It is the Christmas, gift-giving season! I have been working with some of the local talent and have compiled a quick list of just a few of the many great artists in the Bluegrass area. If you prefer to shop local, and keep more of your Christmas dollars within your community, this is a good place to start!
I'm happy to introduce the following artists, as just a small sampling of local talent, describing their own works and inspirations. They have noted their upcoming shows and events where you can view their unique gifts in person.
I have loved writing in beautiful books since I was young and that grew steadily along with my love for nature, ancient spirituality, and an awareness that writing and creativity can be healing. That was what initially prompted my discovery of bookbinding. I was taught Coptic binding by another student in college while getting my B.A. in English and my adventure in bookmaking began. I have been creating books since 2005 and deeply appreciate the meditative quality it offers. I have since added leather bags to my repertoire. They currently come in three sizes: a minimalist purse, a crossbody bag, and a messenger bag. I enjoy the challenge of re-imagining my materials by incorporating reclaimed and recycled textiles. I also have a love for textures and beautiful and whimsical creations while making very functional and durable pieces. Because I create with repurposed materials, each piece is unique. I am a member of KY Crafted and of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen.
My upcoming shows:
Columbus Winterfair from Nov 30th-Dec 2nd
Last Call Holiday Show at the Breadbox in Lexington, KY Dec 15th from 12-5pm
KY Crafted Market at KY Horse Park Alltech Arena March 15-17
Lexington stores:
Full list of stores and shows (which will be added once I am juried in) are at www.reimaginedonline.com
I find inspiration in my everyday . I love color and texture to tell a story in clay.
Caroline of @starbirdpottery throws creative & colorful pottery pieces that will bring a smile to anyone on your list! Each piece is one-of-a-kind. You can find my work at Winterfair at the Ohio Expo Center Nov 30-Dec 2 or at Fleur de Flea in Louisville Dec 8th & 9th! You can also find my pieces in Lexington at @artiquegallery
When I'm not in the field working as a historical archaeologist, you'll find me in my woodshop at my lathe. As a person who has been interested in the natural world since I was a child, as well as fascinated with the material culture of the past, I am drawn to combining woods with interesting knots, grain, spalting, bark, worm holes, and other "imperfections" with more structured shapes. I try to use mostly found and reclaimed wood and like to think that my love of nature is visible in my work as I seek to incorporate elements of the wood as I found it in each piece. The imperfect is perfect in my book, and I want those who view my work to be reminded that the object in their hands once was part of a beautiful, living tree.
Upcoming events:
Michler's Christmas Market (December 1-2)
Lexington Holiday Makers' Market (December 15)
DoorCandbyMeg creates handmade, hand painted, original burlap door hangers. We love glitter, ribbons, feathers, pom poms and more! We strive to create a product that is not your average door hanger! If you can dream it, DoorCandybyMeg can create it. DoorCandybyMeg got its start from the winter blahs that follow after all the Christmas decorations are taken down and you are left with gray days and a plain door. A spark of imagination, paint and some burlap and DoorCandybyMeg was born! Each piece is designed and created by Meg Januski and her daughters, Sarah and Megan in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Many seasonal designs are available as well as pieces that can be be used all year long. All of our pieces are all weather resistant and designed for outdoor use! As we always say, “Life is too short to have a plain door!"
Our next shows will be in Louisville, KY on December 1st and 2nd at Ballard High School Holiday Halls Arts & Craft Show. And in Lexington, KY on December 14th & 15th at the Holiday 301 Market.
