Reorganizing

I am now in the process of reorganizing my life. I've been in my new apartment for a month now, and last week I moved all of my art supplies out of my studio space in Junctionview Studios (with the help of Matt & his awesome friend Ben).

As the holidays are approaching, I now realize that I have to get myself in gear and start making work again. Re-stock requests for my retail locations are filing in as are custom order requests. I really could use a magic portal to Ikea so I can get the table and chair I need for my studio set-up.

And in other news: this November, Sweet Stella Designs will be turning FIVE years old! I seriously cannot believe how far I've come since 2006. Just look at past blog entries - you'll see for yourself.

Please stick around and I should have my Etsy shop up and running again soon.

Don't forgot to come and visit me at Fall Flea this Sunday October 9th!

Agora 7: This Weekend!

The Couchfire Collective and Junctionview Studios are incredibly excited about Agora 7, coming up this weekend on May 22. If you've never heard of Agora before...you must be living under a rock! Just kidding.

Agora is an inclusive event that showcases the work of local artists. There will be hundreds of artworks on display, as well as open studios from JV artists, vendors outside, music, performances, drinks, food, and general fun.

If you want to get a sneak peek at the artwork while enjoying delicious food from local restaurants, then make sure to purchase a ticket for the Preview Party on Friday night, May 21. You'll get to meet the artists and enjoy a much less-crowded Junctionview.

Since I don't roll on Shabbos, I will be having limited open studio hours (6-7:30 pm for the Preview Party and 10pm-midnight for the main event). So If I miss you, make sure to grab one of my cards from outside my studio door and drop me a line if you're looking to purchase something!

See you at Agora 7!

Details:
Agora 7 @ Junctionview Studios
Satruday, May 22, 2010
12 noon - midnight
889 Williams Ave.
Grandview Heights, OH
$5 at the door
Preview Party: Friday, May 21, 2010 from 6 - 10 pm
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Purchase Preview Party tickets HERE.

New Years Resolution Fail

One of my New Years resolutions was to be a more active blogger. And since my last post was about a month and a half ago, you can see how good I've been about keeping that up. Oh well.

The good news is that the reason I haven't been blogging so much is because I'm just so busy! Between teaching, crafting, friends, and trying to have a social life, there just hasn't been much time for the blog. It's been on my "to do" list for several weeks. Whoops.

So, here's what I've been up to for the past 6 weeks:

COUCHFIRE COLLECTIVE

In January, I was excited to become a member of the Couchfire Collective, a local group of creative folks whose mission it is to promote the arts in Columbus. Couchfire organizes many exciting events throughout the year, including Agora and Independents' Day. This year, Couchfire is planning several new events, like FEAST - an evening of dinner and artist grant proposals, and A-Holes - a weekend of artist-designed miniature golf holes.

SWEET STELLA ON TWITTER

I decided that in 2010, I should join the Twitterverse - so far it's been fun! If you're a Twitter user, please follow me - I'm SweetStellaOH!

UPCOMING AND ONGOING EVENTS

Touchy Feely

February 26 - 27, 2010

Reception: Saturday, February 27, 6-10 pm

Ohio Art League Gallery, 1552 N. High St. Columbus OH

This show, presented by the Couchfire Collective, e

ncourages hands-on participation with the artwork. I will be showing an interactive art piece for those with a sweet tooth!

RSVP on Facebook HERE.

Art Makes Noise: A Show for Artists, Musicians, and Music Lovers

Saturday, February 27, 2010

8 pm - midnight $5 cover

Junctionview Studios, 889 Williams Ave. Grandview Heights, OH

One night only! Bands, art, and more. Check out my piece in the show - perfect for lovers of concert ticket stubs.

RSVP on Facebook HERE.

Columbus Music Co-op + Relay Records CD Release Show #2

Sunday, February 28, 2010

1 - 5 pm in the North Market Test Kitchen ($5 suggested donation at the door)

59 Spruce St. Columbus OH

I will be a vendor at this event (along with other local favorites like What the Rock?!, AmyD, and Wholly Craft). Stick around to hear music from local bands Flotation Walls, Time & Temperature, Jordan Martin, and Dan & Sean from Bookmobile.

