Tis' the Season to Shop Local!

Meet Gary Board from A Board and a Dream... 

I have been interested in woodworking for most of my life, but I got away from it for a long time when I was working a corporate job. After almost 30 years in that world I finally had enough, and A Board and a Dream was born. I have only been doing this as a business since the beginning of 2025. This will be my first show, so I am excited but also nervous about it.                                                                                                

The inspiration to my one off pieces is to find the beauty in things that would normally be discarded, like recycling pallet wood or using off cuts from the lumber yard that some might consider scrap.  When making pieces for specific clients I want to help them bring their vision to life and give them the best piece possible.  I also make epoxy resin crafts, and even that started out as a way to use resin that was left over from my charcuterie boards.

I got into woodworking doing projects with my dad as a kid.  The interest was fed through the years watching Norm Abram on “The New Yankee Workshop” until I finally started making pieces for family and friends.

I discovered my talent just by trying it.  My first project was a toy box for my nephew, and when people liked it I realized I might be able to be good at it. My creative process is to look at a specific material and see what it lends itself to, and then I follow that vision until it comes to life.

In five years I hope to be doing more custom work for clients, but still making one-of-a-kind pieces that I ship all around the world. The message behind my work is that it is never too late to follow a dream.  I feel lucky to be able to do this full time, so I put everything into my work so I can continue to do so.

Meet Greg Burgoyne from GB Food and Craft...

My name is Greg Burgoyne, I have been cooking and baking professionally for 20 years. I have a passion for baking and crafting in multiple mediums. I enjoy making and selling flavorful food items that can be used to spice up others home baked goods and drinks. 

I have been professionally cooking and baking for 20 years and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts. This will be my first Avant-Grade show, I am also signed up for the Solon Avant-Grade show in December 2025!

What Inspires me are the items that I find around me. I enjoy repurposing items into something that is useful and adds whimsy to the everyday. My Grandmother was crafty when I was growing up and I always enjoyed art and the creative building process. I have always enjoyed being creative and in high school I discovered cooking and baking which lead to creating with food. On the side I always did small art projects for personal enjoyment and as gifts for others.

My creative process is mostly about the materials, and what I can make the materials into. In five years, hopefully I am still creating and maybe on a larger scale. I hope people see the usefulness of repurposing items even if they are a little damaged and inspired to create both crafts and food with wonderful ingredients available around us.

Meet Katie Mandovi from Cakes by KT...

I am the owner/operator of Cakes by KT and officially began my cake and dessert business in January of this year. I am professionally French-trained in pastry and have worked in the pastry and wedding industry for over 12 years. I studied and worked in Chicago for about 8 years before returning home to Cleveland to start my business. I have been running my business for only 10 months with Cakes by KT, but I have been in the Food & Beverage industry my whole career.

What inspires me are My friends and the natural world. I am always looking for inspiration in nature's colors and in the joy of my friendships! I have baked with my dad for as long as I can remember. We would always bake chocolate chip cookies, and then in college I would always bake for my friends!

I discovered my talent when I took on my first job as an overnight baker in Chicago at my favorite bakery, Floriole. I ended up moving into the management position and found a true passion in pastry. I also enjoyed leveling up my skills and knowledge every chance I got!

I really would love to have my very own studio space, where I can have tastings with wedding couples, and host events and classes! I love love and all love is important and deserves to be celebrated! I just love being a small but sweet part of someone's day and brightening up moods.

Meet Jacie from Humbled Hooks...

Humbled Hooks was created just a year ago when I attended my first craft show with Avant-Garde in November. It started off as a shy homeschooled teen (me) looking for a hobby. I stumbled across a kit in a craft store, and well, long story short, I never finished it… but, a few months later, I followed a tutorial and made my first crochet plush, a turtle! I absolutely LOVED making him and wanted to share all of my creations with the world. So, after practice and a lot of trial and error, it was time to start my own business!

Meet Lori Zrimsek from the Willow Tree Studio... 

