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.

It's Almost My Birthday...

...and if you're stumped about what to get for me (on May 21st), I've got some items on my wish list from sellers on Etsy.com. :)

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.

Productive Spring...

I've spent the last 3 months planning a crafty fundraiser called the CTA Craftstravaganza for the school where I teach. This past Sunday, I got to see all the hard work come together! The event was a blast and seeing all the vendors set up with their handmade goods made me feel so proud to be part of such a wonderful craft community in Columbus.

Especially exciting was having my students see all of the creative goodness that is happening right in their own city! Of course, they were pretty excited that their art teacher makes tiny foods out of clay, too.

*Photos taken by my friend, Kevin. Check out his whole Craftstravaganza set on Flickr!*

And, looking onward, there is much more crafty goodness coming up. This coming Sunday is that first day of the North Market's Artisan Sundays! I'll be a vendor there as well, so stop by and check it out between 12-5 pm on May 3rd.

I'm also working on several custom orders, an upcoming collaboration with Pattycake Vegan Bakery, and possibly a special wedding line. Who knows what the next few months will bring!

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! 

An Ode to Salvador Dali

My parents' wedding anniversary was last month and I really wanted to get them a unique present for around their house.

Then (on Etsy, of course!) I stumbled upon a fabulous seller from Cincinnati whose business is called Pragmatic Effects. Hilary, the artist, creates an array of melting wall clocks, a nod to artist Salvador Dali.

With clocks in a variety of colors, and even those that look like they're sliding down a bookcase or draping over a mantle, a gift from Pragmatic Effects will delight any art-lover. My parents loved theirs and they can't wait to find the perfect spot for it in their house.

Etsy is really a great place for gifts that you won't be able to find anywhere else!

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.

New Goodies for February!

I have been so busy over the last few weeks making tiny cakes and cute little treats for Valentine's Day. I also just dropped off a bunch of goodies at Wholly Craft, including fresh new cake rings (below). Wholly Craft is being transformed this month in to the setting for the Sugarcraft exhibition. My Tiny Treats will be included in the "Candy Shoppe" portion of the exhibition, which celebrates all things sweet. 

Another popular item has been the Moustache Necklace. I think it was featured on the front page of Etsy today, because I just listed more in my shop and after less than 24 hours, my listing has almost 280 views and 30 "hearts". Wowzers!

I'm also working on another shipment for the Renegade Handmade store in Chicago. So it will be all cakes & moustaches for me...at least for the next few weeks.

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!

New Computer!

Ladies and gentlemen...I finally have a new computer: the MacBook Pro!! It was my graduation present and even though I've only had it in my possession for a day and a half, so far, it's glorious. 

I had been working on a 5-year-old Toshiba laptop, and while my old computer still works, it runs so slowly and it freaks out when I have more than 3 programs running. Especially Photoshop, it hates that. 

Naturally, I'm going to have to start transferring all of my music, photos, and documents. I'll probably spend some solid time on that during winter break. 

For now, it's more art events! Remember that the C-Note Art Show is happening this weekend at Junctionview Studios. I'll be having an open studio & an art and jewelry sale on Saturday night after 6:30 pm or so. So stop by and say hi if you can! I've got some great new creations for the holidays. 

Shop Local for the Holidays!

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than the talented artists and crafters in Columbus, Ohio! I created this compilation of local Etsy sellers to show what creative and beautiful work is made right here in central Ohio.

Wondering how you can find sellers on Etsy from your area? Just use the Shop Local tool at Etsy.com!

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.

Thanks, Columbus ALIVE!

One great thing about the Dispatch and the Columbus ALIVE is the value they place on DIY & locally-produced items. I think the editors and writers have taken note that people are interested in the do-it-yourself mentality and prefer to buy items that are hand-made or created in Columbus.

This week's issue features holiday gift guides and in addition to my jewelry being featured (in relation to my Holiday Hop Trunk Show @ What The Rock on December 6th), some very fabulous folks also got shout-outs in the 20 for $20 Gift Guide, including WTR, Poshta Designs, Yumi Yumi, Tandi's Glass, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, Umbrella Girl Productions, Skreened, Wholly Craft & Tigertree, to name a few.

Hooray!

Tiny Canary This Weekend!

Saturday and Sunday, November 15-16
10am - 6pm each day
at Junctionview Studios (889 Williams Ave. Columbus OH)

Let the countdown begin... Tiny Canary is this weekend!

For 2 days, Junctionview Studios in Grandview will be transformed into a temporary marketplace where you will have the opportunity to buy directly from local and regional artists and designers.

Skip the mall, buy handmade, and start your holiday shopping early! You are sure to find original, high quality handmade gifts for all those on your list!

Be one of the first 100 guests in the door each day and you will receive an organic cotton tote bag filled with samples, coupons and other goodies from our vendors and sponsors.Food and refreshments will be available from Rad Dog, Pattycake Bakery and Kevin's Espresso Cart. Admission and parking are FREE!

Visit the Tiny Canary website for directions and a preview of the participating vendors.

Inquiries? Contact thebird@tinycanary.com.

* Please note that Sweet Stella Designs will be a vendor on Sunday, November 16th only!*

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!

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.

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).

Hello, Chicago!

I am proud to announce that select items from Sweet Stella Designs are now available at Renegade Handmade in Chicago! If the name sounds familiar, it's because Renegade is a very well-known alternative craft fair that offers shows throughout the year in Brooklyn, San Francisco, and Chicago.

But if you can't wait and need your handmade goodies now, then head on over to Renegade Handmade at 1924 W. Division St. in Chicago.

And if you're not in the Chicago area, don't fret...Renegade plans to launch an online shop in the near future. Get excited!

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.