RSVP on Facebook HERE.

A SHOW OF STUDENT WORK

You, Me, & We: Investigating Identity

Artwork by students from Columbus Torah Academy, Grades K-5

March 4 - 25, 2010

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 4, 2010 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Carnegie Gallery in the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library (2nd Floor)

96 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, OH 43215

The artworks in this exhibition reflect students' perceptions of themselves and reflect all of the wonderful personalities in Grades K-5 at Columbus Torah Academy.

RSVP on Facebook HERE.

LOOKING AHEAD

I have a show of my work coming up in the month of April at Wholly Craft! in Clintonville. More details about the opening reception (and some shnazzy window displays) coming soon.

Tiny Canary Re-cap

This past weekend was Tiny Canary Indie Design Market at Junctionview Studios and (as usual) it was awesome! It was fun to meet new customers and hear their reactions to my jewelry. This was my third year as a vendor at TC and my booth on Sunday was right near Crafty Cotillion gals Olivera (Wholly Craft!), Emily (Umbrella Girl Productions), and Megan C. (Miss Megan Mac).

I debuted some new creations this weekend, including my winter coffee cup necklaces and my rainbow lollie pendant (below- which I am proud to say, found a happy home!)

And now - getting ready for the North Market event and the Junctionview Studios Open House in December! Don't forget that I create custom orders (I have quite a few of those from this weekend, actually), so don't be shy about sending me a message about a special request.

Por Vida! Preview

This coming weekend is an awesome event at Junctionview Studios called Por Vida! It's a celebration of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with art, music, food, drinks, and more, organized by the fabulous and talented Kat Moya.

The photo to the left is is a teeny snippet of the artwork I created for the show. Want to see the whole thing? You'll just have to come on Saturday Night!

Por Vida! A Day of the Dead Celebration

Saturday, October 31 from 10 pm - 2 am

$7 at the door, ages 21 +

Junctionview Studios: 889 Williams Ave. in Grandview Heights

Attendees are encouraged to come in authentic DOD costumes; check out the Por Vida blog for photos from last year's event if you need costume ideas. Last year I dressed up as Frida Kahlo!

Me as Frida Kahlo!

(Photo by Nick Fancher)

Tiny Canary is Coming Soon!

I am so excited to have been accepted as a vendor for Tiny Canary *Indie Design Market* for the third year! The event is on November 14 & 15, and just like in years past, I will be selling my work on Sunday, November 15 only. On Saturday, you'll be able to find Jen Adrion's colorful statistical graphics and prints.

Naturally, I will be very busy over the next few weeks making new items to sell. At Tiny Canary, I'll have some new sterling silver collage & resin pendants, more items from my Hard Candy Collection, and of course, the Tiny Treats that everyone loves!

The holidays are approaching and people are starting to think about what they're going to get their friends, family, and co-workers. The economy is struggling and the forecast shows that people are planning to spend less money on holiday gifts this year. Why not purchase something fabulous and handmade for the people you care about? You'll feel good about supporting a small business and the recipient of your gift will have a unique item made with care, love, and attention to detail.

One gift that's definitely unforgettable is a custom item from Sweet Stella Designs! Cake earrings for your co-worker who loves that cheesecake; a sushi pendant for your girlfriend who can't get enough California rolls; or a resin pendant with a photo of your mother's garden. Each item shows that special person on your life that you care about him or her. And with pieces in the $15 - $50 range, you won't have to worry about spending a fortune.

If you'd like to purchase a custom item from Sweet Stella Designs, please get your order in as early as possible! That way, I'll be sure to have enough time to create your custom piece.

Yummy! Art Show This Weekend

As you might recall from previous posts, I've recently been devoting my time to curating a food-themed art show, called Yummy! at Junctionview Studios' Matchbox Gallery. With over 40 artists participating, Yummy! is going to be tons of fun. 