Hi! My name is Lori Zrimsek and I am pretty new to the craft show business. This will be my 5th craft show and my 2nd Avant-Garde art & craft show. I began creating home decor items after a serious injury that landed me in a wheelchair for the month of December last year followed by months of physical therapy.  I needed something to keep myself from going crazy. My husband and I recently completed a home renovation and I have a beautiful craft room that I finally decided to put to some good use. I have always tinkered with making arrangements and little projects when I would get an idea and need to scratch that creative itch but this really turned into something on a whole other level.  I would wake up in the morning excited about getting in my craft room and getting to work on whatever I had dreamed up the day before.  

This resulted in me creating rustic home décor pieces including Christmas centerpieces, wreaths, garland, ornaments and tabletop trees.  Each piece begins with an organic foundation such as grapevine or straw wreaths or repurposed wine corks. I often incorporate natural twine in varied shades, finished with simple or intricate star toppers and wood bead details when making the trees. Some embrace a more whimsical spirit and are decorated with bright pom-poms in traditional Christmas colors or unexpected combinations like gold, pink, and blue. Others are wrapped in tinsel ribbon and embellished with candy-like beads, faceted gems, and starburst toppers, adding a touch of sparkle and joy. 

I aim to create decor pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, grounded in nature but inspired by the magic and wonder of the season. My hope is that each creation brings warmth, joy, and a sense of welcome to the spaces they inhabit.

 As the holiday season passed and I was still limited in my activities I became curious about jewelry making-something I have never done but has always fascinated me. The versatility of materials and the endless potential for design immediately captured me. I now create handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets using natural stone, wood, glass, and wire. Each piece blends color, movement, and style—designed to spark imagination, appreciation, or simply catch the eye. Each piece I create, whether a simple earring or a complex multi-strand necklace is meant to stir the imagination and spark appreciation. I make jewelry that feels intentional and personal, with a mix of bold, modern forms and timeless, flowing designs. My collections range from geometric and contemporary to earthy and organic, offering variety while staying true to a handcrafted aesthetic.

Jewelry, to me, is more than adornment. It’s a quiet way to connect, to stand out, or to carry a bit of beauty with you wherever you go.

This venture is so much more than just a creative outlet; it became a source of quiet strength that gained momentum until I listened to that inner voice telling me to try doing all of this as a business.  What an amazing, exhausting, fun, terrifying ride it has been and continues to be. With my husband supporting and encouraging me I took the leap. I feel like every day I learn 10 new things, and as I complete 1 thing on my to-do list 20 more things quickly take its place. I'm 56 years old, a stay at home mom, all of my children are grown and it has always been a dream of mine to own and operate my own business.  With the help of my youngest son, Matthew, who recently decided to become my business partner, we launched our website: THEWILLOWTREESTUDIO.NET. I don't know what the future holds for me, my son, or our company but I know I will enjoy learning, creating, continuing meeting fabulous people, and embracing whatever comes my way.

This business is a daily reminder of the strength we find in ourselves when we slow down and begin again. I create to share joy, to express beauty, and to connect—with nature, with others, and with the part of ourselves that finds comfort in handmade things.

Meet Lisa DuPeow from Charmed Abstracts...

Hi, My name is Lisa DuPerow and I am looking forward to participating in the Avant Garde Art & Craft Shows again! I have done two shows so far this year. and I began working in abstract art/fluid painting and mixed media in 2023 as a form of relaxation and recharging. I opened "Charmed Abstracts" in August 2024. 

What inspires me is transforming everyday objects into meaningful/inspirational art on glass, canvas, wood or jewelry. Each item is thoughtfully and prayerfully infused with love and intention. 

I also offer custom charms to celebrate life's special moments, memories and inspirations - making each piece truly one-of -kind. My faith, family, special causes and nature inspire my creative spirit. 

How I got into my craft... I never thought of myself as artistic (still have trouble thinking that way haha), but I was looking for a way to relax and recharge after spending many hours caring for others. I am a registered nurse who works in senior living and dementia care. As the nursing director, it can be quite overwhelming at times and rewarding. 

