Coming to You This Weekend, Canton!

Meet Jami Koehler from Jami's Bows and Clothes...
I'm a mom of three (two daughters and one son). My husband and I have a busy household and are in the thick of runny noses, taxi driver, tantrums and we love it. I enjoy anything that involves time with family and making fun memories. We like beach vacations and the simple things in life. Before I was a mom of three, I graduated from the University of Akron, what feels like a century ago, to pursue a full time career. I worked as a single mom to one through college and shortly after, met my husband. After we were married, we had two more littles. I left my full time job to stay home with my littles and it has allowed me to dive into my crafty side.

I have always loved crafts and handmade items. There is something so beautiful about items made from the passion and hard work of someone and not a factory. I love being able to construct an idea and make it come to life. I have been doing scrapbooking, elaborate ones, for almost 14 years. I began making bows and all things girly after I became a stay at home mom to put some heart into the bows and clothes my children wore. Having little girls gave the perfect excuse to try bow making and shirt designs! I imagine the types of products I would want to buy in stores for my littles and make them. I tend to go with the time of year and current themes (unicorn and sparkles for now). I will start with the basics and then continue adding more until I feel the end result is exactly what I wanted.

My mom and I have gone to many craft shows/expos and I look forward to every one of them. There is something so exciting about walking booth to booth to see what each has to offer. I've always been into crafts and trying to create my own is a perfect way to pass free time away! This will be my very first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show! I would like to be able to take my craft to many craft shows and be able to build a website to make my products more available. I would love to have a long lasting business with bows, accessories and clothes.

No matter how busy life may seem or how little time there is, it is very important to have your own passion and set time aside for yourself to feed that hunger and allow pride for accomplishment.

Meet Nichole Hare of Eridanus by Nichole H....

My name is Nichole Hare and I'm from North Canton, OH. I'm currently living in Jackson Township with my husband and two children.

I have had an interest in art my whole life. I used to draw all the time as a kid, and my uncle (who is also an artist) would give me tips on how to draw properly and I quickly adapted to his guidance. I didn't really start getting into abstract art until recently. I saw videos of artists creating these beautiful paintings using the paint pour method and decided I wanted to research and experiment with it myself. Of course I feel my current work has improved since my first pieces, but right away I fell in love with this technique. When I began experimenting with the paint pour method, I realized how quickly I could produce paintings. Because they are abstract, they can fit into a variety of spaces whether it's a home or professional office setting.

While in college as an art major, acrylic paint was always my favorite medium. I have only been using the paint pour method for a few months but it has been so fascinating for me. I love the unpredictable nature of it. You have control over the colors you use and how much of each color will be present, but the end result is truly always a surprise. I also enjoy the movement of the paint because it's a completely different way of working with it than what I'm used to with portraits and still lives.

I don't want to put too much pressure on myself at the moment because I have other commitments, but in the future any growth in selling my paintings (online and through shows) will be considered a success for me. I'm truly enjoying creating these pieces and I just want others to be inspired too. This will be my first, but I'm very excited.

The message behind my work is movement. The seasons change, time moves forward, we're all moving in the same direction. Many of my pieces can either remind people of stormy seas, or calming streams.

Meet Boom Chappell of Metal Studio Jewelry...

I have a passion for jewelry and design. The inspiration for the pieces that I create come from the trees, the flowers, the fire and the water. My designs have a very organic feel using shapes and patterns found in nature. I am driven by creating unique designs that showcase the inspiration that I find in Chaing Mai and in nature.

Because of the wealth of cultural history and the sheer number of traditional designs and artisans, I have had access to a unique collection of materials to craft my collections from. It is from these raw materials that my jewelry takes shape. The cultural heritage of Chiang Mai is alive inside my jewelry.

Each of the stones that I use has been hand selected to be of the highest quality and only the best components are used. I put a great deal of time into the selection of materials for each individual design and this care and effort shows in the quality of each piece.

