Columbus Spring Handmade Market – Meet the Makers (Part 2)!

🧵 “Everyone Needs Hugs” – Handmade Blankets with Heart

One of our makers Diana Hasenbein, comes from a truly inspiring background—after a 30+ year career in the life sciences industry, she shifted her focus to what matters most: family, helping others, and creating with purpose. 

Her journey into crafting began with the birth of her grandson, when she set out to create soft, cozy blankets “filled with hugs.” That love quickly turned into a business centered around comfort, connection, and care.

Her inspiration is beautifully unique—puzzles. She describes the feeling of placing the final piece as a shared moment of accomplishment, much like gifting a handmade blanket that becomes part of someone’s memories.

Her message is simple but powerful:
“Everyone needs hugs.”

You can find her work at:
👉 www.Hemations.com

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💍 Twisted Threads Creations – Emotion Through Art

Another talented artist Danielle Heilbrunn, brings a multidisciplinary approach to creativity, working with jewelry, resin, and crochet.

With a background rooted in lifelong artistic exploration (and even formal training at CCAD), her work is inspired by the small details in life—light, emotion, and the stories people carry.

Her process is deeply intuitive:

• Observation → experimentation → creation → refinement

Her goal?
To build a sustainable creative career while making work that resonates on a deeper emotional level.

Explore her shop:
👉 https://www.etsy.com/shop/twistedthrdcreations

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🧼 Yellow Pony Soapworks – From Hobby to Local Favorite

Based in Dayton, Yellow Pony Soapworks began as a personal hobby in 2023 and quickly grew into a thriving business now featured in local markets and retail locations.

Founder Lori LaMattina handcrafts each soap herself, blending creativity with care. The business is named after her Norwegian Fjord horse, Rudi—adding a personal and meaningful touch to the brand.

Beyond soap-making, Lori is also:

• A longtime member of the Dayton Philharmonic
• A music teacher
• A homeschool mom

This is her first year with Avant-Garde, and we’re so excited to welcome her!

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✨ Bennett’s Baubles & Beads – Creativity + Connection

Lorrie Bennett creates colorful, fun, and functional beaded accessories—from wristlets to pens and charms.

What makes her business extra special is that many designs are created alongside her daughter, turning creativity into meaningful shared moments.

Her goal is simple:
To bring joy, color, and personality into everyday life.

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📸 Gifts of Nature – Capturing Beauty in the Everyday

Michelle Thomas has been capturing nature’s beauty for over 20 years, turning moments into stunning photography prints, cards, and gifts.

From sunsets to tiny details like raindrops and ladybug feet, her work reminds us to slow down and notice the world around us.

By day, she’s a nurse. By passion, she’s an artist who never goes anywhere without her camera.

Explore her work:
👉 www.giftsofnature.org

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🎨 Science Meets Art – A Creative Balance

We’re also excited to welcome a first-time Avant-Garde vendor Genevieve Trewiler to our Columbus show!

Originally from Loveland, Ohio and now based in Columbus, this talented artist works at Nationwide Children’s Hospitalin the Institute of Genomic Medicine, where she performs genetic testing. Blending science and creativity, she brings a unique perspective to her artwork—balancing logic with artistic expression.

She has explored a wide range of artistic mediums throughout her life, but about six years ago discovered a passion for gouache painting, drawn to its distinct style and versatility.

This year marks her first time participating in Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and she’ll be joining us in both Loveland and Hilliard—so be sure to keep an eye out for her work!

Her inspiration comes from the simple but powerful ability to create something meaningful. She also finds inspiration in an unexpected place—AI-generated imagery—using it as a reference point to show that artists can bring those imagined concepts to life in their own authentic way.

Her journey into landscape art developed gradually through tutorials and practice, eventually building the confidence to create her own unique style. Even now, she continues learning from other artists, proving that creativity is always evolving.

When she sits down to paint, her process is all about immersion—scrolling through saved reference images, putting on documentaries, and getting completely lost in the moment.

While she humbly says she doesn’t have a “real” business, her goal is to continue growing and participating in more art shows—and we’re so excited to have her start that journey with us 💛

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🕯️ Whatsoever Is Lovely Candle Company – Beauty in the Everyday

Jan Stock, the creator behind this Central Ohio candle company, hand-pours each candle with the goal of bringing warmth, comfort, and peace into your home.

Inspired by the idea that scent can evoke powerful memories, her candles range from sweet and cozy to floral and seasonal favorites.

The name itself reflects her mission:
To focus on what is true, beautiful, and uplifting.

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🧶 CaitMcKCreations – Handmade Joy

Cait Mckibben is a 25-year-old crochet artist creating adorable plushies that spark joy.

Inspired by the love and support from her customers, she focuses on making pieces that bring happiness and connection.

Her message:
Find joy in the little things.