My five year plan... My husband Mark of 30 years and our amazing son Matt, both encourage and support me to keep pursuing this journey! They see how happy it makes me, and because of that I plan to retire from nursing in two years and pursue my craft full time. 

My message is using art that inspires to bring joy, peace, calm and the reminder that beauty surrounds us every day. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your shows! 

2025 ROCKY RIVER FALL AVANT-GARDE ART & CRAFT SHOW

Rocky River Memorial Hall (next to rec)

21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Rocky River, OH 44116

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Saturday- 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday- 11:00am-4:00pm

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Meet Some of Our Rocky River Vendors!

Meet Jackie Pecon from Babies Comfort Design...

Hi, my name is Jackie Pecon. I’m an Eastlake resident of 14 years and I find the area very nice. I’m a mom and a grandma that loves her grandkids. Other grandparents play with their grandkids and send them home. I want to keep them. I work full-time and sew the rest of my time. I’m very busy with craft shows and my Facebook page featuring all of the items I make. 

I have been sewing for many years. Every time there would be an occasion of someone getting married, having a baby or even getting sick, I would make a quilt, baby blanket or a throw blanket. It would bring a smile to their face and they knew that someone cared enough to take the time to make something so lovely. A few years ago, my daughter had her own daughter and the question was raised about what can the baby wear to keep her warm and safe inside the car. It has been a big concern that small children cannot wear coats in car seats because it has been found unsafe. The coat adds bulk and they have found that the child can slip out of the car seat on impact. So I got to thinking, did some research and that’s when I started making Car Seat Ponchos and Car Seat Covers. All the seat belts go under the poncho or the car seat cover. Car Seat Covers provide them with privacy and protects them from the elements and unwanted touching. 

I started making NOT your parents sleeping bags. I never knew what a big hit these were going to be. It started off as a gift to my granddaughter and then took off from there. I have so many prints and colors to choose from. These are perfect for going to grandma’s house, daycares or even the overnight Girl Scout camp outs. They fit perfect on the cots.

You can fine me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BabiesComfortDesignsByJackiePecon/?epa=SEARCH_BOX

Meet Jess and Liz from Telluric Studios...
Hello! We are Jess and Liz, the founders of Telluric Studios. Telluric Studios is a small design studio that specializes in handcrafted home goods. We met in architecture school at Kent State University, and have subsequently redirected our this passion towards experimenting with small scale design and materials such as concrete and clay. 

Telluric Studios was created in 2019, and focuses on producing objects that are inspired by local nature. Many of our designs incorporate found materials such as glass, driftwood, and rocks from Lake Erie. In designing new products we honor the materials by creating new forms that amplify their natural characteristics. Telluric Studios has been a therapeutic, creative outlet that allows us to bond with each other as well as nature. 

Through choosing a name for our business, we expressed our mutual affinity and appreciation for the earth and its gifts. "Telluric" means "of the earth" and the symbol we chose represents the Divine's intervention with the earth. The 2020 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be the Studio's official public debut, and we are very excited to meet new people and share our work!

Meet Holly Zewalk from Zewalk Jewelry...

I’m a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art with a BRA in illustration and a minor in ceramics. I grew up in a family of artists, my mom is a painter. My father started with enamels before switching to lost wax casting of jewelry. Both of my parents had exhibited in a number of local art festivals. Personally, I have done a few local exhibits with my ceramic sculpture work. 

This will be my first Avant-Garde show but over the years I have exhibited work in Clifton Music and Art Fest and another show that is no longer around. Since 2014 I have been an exhibitor at the Berea Alive and Well art fest that is held in September with the jewelry. I hope to expand to be doing more shows as this is just a hobby for now.

Over the years, I made my own jewelry creations that my dad created and casted into silver and sold. It was just recently when my father was terminally ill that I learned to do the casting process and have taken over the process of making the jewelry. Instead of sculpting in clay, I’m creating in wax. The message behind my jewelry is one of a kind handmade pieces that will be cherished for years to come. 