I am a very experienced jeweller and I have been working in this industry for more than 15 years. My jewelry has been featured in the pages of major fashion magazines and has graced the shelves of some of the top design houses in the USA and UK. Metal studio is my private project and workshop it is not so much a store but a place to display my unique works and to greet my customers and allow them to experience the care and devotion that goes into each piece.

If you are looking for a unique design that you can cherish for years to come, please stop by the shop and see what I currently have on offer. The selection changes from day to day as the designs in the shop are my personal artistic expression.

2019 Canton Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Time- 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George Serbian Center

4667 Applegrove Street NW

North Canton, OH 44720

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

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It's Showtime!

Meet Shannon Hunter from Canal Fulton Bath House…

My name is Shannon. This is my first Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show. My company’s name is Canal Fulton Bath House and I make bath and basic skin products. I first learned how to make bar soap, chap-stick, and lotion from a friend in the fall of 2017 for extended family Christmas gifts. I’ve been hooked ever since and have added Bath Fizzes and Bath Salts to my inventory.

Since my business is still young and I haven’t participated in many craft shows, I am still figuring out my brand. Two series that have found my favor and I plan on continuing are my “Frat Boy” bar soaps and the “Essences” lotions. Currently, the “Frat Boy” bar soaps consist of “Frat Boy: The Pledge,” which is a regular bar soap, and “The Frat Boy,” which is a beer soap. The next bar soap for this series is “Frat Boy: The Sponsor,” where the plan is to make it with whiskey.  The “Essences” lotions are lotions made with Essential Hydrosols instead of Essential oils or fragrance oils. These lotions are great for people that can’t take strong smells or have skin sensitivity. I currently have two scents within this series. I have many other ideas for product series but have yet to experiment with them.

My hope is that I will find a way to stand out and be different from those who sell similar products as well as create products that people love. I hope to eventually be in a position where my business can be an advocate for living life more simply.

Meet Michelle Santantonio from Lucky Suds LLC…

For many years, I have owned and operated a bakery in the famed Westside Market. At the end of 2017, I decided to sell my business and try a lifelong desire to try my hand at soap making. I found it came very easy to me as it is much like baking. Coming up with a recipe, getting the right mix of oils, butters, and ingredients to make a successful product. Also, in my limited spare time, I help my husband train and race harness horses. That is why my labels include a horse within a horseshoe. Additionally, we own a horse named Lucky Suds. 

I wanted to make skin care products and soaps since I was 18 years old, many, many moons ago. My inspiration is truly my customers. Many of the products I make are due to the desires of what my customers want. I listen to their concerns and skin needs, whether that be scents they want, skin issues they are trying to heal, or products they want or they can't find. Those are what drives me to create great, healthy, affordable skincare that is all natural. 

My creative process many times comes from something I see, whether it be a painting, a scent, or a feeling. I enjoy blending my own scents to make a one of a kind, unique product that no one else has and to bring the vision of color to compliment that scent. I've always had a knack for creating recipes. Like the bakery, it is easy when you understand the science of what you can or can't blend together to make things work. 

In five years, I see my products being sold in boutiques and I also see myself continuing to do shows since I’ve participated in six Avant-Garde shows already. I love the interaction with customers. It is very satisfying to hear someone say how much they loved a product they bought or being thanked for taking the time to help them pick out an item for themselves or someone else. I believe customer service is becoming a lost art with self-check-outs and internet shopping but I believe many people love to be attended to and when you give great customer service it makes them feel special and that is what I love about interacting with the customer.

I would want my customers to know that I handcraft all of my products from my own scratch recipes. My products are thoughtfully made from fresh ingredients, they never come from a kit, and whenever possible, I use local ingredients & packaging. I am always happy to listen to what my customers want & love to hear how my products make their skin glow! 

Meet Sarah Jennings from Sarah’s Garden....

