Fra Angelica

Holiday shopping at Artist Review Today

2010-12-15T06:08:00.000-08:00

Artist Review Today, featuring the art and talent of Greater Cleveland. We have many new items for sale, some as little as $5. Wall art, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, glass, vintage items, photographs, original oil painting, mixed media, handmade goats milk soap, and much more.

Featuring Fra Angelica handknit scarves and purses, handmade jewelry, including the stunning silver chains made with Viking Knitting. Open every day from 10:30am to 5pm. Located in the beautiful Galleria in the heart of downtown Cleveland.

Festival of the Arts

2010-07-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

I'd like to invite everyone to the St. John Medical Center's Festival of the Arts. I'll have a table there with handmade silver and copper Viking Knitting jewelry. This is the festival's eighteenth year, and it's one of the premier festivals in Northeast Ohio. I'm so excited to be one of the vendors. The festival is this weekend, July 9 - 11. For more information, see the website, www.SJWS.net/festival-arts.

Artist Review Today

2010-04-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is my first posting in quite some time. They say that change is good, and the last few years have proven that for me. I'm very pleased to say that as of February 1, I am Jack Hamilton's partner at Artist Review Today. Artist Review Today is a multi-faceted business that includes two galleries, a magazine, various exhibition spaces, and a new venture called Gardens Under Glass.

I'm managing the gallery in the Galleria. We feature the art and talent of Greater Cleveland. New artwork arrives every day. We have wall art (oils, acrylics, photographs, mixed media), ceramics, glass, sculpture, fiber art wearables, jewelry, and much more! We're always looking for more local talent to complement the artists who've shown with us for a while.

We've opened a second gallery at the new Asia Town Center, on 38th and Superior. It's in a newly renovated factory -- 100,000 square feet that will include a food market, restaurants, a bakery, other galleries and retail, and artist studios. It's a beautiful space -- brand new, just opened. In addition to our new gallery, we've put artwork throughout the building.

2009 Christmas Craft Shows & Events

2009-11-18T07:18:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is here, and a number of great events are coming up.

BAYarts Holiday Open House
November 21st 10am - 4pm
BAYarts, Bay Village

Expanded gallery space for the holidays. You'll find my handknit wearables and jewelry, as well as one-of-a-kind art from a variety of artists.
Also, I'll be knitting in the gallery during the afternoon of Saturday, December 5. Stop by and do some shopping!!!

Christmas Cornucopia Craft Show
November 22 11am -- 5pm
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Rocky River

I'll be there with jewelry and purses. A number of other local artists are participating. In addition, there'll be a white elephant sale of gently used items and a bake sale.

Galleria Holiday Party
December 3
11am - ???

We'll have a variety of artwork from Artist Review Today Gallery and a holiday party. Stop by to see art by some of the best local artists. Many of us will be there to greet you!

"Chain Addiction" Necklace

2009-10-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

While knitting at River Colors a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a great fiber necklace designed by Heidi of Stitch Cleveland. Called "Chain Addiction", it's a multi-strand crocheted piece that lays beautifully around your neck. So, armed with my Size I crochet hook and some gorgeous, soft yarns from River Colors, I crocheted a few of these beauties in a variety of colors. You can wear it as a necklace or as a scarf inside your coat. Check them out at BayArts in Bay Village and at Artist Review Today in the Galleria downtown.

Artist Review Today on "That's Life"

2009-10-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Artist Review Today was featured on "That's Life", a television show hosted by local celebrity Robin Swoboda and filmed in Cleveland. Aired on Thursday, October 1, it was filmed at the gallery and showcased the beautiful artwork on display. Michael, the owner, discussed the gallery's focus on local art and artists.

I'm disappointed that I didn't see the show, but several friends did and said they recognized my fiber art. What a thrill to have my work and that of my friends at the gallery on television!

Wearable Art Fashion Show and Sale - October 18

2009-10-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

You'll find me selling my handknits and jewelry at a boutique table at the sixth annual Wearable Art Fashion Show and Sale. Sponsored by the Textile Art Alliance of The Cleveland Museum of Art, the event will be held on Sunday, October 18 at LaMalfa in Mentor. In addition to the boutique, the show features a stunning fashion show and luncheon. The wearable art, some of the best in Northeast Ohio, includes one-of-a-kind garments, coats, jackets, accessories, jewelry, and other imaginative fiber wearables for day and evening.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites LaMalfa

5783 Heisley Road

Mentor

10:30am

Boutique Preview Shopping and Artists' Raffle

1pm

Fashion Show and Luncheon

3pm - 5pm

Boutique open to the public

$5 at the door

Tickets

Boutique Preview, Fashion Show, Lunch, Runway Sales: $45

Advance reservations, call CMA: 216-707-6820

Maggi KnitAlong at River Colors Studio

2009-10-01T06:24:00.001-07:00

Maggi Jackson is a truly unique knitwear designer, originally from Northern Ireland. She creates wonderful, innovative designs and markets her own line of yarn to support her patterns -- linen, Irish tweed, cotton, rag, ribbon in beautiful, organic colors.

Now through November 28th, River Colors Studio has designated Saturdays from 10am - noon as official Maggi KnitAlong times. We recommend the Cloughjordan Wrap (book 16) and the Trapiche Wrap (book 14) as great projects for this knitalong. I've knitted both pieces and have the samples available to view.

Posted to the left is a picture of my Cloughjordan Wrap done in linen. The original is knitted in Maggi's tweed, also a good choice. The tweed is much heavier and suitable for our Ohio winters. The linen gives the design a beautiful drape, and it can be worn in all climates. I love wearing this wrap so much that I've started knitting a second one, using some Indigo dyed cotton that I purchased from my friend Joann at Three Pines Studio in Cross Village, MI. Joann is an expert dyer, specializing in indigo.

The bottom photograph is a picture of my Trapiche Wrap, knitted using Maggi's tweed, linen, and angora. It includes a few ruffles not knitted in the original. I had a lot of fun knitting the Trapiche and completed it in less than a week. I was obsessed, to say the least, and stayed up until well past 1am several nights because I just wanted to knit "one more row". Erika at River Colors just got in some great new buttons in a lighter shade of lavender that I added to the wrap on one end. They provide a nice compliment in color and texture. What a fun piece to knit and wear!

Artist Review Today at 2009 Oktoberfest

2009-09-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest is scheduled on September 4 - 7, Labor Day Weekend. It will be held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, in Berea. Food and beer (brats!!!), music and dance, artists, crafts, and loads of fun. The schedule is Friday (5pm - midnight), Saturday & Sunday (noon - midnight), Monday (noon - 9pm).

The festival includes an Art Market and Craft Show, with over thirty artists participating. In addition to wonderful arts and crafts for sale, artists will be demonstrating the processes they use in creating their artwork.

Artist Review Today is participating as a vendor, and bringing a variety of art from the gallery. You'll find wall art, ceramics, jewelry, wearables, photographs, books, cards, etc. I'll be there on Sunday and Monday to assist in the booth and offer some of my items for sale.

The weather forecast is for a gorgeous weekend (high70s and sunny), so why not come to the fair! What better way to celebrate the gorgeous summer we've had.

Middle Bass Island July 2009

2009-08-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Some knitting friends and I visited Middle Bass Island last Thursday. Middle Bass is one of a group of small islands in the southwest corner of Lake Erie. We caught the ferry at Catawba Island for a short , forty minute ride to Middle Bass. A perfect day -- Lake Erie looked like a sheet of glass and shimmered as the sun bounced off of it. My friend and fellow artist, Mary, met us at the dock. Mary owns My Aunt Irma's, a charming retail shop on island, where she and her family have a home. Visit her website at http://myauntirmas.com// She offers colorful, fun, and comfortable resort wear and jewelry, as well as her own original handknits (scarves, shawls, purses, sweaters) and art quilts. Mary is closing the shop and retiring after this season, so our visit was bittersweet. We love the shop and all the wonderful, funky, eclectic treasures, but we know that this is the last time we'll visit it. Mary has had a shop on the island for more than twenty years and is happy with her decision. (However, I'm always so sad to see a small, especially a business owned by a woman, close.) Our all-too-short day on the island was wonderful. We had lunch on the patio of a great restaurant, Walleye's, and most of us enjoyed the delicious Lake Erie Perch. We also saw the peacocks, which are absolutely beautiful. Sadly, the islanders are frustrated with them. They aren't native to the island -- someone brought two about two years ago, and they've multiplied. However, I still think they're gorgeous and am always amazed at and awed with the beauty of the natural world. Today the colors of the island and the lake can't help but inspire: the luminesence of the lake water, the subtle neutrals of the seagull greeting us at the dock, the vibrant colors of the male peacock. Each provides its own palatte of colors.
To say we had a wonderful day sounds so trite, but it couldn't be more true -great weather in a beautiful setting - a group of friends visiting, shopping, sharing our love of knitting, and just enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

Studio Clearance Sale in August at Artist Review Today

2009-07-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

We're having a big, blowout sale at Artist Review Today in August. Preview party is Wednesday, August 12 and the sale is Thursday and Friday, August 13-14. Artists are clearing out their studios. You'll find some great buys on wall art, ceramics, fiber, jewelry, etc, as well as art supplies, yarn, fabric, beads, buttons. Many items under $10 and nothing more than $50.

Stop by I promise, you'll find some great deals!

Up North 2009 part 2 - Mackinac Island and The Grand Hotel

2009-07-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

No trip to northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Mackinac Island and The Grand Hotel. In the late 1880s, Mackinac Island grew into a popular summer getaway for people from lower Michigan and Ohio. The Grand Hotel opened in 1887 as a summer retreat for people arriving by lake steamer from Chicago, Erie, Montreal, Detroit, and by rail from Cleveland and across the country. (Room rates at that time were $3 - $5 per night!) The above drawing depicts the hotel as it was in 1890. The island, between "mainland" Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, is one of those rare places that gives you a glimpse into a simpler life. A little fudge, some healthy walking, a chance to see some beautiful scenery. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island, but horses are everywhere. A carriage ride up the hill from the ferry dock to the hotel is a lot of fun and even a little magical. You'll swear you're back in the late 19th century. Victorian inns and homes with wide verandas, long wood balconies, and turrets line the hillside. The Grand Hotel's Front Porch - at 660 feet the longest in the world - is a wonderful place to sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. It is graced by 100 white rocking chairs and thousands of bright red geraniums. Over the years, it became a meeting place for folks on the island as well as a "Flirtation Walk" for romance. We enjoyed sitting on the porch for a time during our all too short visit to the island and the Grand.

Up North 2009 part 1 - Viking Knitting

2009-07-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

Several times a year, I meet friends "up north" in Michigan's upper Lower Peninsula. We've become friends with Gene and Joann, owners of Three Pines Studio (http://www.threepinesstudio.com/) in Cross Village. Gene and Joann are artists and also represent about fifty local artists (ceramics, fiber, jewelry, glass, wall art, etc). A wonderful creative, inspiring environment all year, during the summer they offer a variety of classes. This year they offered "Viking Knitting", a technique I've been wanting to try for a while. An ancient technique that's not knitting the way we usually think of it (using two needles) but is actually a type of weaving. Archeologists found examples of this type of chain at various sites in Scandinavia dating from the 8th Century AD, which is the Viking Era. Delicate or chunky (depending on the size wire), these chains could be used in a variety of types of necklaces and bracelets. Nancie Wiseman's book, Knitting with Wire, includes an explanation of the technique, but I wanted some instruction on getting started. So this was a great opportunity to combine two things I love -- northern Michigan and working with wire. We used 26 gauge sterling silver wire and wove chains, similar to I-cord, around wooden dowels. We then pulled the raw chains through holes of various sizes in wooden drawplates to tighten the weaves and make the chains pliable. We finished the ends of each chain by hand coiling a heavier gauge wire and then made them into bracelets.

Wearable Art at Artist Review Today

2009-06-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we created a "wearable art" section at Artist Review Today. Hats, purses, scarves, wraps, ponchos, coats, t-shirts, ties, etc., are displayed together. Several artists create the wearables, and it all seems to work together and looks terrific. Opposite the front door -- it's colorful and inviting, with a great expanse of wall for hanging all kinds of great knitted and handdyed stuff. We've noticed that people gravitate to that section first. Stop by if you're in the area and have a look!

Displays in Lorain Storefronts

2009-06-20T06:33:00.001-07:00

Image is everything. And my friend Lorain artist Peg Asensio and Lorain-area building owners are out to brighten up the empty storefront windows of downtown Lorain. Peg, who has her studio near Fourth Street and Broadway, enlisted the help of her friend and origamy artist Barb Zilko, also of Lorain, to decorate street front windows.

Spurred on by the recent volunteer efforts of Lorain resident and downtown property owner Joe Skodny, who took it upon himself to decorate a downtown street corner for fall, Halloween and for Christmas, Peg spoke to Skodny and Mike Challendar of the Lorain Growth Corporation about what they could do. Since Easter, the results can be seen in the storefronts of the old Woolworth building and the former Seymour Jewelers building. Peg, Barb, and other area artists decorated the windows with large, papier-mache Easter eggs for spring. Currently the windows hold flowers and bugs for summer, and butterflies are being added in conjunction with Relay for Life.

The idea behind the displays is to bring a little color and whimsy to downtown Lorain and hopefully encourage more community art projects, Peg said. "There is no visual arts presence in the city of Lorain," she said. So far, those artists who have participated have been friends of hers, and I'm pleased to say that she asked me to participate. She wants to get the word out so people in the community can get involved. She has no funding and suggested that we use materials that we have on hand -- wire, beads, fabric, metal -- to fashion the flowers and bugs. I also gave her some art pieces that I'd made with silk ribbons flowers.

The project may expand into other empty storefronts, if the building owners give the go-ahead, and Peg is hoping to get more artists involved in the window displays.

Trade Show visit

2009-06-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

I went to the TNNA trade show in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday. What inspiration. The TNNA show is for "people in the needlework business". I haven't gone in a few years, so it was fun just to feel a part of the industry again -- even though I don't have a "bricks and mortar" store. All of the yarn companies, button companies, needle companies, etc, were there.

I want to continue experimenting with freeform knitting and was looking for some specific small companies whose products aren't usually available in yarn stores. People doing unusual yarns (specifically handdyed silk yarns and ribbons) so that I can mix many colors and textures in my wraps.

My favorite company is Tilli Tomas. I already had a few skeins of her wonderful handdyed silks with beads that I picked up in my travels, and I was familiar with some great projects knitted using her yarns. Tilli is delightful and very helpful. I ordered some of her wonderful Dupioni silk ribbon strung with glass beads. Each color was more beautiful than the next. I also ordered some of the beaded silk yarn. Absolutely gorgeous.

I also love the Hanah handdyed silk ribbons. Stunning colors. These gorgeous ribbons are offered in a variety of widths and colors. They could be knit, used in fringe, and also used to make silk ribbon flowers. A few years ago I did a lot of embroidery using silk ribbon and also made silk ribbon flowers. These ribbons inspire me to play with the silk ribbon flowers again, both in my knitting and jewelry making. How about a beautiful cabbage rose, maybe beaded and with some delicate wire embellishments, on a velvet ribbon worn as a choker? A vintage look but with a twist. These ribbons are a real inspiration.

What fun to see all the creativity and energy of the wonderful folks in the yarn business. Makes me want to knit non-stop to get all my ideas translated into finished products!

Sarah Cavender Jewelry available at Artist Review Today

2009-05-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

We're very excited to announce that we've established a relationship with Sarah Cavender Metalworks. Her woven mesh necklaces, bracelets, and handbags are available at Artist Review Today. She specializes in metal mesh pieces, with each piece handmade using materials made primarily in the USA with stones imported from Europe. Her pieces are beautiful to wear and to admire as true objects of art.

June Art Show at the Galleria

2009-05-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

The June Art Show at the Galleria opens this weekend, with the Opening Reception on Friday, June 5 at 6pm. Lots of great art by some of the best regional artists. Great food, drink, entertainment in a beautiful setting in downtown Cleveland

Pewabic Pottery for sale at Artist Review Today

2009-03-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Stop by Artist Review Today to see the new pieces of Pewabic Pottery we have on display. We're offering the charming Snowdrop Vase, a historic design that was re-issued last year. We've also got mugs in five of their stunning glazes, some beautiful trivets, and some 4" x 4" tiles, perfect to use as coasters.

Pewabic Pottery was founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Stratton and is nationally renowned for its unique iridescent glazes. They have continued to fabricate heirloom quality vessels and tiles for more than 100 years. Fra Angelica Studio is pleased to offer a variety of Pewabic Pottery for sale.

Attention all cat lovers -- Kim's Kitties

2009-03-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to offer Kim's Kitties from talented Indiana artist Kimberly Rorick. Individually hand-formed from a durable porcelain, each colorful kitty is hand-painted and glazed to give it its own unique personality. They're available in an assortment of colors and designs.

Tall and Short Kitties: These whimsical little kitties sit pretty on your table or window sill.

Flower Vase Kitties: These adorable vases have a small opening in the back allowing them to hold water for a single rose bud or a small assortment of flowers.

New Echo of the Dreamer at Artist Review Today

2009-03-21T05:55:00.001-07:00

Stop by Artist Review Today to see the new Echo of the Dreamer jewelry we've just put on display. We have a stunning array of bracelets, rings, and necklaces. I especially love the bracelet fashioned from vintage dominoes.

Echo of the Dreamer jewelry is a collaboration between a talented mother and daughter from New York City. They use vintage elements and semi-precious stones set sterling silver to create unforgettable jewelry.

Color Your Weekend Workshops

2008-11-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

River Colors Studion is presenting a weekend of activities focusing on color, January 9 - 11, 2009. I'm teaching two of the sessions.

Friday, January 9, 6pm - 8pm: Magic Ball Social.
The magic ball is back by popular demand! I taught this workshop at River Colors five or six years ago, and it's a ton of fun. We'll lead you in a fun night of creating a unique ball of mixed yarns. You'll use a postcard, picture, or varigated yarn with your favorite colors as inspiration. You'll then pick yarns in those colors (either from your stash or from others in the class who will share) and create your own unique magic ball.

Saturday, January 10, 9am - noon: Scarf Confections.
This knitting workshop will help you mix and match colors, textures, and weight to design a one of a kind scarf. We'll use a free pattern by Jane Thornely as a starting point for the freeform technique she developed.

December shows - save the dates

2008-11-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Artist Review Today is planning some shows during December.

On December 11 - 12 we'll have a wearables show in the Galleria. It will feature handknit wearable items (shawls, scarves, purses, coats, etc.) as well as jewelry.

On December 18 you'll find us in the Rotunda at City Hall. This show includes a cross section of Artist Review Today artists.

More details to follow.

Erika & Friends Show on November 23

2008-11-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

River Colors Studio is presenting the second annual Erika & Friends Jewelry and Accessory Trunk Show on Sunday, November 23. I'm please to be a part of it again this year, as well as Erika Gadomski, Elise Anderson, Heidi Massingill, and Maureen Michaels. The event is from noon - 4pm.

I'll have some my jewelry and selected handknit scarves and purses, including some of my new freeform scarf/necklaces.

Babette Blanket

2008-11-09T09:35:00.001-08:00

Well, after many years, I started a crochet project! It's the Babette Blanket, a pattern available for download from Knitting Daily. It's a simple granny square, knit in different sizes. Heidi at Stitch Cleveland in Lakewood taught a two-day workshop and I've been crocheting squares ever since. What fun!

I decided to use up some stash so I'm using Koigu, Jitterbug, some 4-ply Rowan, and Silky Wool, in about twenty different colors, including a bunch of varigateds. Each square is a color study -- you use about two to six colors in each square.

I'm totally hooked (no pun intended), these squares are totally addicting.

I may put my squares together in a wrap or large scarf, instead of a blanket. We'll see. I think I may be making a few of these.

Washing your woolens - Eucalan

2008-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

I'm now offering Eucalan for sale at Artist Review Today.

It's a wonderful natural, biodegradable, no rinse wool wash. I knit with wool, mohair, ribbon, silk, cashmere, and other natual fibers and use Eucalan to wash all my handknits and anything else I care about.

As many of you may have discovered, wool shrinks if you wash it in hot water or if you agitate it when you wash it. With Eucalan, you just fill your tub with warm water, soak the item for 30 - 45 minutes, and then spin. No need to rinse.

It's available in four scents: Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavendar, and Natural Unscented. I love them all, but Eucalyptus is my favorite.

Color Magic

2008-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

On Thursday and Friday I attended a color workshop with Lois Bryant, a terrific teacher and weaver from Ann Arbor. The workshop was wonderful. It was independent of technique, so it was just fun to relax and play with crayons, colored pencils and paper. While I've studied much of the material before, she presented traditional color concepts in a fresh, inviting, fun way.

Lois is a great teacher -- talented, supportive, helpful, attentive. In addition, she's a down-to-earth, fun person. The workshop was structured so that there was a good mix of presentation and hands-on exercises. Her PowerPoint presentations are wonderful -- the examples are set to music and simply are awesome. I especially enjoyed the examples of everyday things (the sidewalk, an oil slick, lettuce, etc) -- a real eye-opener. Then she re-enforced and expanded on many of these examples.

The exercises were meant to be fun -- non-threatening but quite instructive. I thought the music CDs added another dimension to the workshop. It's always great to have music. She put a lot of thought into the music accompanying the presentations, and she played music with colors in the lyrics, which added a nice touch as background while we worked on the exercises.

TAA Wearable Art Fashion Show publicity

2008-10-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

The TAA Wearable Art Fashion Show & Boutique was featured live on television today (October 14) on Channel 3 on at 5:45 am and 6:45 am with Maureen Kyle. Maureen and guests were wearing runway fashions. One of my purses was included on the runway.

Other planned publicity on live TV includes the following dates:

* Channel 8 on Friday morning, October 17th at 8:15 am on “Kickin’ It with Kenny.” The fashion class from J F Kennedy High School will be modeling for us.

* Channel 3 will do two live shots at the fashion show itself at 9:20 am and 9:50 am as a tickler for the event for us.

Knitalong at River Colors Studio

2008-10-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Join me for a Knit Along at River Colors Studio in Lakewood. We're working on the “Learn to Knit afghan” by Barbara Walker.

You’ll need Barbara Walker’s book, worsted weight yarn, and your needles. You have a wide choice of yarns. I’m using Malabrigo and love it. It’s so soft, and the colors are beautiful. However, you could use Cascade, Encore, Mission Falls, Lamb’s Pride. River Colors will put together kits for you including the book and yarn. Call them or stop in to discuss yarn and color selections.

The book is very well-written and the stitch patterns are easy to follow. The squares are great travel knitting, one or two balls of yarn and your needles. Stop in to see some of the completed squares.

We’ll get together two ways:
We’ll meet on Saturday mornings at 10am at River Colors.
If you can’t make it to the shop on Saturdays or if you live too far away, participate online by posting to this Ravelry group.
You may participate in either one or both ways.

This Knit Along is intended to be a group of people all knitting the same thing at the same time, talking, sharing ideas, helping each other.
So, get your needles ready and join us for this ongoing project.

more changes - where to find our products

2008-10-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

I said last year that change in good, and I've been thinking about how to better manage my products and sales. So I decided to continue to sell my fiber and jewelry at Artist Review Today Gallery in the Galleria and at BayArts in Bay Village. In an attempt to simplify and consolidate my efforts, I've removed my products from Mitchell Sotka Gallery in Rocky River and from Fundack's Art corner in Elyria; and also from the online store, Etsy. I've also decided not to process online sales from the Fra Angelica website.

Artist Review Today is in the process of redesigning their website to allow online sales from the gallery. So our products will be available online from them. I plan to add more photographs to my site but you'll be able to link to their site to process the order.

My challenges now remain to photograph the jewelry and fiber art to the best effect. Not an easy task because the art is all about color and texture -- both in the fiber art and the jewelry. I hope you'll be patient with me as I slowly get more photographs up on the site.

Textile Art Alliance Wearable Art Fashion Show & Boutique

2008-10-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

The fifth annual Textile Art Alliance Wearable Art Fashion Show & Boutique is this Sunday, October 19, 11:00am–5:00pm at LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Road, Mentor (Route 2, Heisley Road exit south). I have several pieces in the runway show and for sale at the event. It's a fun event -- great wearable art professionally presented in a runway show. Also wonderful fiber art by local artists for sale in the boutique. Following is information about the event:
11:00 Boutique Shopping
1:00 Fashion Show & Lunch
3:00–5:00 Boutique open to the public, $5 at the door
Preview one-of-a-kind wearable art clothing and accessories and then enjoy lunch and a runway fashion show. Tickets $45; includes morning boutique shopping, fashion show, lunch, runway sales. For advance reservations contact John Coyne at 216 707-6819; Chris at 440–816–0967; or taafashionshow@windstream.net. Additional information available at www.taacleveland.org.

Echo of the Dreamer jewelry

2008-10-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to report that we've established a relationship with jewelry-makers Echo of the Dreamer. They're a mother/daughter team from New York who create exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewerly. Their jewelry is unique and contemporary, incorporating a variety of stunning natural gems, pearls, and other treasures of the earth. You'll find their work displayed with mine at Artist Review Today. We're offering some wonderful bracelets, rings, and earrings. I'll get some photos up on the website soon.

JAR Show - June 2008

2008-06-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

Artist Review Today is sponsoring the JAR Art Show this month. The work of over 100 artists is on display in the Occasions Room in the Galleria, just a few doors from the Artist Review Today gallery. Stop by to see some of the best art by local Cleveland artists! For more information, go to http://www.artistreviewtoday.com/.

I have two pieces in the show -- a multi strand necklace using some beautiful taupe Swarovski pearls. And a freeform wrap, pictured above, knitted in the colors of summer.

St. Demetrios Greek Festival - June 2008

2008-06-14T17:32:00.001-07:00

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church's festival is this coming week -- June 19 - 22. Great food, pastries, music, dancing, and Greek culture. Good fun!

I'll have a booth at the festival, selling our jewelry and wearables. Several artist friends are also selling their beautiful art in my booth -- Mary Hegarty's gourd purses, Margie Pappas's oil paintings of Greece, and Jen Ryndrandt's oil paintings.

The church is located at 22909 Center Ridge Road in Rocky River (just east of Clague Road). Free parking and free admission.

New Directions for Fra Angelica

2008-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new year. I hope everyone had a great holiday season. We are looking forward to a great 2008!

Although the retail store closed last June, Fra Angelica is evolving and growing as a business. I spent the summer looking at galleries and deciding where to sell my work. Our handknits and jewelry are availagle at two local galleries: Artist Review Today in the Galleria and BAYarts in Bay Village. We also sell our jewelry at Mitchell Sotka Gallery in Rocky River. Please check out these galleries -- each is unique and offers wonderful art by a variety of local artists.

We are looking at a few other galleries and are deciding whether to do any shows this year. Also, we are considering selling a few selected pieces through Etsy, the online gallery for artists. We have a link to Etsy on the website and may add some pieces later this spring.

With regard to our art, in my handknitting, I am focusing on one-of-a-kind purses and shawls. Also, I am collaborating with another artist to make some unique jewelry. We have wonderful necklaces, bracelets, and rings made entirely of Swarovski crystals. We also have beautiful necklaces made using semi-preciouse stones. Not your average bling! We are expanding the jewelry line in 2008 and have some great ideas for new and different pieces.

We are very excited to report that two of our pieces were selected for inclusion in the COSE Sketchbook, published by the COSE Arts Network last December. This sketchbook features the work of a number of local artists. Contact me or COSE if you'd like a free copy. Copies also are available at Artist Review Today and at Mitchell Sotka Gallery.

change is good

2007-06-12T05:46:00.001-07:00

They say that change is good, and Fra Angelica is going through some major changes. It is with deep regret that I decided to close the retail store in Avon. We're in the process of moving now and plan to be out of the building by the end of June. Thank you to all of you who have supported us in the last two years.

The good news is that we're planning to enhance the website for e-commerce. So look for the new "Buy Art" button to be added soon! In the mean time, if you need to contact us, we can be reached at orders@FraAngelica.com or 440-808-8555.

About.com Article...

2007-04-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about Fra Angelica from About.com

Upcoming Show

2007-03-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Mike Zellers, a Fra Angelica artist, is going to have a number of pieces in the upcoming sean members show:

ANNUAL AH/SEAN MEMBERS SHOW

Friday, April 6, Annual Members Show

Location: Arts Collinwood Gallery, 15605 Waterloo Road Cleveland, Ohio 44110

Public Reception: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free to Public

Exhibit runs through April 27, 2007

from: AH Sean Page

new classes for March

2007-03-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

We've added some new classes. Clay & ceramics, drawing, watercolor, silk painting, painted floor cloths. Check our website for details!

New knitting classes scheduled

2007-02-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Check our website for two new knitting classes we're offering -- a dropped stitch scarf and a knitting clinic. These classes are offered in March and April.

We'll be adding more classes in a week or so. Check often!

Here is a small sample of items at Fra Angelica Gallery

2007-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

introduction

2007-01-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

HI everyone. Check us out at fra angelica gallery. We're working on putting together some exciting classes. Does your child have a birthday coming up? Call us to discuss doing a craft project and having a party here. Is your child Brownie, Girl Scout, Cub or Boy Scout? Contact us about working with us to help them fulfill requirements for their badges.

Hello!

2007-01-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

This blog will contain exciting news and information about the happenings at the Fra Angelica Gallery.