2026 Cincinnati Fall Shop Small, Find Big Treasures: Meet the Makers Coming to Cincinnati This Sunday!

 Meet Linda Chaney from Art by Linda Chaney...

My name is Linda Chaney, and I’m a self-taught artist from Hamilton, Ohio, and the owner of Art by Linda Chaney. I’ve always loved creating, but over the last few years I’ve really pushed myself to take my art more seriously and turn something I love into a business.

My work is colorful, bold, and a little funky. I especially love painting cityscapes, buildings, and bridges, with Cincinnati being one of my biggest inspirations. The Roebling Bridge will probably always have a special place in my heart, and in my art!

I’ve been painting for over 20 years, but I didn’t really get serious about my art until the last few years. Once I did, things started to grow quickly. I began showing my work, participating in markets and events, creating more products from my artwork, and building Art by Linda Chaney into an actual business.

It has been fun seeing something I’ve done for so long become such a big part of my life.

I’ve participated in many craft shows such as Art of Vine, Westside Market, Milford Art Affair to name a few, but this will be first for me at Avant-Garde Art & Craft show.

Cities inspire me. I love buildings, bridges, architecture, skylines, and all the little details you find when you really look at a city.

Cincinnati is especially inspiring to me. I love taking familiar places and showing them through my eyes with bright colors, bold lines, and lots of personality.

I also find myself looking at buildings and wondering what is happening behind all those windows. Who lives there? Who works there? What’s their story? There is so much life happening in a city, and I think that curiosity finds its way into my paintings.

Creating has always been something I enjoyed. Painting started as something I did simply because I loved it. I never had formal art training, so a lot of what I know came from experimenting, making mistakes, trying again, and figuring out what felt like me.

Eventually, I realized I didn’t want my artwork to just sit at home. I wanted other people to see it and hopefully connect with it. That’s really what pushed me from painting as a hobby into creating Art by Linda Chaney.

I’m not sure there was one moment when I suddenly thought, “I have a talent for this.” It happened over time.

Being self-taught, I learned by doing. The more I painted, the more confident I became and the more my own style started to emerge. I also started noticing how people reacted to my work. I am also crazy about color and it moves me. That is why so many of my pieces are bright and colorful. 

I’m still learning and experimenting, and I think that’s part of being an artist.

My creative process usually starts with something that catches my eye, a building, bridge, skyline, and color. 

From there, I don't necessarily want to recreate exactly what I see. I want to create how that place feels to me. That's where the colors come in.

I love bright colors, bold shapes, loose lines, and unexpected combinations. Sometimes I have a clear plan when I start, and other times the painting changes completely as I work on it. I’ve learned to let that happen instead of trying to make everything perfect.

Some of my favorite pieces have come from just letting myself play.

In five years, I hope Art by Linda Chaney has continued to grow while still feeling like me.

I'd love to have my artwork in more galleries, shows, businesses, and homes, and continue expanding the different ways people can enjoy my designs from original paintings and prints to clothing, ornaments, and other fun products.

More than anything, I want to still be excited about what I’m creating. I never want the business side to take away the joy of making art.

One thing I always say is, “Cities aren’t just places; they’re feelings, and the colors bring them to life.”

That really sums up my work.

I don't just want to paint a building or bridge exactly as it looks. I want to capture the energy, memories, personality, and emotion connected to that place. I want someone to look at one of my Cincinnati pieces and recognize the city they know, but see it in a completely different way.

My work is meant to be colorful, happy, bold, and full of life.

Art by Linda Chaney
Self-taught artist from Hamilton, Ohio
Original Art • Prints • Wearable Art • Gifts
artbylindachaney.net

Meet Cheryl Merchinsky...

My name is Cheryl Merchinsky. I’m a retired teacher who began creating stained glass windows and door inserts more than 30 years ago. I stopped making glass after becoming pregnant with twins and life became more complicated. Now that I’ve retired I’m returning to my love of glass and meeting people doing craft shows. This will be my first show with Avant-Gardener Shows and I’m looking forward to meeting fellow artists. 

I have taught high school students to create glass pieces and some have gone on to work in the field. My great grandfather was a glass artist and most members of my family are artistic in various medium. I find glass to be challenging and rewarding. I like to think of glass as a way to make our environment a more colorful place. Soothing and inspiring. Working with deaf people it is almost music for the eyes.

Meet Amy Maxson from MaxsonMade...

My name is Amy Maxson, and I’m the owner of MaxsonMade in Milford, Ohio. I’m a wife, mom, and clinical research professional with a creative side! Through MaxsonMade, I offer permanent jewelry that is custom fitted and personalized for each customer. I love helping people choose something that reflects their style or celebrates a special connection.