I moved to Ohio in September of 2017. I have always been a creative person and I owned and operated a sign shop for over 13 years. Creativity has always been a significant part of me. After retiring from the sign shop, I could not seem to "let go" of the drive to design and create, so I started my business in 2018. This will be my first Avant-Garde show.

Creativity is once again a significant part of me and it drives me in life. I see things from shapes and colors and know what "I" like, but, I have to step back and focus on what others may like as well. It goes beyond my likes and fulfilling them to the process of creating something that someone else would like and appreciate.

I love what I do, everything from the design process to traveling to different craft shows. Doing this allows me to interact with so many fascinating people and seeing parts of Ohio that I might otherwise not get to see. Since I enjoy what I do, I see myself broadening my scope of travel and doing shows outside of Ohio and yet still being able to continue a home-based business.

My motto is "Add a little sparkle to your life," and that sparkle means something different to everyone. Whether it be looked at as "bling," others, so I have been told...look at it as "joy," "uplifting," or something that brings a smile to their face on an otherwise dull day. Yet, when captured by the sun, it lightens their mood and draws their eyes to the dancing prisms reflected in their homes, just as a child in awe with a new toy.

Meet Gina Dean from Mamma G’s Gourmet Caramel Corn…

My name is Gina Dean my company is Mamma G's Gourmet Caramel Corn and I make unlimited varieties of caramel corn. I take pride in the fact that I dehydrate my own fruit that I use. I also use real candies and different nuts. I started my business this past November. I was featured at Duma Meat's in November and December. I now do all types of craft shows and events like the Avant-Garde shows, VegBash and Pierogifest. I am also doing weddings, birthdays and graduations. 

I get my inspirations from my children, family, and friends. If you can think of a flavor I can make it! I'm now in Blended at Aurora Farms as well and am working on becoming a household name. I love being unique and making caramel corn that no one else has. I strive to keep moving forward and keep making new connections. I'm excited to see where this will take me. Remember it's never too late to have new dreams in life, you just have to have the courage to pursue them.

2019 Canton Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, April 13, 2019 - 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George Serbian Center

4667 Applegrove St. NW

North Canton, OH 44720

For more information, contact Amanda Look, Event Coordinator at Amanda@ag-shows.com

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Coming for You, Canton!

Meet Carolyn Bauer and Kim Holl from KAH Creatives...

I have always had an eye for decorating and design. I love to look at homes and watch HGTV. I have crafted for myself, but just started to get serious on what I want to achieve: refurbished, rustic and aged metal, glass, etc. My husband and I just started going to Estate sales in October 2018, where I saw all this awesome stuff that I want to redo. I generally can see it in my mind right away. I’ve been following a lot of DIT/ Farmhouse/Shabby Chic designs. I recently redecorated most of my home and I wanted to make some of the decor myself.

I encouraged my sister to start selling her creations at craft shows and I have helped her with her shows. I had have also helped my two very talented daughters at their craft shows, they are both artistic and own their own businesses. One is a graphic designer and the other makes bracelets and Malala’s from real gemstones. I have felt more inspired now to take my visions to the next level.

I like to make homemade gifts as it shows that I put a lot of love, time and effort in it and people appreciate that. My sisters and I have always crafted together and we always inspire one another. Once I started going to Estate sales, I have developed this vision of how I could refurbish the items I was seeing into something very beautiful. I took a shot at it and now I’m addicted. Eventually, we also want to refurbish old dressers and small tables.

I am hoping I do well as this will be my first real craft show and that people like what I make in order to continue to grow as a crafter. My passion for art is genuine and heartfelt. Art in any form is more beautiful because of its own creation behind it. I enjoy creating and sharing my visions. 

