I Survived Comfest

Has it really been a whole week since Comfest? I feel like I still need to nap...

The Month In Photos

Purim Fun

This year, I decided to bake hamantaschen for the Jewish holiday of Purim, which was celebrated on February 27 & 28th. Usually, they come out yummy tasting and ugly, or pretty and un-delicious. This year was my year of triumph - scrumptious and gorgeous! I did have a little help, though.

Touchy Feely: Please Handle The Art

Presented by the Couchfire Collective (and curated by Megan Green with me as a happy helper!), Touchy Feely was an interactive art show. How many times have you been yelled at at a museum for getting too close to the artwork? Well, there was none of that at this show!

Our reception on February 27 was a blast! We had costumes and puppets, tons of kids, and oodles of cupcakes. The sweets were lovingly baked and donated by Petite Sweets, The Dancing Cupcake Co. and Cake Truffles by Laura.

Check out my "Chocolate Chip Checkerboard" piece - and the people playing the game!

You, Me & We: Investigating Identity

This is a show of my students' work in the Carnegie Gallery at the Columbus Metropolitan Library's Main Branch. Each student in grades K-5 at Columbus Torah Academy created a piece for this show. The students were so excited to be at the opening reception, held on Thursday, March 4. They felt like "real artists."

The show is on view until March 25 at the library - 92 S. Grant Ave. in downtown Columbus. Stop by and check it out!

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.

Holy Upcoming Events, Batman!!

Hope to see you at some of these awesome events I'm involved in.

Ohio Art League - Thumb Box Exhibition

December 3 - 23, 2009

Opening Reception: Thursday, December 3, 6-9 pm

1552 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201 (new gallery space in the South Campus Gateway!)

www.oal.org

Roy G. Biv Gallery - Members' Small Works Exhibition

December 5 - 20, 2009

Opening Reception: Saturday, December 5, 7-10 pm

997 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43201

www.roygbivgallery.com

North Market Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza

Sunday, December 6, 2009 (and Saturday Dec. 5 - Emily of Umbrella Girl Productions will have the spot!)

12 noon - 5 pm (8 am - 5 pm on Saturday)

59 Spruce St. Columbus, OH 43215

www.northmarket.com

Junctionview Open House

Saturday, December 12th

4 - 10 pm

(My open studio hours: 6pm - 10pm, Studio #133)

889 Williams Ave. Grandview Heights, OH 43212

www.junctionviewstudios.com

Sweet Stella Designs Holiday Studio Clearance Sale!

Sunday, December 20th

1 - 4 pm in Studio #133

889 Williams Ave. Grandview Heights, OH 43212

www.sweetstelladesigns.com

You can RSVP on Facebook, just follow this link.

CAW (Creative Arts of Women) - Definitions of Character

January 14 - February 19, 2010

Opening Reception: Thursday, January 14, 5 - 7 pm

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

96 S. Grant Ave. Columbus, OH 43215

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)

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!

Summer Preview

Summer is almost here and that means craft shows galore! It also means that I have the summer off from teaching art and am so excited to catch up on my creative pursuits. Here's a preview of what's in store for Summer 2009. 

Sno-cone Hair Pins are the perfect summer treat!

Comfest (June 26-28th in Goodale Park): You'll be able to find Sweet Stella Designs' merchandise at Comfest even though I won't personally have a booth there. Check out the Wholly Craft! booth for my usual goods and Buckeye Bling for my colorful clay Ohio map silhouette necklaces. 

Sweet Collaborations: In July, you'll be able to purchase exclusive items from my Tiny Treats line at Pattycake Bakery! These little gems are hand-sculpted from polymer clay and will resemble the awesome, scrumptious vegan baked goods at Pattycake! 

You'll be able to purchase hairpins, earrings, rings, and necklaces shaped like cupcakes, muffins, cookies, and other sweet treats. Check 'em out at the bakery in Clintonville starting July 3rd. 

North Market Artisan Sundays (first Sundays of the month): Take a trip to the North Market to check out all of the talented craft vendors selling their wares. Support local businesses, artists & crafters and find unique items for yourself or for someone special. As always, I will have exciting new creations for sale! 

Crafty Cotillion Handmade Expo @ The Ohio State Fair (August 8, 2009): Even though I won't be able to vend at this event, I am a Crafty Cotillion member and in addition to helping to organize this event, I urge you to stop by and enjoy the handmade goods & local music from talented folks all over the city and beyond! 

Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival (September 7, 2009 at Northam Park): I was accepted as an emerging artist for this festival and I am so excited to be able to branch out and share my jewelry with a whole new audience! Be on the lookout for fresh new designs incorporating more upscale materials and techniques. 

And if you can't make it to these events, you can always order something online from my shop, or email me about a custom creation! 

Get It Together...

I need a swift kick. The past week and a half has been filled with utter laziness (including a great trip to MD/DC...photo above is from the National Gallery of Art). Now I must get back on track. I have summer craft shows to prepare for and retail locations to re-stock. 

I could use some words of encouragement! And maybe better time-management skills as well. 

