Spring Artists and Crafters to Showcase

Meet Kelly Jobes of Copper Pig...

I always made things, crafts or art. I'll be married for 21 years this spring, and I have a 7 year old son who is all action all the time! I'm lucky to be able to stay home full time, and still don't have enough time to craft as much as I would like! I hooked rugs when I was about 8 and have done one thing or another since then. This will be my first Avant-Garde Show!

I find crafting calming and that's why I stay inspired to do it. I found my interest in crafting by looking at certain things and thinking to myself, "how could I do that differently?" 

I discovered that this was a talent once people started stopping me and asking me where I got my pieces and if they could purchase some as well. My creative process is simply having an "everything all at once" way of processing ideas. I start out with A, B, and C and then think "what if I used D, E, F, G....." then I wonder "how about changing A to M and adding K..." and before I know it, I have every piece of everything out and then I'm starting 2 other pieces at the same time because they appeared in my mind while looking to make the first.

                          

The message behind my work is for people to feel that art & crafts are fun. Enjoy them, make them, wear them! Within the next five or so years, I'd like to make my art into a business.

Meet Joan Satow, A Watercolor Artist...

I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio (Cleveland area) and earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Visual Communications from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. I also attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh through Ashland University's "College Affiliate Program", where my main focus of study was Commercial Art. 

 Since childhood, I have always shown a strong art interest. Currently, I am a full-time Graphic Designer with a local publishing company, and part-time Watercolor Artist.  Over the last six years I have re-visited my interest in fine art skills and have been actively building a new body of work in Watercolor Painting.

I enjoy it very much and dream about a future of more painting – a wonderful escape from the digital/technical aspect of Graphic Design.  It is very easy for me to become engrossed and loose track of time and reality – being "in the zone".  

Continued learning is a vital part of staying alive creatively. Knowledge is power!  Attending classes with local Watercolor Artists, Nancy Notarianni and Jeff Suntala, workshops with Bob Moyer, and studying books and videos of Charles Reid, (all painting styles and techniques I greatly admire), challenge my brain with a real workout!

My painting style of choice is a fresh, painterly, loose and impressionistic style.  This is always a goal I strive for but do not always achieve.  Subjects include organic forms, nature-inspired objects, scenics, landscapes, seascapes, still life, and florals along with architectural themes, "house portraits", animals, "pet portraits", and abstract themes.  My subject references are taken from both photographs and "plein air".  Commission work is always welcomed! 

This will be my first Avant-Garde Arts & Crafts Show.  I will be offering both reproduction prints and original watercolor paintings in a wide variety of subjects and sizes and commission orders.  Gift certificates are also available.

Meet Sandy & Monica of Triple-C Sweets...

Our names are Sandy and Monica. We are a Mother-Daughter duo with a love for sweets. Sandy is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 6. Who has been retired for 3 years. Monica is a mother of a 21 month old, as well as a Step-Mother to 9 & 8 year olds. 

We have both been in the kitchen baking, cooking & creating goodies from love with our Mom’s and Aunt’s since we were young! This will be our 3rd Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show we have attended so far!

                     

Inspiration comes to us from all over, whether it is the design on a Bride’s dress, school colors for the Graduate going off to college or even an edible image of the Birthday person, we love to incorporate a special item for an event into our treats. We have always loved to be in the kitchen creating sweet treats. In her 20’s, Sandy took at candy making class. Monica has also taken some cake decorating classes through the years. After our classes, we were hooked. The feedback from our family and friends is how we discovered that this was our talent!

We are creative by trying something new, i.e. a new recipe or design. We have tried many different ideas that sounded perfect in our heads. But, did not quite workout how we expected in real life. Luckily, we have great taste testers around us to help us with our creative process.

In 5 years, we'd like to be doing this full-time as a business! Let us make something sweet for your next event or to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Meet Francine Ruth of Jewelry by Francine...

I work full time for an insurance company and during my spare time I create jewelry.  I consider myself as a self-taught metalsmith who works in traditional metalsmithining techniques. I've been creating jewelry for about 7 years now and doing art shows for the past 4 years.

Everything around me inspires me. From the patterns on a floor, to the jewelry my Grandmother wore. I love to create jewelry which every woman can wear! I started creating fine jewelry as a way to break out of the right brain sided corporate world. 

I have always been creative, even as a little girl. It wasn't until I created jewelry for a friend's bridal party that I realized people enjoyed wearing my designs and the rest is history. For my creative process, I primarily work in sterling and accent in high carat gold.  The materials I work with are chosen so that the end piece is elegant, feminine and refined.

My current work, influenced by nature, is polished and has a classic feel.  My work has grown out of my own maturity as well as an appreciation for the jewelry worn by my Mother. I am challenging the perception of art jewelry by standing near time honored, classic pieces, which have an added bit of fun!

In the next 5 years, I would like to be doing some of the top art shows in the country and would like to see my work in more galleries across the country. I want my jewelry to express that jewelry shouldn't take a one size fits all approach and that it should be fun to wear!

2014 West Side Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday & Sunday, March 22nd and 23rd, 2014, 10:00am-5:00pm

Rocky River Memorial Hall

21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Rocky River, OH 44116

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

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The Face Behind the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows

Tell us a bit about yourself..