Meet Lindsey and Matt White from Fox Black Koi Candle Co…

What began as a love of candles and obsession with collecting them, turned into a passion of creating our own. In the summer of 2018, we began this adventure with the thought that it would be a fun hobby and nothing more. That quickly transformed into a business idea when we realized how much we loved the process of candle making. Since then, we have worked hard to develop a brand that you can trust and love as much as we do! When we decided to venture into the wonderful world of candle making in August of 2018, we had a couple goals in mind. First, we wanted to create candles that would be as sustainable as possible and to use non-toxic and phthalate-free fragrances. Second, we made a commitment to use fragrances sourced locally right here in Ohio, and only work with 100% natural soy wax grown in the U.S.A. Our mission is to spread creativity, good vibes, and great smells.

We both have a huge passion to create, whether candles or other forms. Matt – who has a day job in software development – finds creating physical, tangible pieces of work inspiring, especially since he works in a field that doesn’t produce physical things. Lindsey has always had the urge to create and holds a B.A. in fine arts. She finds inspiration in all things, colors, books, music, baking, smells and imagines each has its own story to tell, which she does in watercolors. For White Fox Black Koi Candle Co., she was in charge of designing the logo and branding package. 

We discovered our talent by accident! We had no idea what went into the process of making candles when we began, however, as we practiced and perfected our work did it become something more than a hobby. Attending craft shows and realizing that we were buying tons of candles is what gave us the idea! We decided that we wanted to learn more about making candles and started making them on our own.

Our philosophy is that everyone deserves to have their room smell awesome, so it all begins with a smell. With that mission in mind, we want to help people find “that smell” that will brighten their whole day, bring back good memories, or help them relax. We go to our supplier, located in Ohio, and sample fragrance oils by the tens and hundreds before narrowing down our choice, which is easier said than done. We take notes on the pros and cons for each, thinking about what will connect with our customers and will it fit with our vision. Once that is finally accomplished, we sit down and brainstorm a name and think of a color for the scent. We want to find a unique and creative name that also fits the overall notes of the fragrance.

Because we primarily sell our goods online, we don’t get many opportunities to interact on a personal level with our customers That means our five-year goal will be to get our product and brand in front of an ever-growing audience and connect with our customers face-to-face. Ultimately, we aim to build wholesale relationships with retailers who are looking for well-crafted and visually striking candles to put on their shelves. White Fox Black Koi Candle Co. was created with the mission to spread creativity, good vibes, and great smells. We believe that everyone deserves to have their room smell awesome.

Meet Kelmeny Nichols from Wander Brush Painting...

I am a 19-year-old girl from a small town in Mississippi. I love all things colorful and bright. I am passionate about painting and am excited to continue to follow my dreams and see where this all will lead April of 2019 will mark a year of this crazy art journey that I have been taking. This show will be my first! I hope to do more shows in the future.

I have always loved crafting. I remember my kindergarten days and the little arts and crafts we did. I also remember always being so excited for art class! The love of arts and crafts was just in me from day one! I follow many amazing watercolor artists and other artists on social media and seeing their progress and their work gives me so much inspiration and motivation to keep doing what I love.

I had no idea I had this talent until one Sunday afternoon when I drove into town, went to Walmart, and bought cheap supplies. It just felt so natural with me. I have been painting ever since! When I receive inspiration I immediately want to paint. I come up with a plan and an outline, then I begin painting, switching up details and colors as I go. If I were to describe it in three words I would say it is: crazy, imaginary, and incredibly fun!

In five years, I see myself painting full time and also having my art licensed through several different manufacturers, as well as having my own website and online store (coming soon!)I want to inspire others to chase their dreams and to find their niche and do what they love! Amazing things often start small you just have to stick to it and never give up!

Meet Sharon Arner from Lost Art Cards…

I am a wife and mom to three grown sons, and a (recently) retired registered nurse. I love to spend time at the beach and in my back yard.

I have been a maker since I was a little girl. My first memory of craft making was when my grandmother taught me how to embroider. Along the way, I learned many new forms of art and craft, including knitting and sewing. It is so satisfying to make something by hand.