On the plus side, I am starting a new line of jewelry that incorporates glitter and resin. I find that the hexagonal glitter looks a bit more sophisticated than the typical square kind. Below is an example of one of my new glittery pieces: "Ruby Slippers" pendant necklace. Look for it in my Etsy shop soon!

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.

Can't Blog...Making Tiny Cakes...

My solo show at Haiku in the Short North is fast approaching. It now has an official name: Sweet Tooth! I am creating diorama displays for my miniature polymer clay food in painted wood shadow boxes.

Check out the invite page on Facebook and stay tuned for more pictures of my miniatures & small sculptures. 

The next few weeks are going to be insane, and then I am off to Florida for some much-needed vacation time. A week after I get back, it's time for the CTA Craftstravaganza! 

March Comes in Like a Lion...

I have been MIA from blogging lately because I've been doing lots of behind-the-scenes work and preparing for a very busy spring!

First, I am working on an exciting fundraising event for the school where I teach: Columbus Torah Academy. It's called the CTA Craftstravaganza and it is a juried, one-day marketplace for handmade goods to be held at my school on Sunday, April 26, 2009. At the Craftstravaganza, we plan to have over 20 vendors selling handmade jewelry, artwork, bath & body products, paper goods, baby items, plush, items for the home, clothing, purses, Judaica and more!

Proceeds from this event will benefit Columbus Torah Academy.

If you're reading this and wondering how you can apply to be a vendor, make sure to visit the Craftstravaganza website where you'll find all the details, as well as the print & mail application form. We will be accepting applications until March 15th.

I am also working on the exhibitions committee for AGORA 6, to be held at Junctionview Studios on May 16. This AGORA will prove to be bigger this time around, with outdoor performances, indie craft vendors, and of course, lots of art!

And my art show at Haiku in the Short North is fast approaching! I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but luckily I have some amazing friends who are willing to give me advice and help me work on my concepts. I really want to show all new work, so now it's definitely crunch time.

I also just found out that I'll be presenting my work at the next Columbus Pecha-Kucha, which will actually be on my birthday (May 21)! So make sure to check back for more info on that, as well as some sneak peeks of what I'm working on for my upcoming show.

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!

Holiday Craziness!!

Okay kids, the holidays are almost upon us (well, not really...it's not even Thanksgiving yet!), but I am already gearing up for a jam-packed December.

First up is my trunk show at What The Rock?! (see flyer below). If you haven't been to WTR before, you should definitely get yourself there. They have a variety of rock n' roll themed items from t-shirts to baby onesies to books and CDs. Mike and Heather, the owners, are great people and try to give local artists and crafty folks opportunities to sell their handmade wares. For example: they sell my friend Megan's grenade-shaped StinkyBomb soaps! They also sell my Sweet Stella Designs items.


I have already received some very cool press about my trunk show on December 6th from the Columbus ALIVE, as well as a listing in the Short North Arts District's newsletter (scroll down to the bottom for my event listing).

That same night is the opening for Ohio Art League's Annual Thumb Box Exhibition and Roy G. Biv's Members' Small Works Exhibition. I plan on having a piece in OAL's show and a few at Roy. Stop by during the Short North Holiday Hop and check 'em out!

In addition, C-Note Art Show is coming up the weekend of December 12-13. Visit the C-Note website or see the sidebar of my blog for times, location, and details.

My MA Thesis Show

My MA thesis project exhibition was tonight! It was so amazing to finally see all my hard work on the walls (and my massive 180-page paper in my advisor's hands!) I had a great time tonight at the reception, and thanks to everyone who came out to see my work.

I wound up selling a painting to my friend Olivia, but it was a painting from my studio that wasn't actually part of the show. I hope she finds the perfect place for it in her aqua living room!
Special thanks to Adam for helping me hang all my work (without him, it would have taken me 7 hours) and Tamalynn for baking such wonderful cupcakes and cookies! And Devon did a fabulous job of making the floors look and smell lovely.

My parents took lots of photos of the reception tonight, and I will try to post those as soon as my folks put them on to a disc for me.

Now, for a brief moment, I am wondering what to do with myself. Then, I remember that Tiny Canary is next weekend, after that is my thesis project defense, then OAL submissions and proposals are due, then is my Holiday Hop trunk show at What the Rock, my school's Scholarship Dinner, C-Note Art Show, and OSU graduation.

I will sleep after December 14th.

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...

New Work!

Well, I have spent the last few weeks making lots and lots of new work and trying to stay busy and positive. I am trying to take rejection (in crafting and in life) and turn it in to energy to keep improving my work.

Right now, I am building some fabulous friendships and professional/business relationships. I am also figuring out how this is all going to work when I start teaching again in 2 week (ack!).

I am proud to introduce my latest line: it's called "Sweet Collaborations" and features the work of Columbus artists in my jewelry. Yipee!
Come check out awesome pendants showcasing the art of Jeff Fernengel and the photography of Brandon Presz as well as my other designs at the North Market this Sunday from 11:30-5 pm!

Sweet Collaborations!