I started creating jewelry 3-4 years ago and recently added permanent jewelry welding. I opened MaxsonMade in early 2026 and have enjoyed growing the business, expanding my collection, and connecting with new customers.

This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I’m excited to participate!

I’m inspired by the people wearing the jewelry and the stories behind their choices. A piece might represent friendship, family, a milestone, or simply something someone loves. I enjoy seeing how the same chain can become something completely personal through different combinations and details.

I was drawn to permanent jewelry because it combines creativity with a personal experience. Customers get to help design their piece, and I get to bring it to life. I loved the idea of creating jewelry that people could wear every day and associate with a meaningful moment. 

Through practice, experimenting with different chains and combinations, and listening to customer feedback. I discovered that I enjoy the careful, detailed work just as much as helping someone find their perfect piece. Seeing customers happy with the finished result has helped build my confidence.

My process is collaborative. We start by exploring chain styles, metals, and any charms or connectors the customer would like to add. Then I measure for a comfortable, custom fit and weld the connecting ring closed. From a simple bracelet to a personalized stack, each piece comes together around the customer’s preferences.

I’d love for MaxsonMade to be a well-known local choice for permanent jewelry, with a strong community of returning customers. I hope to grow my Milford home studio appointments and private parties while continuing to participate in select events. My goal is steady growth while keeping the experience personal and enjoyable.

“Custom Fit. Uniquely Yours.” Jewelry can be a small but meaningful expression of who you are and what matters to you. I want customers to leave with something that feels like them—whether it celebrates a connection, marks a milestone, or brings a little joy to their everyday life.

MaxsonMade offers custom-fit bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and rings, with sterling silver, gold-filled, mixed-metal, stainless steel, and gold PVD options. Customers can personalize their jewelry with letters, birthstones, and other charms or connectors.

In addition to pop-up events, I offer appointments at my Milford, Ohio, home studio and private parties.

Meet Rachel from Ollie Sews...

My name is Rachel, and I am Ollie's mom! Ollie (the cat) is my full time sewing assistant. I have been an avid crafter for most of my life and recently branched out into sewing after getting my grandmother's sewing machine! I have only been sewing for a few months, but have crocheted since the beginning of Covid which really kicked off my artistic lifestyle!

This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show and I am so beyond excited!

My love language is gift giving and I am often inspired to learn new skills to give to others. Getting the sewing machines from both of my grandmothers and being able to raid my aunt's fabric stash got me into sewing! I have a wonderful support system that encourages me to learn new skills. 

I discovered this talent back when I was in middle school at an art camp that had a sewing week! Then as an adult I was gifted two sewing machines that encouraged me to try sewing again and learn all new talents. 

My creative process always starts with finding inspiration, whether that be by walking around craft shows, scrolling social media, or someone coming to me with an idea that would make their life even a little bit better. Then I do plenty of research before diving into making my first attempt!

In 5 years I know I will still be crafting. I hope it is continuing to sew and crochet, and maybe even adding some new hobbies in the mix! The message behind my work is love and accessories for all. We love to spread positivity when we can and focus on being part of the good in the world!

Meet Kathy from Three Cane Designs...

We are three sisters who started our business over five years ago in honor of our late grandmother, a talented artist with a passion for creativity. 

Her love of paper art and origami, rooted in her Japanese heritage, continues to inspire our creations. Some of our earliest memories are of our grandmother teaching us how to fold paper cranes, making this year's paper crane ornaments an especially meaningful tribute to her. 

Our designs are original and reflect our shared love of making, with creations ranging from clay earrings and pottery to handmade soft goods and paper crane ornaments. 

One of our favorite parts of the process is simply spending an afternoon together, experimenting with new ideas, creating something beautiful, and replenishing our inventory. For us, this business is not only about the things we make, but also about celebrating creativity and the artistic legacy our grandmother passed down to us.

Meet Nicole Gray from Nurtured Naturally by Nicole...

My name is Nicole Gray. I have been blessed to be a wife for 32 years and I am the proud mother of two wonderful daughters who are both in college. I work as a cardiac sonographer, performing ultrasounds of the heart to help physicians diagnose and care for their patients.

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, about 10 years ago. The greatest joys of my life have been marrying my husband and raising our two daughters. I truly believe that being a wife and mother is one of my many God-given callings and one of the most precious gifts He has given me.

                                                 
I began making homemade body and home products in 2025, right before my youngest daughter started college. I initially started by creating natural body oils, and my passion soon grew into making a variety of other products. Since then, I have continued learning, experimenting, and expanding my collection to include products that nurture the body and freshen the home naturally. I have now been on this journey for about a year, and I am excited to see where God continues to lead me. This is my first Avant- Garde show!

