more of my work at:

Blog - www.MarangMusings.blogspot.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/Marang_Studios
Facebook - www.facebook.com/marangstudios

Meet Amy Hart from Aim E Smith...

I was born in Troy, Oh in March of 1973. I am the youngest of five. I studied art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) from 1991-1998 and have a BFA with a specialization in drawing and printmaking. I am a mother of 2 boys; Landin an amateur skateboarder age 9, and Christopher, an amateur artist. I have been married for 12 years to a man I met at the end of my studies at BGSU. I have been doing my art for five years straight!

I am also a stay at home Mom. I love to hike in the woods at our family cabin in Virginia on our vacations there in the summer. I volunteer at my boy’s elementary school two times a week in the school library.

I get my creativity from many places. First and foremost, I get it from my parents, its in my blood. My mother was very creative in sewing, crafts gardening, cooking, baking, keeping home, etc. My father was a carpenter all his life which he got from his father. Both of them and one of my uncles built the home I grew up in. I get my creativity from anything around me at anytime. I also get it from my love for the renaissance period, for my love of Italy, and all the churches there and here with beautiful stained glass.

I got into the craft of making stained glass due to the summer of 1997 when I spent a semester studying art in Florence, Italy with a program called Studio Art Centers International (SACI) through BGSU. I fell in love with the stained glass there. That fall semester of 1997 I took a stained glass class at BGSU and loved it! I knew that someday I would create stained glass art and open my own shop. In 2007, I got a business opportunity to create a custom piece for a retirement gift for the director of the Columbus Montessori Education Center. From there, my dream of becoming a stained glass artisan began.

My creative process is that I first look at everything around me. I then come up with an inspiring idea from something I have recently seen. Then, I try to work that idea into workable shapes to cut out. After that, I look at the glass I own or look online for pieces as well that may work. Then, I make a pattern to use as a guide to cut out pieces. 

Through my work, I am trying to spread the joy of light through colorful glass with artistic creations. I don’t know if I necessarily have a true message behind my work, but I do know that I have not yet heard someone dislike stained glass…it’s universal! It can effect many people for many generations to come and that puts a smile on my face.

Check out these featured vendors at the 2012 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature over 125 of the area's most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to Columbus Ohio's Local Matters, a non-profit that teaches kids and families about healthy Ohio-grown foods, provides access to wholesome foods in local area communities, and advocates for fair food policies.

2012 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, August 19, 2012, 1:30pm-6:30pm

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

555 N. High St 

Columbus, OH 43215

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator at info@avantgardeshows.com

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