The opening night party (this Friday, August 14th from 6 pm to midnight) will also be a fundraiser for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Please bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation for the Foodbank. We'll also be selling awesome limited-edition 1" buttons -  created by our Yummy! artists - for $2. Proceeds from the buttons will also benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. 

So stop by Junctionview Studios in Grandview Heights on Friday for art, food, music, Pecha-Kucha Night Volume 10, and a special movie screening! 

Details below: 

Yummy! An Explosion of Art & Food

August 14 - September 13, 2009

The Matchbox Gallery @ Junctionview Studios

889 Williams Ave. Grandview Heights, OH 43212

Opening Night Party: 

Friday August 14, 6 pm - midnight

Please bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank

Gallery Hours: 

Friday, 1-5 pm

Saturday & Sunday, 12-5 pm

Yummy!

For the past few weeks, I have been busy at work curating a food-themed art show called Yummy! It's going to be on view at Junctionview Studios' Matchbox Gallery from August 14 - September 13. We will be having an awesome opening party on Friday, August 14. Check out the Facebook invite page to RSVP. 

Also, make sure to visit the Yummy! Blog for news, artist bios, and special sneak previews about the show. We have almost 40 amazing artists participating, several of whom are from out-of-town! It's shaping up to be quite an amazing show. 

Be on the lookout for postcards hittin' the streets at the end of next week, just in time for Gallery Hop!

It's Agora Weekend!

It's here! Agora is THIS WEEKEND at Junctionview Studios. Everyone in the Couchfire Collective (and at Junctionview in general) has been working extra hard to make this event even more amazing than the previous 5 events. There will be over 600 artworks by 300+ artists, food and craft vendors, live music, and other performances.

On Friday night May 15, there will be a preview event from 6-10 pm ($10 in advance, $15 at the door) with drinks and food and a chance to browse the artwork before Saturday.

Even though I have a studio space at Junctionview, my hours at Agora will be limited because I don't roll on Shabbos. However, I will be in my studio (#133) selling my art + jewelry from 6-8:30 pm on 5/15 and after 9:30 pm on 5/16. You'll also be able to check out my work in the display case right outside my studio.

Studio Snapshot

The very talented Melissa Vogley Woods has a blog called Studio Snapshot, where she takes photos of various artists in their studios and often interviews them to give blog readers a glimpse of these artists' work process.

I am honored to be one of the artists featured in this week's Studio Snapshot! You can check out the photos and my interview HERE!

In other interview news, I might be featured as part of an article about Wholly Craft and the alternative-craft movement in The Crafts Report magazine. The article should be coming out sometime in mid-summer.

2008 Wrap-Up

After a much-needed break from blogging & crafting, I feel re-charged and energized and ready for 2009! I have some great goals for Sweet Stella Designs for the upcoming year, but first, I wanted to reflect on the last part of 2008. 

November: 

Auto/Bio: An MA Thesis Exhibition 

I finally finished my giant MA project (17 pieces of artwork and a 180-page paper) and it was great to see my art on the walls and have my friends and family come out to celebrate. 

People mingle at my exhibition reception

Tiny Canary Indie Design Market

This event is always a blast! So many people came out to this two-day indie craft extravaganza and I split the table space with my friend (she took the space on Saturday; I had it on Sunday) Lori who makes perfumes and bath blends under the name Violette Market. 

Here I am at my Sweet Stella Designs booth

Anne shows off her new AmyD skirt 

December:

Holiday Hop Trunk Show @ What The Rock?!

The wintry weather was a bit of a deterrent for some people, but many others hopped on down to What The Rock to check out items from my holiday collection. 

Pink & sparkly with tiny lights: just the way I like it

In addition to my trunk show, I also had some small works displayed at Roy G. Biv Gallery's Member Small Works Exhibition and the Ohio Art League's annual Thumb Box Exhibition. 

C-Note Art Show 

Every piece of art was priced at $100 and despite the dreary economy, people came out to support local artists. I had an open studio on Saturday night and it was lots of fun to see all of the different types of art on the walls. 