My name is Sam Oschwald, I make unique serving and cutting boards, along with custom ordered wood projects from candle holders to furniture. My inspiration has always been my father, who has taught me so much, my grandfather, and great grandfather were all woodworkers. Wood is a wonderful material to create beautiful pieces that quickly become treasured heirlooms! I also make legacy pieces from wood from your family home, barns, or old furniture. You can purchase my work at Green Street Gifts and Antiques in downtown Versailles, on Facebook and Instagram under Odds 'n Ends or Sam Oschwald. You can contact me at oddsnends1996@gmail.com
My name is Debbie Graviss of Graviss Studios and I am an artist and animal rescue advocate. I specialize in pastel paintings & mixed media of a rich variety of animals, landscapes and floral art. I share the beauty and joy I find in nature. You can find my work in Kentucky at Artique Gallery and Good Foods Coop in Lexington, Kentucky Artisan Center and Top Drawer in Berea, Damselfly in Midway, as well as, Completely Kentucky in Frankfort or contact me at Debbie@GravissStudios.com
Dirty South is focused on bringing beautiful handmade pottery into the everyday lives of everyday people. They throw all our forms using porcelain, which gives a white backdrop for their colorful glazes to pop off of. For Dirty South, pottery is art that you can eat from – bringing beauty and function together. Find them this weekend at the Christmas Market at Michler's, Dec 1-2nd, and everyday now through the Dec 23rd at their storefront in Downtown Winchester, KY.
I'm Stephanie. I am a sucker for hot air balloons, pillows, anything fuzzy, and framing the perfect shot so I can recreate it with paint later. I am a trained oil painter and self-taught watercolor painter. I could draw before I could write and spent most of my time in school doodling. After college, I did a few commissions for family and friends, but it wasn't until the fall of last year that I started selling my own paintings and giclee prints online and at markets. I am still in search of my own 'artistic voice' which is why I paint a little of everything. Each painting provides an opportunity for me to develop new processes and learn about what I like to paint, and what my clients like to see.
Come visit my booth at the Market 301 Holiday Edition on Dec 14-15 and the Lexington Holiday Maker's Market on Dec 15. Yes, both in the same weekend! I will be selling giclee prints, original paintings, and hand painted ornaments. Hope to see you there!
I'd like to share a bit with you about Geezle Petes - a Lexington based small business! My name is Christina and my husband Bryce and I love making liquor bottle lamps. Being in Kentucky we especially love bourbon, but we make lamps of all kinds! We always joke that our house looks like a classy frat party just happened because of all the empty bottles Please check us out at Mayfest 2019 at Gratz Park or on our Etsy Page (search Geezle Petes) or on Instagram at @geezlepeteslex.
Hi my name is Connor Query, owner and artist of Connor Query Art of Lexington, KY! I specialize in painting and graphic design with a focus on my popular custom Pet Portraits. I’ve just taken the plunge into making Connor Query Art my full-time focus and I’m excited to make this little business blossom into the perfect place for anyone to get a personalized custom gift. Of course I’m inspired by how fun and full of life our pets can be, but I’m also inspired by how much they truly mean to our lives and commemorating them with a painting or woodburn is a gift that lasts forever. *
I’ll have a setup with samples December 1st at the Wilmore Old Fashion Christmas at Mt. Freedom Baptist Church
Be sure to come by and see my work as the featured artist at Cup of Commonwealth in February and Blue Stallion Brewing in March. Retail displays up currently at Dazzling Dogs Pet Spa in Richmond, KY and @mirrortwinbrewing in Lexington, KY. Come out, say “Hi!”, see my work and order a custom gift handmade by me, unique for you!
Connor Query
Painter | Graphic Designer
cmquery@outlook.com
cmquery.myportfolio.com
Instagram: @cmquery_art
Facebook: Connor Query Art
Hi, I’m Marie and I have a passion for helping to sustain the environment by up-cycling and recycling.
I rescue beautifully textured wood from horse farms fences, barns and fallen trees to construct individual wall decorations, coasters, ornaments and other artwork. I incorporate vintage and found pieces to create eye-catching, typography wall pieces, as well.
You can find me at the Michler's Christmas Market Dec 1st & 2nd and the Lexington Makers Market on Dec 15th at Cheapside. These will be my last shows for awhile as I delve into other creative adventures. So I’ll be offering some great prices to those who want to place my artwork in their new, forever home!
You'll have your choice of a complimentary ornament with any purchase over $12!