About 17 years ago, I attended a card making class and was hooked! I have been making handmade cards for family and friends ever since. A card is a great way to make a connection with someone. Remembering their birthday, welcoming a new baby, or celebrating a graduation; these and others are all moments to share with the people you care about. A card is a perfect way to do that. In July 2018, Lost Art Cards was born when I opened a shop on Etsy. 

A card provides a blank canvas for which to incorporate an image with a greeting and sentiment. Nature provides much of the inspiration for the artwork on my cards. I frequently use images from the flowers in my garden and the pond built by my son.  Sometimes the colors or patterns are chosen specifically for the person who will be receiving the card.  Interactive cards are a fun way to send something unexpected, and photographs can be used to create a true one-of-a-kind card. 

Meet Marianna Cole from Re-BROOCH-Ables…

I am a mother of four sons and grandmother of seven grandsons. I was married for 33 years before becoming a widow in 2013. I remarried and relocated to my current husband's birthplace of Mansfield, Ohio in December of 2018. I guess that makes me an implant from Berlin, New Jersey. I have been creating brooches from magazines for over 25 years. I cannot take complete credit for the concept in that I saw something similar when I visited my sister in Atlanta at that time. I felt that I could improve on the product by putting my own personal twist on it which is when I came up with Re-BROOCH-Ables. I initially gave them out to family and friends as gifts and was encouraged to sell them as well. I do not have a website as of yet and primarily sell them at craft fairs, church functions, fashion shows, women's teas, etc. 

I have never sold at any Avant-Garde shows and was pretty excited when I saw the events posted online. I recently retired and look forward to getting more involved with participating in these kinds of events. I LOVE creating these works of art, pieces of jewelry, and love seeing people's reaction when they realize they were created from magazines. That alone is worth it all! People love the fact that they are their personal pieces of art and also that they are so versatile. I have customers who wear my brooches on their clothing as well as on hats, purses, belts, and necklaces. 

I am inspired by the fact that I can take paper and turn it into a one-of-a-kind work of art by using something that would otherwise be thrown away. I have donated brooches to women's shelters through the years and love making women smile with such a small act of kindness. I don't know f there is a particular message but I love making wearable art for others to enjoy. I initially got into the craft hobby because I am a giver by nature but then after my husband passed, I did so as a means to supplement my income. In 5 years I hope to have my brooches sold in departments stores such as Macy's.

2019 Canton Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, April 13, 2019 - 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George Serbian Center

4667 Applegrove St. NW

North Canton, OH 44720

For more information, contact Amanda Look, Event Coordinator at Amanda@ag-shows.com

Visit us on:

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Get Ready for the Weekend, Canton!

Meet Nataliya Goncharenko from Noblesse Oblige Studio...
My name is Nataliya. I am an artist. I create paintings in the quilling technique. About two years ago, I accidentally came across the social network group "Vintage jewelry and products made from natural stones." It was a very new topic for me. I was very interested and curious to observe what is happening in the group. Exciting publications, beautiful antique jewelry, the Renaissance, Edwardian, Victorian, Gregorian epochs, the beginning of the 20th century, the Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods. 

I have been engaged in collecting and decorating for about two years, and my small store exists since the beginning of this year.  This is my first exhibition in this subject of jewelry. I used to participate in shows as a quilling artist. I adore vintage jewelry. I get fascinated and attracted by gemstones. I want to show other people how the gemstones are interesting, cognitive, pleasant, useful and beautiful. Natural gemstones carry a sea of positive energy. Ancient people believed it and for a reason.

I started making necklaces from natural gemstones for myself, then I became more interested in reading, studying, observing. As a result, I began to improve. However, if there is talent or not, only other people can say. I can not judge myself. Therefore, I want to try to participate in the exhibition. My creative process is insecurity, painful discontent, and endless search, plus massive support from my husband and daughter. I hope that I will succeed and I will open a real small boutique of vintage art and write a book. Some items carry the history, craftsmanship, fashion of this or that era. I want that content of art to be accessible to people. I want to bring some naturalness into this artificial world.

