Friday, November 10, 2017

It's Show Time!

Meet Pamela Steinman from Fine & Wearable Art...
I’m Pamela Steinman and I have had a passion for creating since I was old enough to communicate. I studied painting, drawing & sculpture at The Cleveland Institute of Art and later was introduced to a variety of crafts while pursuing a degree in art education at Kent State University. A keen interest in writing and music (I play the organ as well) sometimes sidetrack my visual art & craft endeavors. There are never enough hours in the day!
I have been making jewelry since 1989, sewing since the 1960’s and making “art” since I was 18 months old. So far, I have done three Avant-Garde shows.
Everything and anything is an inspiration. I challenge myself to see mundane things in a new light: elements of nature in my own backyard, wildlife, flowers, ( I have been a professional floral designer for over 30 years.) Photography. The history of fashion and art historical references. New materials are exciting as is discovering new ways of using old materials, alone, or in combination (as in my plectrum jewelry where I combine PVC and celluloid with traditional metals, gemstones & glass.) Technology has added a plethora of creative possibilities in terms of design & technique.
The drive to create and the desire to explore a variety of media make me do this and the recognition by teachers, friends and relatives  have encouraged me.
My creative process is intuitive and organic. I start with a general idea of what I want to make and let the materials lead me. For example: My Plectrum Pins were inspired by Victorian sash pins and my Plectrum Flapper Bags by the metal mesh flapper bags of the 1920’s, updated vintage styles crafted from modern materials.
I will be happy to be here just doing what I’m doing five years from now.
There really is no message behind my work. I’m just aiming for excellence in craftsmanship, decent design, and originality. I’m striving to create collections of interrelated objects. (i.e. “Lilies” watercolor/“Lilies” notecard/ “Lilies” fabric design on infinity scarf, tote, & purse lining, etc.) I want to offer people something well-made and different. 

Meet Jeri Kuzma from Poppycock Chalk...

My name is Jeri Kuzma - I am a "emtpy nester" who wanted more in my life than my day job.  Poppycockchalk is my way to get those creative juices flowing!  I started this new venture in July of 2017.
Strongsville will be my first show with Avant-Garde, and I'm really excited!

I create Chalk Art that can be loved by all ages!  From my 7yr old granddaughter to grown-ups who enjoy rustic chalk art. I was inspired by a friend who is an attorney in Long Island - she shared her work, so I thought...why not?
I was in fine art classes in school & have always considered myself creative - but between jobs, children and husbands (I'm on number 2 - he's a keeper), life got in the way.

My chalking is the best "de-stressor".  I love being able to create something special for others.  
In 5 years from now, I hope to continue to  inspire others to Chalk!  I love teaching Chalk Art in Workshops.

The message behind my work would be to enjoy the little things!

You can find me on Facebook:  Chalk Courture by Jeri Kuzma, Designer

Meet Linda Lucas from Creative Originals...

My name is Linda Lucas.  I live in the Willoughby, Ohio area.  I was born, raised and went to college in Michigan.  After graduation I started my managerial career with JoAnn Fabrics in southern Ohio.  Eight years later, I took a position with Lane Bryant and moved to the Greater Cleveland area.  Several long, burnt out years in retail later, I starting working in office/secretarial positions, then making my way into the legal field.  I just started my 14th year for the third law firm I’ve worked at in the last 24 years.  I also spend approximately 16 hours a week for my son who is a real estate appraiser.
My “creative” path began when I learned to sew in the first grade.  By the time I reached high school, sewing didn’t hold much of a challenge for me any longer.  During my teen years I had also worked for my father, who was a residential building contractor and learned about construction and blueprints.  I went to Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan for a Fashion Merchandising degree to widen my horizons, possibly into interior design or buying.  After my junior year, I was given an opportunity to take a one-semester internship at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.  Having grown up in a small, rural community, life in the big city, even for a few months, was an eye-opener.  
I actually begin bead crafting just after my younger sister passed away.  She’d had a few beads that I brought home with me and I was determined to make something with them.  The more I got into the “process” and trying to visualize a final product, the more my training in fabrics, classroom studies, experience in building and the adventure in New York came together.    

“Linda’s Originals” is definitely what I am.  I’m not much of a sketcher, but I certainly “see things” in my head.  I can walk through every aisle of a hardware store and see things that might become part of something else.  Into my cart it goes.  (Needless to say, I have a large stash of odds and ends and know they’ll become part of something someday.)  
Each project is also a learning experience for me – whether good or bad.   I recycle/repurpose/re-invent most of the things I make.  I just see things differently and outside the box.  I rarely make two of the same thing.  I may make something with a similar concept, but I’ll use different supplies or colors so it looks different and is truly one of a kind.  After all, once I’ve made something one way, I’ve done it.  There is so much more out there to try.

The last several years I have developed an “eye” for unusual photography.  A lot of people at work can’t wait for me to come back from a vacation to see my “take” on normal sights.
I needed a creative “outlet” from all the cut and dried routine of my day jobs.  But most days I was so stressed, I have to leave the creative endeavors for the weekends.  I don’t have a website or Etsy page.  I barely have time to do all the creative projects I want to do, and would prefer to spend my time creating than uploading.  Perhaps, if I decide to go part-time on my daytime job or retire fully, I may open a small shop.

