by Chrissy Doolen
Artfully Crafted Unique Personalized Jewelry. Handmade PMC (fine silver) Sterling Silver with a twist of copper and brass on occasion. One of a kind, different unique designs. Priced perfect for gifts. Custom work for all your needs and price points. www.chrissydoolen.com
Chris Magisano
Maggie’s Meltdown produces jewelry in both precious and alternative metals. The designs come straight out of Maggie’s head and she does her best to reproduce what she sees. Maggie had studied with & been influenced by Thomas Mann, Richard Salley, Andy Cooperman and Rosy Revolver. The work runs the gamete from modern minimalist to industrial gypsy and all points in between. http://maggiesmeltdown.blogspot.com 713-906-6880
Maggie’s Meltdown is the metal work business I’ve started after “”retiring”” from a full time job in pursuit of the mythical freedom of self-employment. After years of wearing jewelry and getting excited about someone else’s work, I was given the gift of opportunity by my partner. That opportunity was a two day class with New Orleans metal artist, Thomas Mann – someone whose work I admired greatly. That did it. A metal smith was born.
I love pulling metal pieces out of the hat and putting them together to bring an idea to life and even more, I love seeing my work on someone who is as excited about it as I.
Ellington paints in acrylic, with much water and sometimes sand. Her painting is in an impressionistic style with techniques that feel more like carving. “It has been said that painting is half-way between sculpting and drawing,” she says. “It is a wonderful experience.”
http://www.csellington.com 936-240-8014
Be curious about the world around you.
My art reflects my interest in science and nature. Also, light and darkness. I’m a digital artist, creating abstracts and realism- expressionist works. Many abstracts start life as fractals, which is my way to balance my logical side with my creative nature. At times, I feel very split between art and tech geek.
http://www.brandiuntz.com
Hardy & Nance Studios, 902 Hardy St. Houston, Tx 77020
“My goal is to bring the beauty of plants, trees and other natural places to my artwork so that I can share that with others. My hope is that my art might help another person connect with the natural world so that he or she can appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. I use a variety of techniques and media to bring my work to life!” ~Angie Spears
I tend become fascinated with mediums that I know nothing about; art forms that there is just no way I’ll ever try, just admire. Leisa McCord’s artwork absolutely falls into that category and has fascinated me from the first time I heard from her five years ago.
Leisa is a lifelong crocheter.
Miniature thread crochet to be more specific. The kind that would require you to wear fancy magnifying eyewear. I can’t say whether or not Leisa looks like a mad scientist when she’s crocheting or not, but the end results are amazing and beautiful.
Leisa’s inspiration comes from the thread manufactures patterns of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. Which also makes her a preservationist. Leisa reproduces these patterns on a miniature and creates her own designs. The scale is so small, that she makes her own tools. Leisa also dyes her silk threads to her liking too. Her finished pieces are “framed” in sterling silver and ready to wear as earrings and pendants.
Leisa celebrates her 5th anniversary with us at the market Saturday, and she tells me this was her first show to attend. I asked if there anything significant that happened to her as a result of participating at the market.
“This was definitely my jumping off point! I’ve become much more involved in the art scene. I have jewelry in galleries now. I’ve been in big shows. I’ve learned lots about presentation, infrastructure, booth shots, payments systems, you name it.”
Leisa has another passion that she’s bringing to the market on Saturday too. Music! Leisa and her friends are celebrating 20 years with an a cappella group called the Lager Rhythms. Leisa is a soprano! They perform at lunchtime – and you can visit Leisa’s booth behind the music tent. Read more about the Lager Rhythms on the website, here. Leisa can be reached at leisa@mccordworks.com and http://mccordworks.com
More about the Lager Rhythms is on our website here: https://www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/Music/LagerRhythms
Friday on any road in Houston is bound to keep you tuned to your radio as you creep along, bumper watching for hours. So at lunchtime today I left in a panic to get to Jerry’s Artarama, which is conveniently located off 249 and 1960, about 30 minutes to an hour away from my Heights home. I just needed a few art things.
Well that trip turned into an all day adventure! First, artist Linda Hardy is shopping near by and overhear’s me asking for directions and calls me out for leaving the Heights. Yes its true! On occasion I must travel outside my precious loop, okay? The fella that helped me turns back around and introduces himself, the assistant manager, Daniel Elliott – we’re Facebook friends too. Wow! Nice to meet you Daniel Elliott. (Daniel is an excellent artist by the way.)
I know an opportunity when it slaps me in the face (that would be a proverbial slap by Linda). See Linda has been promoting her studio complex where she creates her art since she moved in about a year ago. I’ve never been, and I know its gotta be close – so off we go, and thankfully Linda steers me through for a sandwich on the way. Yeah Linda!
The Purple Elephant Gallery and Iron Butterfly Studio is in the heart of Cypress, and it appears as we
pulled in the drive, that the whole street is part of The Purple Elephant. The gift shop on the corner sports a massive colorful sculpture of a sneaker on the corner. And just a few properties passed the “Hula” barn are the studios where Linda is. As you can see above – its quite a big “little” compound. Patio chairs and tables, creativity just oozes from every corner. The majority of the studios are stand alone buildings with a common area in what was once a house. The house doubles as more studios (2) and classroom space.
There’s even an animal pen! With goats, a sheep and pig. The pig is Picasso by the way, on the left. No, I did not feed anyone, but Picasso did get a scratch behind the ear.