2018 Canton Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, December 1, 2018 - 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George Serbian Center

4667 Applegrove St. NW

North Canton, OH 44720

For more information, contact Amanda Look, Event Coordinator at Amanda@ag-shows.com

Visit us on:

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City of Canton Welcomes the Avant-Garde Shows!

Meet Kimberly Downing from God's Gift Bakery...
I have a total passion for food, let me add GOOD FOOD! I worked in the restaurant industry for 30 years and now have extended myself to a personal bakery. I have been baking for 20+ years but have recently taken my passion to the next level. This is my first show with the Avant-Garde Shows but I do not plan on it being my last! 

My inspiration is my Grandma and my Mother. I watched both of them bake and decorate cakes all my childhood and wanted to be like them. What got me started with this is I made cookies for my brother-in-law and my husbands cousin and they were so overwhelmed with the goodness they both suggested i should sell them. The business initially started with the selling of the Chocolate Chip Cookies. My talent was discovered more as I experimented with other tasty treats.

I bake from the heart and I bake for the "normal" person. I don't agree with charging outrageous prices for my treats. I see my business flourishing with more upcoming shows and possible taking on more individual orders. The message behind my work is, The Lord gives us all a gift. We need to use that gift to the greater of man and what better gift to have than the gift of baking, and that is the story behind my business name, GOD'S GIFT BAKERY!

Meet Irene Dettmer from Quilters' Emporium...
Shirley Ramnytz Moll pursued her love of sewing and began a business, naming it Quilters' Emporium.  A year ago her sister Irene Ramnytz Dettmer joined her.  Since then, they have combined efforts to share their love with others. Shirley became interested when she was twelve years old, hospitalized with a ruptured appendix.  Her mother brought her fabric scraps and a triangle, and Shirley spent her time cutting triangles, she eventually made a quilt.  When she was married, she sewed childrens' clothes, and quilted gifts, now gifting and selling items for over ten years.

Irene began sewing garments and mending for others.  Her needlework consisted mainly of embroidery.  Shirley and Irene began a quilt twelve years ago ( they lived in different states, and passed it back and forth).  They finally finished it last fall! Both continued sewing, and feel relaxed and peaceful when feeling the fabric, hearing the whirr of a sewing machine, and seeing a finished product.

Their expertise includes quilts, household items and gifts, holiday items, sports and custom gifts, and other useful and unique products. Items include weighted quilts for "active" children and "Fidget" quilts for adults with dementia.  Quilts and wall hangings can be purchased completed, or as a "top," or as a kit, for your own to finish.  Quilt rescue and restore is available, as are memory quilts. Shirley is known as a top-rated seamstress.  Irene has won many blue ribbons in local county fairs.  Be sure to visit Shirley and Irene, and see for yourself what they have to offer. 

Meet Katie Kress and Derek Humes from Honeybun Homemade...

Katie is a wonderful stay-at-home mother to our 2 children. She was a kindergarten teacher before we had children. We live in Hartville, Ohio with our 2 children and 2 basset hounds. She has been making crafts for years, even before our kids, but only recently have we decided to build an inventory and approach craft shows with our booth Honeybun Handmade. 

As her husband, I am managing the business side of the endeavor.  Katie began painting wooden peg dolls for our children in the last year and due to the tremendous response we have had from everyone we show them to, we decided to start this adventure! This will be our first Avant-Garde craft show to participate in (and also our very first craft show ever!)

Katie is inspired by our children, and the desire to create toys and goods that are enjoyed by children and their parents. We strive to create items using natural materials that are safe to both the environment and our customers. In 5 years time we hope to increase our presence around local craft shows, and still be creating many items for children to enjoy.

Meet Sam Brennan from Night Bear Photography...