Meet Milka Ambler from Eklektik Motef Studio...

My name is Mikki Ambler. I am a mother of two grown boys and happily marring for 20 years. I am the Creator and Lead Designer of Eklektik Motef Studio- Forever Wood Flower Decor. I worked as a Healthcare Administrator for two leading Dialysis Companies in the Cleveland Market for nearly 17 years. I grew tired of the pull between work/life balance, or lack there of, so when our youngest was in his senior year of high school, essentially leaving me and my hubby empty nesters, I saw this as an opportunity for me to “Do Me!" So that is what I did. I resigned from my leadership role and responsibilities, took 5 months off to enjoy the remaining months of our sons senior year, and here I am. Living my best life! I work full time at NASA and at Eklektik Motef Studio. That is where you’ll find me working in the evenings and weekends and I couldn’t be happier!

I have been creating my beauties for nearly 20 years on and off and mostly during the winter holiday season. It really just started as a hobby for me. Since I find to have more time on my hands, my drive to recharge and jumpstart my business is at a peak. At first, it was something for me do when our children were little tikes that didn’t include football and LEGO’s. I would participate in seasonal craft shows throughout the years to earn extra money and found many people enjoyed my style and creativity. So, when time permitted or no work interruptions I created my ”beauties”. Family and friends always complimented my work and began requesting custom orders and the rest is history. Now I am able to do what I absolutely enjoy more frequently and without interruption. 

There really isn’t any rhyme or reason as to how I create what I do. It just kind of happens, if that makes sense. Each one of my “Beauties” is as unique as my customer. I have strong listening skills, when my customer tells me what he/she wants, I deliver. If I’m preparing for a show I ask myself, what will put a smile on someone’s face? What “Beauty” can I create that will bring joy into someone’s life”? Brining a smile and creating happiness for someone via my Forever Beauties inspires me. Following my dreams and ambitions to work for myself full time is inching closer and my supportive family gives me the drive to put my creativity in overdrive.

Each one of my Forever Beauties is as unique as each person I come in contact. My goal is for every Eklektik Motef Studio piece to bring joy and happiness to all. Flowers are an expression of love and gratitude, we all need to be reminded of this every now and then. What better way to express how you feel about another and/or yourself? Give the gift of Wood Flower Decor-they are sustainable and eco-friendly. 

2020 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, 2020

10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday

11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday

Rocky River Memorial Hall

21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Rocky River, OH 44116

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

Visit us on:

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Meet the Talent!

Meet Emily Adkins from Elemental Earth Magick... 
My name is Emily Adkins. Like many women, I've been infatuated with jewelry ever since I can remember. When I was 12, I got the opportunity to learn how to make hemp macramé bracelets and I took it seriously. I made bracelets for all my friends, my parents, and even my older brother. I eventually taught myself how to make necklaces and keychains, but I never really did anything with them. My brother mentioned trying to sell them, but I was too young and uneducated to know how to strive for such a big goal. So, I continued to gift jewelry to family and friends. I made it to a couple craft shows and taught a small class, but unfortunately, nothing ever came of it. Then one day, years and years later, after scrolling through my Instagram feed and seeing all these successful small businesses of handmade products a light bulb started to glow. "I can do this," I said to myself over and over. I made a decision to give it a shot. Now, I make copper and gemstone jewelry and I'm obsessed with it. 

I'm a night owl by nature. The moon must bring out my creativity because I have a difficult time making anything during the day. I don't have my own office or workbench so I create in my living room. I'll sit down with some snacks, binge watch Frasier, Friends, or The Office for the fifth time and the ideas just flow. It's nothing special, but it's the way I work. The inspiration comes from a multiplicity of things. I've always wanted to work for myself. I've always loved making jewelry. I see others living this way and it reaffirms my own endeavors. There's a freedom that comes with knowing how to create. No matter what it is you make, just knowing how can be incredibly empowering. 