My name is Becki Cooper, I'm the founder of the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows. I’m a multi-tasker with a passion for anything vintage and different. I live in University Heights with my wonderful and supportive (especially during show seasons) boyfriend Michael, with our dog Google and 2 cats Ollie and Jack.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I work full time at an advertising agency in Lakewood, Ohio in an awesome century renovated house. In my day-to-day job (which I LOVE), I handle client accounts, public relations and social media for the agency.

On the side, I also have my own baking business that I do for fun called Becki’s Sweet Boutique (www.bsweetb.com).

Where do you get your creativity from?

I feel like I’ve always been drawn to creative things ever since I was young. My mother is probably responsible for that, since she is the one who enrolled me in a plethora of inspirational activities when I was a kid. I’m serious TONS: piano, ballet, tap, jazz, other musical instruments, singing groups, various art classes and acting troupes, she was/is my biggest fan! I was always brainstorming and creating goofy inventions growing up, and drawn to arts and crafts. It was unavoidable. Not to mention, working at an advertising agency, creative people surround you all day!

What got you into the craft hobby?

It’s actually a funny story. It started by taking cake decorating classes at Jo-Ann Fabrics with my best friend Renee. We did it just as something fun to do in our free time. After several months, people started noticing my cupcakes and cakes and I began a little side venture business for myself called Becki's Sweet Boutique. She also started her own side business that turned into a full time business called  Bee's Knees Creative (check it out!). To sell my work and promote it, I hit the craft show circuit. After doing several shows, I was able to get a hold on what works and what doesn’t, what I liked and what I would have liked to seen. Then I hit a roadblock.. the boy and girl scouts..

Let me explain…

At the shows, my cupcakes would sell for $2.00/piece because I would make them in unconventional shapes and designs. But I just couldn’t compete with those adorable boy and girl scouts. Not to mention, they were also selling their cupcakes for only $.25/piece, unbeatable! What was I suppose to do? That’s when it hit me.. and I know this sounds bad... but I had to eliminate the competition. And what better way then to take over the show!? Funny as it sounds, that’s how I started the shows. 

In addition to my own shameless self promotion, I also wanted to take local art shows to the next level. The plan was to focus on all the talent in the area and get it into once place. I'm not talking stereotypical art shows, but gorgeous and unique work. I also knew I wanted to tie in charity since it’s a big part of what I support and like to do in my free time. Thus, the combo of these elements gave birth to the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows.

The funniest part about all of this?.. I’m so busy with the planning and execution of the shows, I don’t even have time to bake for them. So what was once a hostile takeover, has now just morphed into the love of the arts and supporting local charities!

How would you describe your creative process?

When it comes to the baking side of the business, I really go off any type of inspiration and I peruse Internet blogs for ideas and inspiration. I also like to work with my clients who are looking for a specific type of theme for their event and create a great edible piece.

As for the art shows, the creative process is really exciting. I literally comb through vendors through etsy that are local, and physically go to several art shows to seek out vendors. I look for vendors who are the best at what they do. It’s really exciting, I compare it to one of my favorite things: finding a killer deal at a store, or that treasure you find at a vintage shop that is one-of-a-kind. I really am attached to all the vendor's talent that I recruit for each show.

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?

When it comes to baking, I love making cupcake bouquets. They look like potted flowers, but are actually cupcakes. I also made these cute cupcakes for mother’s day one year that I’m really proud of that feature fondant toppers. 

In regards to the craft shows, I'm actually really proud of the brand as a whole. It’s an ongoing project that keeps growing with each show, but has a strong presence through different mediums. I work with traditional advertising, branding, social media and many others. Another great thing is the network that has been created from it. It's great for all the vendors to meet one another and socialize together. I think of it as a book club for Northeast Ohio artists and crafters. Except instead of books, we all share the common bond of the show experience.

How did you get your business off the ground?

The Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows started in June of 2011 with 45 vendors and has taken off since then. It’s literally been physically contacting and recruiting vendors, venue visits, printing collateral, placing advertising, creating a PR presence, and getting the word out. Through those efforts as well as the enthusiasm from the vendors, the show has taken off. People have started to recognize the show by name and I receive emails daily of people inquiring how they can get involved, it’s a great thing! This show will be featuring 65 vendors and the next is already being prepared for 100 vendors!

What are your goals with your business?

I have a few goals:

1. Continue to grow the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows as a brand till it’s known throughout the Northeast Ohio art and craft circuit as one of the best shows in the area.

2. Seek out, find and continue to promote some of the areas most talented artists and crafters. Continued growth with each show. 

3. Continue to work with charities and bring recognition to their cause.

What do you do in your free time?

I always make time for free time, it’s important! In order to love what you do, you have to find time to decompress and enjoy yourself in other aspects of your life.

I love to spend time with friends and family, go out to dinners, work out, shop for vintage and thrift items and just relax and lounge at home. Oh, and NAP!

I also am involved in some other extra curriculars that I love.. I’m currently enrolled in an adult hip-hop dance class that I go to every week and I also volunteer as a Wish Coordinator for the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help grant wishes for sick children. I recommend everyone sign up for this charity, it's an awesome experience!

What's the message behind your work?

I always tell people I like to do a million different things at once, some people call it ADHD, I call it multi-talented! :) I feel like there is so much I want to do and accomplish and there's no stopping me, I WILL do it! When I set my mind to something it's going to happen. I really think that my message to others would be: think it out a little, but trust in yourself if you have motivation and determination to just go for it. Afterwards, reflect on the journey, you’ll be surprised at what you are capable of! 

Check out Becki Cooper this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

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