My healthcare background inspires me! I am mindful of the ingredients we use on our bodies and in our homes. Many everyday products contain preservatives, additives, and other ingredients that may not be natural. I wanted to create high-quality, thoughtfully made products with ingredients I can recognize and feel confident using. My goal is to offer products that are simple, honest, and made with care—products that others can feel good about using and enjoy as much as I do

                                       

Believe it or not, my dog Neo is what first inspired me to explore this craft. Neo was a pit bull mix we adopted from the SPCA—even though I had always said I would never own a pit bull! He turned out to be the sweetest dog and quickly became my 3rd baby.

Neo had very sensitive skin and struggled with allergies, so I became more mindful of the products we used around him. I began creating gentler household alternatives, including an in-home air freshener and a natural weed killer. That experience led me to research the ingredients found in everyday products and eventually inspired me to create more natural products for the body and home.

                                                   

I discovered my talent through a lifelong love of creating. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and bringing ideas to life—whether I was making door wreaths, centerpieces, gift baskets, or special crafts with my daughters when they were younger. Over the years, I realized that creativity is one of my God-given gifts. What began as a hobby and a way to create meaningful things for my family naturally grew into a passion for crafting thoughtful products for others.

My creative process usually begins with a need, an idea, or a scent that inspires me. I think about the purpose of the product, who will use it, and how I want it to make them feel. From there, I research each ingredient and carefully select natural oils, butters, and other materials that support the product’s intended purpose.

Next, I develop the recipe, experiment with different combinations, and make small adjustments until I am pleased with the texture, scent, and overall quality. I personally use and evaluate my creations before sharing them with others. Once the product is complete, I choose a meaningful name and thoughtfully package it.

Every product is created with care, patience, and intention. My goal is to make something useful and enjoyable that I can feel confident offering to others.

In five years, I see myself retired from my career as a cardiac sonographer and traveling with my husband in a motorhome. I would love to explore new places while sharing my products at vendor events along the way. This dream would allow me to see more of the world, meet new people, and spend my time doing something that brings me genuine happiness.

Most importantly, I want to continue serving others by offering thoughtfully made, natural products that help people feel nurtured and cared for. I see this next chapter as an opportunity to combine my love of travel, creativity, faith, and helping my neighbors—wherever the road may take me.

The message behind my work is that choosing products made with natural ingredients does not mean sacrificing quality, luxury, or enjoyment. You can care about what you put on your body and what you use in your home while still enjoying beautiful scents, rich textures, and products that make you feel good. I want each creation to show that natural products can be simple, effective, and enjoyable—because caring for yourself should feel nurturing, not limiting.

Neo died of cancer at age 5, but his legacy lives on with my business.

Meet Arlene Shumaker from Crochet Granny...

I'm the proud owner of Crochet Granny LLC, a small handmade crochet business in Southern Ohio. I love creating adorable, one-of-a-kind crocheted plushies, animals, and other fun little creations. There's just something special about turning a ball of yarn into something that makes somebody smile!

I've enjoyed crocheting as a hobby and recently decided to turn my love for it into a small business. I officially started Crochet Granny LLC in 2026, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me!

I'm new to the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows, and I'm excited for the opportunity to participate and share my handmade creations with everyone!

Seeing the smiles on people's faces! I love taking something as simple as yarn and turning it into an adorable little animal or character that brings someone happiness. Sometimes the cutest ideas come from the simplest things.

I've always loved the idea of making things with my own two hands. Crocheting gives me a chance to be creative, relax, and make something special from scratch.

Through practice, patience, and plenty of trial and error! The more I crocheted, the more I realized how much I enjoyed creating little animals and plushies. Before I knew it, my hobby had turned into something I wanted to share with others.

Usually, it starts with an idea, a pretty color of yarn, or a cute pattern that catches my eye. Then I get busy crocheting! I enjoy choosing colors, adding little details, and watching each creation come to life, one stitch at a time.

I hope to see Crochet Granny LLC continuing to grow, attending more craft shows and festivals, reaching more customers, and maybe even expanding my online business. Most importantly, I want to continue doing something I truly enjoy.

Everything I create is handmade with time, patience, and love. In a world full of mass-produced items, I believe there's still something special about owning something made by hand. My goal is simple: to spread a little happiness, one stitch at a time!

10. 

2026 Cincinnati Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, November 8, 2026

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:

FACEBOOK

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PINTEREST

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Spring Shopping is Here!

Meet Steve Kosztala from KOSZTALASCOPES... 

I am a kaleidoscope-maker. Growing up in New London, Connecticut in a large family, I didn't have store-bought toys. Instead my seven siblings and I used our active imaginations to create our own playthings out of whatever materials were available.