In five years, I see myself needing to hire an assistant because I have an incredible amount of business. I see myself owning a workbench and a cute little office in my own home on my own land to work out of. I'll be heading into my fifth year of art and craft shows and making a living being my own boss. I want my business to show people they can do anything they set their mind to. If you want something bad enough and strive for it every single day it will happen. You gotta have faith. 

Meet Theresa Ferline-Carr from Tess' Tender Touch...

I have been an artist most of my life. When I was a little girl, the best gift for me was always a fresh box of crayons and a tablet of blank paper or a coloring book! For many years I enhanced walls, furniture, clothing, and many other inanimate objects. One day my mother asked me to create a set of wine glasses for her theater group. That was about 15 years ago and I have been painting glassware and growing my business ever since. Glass is not the only surface I beautify though. I still continue to paint children's rooms, furniture, clothing and much more! I absolutely love what I do! Alongside my glassware business, I am a full-time Executive Assistant to the SVP, Director of Key4Women at Key Bank. I was born and raised in Lakewood, OH and I am the proud mother of my 25-year-old son who is a Paramedic with Cleveland EMS and I spend my free time enjoying the life I have built with my fiancé, family, and friends.

Since a young age, my passion was always drawing/coloring and making things pretty. My mother got me into crafting. I have always been an artist, but at the time I was painting children’s room, furniture, clothing, and other mediums. My mom was having a group of ladies over for cocktails prior to going to the theater to see “CATS”. She asked me to create some hand painted wine glasses for the event. I had never painted on glass before so I was reluctant, but with her encouragement, I studied the process, practiced and was successful. I was hooked; I painted on every piece of clear glass I could find in my house, my mother’s and my grandmother’s until my mother asked, “What are you going to do with all of this?” We laughed but decided to take it to the St. Mary’s Craft Show. I came home with six pieces, everyone LOVED it! I’ve been doing it ever since! This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!

I must be in the creative mood so to prepare, I sometimes look through Home and Garden magazine for inspiration and color; then I just get down to it. I can’t just create one piece; once I get started I get lost in it! I see myself still creating lasting gifts for my clients and their recipients. If it weren’t for health benefits I would just paint the rest of my life. My message is to be inspired to make others happy! Life is short; enjoy every moment and don’t wait for a special occasion to break out your beautiful glassware; drink from them every day!

Meet Meet Patrick Broughton from Pat Broughton Art...

For two years now, I have a full-time visual artist who lives and works in Lakewood, OH. I have always been a maker and interested in art, but when I found myself between jobs for the first time in my adult life, I decided to pursue art as a full-time profession. I am glad to be getting the chance to support myself doing what I love the most. My parents encouraged me to be creative and make things from a young age. As time went on and I became more serious about my art, I learned that experimenting, making lots of work, and learning how to filter that work is perhaps just as important as talent.

As an abstract artist, I enjoy building my own experimental worlds from scratch in a format that has an instant impact on the viewer. Unlike reading or listening to music, viewing art has an immediacy to it that makes it unlike any other experience. Of course, many pieces continue to reveal more to the viewer over days, months, and years.

My process relies heavily on experimentation. I create work through drawing, painting, and collage and leave many works visible around my studio. Often times seeing two different works next to each other inspires a new, more powerful work. In this way, I am constantly filtering, distilling, and curating my own creations. My process is highly selective and things do get left on the cutting room floor. I want only my most potent work to reach the viewer. I typically work in series, producing 3 or more works in each series.

In five years, I would love to be not only supporting myself with my art but growing my audience while doing so, including by showing my art internationally. Being in a position where I could hire an assistant or two, along with having a larger, better-lit studio would help take my art to the next level. An immediate goal is to have my first solo show at a gallery. The message behind my work is "Sooner or later, everything comes together."

                                                

2019 Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24, 2019

10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday

11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday

Rocky River Memorial Hall

21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Rocky River, OH 44116

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

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

LINKEDIN