The Big Day Is Getting Near!

Meet Cathy & Kayleigh Hanlin from Empowered Minds...
We are a mother and daughter team who created Empowered Minds with the mission to assist kids from around the world in creating a foundation of self-acceptance, self-love and confidence.  We have a passion for assisting others in becoming the best version of themselves so they can to live in a beautiful state and inspire others to do the same. J.O.Y. (Just Own You) Journal is designed for girls to discover your unique self through engaging and guided activities. This creative journal, through kid-friendly illustrations and innovative activities, allows kids to discover self-acceptance and self-love at your own pace. We have been supporting others for 2 years now. Our J.O.Y. Journal was just published in September 2018. 

Through her own personal development journey, Cathy discovered the Joy in her life and immediately thought, “What if I had known this stuff when I was younger?  How different would my life have been?”  She made it a mission to share her discoveries with children (of all ages).   Kayleigh and Cathy have always had a special bond built from the challenges of Kayleigh being born with multiple heart defects and defying the odds in every way to create a life of strength and appreciating the gift of life daily. We love not only being together and learning but also being able to bring the creative side of us out in our work.  We created the J.O.Y. Journal to bring more positivity into the world and to provide young girls an outlet to begin developing self-love and confidence.  We love providing the opportunities for parents or guardians to spend time with their children building the foundation of confidence and self-love.

Meet Heather Cervantes from Arrowhead Bowtique...

My name is Heather Cervantes. I have been married for 10 years, and we have 3 children. I currently have a separate full-time job, but craft every night and weekend that I can. My goal is to have my crafting become my full-time job. I not only do hair bows and accessories, but have a variety of creative skills including silk-screening, light woodworking, ceramics, glassblowing, drawing, painting, weaving, sewing…the list goes on!

I’ve been a creator my entire life. It’s what makes my soul happy. As far as bows, though, after graduating college, I really began trying to make creating be my career. I’ve always had the desire to create. I feel like if I don’t have a physical something made that you can hold in your hand, that I haven’t been productive that day. I’ve always had an affinity for color. Making bows gives me an outlet to be bright and colorful; I’ve never thrived with white walls. I do a lot of searching for DIY on Pinterest. I also find myself scrolling through pages and pages of different ribbons and materials on Etsy, and other materials websites. I would much rather support a small business than big box store/mass producer on my materials.

My 5 year plan is to be successful enough in growing the business that I am able to leave the corporate world and make this my full-time job. It’s very important for me to show my kids that they can make their passions their full-time career-be happy working, doing what they love. I want to bring that little splash of color and individuality into the every day. I love seeing girls walk past my booth and their eyes light up with all the bright colors and sparkly gems. Beyond just bows, too, I’ve never felt that art should be only hung on gallery walls in a museum. Crafts bring art into your daily life and accessible to everyone, while supporting artists who are living out their dreams.

Meet Suzie Miller from Nature's Splendor...

My name is Suzi Miller and I live in Newark Ohio. I can't believe I waited so long to start this wonderful hobby - I love it! My husband Alan and I have partnered in this journey. He cuts, tumbles, and polishes the stones and I make the jewelry. We have 3 small dogs (Lola, Lucky and Benny) and 2 cats (Wrigley and Callie). I started this particular type of jewelry making in July, 2018 and have been hooked ever since. 

It just comes naturally. I see the beauty in just about everything. I don't see just a rock, I see a piece of jewelry. If I am looking at a photgraph, I don't see just a picture, I see life and memories. I love the feeling of completion when I start something. It is an outlet for me that has always been. I work in "Corporate America" and that to me, it is just a means. I thrive when I am using my hands and being creative. For jewelry making, my talent it just happened. My daughter asked me to wire wrap a pience of flint that was given to her so she could wear it as a necklace. We went to the store, bought wire and tools and I went to work. It came naturally and from there, I was hooked. 

