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Silverthread Designs
Corey Credeur
Each piece is handmade out of a combination of sterling silver, fine silver, gold-filled wire, copper, and/or precious stones. My designs are simple and clean. I express the inherent beauty of the silver by hammering, twisting, soldering, wrapping, etc. The shape of the silver itself, along with the contrasting scales of materials provides elegant and interesting designs. silverthread-designs.com
I’ve been working with silver for over 20 years. I began taking classes in Columbus, Ohio from a wonderful woman named Wilma Cecil. I immediately loved metal as an artwork medium. Then I moved to Austin, Texas to study architecture at the University of Texas. While I was there, I further developed my silversmithing skills by taking classes in the School of Fine Arts. I graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1997 and moved to Houston, Texas where I practiced Architecture for the last 17 years. My jewelry, of course, is influenced by my Architectural education. The balance of form, scale, and texture is as important in a small piece of jewelry as it is in a large building.
I take care and pride while creating each design. I hope you will enjoy each piece as much as I enjoyed making it.
Jeff Jefferies
@jeffriesart 805-340-7109
My work is typical, typical of life. We form ideas. We have goals in mind. We visualize the final results and work towards our visions. Along the way, we encounter unexpected twists and turns. So we adjust, we learn, and move forward. Each painting is like this for me. Doors open and close during the process, affecting my final product a great deal. Every painting has what I once perceived to be challenges to my original vision. These moments are tough to push through. However, I’ve learned to accept them as doors to unforeseen possibilities. The challenge is to remain open, accepting them as doors of opportunity to paint my way through. As I work through, visions beyond my original thoughts emerge. Magical moments, leading me through the misty veil and into wonderful encounters of understanding and clarity. My paintings show me the way, I’m along for the ride, reflective of life in many ways. I work in Acrylics and in oils, depending on the effect I’m in search of.
Adriana Whitney
Adriana Whitney
Katy, TX. Self-taught folk artist
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:
The Anniversary Interviews
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
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
Chris Perkins
Christopher Perkins
Cypress Fairbanks
Painter, joined in 2013
“If ‘life is a trip,’ then make the trip count for something!”
As a first time artist showing at outdoor events, what has First Saturday Arts Market done for you?
I feel I have been enhanced by my experience at First Saturday Arts Market. I think just being in an artistic atmosphere generates so much creative energy that one can’t help but to exemplify it.
Is there anything significant that happened to you as a result of participating at the market?
Yes, I met some awesome people including those in the art community and art lovers. I also sold nearly all of my paintings! I’ve been painting in between my daughters nap-time preparing for 2014 and I’m looking at next year with so much optimism and excitement.
I remember when …
My first experience that I will never forget….as I was assembling my tent, my tent bag acquired some legs and “walked off”. Come to find out a fellow patron mistakingly thought it was his. Another moment…I was so nervous and excited for the 2013 White Linen Night that I forgot my tent all together! Luckily Mitch came to my rescue. All my items are labeled and I will pack everything up the day before from now on.
What would you say to aspiring artists sitting on the fence?
I would say to give it a shot if you are giving the opportunity. I think your attitude goes a long way with sales. I had a couple visit my tent 3 times before they purchased a painting. Everytime they came I smiled, talked to them and interacted with them…be positive, but not too invasive, it goes a long way.
What have you been doing since your last show at First Saturday Arts Market?
I’ve been doing commissioned work since the White Linen Night, it’s been great!
More about Chris on our website: https://www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/Yalest/ChrisPerkins
New Arts Column in The Leader
Greetings! With great honor I accepted an invitation to write a column about art in The Leader Newspaper. Naturally, I’ll be covering what I know best … the independent art scene!
The first column is all about art markets that now occur on each first Saturday of the month. Each are different and offer patrons a unique twist. Read all about it!
Week 1 : Mitch Cohen: Beyond the galleries, Houston outdoor art venues thrive
Week 2: Mitch Cohen’s Art a la Carte: Of Mad Hatters, guitars & an anniversary
Week 3: Art a la Carte: Exhibits bloom in advance of spring
Cheers!
Mitch
Artist AT LARGE
Market Manager Guy
& Newspaper columnist type person.