Names Samuel Brennan, I'm from NEO. I'm a photographer that deals with mostly Black Bears. I manage a wildlife Sanctuary in MN, where I educate the public about co-existing with wildlife. On my off days I go take photos of wildlife. I'm usually in Ohio 5 months out of the year. The rest of the time I'm in the deep woods of MN. I've been doing this for about five years and this will be my second show with the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. 

The beauty of nature inspires me to create. I have a background in Film and Video and it was just natural for me to get in to photography. I have always had the eye for photography. My job brought me to an area that's surrounded by Wildlife thus giving me the chance to capture some great shots! To describe my creative process I would say, "Easy Does It." Waiting, and patience play a strong role in my process. Some days I have no luck and some days are just filled with great images for me to capture. I just go with the flow and hope the light keeps up. My message its just to capture their beauty and to educate anyone that asks me about bears.

2017 Canton Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Time- 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George Serbian Center

4667 Applegrove Street NW

North Canton, OH 44720

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

Visit us on:

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Ready, Set, Shop! The Canton Show is This Weekend!

Meet Sheila Avsec from Avsec Arts...
I have had numerous careers in my life, everything from being a Navy Veteran, an American Sign Language interpreter, to a personal trainer and running coach. I'm a transplant from the DC area, and am still getting to know Akron. Currently I'm focused on creating, showing and selling my artwork both online and in the local Art and Craft show circuit. I've been showing my art since 2014, but didn't get into the Art and Craft show circuit until 2016. Specifically for the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, this will be my first! 

I get ideas from all sorts of places, people, my environment, but mostly I am driven to pick up my paints when I feel something very deeply: anger, happiness, frustration - my best work comes from a feeling. My Aunt and Uncle have worked the craft circuit since the 1980s and although I've seen them struggle more over the years, it always seemed like an interesting way to meet people and share your work. I've always been artistic and crafty, but I did it only for personal fulfillment until a few years ago.

Though my art most often comes from a feeling, that is not to say that I don't research and plan it out before I begin.  An idea is flushed out by researching technical elements of the design, and I decide which medium will get me as close as possible to expressing that idea.  I then spend time drawing out a value study, and working up a good composition.  After I come up with the "bones",  I then mixing up color swatches, and finally I execute the painting. 

In the next five years, I plan to increase how many shows I do a year, as well as increasing my online sales presence. The primary message in my work is to incite the viewer to action.  Personally, in their community, or just generally in life - get involved, take risks and create the life you want to live.

Meet Travis Howe from Fat T's Cookies...

I am a 26 year old from NE Ohio who is hopelessly waiting for a Browns Super Bowl. I baked my first cookie in my entire life in June of 2017 and officially made Fat T’s Cookies a business in October of 2017. This is my first time at the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. My main inspiration is to push the boundaries of what is a traditional cookie. Beyond that, making a product that brings happiness to someone’s life

After moving back to Ohio after Grad School I was looking for a way to make $40 a month to pay for a gym membership while applying for full time jobs. One thing led to another and I was named the “Best of CLE” in 2017 by Cleveland Magazine. I randomly made cookies one night. No formal training in culinary arts, just a guy who wanted something to taste good. My process is looking for something that is seen as “off the wall” or as something that “would never be thought of as a cookie” and trying to make it happen. I want to push the boundaries of what cookies can be. 

If I am blessed to see 5 years I would like to be in the process of becoming a national franchise. My message is, "deliciousness a quarter pound at a time!" 

Meet Lewistine Holloway Moore from Sew Sew Gallery...

Our story began out of a practical necessity. A mother wanted to help her daughter, a newly accepted medical student, with her school uniforms. She had been sewing for more than 50 years, and she was confident she could make custom stethoscope covers and medical skull caps with more pizazz — and for a much lower price than what was on the market. Soon her daughter’s peers were asking her where she got such fun medical wear, and a great idea was born. From there, she realized she could make dogs and cats just as fashionable as med students! She designed handmade pet products, from puppy raincoats to patterned case collars. 