I don't really have a creative process. I have no idea what I am going to create until the stone/medium is in my hand and I begin to work on it. My goal is to have my own "formal" jewelry line in stores and boutiques. God created us in His image but a lot of the time,we see ourselves as just an unfinished, misshaped, dirty rock with deep crevasses. He sees us as the beautifully polished and finished person He created. This is more than just making jewelry. It is taking something in the rough form that people do not take notice of and turning it into something of beauty.

Meet Christine from Cake Master...

I live in Grove City, Ohio with my husband, 2 sons, and 3 cats.  By day I am a pastry chef.

I have been crafting for about 4 years.  It started out as Christmas gifts and turned into a hobby!

The Columbus show will be my first Avant-Garde show but I have done a couple other local shows for a few years. I get a lot of my inspiration online, but sometimes it comes from a particular button or other element.

I got started with my hobby after using some buttons I had collected to make Christmas gifts.  It was fun so I kept doing it! Over the next 5 years,I'd like to do more shows and work on keeping up my Etsy shop. There's not really a message behind my work, but I do use a lot of upcycled materials.  I'm always scouring thrift stores and antique stores for old buttons, frames, and interesting jewelry to use in my crafts.

2017 Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday December 16, 2018 - 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

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Artists with Imagination!

Meet Bianca Gery from B. Sage Studios...

I distinctly remember the moment I decided I was going to own an art and design business. I was 12 years old and no stranger to creating art. I've been making art since I was able to hold a crayon in my hand. It's natural for me. I've never imagined doing anything else but creating and designing. It's pure passion. I don't know if there was ever a "discovery" moment. It's always been a way of life for me. I began mood boarding and designing clothes that very day. Since then, every project, piece of art, and design has been made with the intention to learn and build towards my dream. Shortly after graduating from art school, I knew it was time to dive fully into that idea and make it happen. B. Sage Studios is something I look forward to everyday. 

B. Sage Studios has become known for the Painting Pendants which are designed from my abstract paintings. Creating artistic jewelry is just one of the first ways I plan to develop B. Sage Studios into a company for the individual who wants a creative and inspirational lifestyle that is as unique as they are.

My first experience making jewelry began on the playground when I was in elementary school. In 2012, the first trials of starting a business based around jewelry and design began. B. Sage Studios finally launched in the summer of 2015.

My inspirations are always in flux. I've had creative inspirations come out of anything from dreams and memories to conversations to nature. My artwork reflects the things that constantly surround me: colors, textures, sounds, people, and even feelings. From the artwork that is made, products are then designed around that idea. 

My creative process not a definitive list of steps. It's a combination between pure creation, lots of research on seasonal trends, and figuring out how those two things can integrate together to create the final product. I always want to be relevant, but more importantly I want to be true to myself and my brand. 

Within 5 years I hope to open a physical B. Sage Studios store as well as continuing the online store. My goal is to gradually incorporate different areas of life into the development of product lines such as clothing and accessories to home goods. I want to be a brand that becomes a lifestyle. 

The message behind my work is to be yourself, and be confident doing so. It's cliche, but it's so important. Trends come and go, but it's the uniqueness of each individual's style and personality that keeps life interesting and inspirational. I use artwork as the vehicle to spread this message. View more of my work at: www.bsagestudios.com

Meet John Kosinski...

I reside in Elyria, Ohio. I have been doing photography for more than Twenty Five Years and I have worked in a studio and have my own Studio in Elyria. I have been doing Wildlife Nature Photography for 14 years. I have traveled to the Florida Everglades, the Amazon Jungle in South America, and Mexico City. I do some Photography for the Audubon and Bird and Bloom Magazine.  View my work at: http://picasaweb.google.com/koscinski

I also can be found on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/john.koscinski.3

https://www.facebook.com/JK-Photography-743320199012009/

Meet Erica Dodge from Simply Couture Closet...

I'm a wife and a loan manager who loves to cook, but when I am not working my 9-5 or cooking something special for my hubby... i'm crafting!

What started out as a church fundraiser two years ago, turned into something I love! The moment I see an adorable fabric or the lasted color trends, I immediately begin designing things in my head.

I love creating pieces with a vintage flair and I also work with creative color palettes, so I tend to design things using several colors. I research color trends as well as prints and designs that pair well together to come up with something unique. 