Meet Wendy Frick from Wendy Frick Creations...

My name is Wendy and I am a lifelong resident of NE Ohio.  I have been happily married for 17 years and am the mom to two wonderful boys. I have been working with alcohol inks and acrylics for about a year. 
My friends and I started going to paint and sip nights at various places around town, which in turn led to finding out that we could look up tutorials on YouTube and create paintings at home.  Tutorials on YouTube led me to alcohol inks and I was hooked as soon as I tried them! 

My experimentation with alcohol inks also led me to acrylic pour flow painting, and again, I was hooked!  What I love about both is the unpredictability and the ebb and flow of the inks and paints. 
Even if I have a vision of what I want to create in my mind, the finished pieces rarely come out as I envisioned. Most of the time they are better than I could have imagined.  I think I am most inspired by nature and just by different color combinations that pop into my head. I would describe my creative process as spontaneous.  Most of the time random ideas just appear to me that I immediately have to try, which usually fuels more and more ideas. 

I have found that I am drawn most to creating abstract works because my day to day work involves being precise and accurate with dates and costs.  I like not being able to have complete control over the outcome of a piece. 
The thing that I would like most for people to see in my work is that there is beauty in chaos.  Most of us have hectic, crazy day to day lives but if we can stop just for a moment and look around we will always be able to see something beautiful. 


2017 Strongsville Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
18100 Royalton Rd.
Strongsville, OH 44136
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
LINKEDIN

Monday, November 6, 2017

Guess Who's Coming to Town!?

Meet Lourdes from Maia's Handbags...
I am a wife, mother and grandmother! I’ve worked in Marketing Communications my entire career, but I am a crafter and have always loved design and making things. 

I started making handbags in early 2016 when I made some spring bags for my little nieces and a wedding clutch for my daughter-in-law. I am inspired by unique designs and almost everything around me.
I learned to sew from my mother and soon realized I loved it and had the patience to do it. My creative process begins when I have an idea for a design from seeing  a textile or a bag someone may be carrying. I have a sketch book where I draw all my ideas and designs, and from there I begin to lay out my fabric, cut it, and make my idea come to life.
I plan on continuing to do this for the next 5 years and beyond. I want my bags to be casual, unique and functional.I want the women who purchase them to LOVE their bags and know that no one else will have one just like it!
You can visit my website at www.maiashandbags.com to see what I’ve been working on!

Meet Kristi Ansley from Art Flow...
Hi! My name is Kristi Ansley. I am an office manager for a plumbing company, a mother to a 5 year old & the owner of Art flow.
I have been crafting & painting for many many years but just recently discovered this form of art from a good friend. I've been to other painting instructional places & yes they are super fun but I found most people I was with felt unhappy with their skills. When I was introduced to this form of art, I fell in love immediately! I knew it would be easy & fun for everyone! One pour & you'll be hooked too! 
This will be my first time doing the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show & I’m very excited to see what it’s all about!

What inspires me? The freeing feeling & stress relief associated with art, especially this form of art. I’m looking forward to bringing a unique form of art that anyone can do to people that may have felt frustrated in the past by their own skills.

I enjoy seeing what color combinations work well together & trying all the different techniques that go along with acrylic pour painting.
My hopes for the future is to have my own store front for pour painting parties and galleries. For now I’m enjoying creating & hosting events at local places to share my love of Art Flow!

The message behind my work is ~ To spread peace, love, light & hope. Let Go & Lose Control with Art Flow!

Check out our facebook page (www.facebook.com/artflowexperience) for all upcoming events & give it a try! Come get messy, let go & lose control with us! It's very freeing & you will create one of a kind uniquely amazing artwork too!

Meet Connie Morilak from The Singing Beader...
My name is Connie and I'm a self-represented handmade jewelry artisan who sells on ArtFire.com and Etsy.com. I also sell my handmade earrings at Joseph's Hair Salon in Strongsville.
I was inspired by my husband's cousin who taught me the basics of making a beaded necklace. I loved the craft immediately and started making a lot of jewelry for myself. It was great to make bracelets that fit my small wrist. Store bought are always too big for me.

I named my business The Singing Beader and started selling online in 2009. The Singing Beader name represents both my love for making jewelry and singing. I love to sing, especially karaoke. I'm often asked if I sing and make jewelry at the same time. I usually don't because I like to put my heart into each one separately to give it my all.
After making hundreds of jewelry pieces for myself, I was encouraged by friends to sell my beautiful work online. I don't use patterns or online tutorials for my work, I come up with my own designs and ideas. 
In 2009 I started making one of a kind gemstone, crystal, and pearl jewelry and then expanded to music-themed jewelry around 2012. Many of the music pieces are also one of a kind, and some have hard to find musical instrument charms, like oboes, xylophones, triangles, tambourines, and bagpipes. I also sell microphone jewelry for the singer. My music jewelry is my best seller.
In five years, I hope to get my husband involved in my business since he will be retired. For now, he's my roadie for hauling my goods to craft shows. This will only be the 2nd Avant-Guard Art & Craft show I've participated in but I've been a shopper for several years.


2017 Strongsville Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
18100 Royalton Rd.
Strongsville, OH 44136
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
LINKEDIN