I’m an old hippie whose jewelry making began 20 years ago when on a dare my wife signed me up for a beginner beading class at a local bead shop. I was hooked pretty quickly and began making women’s jewelry using silver, stone and crystal beads and constantly learning techniques to make better pieces. While beading is still a passion, most of my work now is with chain and wire wrap.
Five years ago on yet another dare, I began making rings from old silver coins. I don’t cut or solder the coins. One coin makes one ring and the detail from both sides of the coin is preserved and visible. I fell in love with working metal, and am constantly learning new techniques and exploring the boundaries of turning old coins into cool jewelry. Taking something like a 100-year-old coin and turning it into something it was never intended to be has been an unbelievably rewarding journey, and I love that the possibilities are endless.
Lauren Luna was born in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from Kent State University’s School of Fine Arts with a focus in painting, she moved to New York City. She began teaching Special Education for New York City schools and entered a Masters program at Manhattan College. Upon graduation, she moved back to her hometown of Columbus along with her son and continued teaching. Later enrolling in the Academy of Art University for her second Master’s degree, in Fine Arts.
In 2011, Luna relocated to Houston, Texas, pursuing her new life as a full time artist and footwear designer.
Lauren Luna was named a Top 50 Entrepreneur by Scion Car Company, participated in Austin and Houston Fashion Week, was featured in British Vogue and Glamour Magazines, and had a shoe design in an exhibit in the Grassi Museum in Germany.She was honored to receive the Margot Siegel Award for Design by the Goldstein Museum of which two pairs of her hand painted shoes are a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
In 2015, after winning Best In Show at a juried art competition, she was commended by the Alvin Independent School District School Board, and was put into Congressional Record by the District’s State Representative.
She is a frequent participant to local art festivals, and also has a mural at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Luna currently is an art professor at Lone Star and San Jacinto Colleges, and is Co-President of the D.R.E.A.M Affect Foundation, a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to minority art students pursuing Fine Arts, and grants for emerging artists to show their work.
My art can range from bold bright colors to dark tones. I enjoy subject matter from landscapes to mysterious women. I enjoy using soft strokes or a textured look all in one painting. @cheriesalinas96 361-235-9153
Cherie Salinas resides in Katy, Texas with her husband, son, and three dogs. She is a self-taught artist who enjoys multiple mediums such as oil, acrylic, and even melting crayons on canvas.
Her latest works explore the human form and the wonderful things that God has made such as animals or luscious fruit.
Her last solo show was at Piola downtown Houston which ran January to March of this year.
Cherie is influenced by Monet’s mixing colors on the canvas and the texture Van Gough achieved.
This artist’s work runs the gamut of emotions from quiet peacefulness to frail darkness.
“I enjoy hearing how each person sees art differently. One person sees a sunrise, the other sees a sunset.” Salinas explained.
Acrylic, House Paint, Mixed Media, Collage, etc. on Wood, Canvas, Metal, Board, Found Pieces, etc., and Found Object Sculpture. Basically, whatever I can lay my hand to. I can do a lot with a little. 346-377-8664 @deantsnider
Mike and Renee Handcrafted chainmaille designs bring about sparkle and Life wherever you go, from our fine jewelry made from top quality metals (sterling silver, gold vermeil, fine gemstones from the four corners of the world), traditional chainmaille role play pieces, to our playful and pleasure one-of-a-kind chain and maille bodywear! Got an idea, want to make it (sur)real? Come by and let’s talk!
All pieces are customizable and we also do special orders! Drop by or shoot me a text and say “Hey, Mike!” 832-390-8421