Although I have been doing this for a couple years it has primarily been custom orders. This is my first Avant-Garde Craft Show and I have decided to make 2016 my year to expand! I currently have an Etsy shop, a Facebook page and an Instagram shop which I hope will expand my customer base. My plan is to have my items sold at local boutiques and would love to eventually open my own to showcase all of my designs.

Meet Wolfgang Parker from Crime Cats...

I'm a Columbus native who has been making art for 20 years. I have been writing and publishing Crime Cats books for a year and a half. 

I began writing Crime Cats as a gift for my nineteen nieces and nephews as a way to stay into their lives without geographically being there. I have written ever book as if I were telling them the story face-to-face.  I have been writing for ten years. I just never had any ambition to write for kids, so this was a surprise. 

I have been a songwriter and recording artist for 20 years and telling stories was something I enjoyed doing through music. Writing books has only freed me to do it more directly.  Each book takes me between six and eight months to finish. I write, illustrate, and layout the books, personally. 

My five year goal..  I hope to be working on the ninth volume for a very eager fans. 

The message behind my work is that I try to show children (and adults) the value of empathy and the importance of recognizing your self-worth while exploring forgotten chapters of Columbus history.

To learn more, here is a segment from WOSU-PBS's Broad & High TV show that profiled Crime Cats books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2in2QL1Z5tQ

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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2 Weeks Away and We're Getting Excited! More Cbus Vendors!

Meet Kelly Zalenski from Klzart...

I'm a mom of twins, a boy and girl who will turn 4 this summer. They have really changed my artistic focus,they inspired most of my etsy shop in fact! and they have inspired me to switch my focus to art for kids (that parents love too!)

I've been showing in festivals for 10 years now, and I have had my Etsy shop for 3 years. This year is my 1st Avant-Garde show!

Most of my creativity comes from my love of all things visual, and my inspiration comes from my busy life with twins! My twins actually got me into my hobby. I'm able to sit and sew while they play, and it's very relaxing for me.

I started my business when I had my twins, I was like, "Where is all the cool twin stuff?" I got the same card a dozen times and only got one set of outfits that were actually made for twins. I feel twins are so special and should be celebrated, so I cut up some of my husband's old t-shirts and made my first set 'milk & cookies". I then followed with 'bacon & eggs" and "mac & cheese," now I have 50 different pairs that celebrate twins or siblings.

My creative process... when I get an idea for a "pair," I sketch them onto cardboard to create a pattern and then I trace the design onto different colored t-shirts, cut them out, and then hand-sewn them all while staying home with my twins.

My favorite thing about creating these items is people's reaction to them. I really enjoy the way they smile and react to the items I love to make.

The message behind my work is reuse, and celebrate siblings!

Meet Heather Hoover from Entwined...

I work from home as a Domestic Specialist with my husband of 14 years and I am a mom of four very wonderful children.  Besides my crafting hobby, I enjoy time with family and friends, going to the gym a few days a week, training my dog (she’s a Frenchton), nature walks, gardening, playing my guitar, reading, board games, and movies. I’ve been crocheting and sewing for four years and just started selling my items on Etsy at the end of December, 2011.

My creativity comes from my desire to bring an original idea to life and bring joy to those around me through it. It could be decorations for the home or a birthday party, a gift I know will be meaningful to a person, or something that makes a game or activity extra special.

How I got into my craft... My daughter received a mouse knitting kit as a gift.  One weekend I thought it would be fun to work on together, but I couldn’t figure it out AT ALL! By this time the urge to create had really begun to bubble up within me.  I turned to my mom for help.  She had taught me how to crochet when I was young. I ended up making lots of scarves at first and even a blanket for my husband. I soon stumbled upon an Amigurumi (Japanese for “knitted toy”) pattern book.  I then made a whole bunch of crocheted animals for my kids. They loved them all so much and presented me with request after request for more!

I enjoyed making Amigurumi for my kids so much and after sharing pictures of them with friends and family, many suggested selling some at a craft show. I created an inventory of items over the period of a year and participated in a show at a local high school. It was a great success, and I had a wonderful time talking to customers and other vendors.