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🎨 Featured Artist: Thomas of TC Acrylics

Meet Thomas Carley, the creative force behind TC Acrylics and Wick-ed Palette Studio Collective based in Toledo, Ohio. A mixed media artist specializing in acrylic pour painting, Thomas brings a bold and dynamic approach to his work—creating pieces that are both visually striking and uniquely his own.

While he’s been creative his entire life, Thomas discovered his passion for fluid art about six years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Over the past three years, he’s also begun teaching classes, sharing his knowledge and love for the craft with others in his community and beyond.

This will be his first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and he’s excited to connect with a new audience and showcase his work.

Thomas finds inspiration in the creative energy that surrounds him—especially through the community he’s built within his studio space. Being immersed in an environment where creativity is constantly flowing makes it nearly impossible notto feel inspired.

His journey into acrylic pour painting started simply—watching videos on social media and thinking, “That looks super cool and fun to do!” What began as a hobby quickly grew into a business he has now been running for four years.

Unlike traditional painters, Thomas doesn’t rely on paintbrushes. His process is anything but ordinary—using tools like hairdryers, toothpicks, strainers, and even paper towels to manipulate paint and create movement. He focuses on building cohesive pieces with recognizable themes, setting his work apart from typical fluid art styles.

Looking ahead, Thomas hopes to see his work displayed in public spaces where it can spark conversation, connection, and curiosity. He also envisions growing his studio into a thriving, sustainable creative hub for both himself and other makers.

At the heart of it all, his message is simple—he just loves creating. Whether a piece holds deeper meaning or simply brings joy, his goal is to make art that makes people feel something.

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🌼 See You at the Show!

From heartfelt handmade blankets to sustainable fashion, from candles and soaps to fine art and storytelling—this show is filled with creativity, passion, and incredible people.

✨ Join us in Columbus and experience it all in person!

🛍️ Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
📍 Makoy Event Center
⏰ 10am–4pm
🎟️ $3 admission (kids under 12 free)

Come shop small, support local, and meet the makers behind the magic 💛

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:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

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

 

Columbus Summer Show Heads to Town!

Meet Jennifer Roberts from Imperfecting Art...

Hi I'm Jennifer Roberts, a playwright and self-taught artist originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, now finding my rhythm here in Columbus, Ohio. I made the move last March and have been enjoying every bit of discovering Columbus’s vibrant art scene, and yes, even adjusting to the ever-changing Midwest weather has been its own adventure.

My journey into mixed media and clay didn’t begin until later in life, six years ago, to be exact. Art had always intrigued me, but it took me a while to give myself permission to dive in. I had been writing about art for a local gallery when I realized I didn’t just want to write about others’ work. I wanted to create something of my own. That nudge, paired with a lifelong love of storytelling (and a healthy dose of inspiration from my grandfather, who was also an artist), is what finally got me started. 

George Eliot once wrote, “You’re never too old to be what you might have been.” That quote stuck with me. So I leapt.

This spring’s Columbus Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be my first time participating as an artist, though I’ve been a fan and patron of the show for years. It feels surreal to now be on the other side of the table.

What inspires me to create? Dichotomy. Much of my work explores the tension between opposites, nature and humanity, body and mind, creation and destruction. I’ve spent much of my life experiencing the fragility of balance, so I’m drawn to those moments where opposing forces push and pull against one another. I want my art to live in that tension. I want people to see the textures of decay, the beauty in imbalance, the harmony between contradiction. Science and superstition, logic and intuition, growth and erosion; they all have something to say if we’re willing to look.

When people ask how I discovered my talent, it’s a tough question to answer. For a long time, I didn’t really consider myself “talented.” I was hesitant to even call myself an artist. Being self-taught comes with its own doubts and a constant feeling of not belonging. That changed, somewhat, when I was accepted into two online gallery shows and had my work published in their catalogs. That kind of recognition made me pause and think, Maybe I am on to something. Still, over time I’ve come to believe that being an artist isn’t about credentials or exhibitions, it’s about making the work. If you’re creating, you’re an artist. Period.

My creative process comes in waves, what I like to call “sprints.” When inspiration hits, I’m in the studio every day from morning to night. Then I crash. I embrace that ebb and flow. During the quieter periods, I’ll take an online class, work in my art journal, or soak up inspiration by exploring others’ art. It’s a cycle that keeps me balanced—ironically, amidst all the imbalance I tend to explore in my work.

Looking ahead, I’d love to grow into a professional artist in the truest sense—someone who can support themselves through their craft and regularly take on commissions. I don’t envision opening a gallery or storefront, but I do dream of expanding my studio and deepening my practice.

As for the message behind my work, I prefer to leave that open. I know what I’m exploring when I create, but once the piece is finished, it belongs to the viewer. I want people to bring their own stories, memories, and interpretations to it. Art, after all, is a conversation—and I’m just here to start it.

Meet Cinnamon McKinley from Mandala Madra, LLC...