As we are about to leave, artist Sergio Santos arrives. Goodbye Linda, hello Sergio! Sergio has a space down the street a bit, still on the property though. Sergio has a bit more space in this former one bedroom home. Really cool! He’s got the room to create, and display his paintings and award winning photography for the monthly open studios.
Quite an unexpected treat today! I am getting my wish to visit working artist’s studios that is for sure. I’m still finding similarities in studios no matter what kind of artist. Inspirational phrases, quotes and “things.”
I’m inspired again and ready to paint! And looking forward to my next visit to The Purple Elephant Studios!
Jerry’s Artarama is an awesome art store, and as I told Daniel, totally worth the drive to 12974-A Willowchase Dr., Houston, Texas 77070. They do deliver in Houston, however! Oh yeah! Like them on Facebook here or visit the website here.
The Purple Elephant Gallery and Iron Butterfly Studio on Facebook here. The artists host open studios on 2nd Saturdays from 5-9pm
Linda Hardy and Sergio Santos both attend the art market regularly.
They’re websites are linked on their art market pages here: Linda – Sergio
Mitch Cohen is the founder of First Saturday Arts Market. He also writes an art/event column for The Leader Newspaper. Check it out sometime here.
Adriana started attending the market in 2008 and it was her first time showing at a public venue.
Has your art changed since first attending First Saturday Arts Market How has your art changed?
My interaction with patrons and other artists helped me to create art that people are attracted to. As an artist I want to be free to create whatever I want but it’s also important for me that my art touches people. When I use to sell online I didn’t have that feedback that now I have thanks to be able to see people face to face
Is there anything significant that happened to you as a result of participating at the market?
Yes, as a result of my presence at First Saturday Arts Market I made connections and new collectors that allowed me to be able to be a full time artist. Today I am able to participate in all kinds of art shows, markets and festivals. Without First Saturday Arts Market I don’t think I would be in the place I am now.
I remember when …
My first art market wasn’t even in the market, It was outside. The market was full but Mitch was so nice to let me set up my booth outside a store. I wasn’t feeling very confident as an artist and I was afraid of rejection but the patrons were so nice to me and Mitch came to reassure that I was good. That day I sold almost everything I had and a store asked me to sell my paintings in their place. It was a dream come true.
Where are you now?
I keep selling art. I attend First Saturday Arts Market and White Linen Night at least 3 times a year and I am participating in different venues like gallery shows, festivals and art markets.
What would you tell the public about the market?
I have been in many other shows and the quality of work at First Saturday Arts Market is great. Here you are not going to find imports and mass made products. Everyone is an artist and many of our artist participate in high ranked shows that attract artist nationwide as The Bayou City Art Festival, WHAM, Waterway aArt Festival, Houston Fine Art Festival and many other juried shows.
How about to artists considering?
I would like to encourage artists to apply for many reasons. The knowledge you will get by just being able to be with clients face to face is enormous. The patrons are friendly and very encouraging. The artists at First Saturday Arts Market are very friendly and helpful. You will find a good family here.
Always try to help others, is the best way to be successful in this business.
https://www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/Yalest/AdrianaWhitney
A Before and After look at Adriana’s booth setup:
First Saturday Arts Market will celebrate 10 years in March of 2014, making it the longest, continuously running monthly outdoor fine arts event in Houston. I asked the artists how the market has affected them, their artwork, friendships and what advice they may give artists considering outdoor shows like ours. I’ll share some of the responses on our blog from both new and seasoned artists leading up to our anniversay.
Running this show has changed my life. And watching how it has changed and affected the lives of others has been an awesome experience. If you have something you’d like to share, please email me at here. (1stSatArtMarket at Gmail com)
Just scroll down past this post to begin reading! (or click the banner above first if nothing is below)
Thank you Houston!
Mitch Cohen
Founder/Market Guy at First Saturday Arts Market
Amanda Armistead Pechacek
I am a multimedia artist focusing on the formal aspects of Art–line variation, texture, rhythm, color, space, etc. My original drawings, watercolor paintings, and other elements are encased within layers of mixed-mediums. The nature of the mediums dictate the compositions and ensure that no two are alike. They are created on custom made wood panels which eliminates the need for framing. www.amandaarmistead.com 281-796-7445
Kingwood, Texas
Mixed media painting * Joined the market in 2011
How has your art changed since joining First Saturday Arts Market?
When I started in May 2011 my sales were average. Now, in 2013, my sales have hit over 7 times what I made per market. Seasoned artists have been an example for me to follow.
About how often do you attend the market and how would you rate your level of experience now?
3-5 times a year Seasoned
Is there anything significant that happened to you as a result of participating at the market?
My art has developed. I have become more confident. I am setting higher goals for myself.
In May of 2011, First Saturday Arts Market became a Birthplace and Public Grand Opening for both me and my art. Each time I participate I observe a fascinating mixture of both novice and seasoned artists creating an appealing atmosphere for patrons. The 10 year success of the monthly outdoor fine arts event proves that something great is happening…both for the participation artists and the public who can’t seem to get enough.
Do you have any advice for new artists?
Watch, listen, learn, take notes, apply, ask Mitch, ask your tent neighbor, engage your patron, smile, return, and you will love it!!
FSAM – learn more about Amanda on our website: https://www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/Yalest/AmandaArmistead