When it comes to Amigurumi, I look for patterns that are cute and lovable. I like realistic designs that reflect the natural animal, but I also enjoy some unique, out-of-the-ordinary creations.  I’m just beginning to consider my own personal designs. My inspiration tends to come from the world of my children; whether it be books, movies, cute characters on their clothing or school supplies and party ware.  For sewn items, I lean toward the practical side. I like creating things that are useful. My shop is kind of a Hodge Podge of whatever I feel in the mood to make. Sometimes I want cute, other times practical, and then the occasional oddity. I have fun trying new patterns and rarely repeat the same thing more than once, although a simple change in yarn color or texture can really change the look, and I like to play around with that! Same thing goes with colors and fabric styles for sewing patterns.

I must mention a word of thanks to June Gilbank, of PlanetJune.com, for her outstanding crochet patterns and for her great inspiration. I would not be where I am today without her incredible talent and generosity. June is my favorite crochet artist. Many of the items I sell are created from her patterns.  Check them out!

I have a number of things I hope to achieve as an artist and as a businessperson. I want to develop some of my own patterns. I would like to make more connections within the artists’ community in order to grow, learn, and share. I hope to reach more people through my blog, which would certainly aid in that goal. I want to find an organization where I can donate items to go along with sales, such as hats for infants. 

My message is that the art of sewing and crochet is not “dead.” It’s quite the opposite. The world of handmade is an ever growing and thriving community. My hope is that the word continues to grow and many more people will come to appreciate the quality of care and workmanship that goes into each handcrafted item out there! 

Meet Whitney Reiter from Sabores A La Moda...

My name is Whitney Reiter. I'm 23 years old, born and raised in Ohio. This September 2012, my husband and I will be packing our bags and moving to Monterrey, Mexico to work with orphans and impoverished communities in the area. We will be working to help these people become self-sustaining through education.

We're a shop that's dedicated to spreading love and pursuing hope. Soon we'll be packing our bags and moving to Mexico. Proceeds from items within the shop will be used to help orphans of all ages. I have been doing my craft for about 6 months now.

My creativity... I love individuality. If I see something I really like, I try to create it in a way that is specific to my taste and personality!

 

When I got married and started decorating our place, I realized how expensive it could be to dress up an apartment just the way you want it. So i decided to start making pillows and decorations to display, and from there I caught the crafting disease and I just couldn't stop!

 

My ambitions with headband making started pretty small. I just wanted to make cute accessories that were different, versatile, and could be worn by women of all ages! Since then, it has grown to what I hope to someday be a great business!

I started making headbands to make money for my husband and I's move to Mexico to work with orphan children. It's a fundraising effort that makes you look and feel good! 

I have many different styles and types of product. I usually just "wing it." I'll start with one part of section, and keep working on the piece and adding and texturizing until I think it's complete!

The message behind my work is that 

I want everyone to see that we are each gifted and talented in different areas, and that when we let those gifts flourish and shine, it can really turn into something amazing!

Meet Kayla Shaw from pangea by K...

My name is Kayla Shaw, I am the designer & creator of p a n g e a  by K, which is my handmade jewelry Etsy shop made from raw materials or sometimes re-purposed items. I was born & raised in Coshocton, Ohio. Im 25, and have lived in Columbus for almost three years. I've been making actual jewelry for almost a year now. But I've been collecting things here & there for the purpose of making jewelry for about 4 years. I went to Kent State University for Fashion Design from 2005-2009, studied & interned in NYC for about a year. 

Upon graduation, I obtained a job with Abercrombie & Fitch, designing skirts. For a short while, I moved back into my parents house before moving to Columbus to start my job. I started creating jewelry from random things I had been collecting over the years, and old jewelry that I didnt like anymore. I had so much fun creating those 1st few pieces.