Hi there! I’m Cinnamon McKinley, but most people know me as “Smee.” I’m originally from Trenton, New Jersey, and after relocating to the Columbus area in the fall of 2023, I’ve truly found a sense of belonging here. The city’s energy, creativity, and community spirit have captured my heart. 

By day, I’m an x-ray tech and the proud mom of two amazing neurodivergent teenage boys. Our home is lively and full of love, shared with three dogs, three cats, and even a hermit crab. We find peace in nature, taking long walks together and listening to the birdsong (yes, I’m a bit of a bird nerd… and proud of it!).

For years, I’ve been crafting essential oil rollerballs and sprays for myself and those closest to me. It started as a personal passion, a way to find natural relief for life’s aches and anxieties, but it wasn’t until about a year ago that it clicked: I should be sharing these creations with others. Since then, I’ve been pouring my heart into each blend, constantly refining recipes to make them more effective, more comforting, more “me.”

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

What inspires me most is the desire to help. Whether it's easing migraines, soothing anxiety, or offering a moment of stillness in the chaos, my products are rooted in the concept of Self Love.

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

How did I discover this talent? I just… tried. That’s really it. I truly believe you can uncover something magical when you give yourself permission to explore. My creative process is both magical and meditative, a little intuition, a lot of intention, and a whole lot of love.

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

Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: Love. Whether it’s loving yourself a little more, showing up for others, or building community through shared care and connection, my hope is that every bottle I make brings someone a bit of relief, and a lot of love!

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

Hi! My name is Zoey Sheese (Zoella), and I’m a local artist based in Newark, Ohio. I officially launched my own LLC last year to start selling my art, and it's been such a rewarding (and sometimes chaotic!) adventure. When I’m not making art, you’ll find me managing a salon in Grandview, Columbus, or hanging out with my pets and my chosen family. I love staying active and grounded through hobbies like yoga, hiking, reading, and board games. Life is too short not to explore everything that brings you joy!

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

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

If I’m being honest, I probably wouldn’t have been considered “naturally talented” in art when I was younger. But I never let that stop me. I’ve learned everything I know through self-teaching, trial and error, and just sticking with it because I love it. That’s a huge part of my message: art doesn’t have to be perfect or even “good,” it just has to be you. It’s about the joy in creating, not the pressure to impress.

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

In five years, I hope to have a fully functioning website, a thriving Etsy shop, and a regular lineup of craft shows. I want to keep growing, learning, and sharing this journey with others who believe in the power of creativity.

You can follow along with me on Instagram at @zoellas.artsy.zoo, and check out my Etsy shop https://zoellasartsyzoo.etsy.com. Thanks for supporting small artists and helping us make big dreams come true.

Meet Gabrielle Alonzo from Gia Arts...

Hi there! My name is Gabrielle Alonzo, and I’m an Afro-Latina digital artist living in central Ohio. If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m obsessed with mermaids… of every shape, size, color, and style. They’ve become my favorite subject to draw because they’re the perfect blend of fantasy, freedom, and fun. While I love experimenting with traditional media and sketching with pencils or markers, most of my finished work happens on my trusty iPad, where I bring my dreamy oceanic characters to life.

Art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time creating things on my own, drawing, crafting, and getting lost in my imagination. But it wasn’t until about five years ago that I really dove into digital art. What started as a curiosity turned into a true passion, and it’s been a wild, wonderful ride ever since.

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

My biggest inspiration? Color and joy. I’m drawn to bold, vibrant hues and characters who radiate happiness and personality. Hairstyles are one of my favorite details to play with, whether it’s bouncy curls, locs, or mermaid waves. I love using hair as a form of expression in my characters.

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

As for the future, I hope to illustrate more children’s books. There’s something magical about helping to shape a child’s world through art and story. If my work can inspire even one young artist to pick up a pencil (or an iPad) and create, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something right.

At the heart of everything I make is a message of positivity and joy. I want my art to feel like a warm, colorful escape, a reminder that there’s still magic in the world if you know where to look.

Meet Carolyn Kendell from Art by Carolyn...

Hi! My name is Carolyn Kendell, and I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve explored many different mediums, but for the last several years, my heart has been fully devoted to watercolors. There’s something magical about how the colors blend and flow—it's the perfect way to express both the beauty I see and the emotions I feel. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in several Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed connecting with fellow creatives and art lovers alike.

I never head out on an outdoor adventure without my camera in hand. Whether it's the delicate curve of a flower petal, the shifting colors of a sunset, or the quiet stillness of a forest path, the natural world constantly inspires me. Sometimes I paint exactly what I see, other times what I feel—and often, it’s a bit of both. My goal is to bring small, meaningful pieces of nature into your home through my art.

When I’m not at a show, you can explore my work online at https://carolynkendell.etsy.com. You can also find me on Instagram @carolyn.m.k and now on Facebook at Carolyn M Kendell Artist.

2025 Columbus Summer Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, June 22, 2025

10:00am-4:00pm

Makoy Event Center

5462 Center St.

Hilliard, OH 43026

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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN