Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Discover Some Charm in Cincinnati!

Meet Hana Latif from Lost Stitch Marker…

My name is Hana. My grandma taught me to crochet four years ago, but it was only two years ago when I found my love for making bags. This is my first Avant-Garde show.

I love to take an item or theme and try to turn them into something I can carry around with me in day to day life. When I started crocheting I really didn’t have much patience, I would use thick yarn and make small items. As I made larger things and got more into my hobby I found myself making larger pieces of higher quality.

As I continue crocheting I hope to learn even more ways to create and design my work. In five years I see myself going to many more markets and maybe even opening an Etsy shop. 

Meet the Team from Beverly Ann’s Food Truck…

At Beverly Ann’s, we cherish the time-honored tradition of baking. Our cookies reflect the same love and meticulous care that our grandmother, Beverly, put into her own baking. Each golden brown cookie is served warm and made with the finest ingredients, reminiscent of days gone by. This will be our first year as a vendor at the Avant-Garde shows!

From decadent chocolate chips to premium vanilla extract, every element is selected with the utmost consideration. This attention to detail ensures that each cookie captures the warmth and nostalgia of Beverly’s kitchen, filled with stories and laughter. At Beverly Ann’s, you’re not just savoring a cookie; you’re immersing yourself in heirlooms of affection.

We started in 2023, as an addition to our other companies Kona Ice and Travelin’ Toms Coffee! We are the ORIGINAL franchise. 

Meet Vicky Waldo from Spicy Mary Mix…

I took an early retirement offer in March of 2024 after an amazing 44 year career with a fortune 500 company. I loved my job but it was time for a change.I purchased Spicy Mary in Oct. 2024.  The previous owner had been making our amazing spice mixes for 13 years!  We continue to use the tried and true Bloody Mary and dip spice mixes that our customers know and love and are excited to create a few new flavors for 2025!

This is our very first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show and we are SO excited to be a vendor at the show. Having just purchased the business a few months ago, we had the opportunity to participate in 3 craft shows at the end of 2024. I got a bit of the artsy/crafty gene from my Mom and I've always loved to bake. Spicy Mary requires no baking but it's an outlet to be creative with spices to come up with amazing flavors for chip & veggie dips that go from mild to wild!

As I mentioned I've always loved to bake and although there is no baking involved, Spicy Mary allows me to experiment with different spices to create tasty mixes that are SO good! I'm thankful for the recipes passed on by the previous owner and am creating some new mixes too! I LOVE spending time in my spice room! There is something mesmerizing about measuring and whisking the spices together, it's somehow relaxing and I know when customers purchase our mixes and make our dips their taste buds are in for a real treat!  At shows I love seeing the expressions when someone samples one of our dips for the first time. We will continue to be at as many local craft shows as we can each year and I plan to expand to Farmers Markets and other venues to get our Spicy Mary products out there! Once you try a Spicy Mary mix you won't ever want to purchase a pre-made Bloody Mary or chip/veggie dip from the grocery again! Our mixes take snacking to a whole new level. Each spice packet is mixed with love. Just add V8 or tomato juice to our Bloody Mary spice mix and sour cream to our chip & veggie spice mixes for a super flavorful experience your taste buds won't soon!

Meet Carter Branham, from Fearsome Creations…

My name is Carter, and I am a 22-year-old artist with a passion for drawing and mask-making. My artistic journey began at a young age, and over the years, it has evolved into a dedicated pursuit that combines my love for visual art with innovative craftsmanship.

I've been drawing since I was a child, and it's a passion that continues to inspire me today. For the past seven years, I've focused on creating and painting masks, exploring different techniques and styles, I love sharing my work with others! I haven’t attended any shows yet, so this will be my first. What inspires me is horror in video games and movies mostly. I love experimenting with and capturing the essence of fear, and the unknown in my own creations.

I got into the hobby by simply playing around with halloween masks and modifying them! I've been doing it for years, so it's just kinda something thats always been with me. I try to conceptualize and refine my ideas, often incorporating masks as symbols of identity and transformation, ensuring that each piece resonates with depth and intention. In five years, I want to be focused on offering higher quality products that meet the evolving needs of my customers, to drive long-term success. My only message is: I just want to inspire others to create and make art.


Meet Tim Herzog…

I have been a public school teacher since 1994. Where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Miami University of Ohio in 1993. I then went on and earned his Master of Education from Miami University of Ohio in 2002. I have been a believer in Christ my whole life and has delivered over 20 sermons for various churches. I was awarded the Martha Holden Jennings Award for teaching in 2005. I have written 6 books, ranging from spiritual living, psychology, and historical fiction. All six books are available through Amazon. I can be found on X, Facebook, and Instagram and have been willing to openly discuss my views through social media and online classes. One of my favorite things to say about myself is, "I'm an imperfect being, on an imperfect journey, trying to reach perfection, only made possible by my Lord and Savior." I have been married since 1993. My wife and I live a simple and happy life in the Midwest.


I have been doing this for 5 years. This is my first Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show. I am a teacher of history and have been a Christian all my life. I love watching people just to learn more about them. The things I read from the Bible and history book and the actions I see of people allowed me to connect all three. I have had studied religion, history, and people for a long time. In the classed I have taught, people have always told to me to write my ideas down so more can know. 



I don't think I am talented. I think I am honored to bring the message of hope to people. I pray God uses me. If people perceive me as having any talent, then I am doubly honored. Pure observational skills and then relying upon God to give me the skills, ideas, data, and the time to write. I talk to many people and learn from them and use many of their own lives as examples. I will be retiring from teaching in a few years.  Just like some who write their memoirs, I feel being called to share the message of God. You have a purpose in life. And if you have a purpose, then you are not an accident. If you are not an accident there has to be a creator. You matter to this world.


Meet Olive Frank, the Owner of Magia Mundi…


My name is Olive Frank, and I’m the owner of Magia Mundi, which translates to “magic of the world” in Latin. I’ve always been deeply passionate about spirituality and finding beauty in nature. I create a variety of metaphysical goods, including finding unique crystals, handmade journals, meditation candles, handmade crystal jewelry, and antiques. My artistic side shines through in my work, as I enjoy crafting unique pieces with intention and love. I started Magia Mundi in 2024, and it’s been amazing to watch my business grow from the ground up in such a short time. The spring and winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows will be my first shows, and I’m really excited to be a part of them!

My inspiration comes from my deep connection to spirituality and my love for nature. I’m always in awe of the natural world, and I love incorporating that sense of wonder into the pieces I create. The process of bringing something new and meaningful into the world is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve always been a very creative person, whether it’s jewelry making, drawing, or just about any other artistic pursuit. Crafting has always felt like a way to channel my emotions and thoughts into something tangible. Over time, that passion for creating evolved into my business.

My talent for crafting grew naturally over time, especially as I immersed myself in spiritual practices and began creating items that aligned with my beliefs. It felt like a calling, and when I started making jewelry and metaphysical goods for myself, I realized I had a knack for creating unique, meaningful pieces that resonated with others. My creative process is very organic. I like to let the energy and intention of each item guide me. Every piece I create is crafted with love and care, and I aim to make each item unique so that it speaks to the right person. It’s all about feeling out what the piece wants to be and letting that intuition guide me. In five years, I see myself expanding Magia Mundi into a brick-and-mortar shop, creating a safe space for people to explore and discover their spirituality. I want to help people find items that resonate with them and foster a sense of connection, peace, and self-discovery. The message behind my work is one of connection, intention, and authenticity. I aim to create pieces that help people on their spiritual journeys and encourage them to embrace their true selves. I want my customers to feel that the items they purchase are more than just objects—they are meaningful and infused with positive energy.

My website: www.magiamundi.com 

Instagram @magiamundistore



2025 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, March 9, 2025
RSVP Event Center
453 Wards Corner Rd.
Loveland, Ohio 45140
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:

Monday, February 24, 2025

Spring Shopping Sneak Peek!

Meet Evie from Hang Onto Joy by Evie Levine...

Hi! I’m Evie, the creative mind behind Hang Onto Joy by Evie, where I craft unique, one-of-a-kind pieces designed to bring a little extra happiness into everyday life. My journey into handmade art began with garden suncatchers and beaded items like pens and keychains. They were fun and filled my time, but I truly found my passion in creating unique art from buttons and stamps. Over time, my hippy, feminine side naturally gravitated toward designing customized fedora hats, blending vintage, boho, and artistic elements into wearable art.

This will be my third year participating in the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, but it's my first year featuring my customized fedora hats! I’m excited to showcase these one-of-a-kind pieces alongside my button art and handcrafted bracelets.
My inspiration comes from the little things—textures, colors, and vintage aesthetics that tell a story. I love mixing rustic charm with modern elegance, creating pieces that feel both nostalgic and unique. My creative process is very intuitive—sometimes I start with a vision, and other times, the materials guide me. Whether it’s layering buttons into intricate designs, embellishing a fedora with just the right details, or crafting a bracelet that feels timeless, every piece I make is filled with care and intention.
In five years, I hope to see Hang Onto Joy by Evie expand into more artisan markets and online platforms, reaching more people who appreciate handcrafted, meaningful creations. At the heart of my work is a simple message: find joy in the little things, express yourself boldly, and cherish what makes you unique.

I’m excited to share my work with you at the show—stop by and find something special just for you! 



Meet Lacey Maxton...
My name is Lacey and I am the owner and operator of Dat Bread Dough bakery! 

I started at the end of October 2024, things took off super fast, and I haven't looked back! This will be my first Avant-Garde show I've been to and am very excited for the experience!
I started baking bread for myself and my family a few years ago just as a fun, creative outlet. A few friends had tried my breads and have been trying to convince me to sell them for a few years - I'm glad I finally listened to them! 
I make several kinds of breads, including sandwich, French, and artisan - but I also do fun things like pretzel bites and cinnamon rolls! I'm excited to watch my business continue to grow as I share my love of bread and baking with my community.

Meet Kathi McQueen from Charm & Crystal...

Hi, I'm Kathi McQueen, owner of Charm & Crystal. I have been creating wire trees and wire wrapped jewelry for 5 years. This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!


I get my jewelry inspiration from beautiful or unusual crystals and gemstones. My inspiration for trees come from special occasions, found objects, and customer requests.

 I started making wire trees during COVID and within a year someone asked me to make a piece of wire wrapped jewelry. My creative process is definitely organic. The piece almost always develops as I create it with little planning. 

In the future I would love to have a small brick and mortar location where I can teach others my craft. I hope my work makes people smile everyday. 


Meet Emily Cross from Little Jack Ceramics...

My name is Emily Cross, I am a mental health therapist for older adults in nursing facilities. I run Little Jack Ceramics. 


I'm a Dayton based vendor with handcrafted products starting from a ball of mud to a stunning final product. Little Jack Ceramics’ items range from ring dishes, bowls, planters, and charming character bowls and items with faces!


How I got started.. I started taking pottery classes occasionally in January 2022, but I dived head first into throwing on the wheel in January 2023! Little Jack Ceramics was created in December 2023, as an outlet for me to share my art with the community! I started creating pottery as an outlet for my stress from work! 


The March 2025 Cincinnati show will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show!


I take a class with my mom about every single month and we do something new. I live in Dayton, Ohio now and she lives in North Bend, Ohio, and we meet halfway. In 2022, we took a ceramics hand-building class and I thought it was really fun. Then, I took a six-week beginners wheel class, and years later, here I am! 


How I discovered my talent..When I first took a class, I was so excited about what I learned! I wouldn’t say I discovered a talent per se, but more of a passion. 


My creative process.. I mostly think of things I think are cute that I would also want myself, but I am often taking suggestions from my friends, family, and customers! 

In the next 5 years, I am hoping to combine my ceramics business with my mom’s stained glass hobby. I would love to create and sell art with my mom. 


The message behind my work is that things can always be silly! I like making silly, goofy, whimsical pieces that make people smile! 


Social media: 

Instagram: @LittleJackCeramics

Facebook: Little Jack Ceramics 

TikTok: @EmCross30


Meet Katie McNeal from Art on Twine...

My name is Katie McNeal and I've been creating art since I could hold a crayon or marker in my hand. My journey started in Photography school, then Cosmetology school and finally finishing college at NKU. I work as the top HR executive at a non profit Health Care provider in Northern Kentucky. As a child I didn't grow up wishing I could make a career out of making people follow the rules! Art is a large part of who I am. In a recent conversation with my Dad I told him that I wanted to quit my day job and become a starving artist. He replied back asking me why I couldn't be a well fed artist instead. 

My friends and family have encouraged me to sell my art online or at art fair for years.  I created an Etsy page and started posting on social media sites. I'm the person that likes to see the look on someone's face when I've created something that they love. The social media and Etsy page was okay; but it was missing the people element that I enjoy the most. I signed up for my first art fair this past summer and It was exhilarating. I enjoyed meeting new people and other artists; what I liked the most was connecting with the other art lovers that were shopping for pieces they felt drawn to. This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft show! 