After starting my job & moving to an exciting new city I never found time to continue my jewelry making, then about a year ago I spent an entire night researching & watching videos to learn more. My goal was always to make jewelry with the intentions of having an Etsy shop. So that weekend lead into me starting to dive head first into this jewelry making & loving every minute of it! I've been taking jewelry making classes at the Cultural Arts Center & have learned so many advanced techniques to create the pieces I do today! 

Apart from my full time job, I love exploring Columbus & all it has to offer. I love music, so Im always going to concerts & shows. Also one of my biggest summer pastimes is tubbing on the river! My parents have a campsite along the Walhounding River that is the perfect summer spot for family & friend hangouts & floats. 

I've always had a creativity running through my veins! I think it came from a genuine interest in creating things just for the satisfaction of knowing I made it! I would always make gifts for people rather than buying them. I get inspiration from everywhere whether its directly or indirectly. I always look at already made clothing & jewelry & think, how can I change this to make it better?

I've always loved jewelry & recently my love for it lead to a curiosity in learning how to create it. I had been collecting random things for a few years with the intentions of someday making it into jewelry. I started watching tons of YouTube videos one weekend, ordered some random supplies & got started! However, a few month ago I started taking a jewelry making class at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center to learn some more intricate techniques.

My creative process starts with alot of research! I tend to perge the Internet & flood my brain with alot of jewelry that's out in the market. Then from all the things I see, I take small elements & techniques from everything to create my own style. I also like to pick one main element of the piece & let that be what shines & not clutter it with alot of other details.

My favorite piece I've made so far is actually one that I dont think I'll ever intened to sell. It is a draped chain necklace with bullet shell tassels. The shape was inspired by a Free People necklace I saw a while ago that stuck in my head, but hadn't made anything like it yet. Then one day I was at Easton & I saw a lady walk by me & her necklace caught my eye, right then & there this necklace popped in my head. I immediately got out a pencil & paper & sketched it out so that I wouldn't forget it. When I got home that night, I immediately made it & wear it everytime I have the chance!

Right now there is no big official goal for me doing this! Honestly, opening my Etsy shop was the ultimate goal when I got into it, and that's already happened! I would love to sell at more art festivals - I just love the people shopping there. They're so appreciative & supporting of local arts. But I would love to see if my talents could take me to creating jewelry professionally someday! You can view my Esty shop at www.etsy.com/shop/pangeabyK

The message behind my jewelry is that it doesn't have to be gold, platinum or diamonds to be beautiful! You can create beautiful pieces from things that may never have been intended to be used in a piece of jewelry. I'm trying to bridge the gap between industrial & feminine to create unique jewelry that can be worn in a casual sense, but in a dressy situation as well!

Meet Barb Stein from Hangers Originals...

My Name is Barb Stein and I have always been involved in making something.  I have been a rock collector since I was very young. I love nature and for some reason, I am drawn to rocks. I ventured into jewelry making from the lack of bracelets that would fit my wrist. I had so many compliments and folks that wanted one of the bracelets, I started giving them to family and friends. As my interest grew in developing my skills as a true designer and maker of jewelry, I began to do a few small shows featuring my jewelry and wreaths.  This is how I came to name my business Hangers, to incorporate the idea of things that hang. Overtime, I became more interested in the process of jewelry making and creating beautiful custom made pieces for customers including brides and bridal parties. 

I find the creative process that goes into my work very peaceful and gratifying. I gravitate to designing my jewelry as a relaxation and meditative process. My mind is calm and happy when I am making a piece. The satisfaction is the joy I see when someone purchases one of my pieces and enjoys wearing it. I have had many wonderful customers over the years that have enriched my life.  

Doing a show is physically very difficult for me being physically challenged. However, I love doing shows when I can because I get to meet so many fascinating people from all over the world. I love to be in the community of other artists/crafters, this is where I have learned so many skills that go beyond designing and making a project. I find the community very uplifting and helpful with wonderful ideas to share.

I have so many things yet to learn and look forward to adding new materials and skills to my work. Life is a journey we do not always plan, and adapting to the changes that come our way is a difficult process. Having something to do creatively is an outlet that I can enjoy and bring that joy to someone else. You can view my work at www.hangersoriginals.etsy.com.

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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