After success at trade and craft shows, custom requests came flooding in from women everywhere, and she quickly expanded her collection to include unique fashion accessories for ladies and reclaimed fashion! Today, Sew Sew Gallery is proud to offer a unique selection of handcrafted wear just for you! We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re sure you will find our products both fashionable and practical. Whether you are searching for one-of-a-kind women’s fashion accessories or a spunky bow tie for your favorite furry friend, we are sure to have it.

Meet Kathy Brown from Kathy's Door Decor...

I am a life long Ohio resident.  My  husband Greg and I have been married for 40 years and have three adult children and 9 grandchildren.  I've always had a love of creativity that started with Home EC class in junior high school.  I've sewn ever since then and enjoy challenging myself.  Home decor and holiday decorating is a true passion of mine.   Growing into the crafting business is just an extension of that.  I would eventually like to open an Etsy shop.  

While I've made my own wreaths and flower arrangements for many years I just recently decided to start creating one-of-a-kind wreaths.  My inspiration begins with a focal piece, like a sign or ribbon.  From there, the project takes on a life of its own.  Custom orders are welcome!  

This is my first Avant-Garde show although I've attended many.  I've been the road crew for my sister's apron business for several years and always enjoyed the atmosphere so I decided to join in the fun!

My message is this - Let your decorating taste reflect your personality.  Did you know your personality is reflected in the color of your front door?  Don't be afraid to stand out!

Meet Shannon Navin from Mama Panda's Jewelry by Shannon....

My husband Eric, 10 year old son Spencer and I live Worthington Hills, just outside of Columbus. Eric and I moved to Worthington Hills right after we got married 11 years ago and Spencer came along the very next year. I grew up in Cincinnati, went to Notre Dame and then lived in Raleigh/Durham North Carolina for 11 years. I never thought I’d come back to Ohio but I met my husband on a business trip to Columbus and the rest was history! I love it here! 

 I have very little time outside of my day job and creating jewelry but I love to read and travel and have often daydreamed of opening my own independent bookstore!  Spencer and I travel a great deal every year and I aspire to be a travel agent when I retire!  I volunteer quite a bit at Worthington Hills Elementary, coach a Destination Imagination team and generally try to be a good wife and mother! Originally, I created whimsical earrings to include in packages when I shipped LuLaRoe to my customers.  I found out that customers loved the earrings as much as they loved the clothing…so I began to explore the idea of selling those pieces!  This is still a very new business venture for me so I do everything myself…design, creation, selling and shipping. 

I’ve always loved to create things…but I’ve never created anything that I was willing to share with others!  I knit, paint, etc but only for personal pleasure.  When I started creating this jewelry, I got to experience other people’s excitement about my products…it was addicting! While making jewelry is a talent…I think my greatest talent is actually in finding themes for my jewelry that interest people.  It’s fun to think about what I would like to see on an earring or a cufflink and then explore ways to get those images created and sized for my pieces!

The first thing I do is brainstorm about the themes that people will want to see represented in their jewelry! What are people passionate about? What would single women be interested in? Moms? Men? How do I capture those themes in a single image that can be sized to fit on an object the size of a dime. Then I get busy looking for a way to find that image or commission someone to create it for me. Once I have the image, it’s all about printing and cutting. It can take several hours just to punch out all of the circles I need to make an evening’s worth of jewelry. Then I adhere the image to a glass cabochon, let it dry and then pop that cabochon into a jewelry bezel with a bit of glue.  Finally, I spend hours wiping down pieces of jewelry with alcohol to get the glue residue off and working hard to get all of the glue off of my hands! I perpetually look like I’m molting as the glue peels from my fingers…it’s not one of the perks of the endeavor!

2017 Canton Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Time- 10:00am-5:00pm

St. George Serbian Center

4667 Applegrove Street NW

North Canton, OH 44720

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

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