What inspires me to create.. The ideas come to me while I'm driving to work or in the shower.  These are the only times I am alone and that allows me to let my mind wander.  I also get inspired when someone asks me to paint something as a gift for someone and it has meaning and heart behind it. 

How I got into my craft/hobby.. My mom was incredibly creative and I enjoyed being creative with her. This particular hobby of mine was used as a coping strategy for stress. It was an opportunity for me to turn everything off and to have control of what was in front of me.  

How I discovered my talent.. It was an annual girls weekend trip away in a cabin.  We were bored because the weather was rainy and cold.  We went up to the local dollar store and bought some watercolors and paper.  What started as a watercolor palette from the dollar store turned into a new paint medium that I couldn't stop learning, developing and creating. I promise you, I've moved on from the dollar store water color and paper!

How I describe my creative process.. Each piece I make has deep meaning and connection to someone. I never force my own created pieces, but from time to time I ask those I love to share with me some ideas. I need to connect to the person that gave me the idea because I create it with care. I lightly sketch things out if it's complex for me and other times I free hand paint. I play music that fits with my mood and the level of motivation I need. Then I hang the painting on a piece of twine to review from a distance and evaluate the next steps.  


Where I see myself in five years.. I see myself continuing to use this passion as a way to provide happiness to myself and others. I've donated countless pieces to one of my favorite non profits; Envision. They provide a variety of support needs to individuals with disabilities. If this becomes something more than that, then perhaps I can stop making people follow the rules and instead have a job that doesn't feel like work.


The message behind my work: To spread seeds of happiness. One piece at a time.


Follow Art on Twine via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artontwine?igsh=MTUyYnlyYm5ya2t1NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr




2025 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, March 9, 2025
RSVP Event Center
453 Wards Corner Rd.
Loveland, Ohio 45140
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:


Saturday, November 2, 2024

Falling Into Holiday Shopping at Cincinnati!

 Meet Roux Bedrosian from Roux's Silly Lil' Art...  

As a multidisciplinary, traditional artist specializing in kitsch, whimsical, and spooky illustration, my journey has been a vibrant blend of nostalgia and creativity. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, the essence of the East Coast subtly weaves its way into my art, evoking memories and a sense of familiarity. My approach to art is simple: have fun and never take things too seriously. For me, creation equals joy, and through my work, I aim to share that joy with others.

I’ve been immersed in the arts for most of my life, but it wasn't until May 2023 that it became a regular practice and a significant outlet for me. This year marks my debut at the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. My inspiration stems from a deep desire to connect with others meaningfully and to find grounding amidst the chaos of daily life. Art provides a sanctuary from anxiety and stress, allowing me to be present and share unique pieces with those I love. Creating art is not just a hobby; it's a way to enjoy life to the fullest.


My journey into the craft hobby is rooted in a lifelong passion for the arts. While I primarily identify as a musician and writer, art and design have always captivated me. My love for DIY projects and crafts can be traced back to my mother, whose creativity and appreciation for handmade gifts deeply influenced me. Growing up with her thoughtful approach to creating meaningful, tangible expressions of love has shaped my artistic path. Even now, I continue to discover new facets of my talent, constantly surprising myself with what I can achieve.


Meet Brian Taylor from IMGBAT Jewelry...

My name is Brian Taylor and I'm the owner of IMGBAT Jewelry, Art & Engraving. I have been making jewelry since 2020 and added engraving 2 years later. I have been in about half a dozen Avant-Garde Art & Craft shows over the last four years. Most of my pieces are inspired by science fiction, fantasy and ancient mythology. I began making jewelry by accident. I started making larger, welded artistic objects. Winter hit before I could build proper ventilation, so I went indoors and started making smaller things. I made a ring and was hooked.




Meet Bob Hartman from Backyard Shop...

Backyard Shop is my small business. I have turned my hobby into a small business for four years. Making things for myself and family has spread as others have shared my creations. I have never loked having the same thing as everyone else so I create custom things. Nobody wants to be average so having a custom made product sets you apart.


2024 Cincinnati Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, November 3, 2024
10:00am-4:00pm
RSVP Event Center
453 Wards Corner Rd.
Loveland, OH
For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, Event Coordinator at Becki@ag-shows.com
Visit us on:
LINKEDIN
                      

Discover Some Charm in Cincinnati!

Meet Hana Latif from Lost Stitch Marker… My name is Hana. My grandma taught me to crochet four years ago, but it was only two years ago when...