Art viewers enjoy the work at C-Note 

Jen and Coreroc hang out in my open studio, #133

I am definitely looking forward to the rest of 2009. There are some great events happening at Junctionview Studios (including a spiffy re-designed website) and I am getting ready to start making some Valentines Day-themed jewelry. Looking ahead to April, I have an art show scheduled at Haiku Poetic Food & Art in the Short North. 

Naturally, most of my New Years resolutions have to do with being more organized, so I hope I'm able to keep up with that!

Vote for Me!

I'm happy to be a part of the C-Note Art Show that's going to be happening at Junctionview Studios in December. The premise is that every item in the show is priced at $100. Part of the process for the show is that people can vote for their favorite artists through the website. Artists with the most votes will be granted prime spots in the art show.

So visit www.cnoteartshow.com and scroll down to find the artist bio and images for Amy Neiwirth. Then, click on the "plus sign" to vote! You can only vote one time per day per IP address. So vote often!

Just A Few Weeks Left...

...until my MA Thesis Exhibition. It's November 8th!!
Check out the invites below for specific details.
If you are reading this, then you are invited.

AGORA V This Weekend!

If you live in Columbus, don't miss this fabulous art event!

AGORA V Preview
Friday, October 17 from 5pm to 10pm
Junctionview Studios
889 Williams Ave.
Columbus OH 43212

$20 online or $25 at the door
Purchase tickets online today at www.agoracolumbus.com

Get the first look at over 200 works of art and 50 open studios while enjoying a performance by DJ Moxy. Food and refreshments from Due Amici and Pattycake Bakery will be provided. Buy your tickets at the door or purchase your tickets today.

* * * * *

AGORA V
Saturday, October 18 from 6pm to midnight
Junctionview Studios
889 Williams Ave.
Columbus OH 43212

$5 at the door

I will be having an "open studio" on Saturday night from 8pm-midnight
Studio #133 (with the pink swirly door)
Stop by for a jewelry sale, art preview (I am making paintings again, hooray!), and snacks!

In addition to lots of artwork and open studios, our public opening features performances by rainer, Flotation Walls, Cosmictraveler, and a special appearance by Adam Smith (Columbus) & Simone Weißenfels (Leipzig, Germany).

Moving Around

I will soon be the resident of a new studio space at Junctionview Studios! After about 6 months of sharing a studio with a roomie, I'll be moving on to my own space in studio #133. This is perfect timing, as Agora V is coming up and I am so excited to have an "open studio" and offer people snacks and chances to view/purchase my work.

In The Studio

Today I decided to take advantage of my free Sunday and spend some quality time in the studio. But I wasn't making jewelry...I was painting!

I haven't painted in a while and I am trying to get back in the swing of things. Not only do I have works to create for my MA Thesis project, but I'd like to have some artworks completed so I can enter them in the OAL Fall Juried Show.

Below is one of my works-in-progress. I am using modeling paste to build up the surface and then piping the paste using pastry bags to create a confectionary texture.
I haven't thought about colors yet; I do like the subtle differences that you can see while the canvas is white.

I am also prepping some panels for a series that I am working on about the places I have lived. I created a similar series called "Nine Homes" for my BFA show back in 2003. Now, I have 11 "homes" and I am using the fabulous features of Google Maps to create abstract map-scapes.
But I can only do 5 right now, because Utrecht only had 5 of the 8x8" panels I need! And they're not available online. Maybe I can convince them to order more for me...

C-Note Art Show

Last weekend, my artwork was in a group show called C-Note at Junctionview Studios in Grandview (my favorite place!). The premise was that each artwork in the show was priced at $100, making the show a great destination for those wishing to start an art collection at an affordable price.
Below is a photo of my artworks that were in the show (clockwise, from top left): Watch What You Eat; This Is What Ice Cream Does To My Insides; To Meditate on the Goodness of Sweets (Cookie Mandala); Untitled (Mmm...Donuts); Sweet on the Inside.

I am sad that many of my photos from the show didn't turn out so well; below are the best ones. There was some great art to see at C-Note!