I always enjoyed both the act of designing and working with my hands. After I graduated from the Boston Architectural College in the early '80s, I pursued a 25-year career with the Hamilton County Building Department in Cincinnati, first as a Building Inspector and then as a Plans Examiner.

After retiring in 2018, I put my love of designing and manual work together and took a class on creating kaleidoscopes. I was hooked. Before long I began crafting wooden kaleidoscopes fittingly called KOSZTALASCOPES. 

I’ve been making kaleidoscopes for 7 years. This is my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft show I will be attending. What inspires me to create is my love for designing, drawing up plans, and then working with my hands.

After I retired, I took a class in creating kaleidoscopes and had so much fun doing it, I decided to make a craft business of it. I discovered my talent by taking the plunge and starting to make kaleidoscopes on my own. 
                                         
I joined a wood workshop at the Essex Studios in Cincinnati several years ago. My approach is to brainstorm on designs (I sometimes find I’m dreaming while asleep about different designs) and then sketch out my ideas on paper. I make the scopes from various fine woods and create the structures on a lathe. Then I meticulously assemble mirrors, colored glass, and the other elements (such as resin balls) by hand. 

In five years, I would like to develop more and more intricate designs. I hope to advance my methods and techniques to the highest level. I would like to have my scopes featured in high end craft shops. I also intend to approach medical facilities that might use kaleidoscopes for their patients for the scopes’ healing properties.Kaleidoscopes have been shown to have healing properties and are used to hep people who have such diagnoses as autism. The color patterns one views through the scopes are found to be soothing and calming and helpful in balancing the mind (linking the left analytical side of the brain with the right creative side of the brain). There’s a quote I once read: “Just because you may be may be feeling broken, remember, a kaleidoscope is also made from broken parts — when you look through it you see something beautiful.”

I also relish making beautiful products that people can enjoy viewing just for the craftsmanship.

Meet Alanya Ozdil from Creations By Alanya...

My name is Alanya Ozdil, and I am the owner of Creations By Alanya based in White Oak on the west side of Cincinnati, Ohio. I started this small business last year, and I have participated in two Avant Garde shows so this will be my 3rd one.

What inspires me to do these all natural deodorants is my sense of smell with my sensory differences because of my Autism. What inspired me to create these was that I subscribed to a YouTube channel that is based on scents such as soaps and candles and she had made deodorant! I really wanted to try it and it worked out perfectly!                               

Now the creative process of deodorant is to be able to handle hard oils, butters and waxes and sensitive skin and non sensitive skin barriers as well. The scents have to be really strong too. Our deodorants are never artificial, they are always natural and have natural ingredients and scents.

I see myself in the next 5 years owning my business in a shop and employing people with disabilities. My message to other people is if you have a disability then please start a small business! You will never be unemployed and you will have a fanbase of people!

Meet Evette from Hang Onto Joy by Evie... 

My name is Evette, and I’m the artist behind Hang Onto Joy by Evie. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and making things with my hands. Over time that love for creating evolved into wearable art — pieces like statement hats, textile accessories, and repurposed materials that allow people to express their personality through what they wear. For me, art isn’t just about creating something beautiful — it’s about creating something that sparks joy.

I’ve been creating art in different forms for many years. I’ve always had a passion for art. When I was in school, while some of my classmates were taking classes like home economics, shop, or choir, I chose art whenever I had the opportunity.

That early love for creativity has stayed with me and naturally evolved into the wearable art pieces I create today.
                                             
This upcoming show will be my fifth Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I truly enjoy participating in them. The events bring together such a wonderful community of artists and shoppers who appreciate handmade work and creative expression.

It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented creators and people who value unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. I find inspiration in so many places — nature, textures, color combinations, vintage materials, and even small everyday details that others might overlook. I’ve also always admired Impressionist artists like Monet and Seurat. Their ability to capture light, color, and emotion rather than rigid detail has always resonated with me. Maybe it’s also my Aquarius nature, but I believe strongly in surrounding ourselves with creativity, positive energy, and good vibes.                       

My creative journey really began with a simple love of making things. I started exploring different types of crafts like handmade signs, wreaths, button art, painted wooden shapes, and decorative garden pieces designed to catch the sunlight and sparkle among plants.

Each project allowed me to experiment with materials and design, and over time my creativity began evolving toward wearable art. I think my talent developed through curiosity and experimentation. I’ve always enjoyed mixing materials and exploring new ideas to see what might emerge.

Eventually I realized I was especially drawn to creating things people could wear — pieces that become part of someone’s personal style and expression. That realization is what led me toward wearable art.

                              
My creative process is very organic and intuitive. I usually begin with a base piece — a hat, textile, or repurposed material — and start exploring how colors, textures, and shapes interact.

I layer materials gradually until the piece feels balanced and complete. No two designs ever develop the same way, which is why each piece ends up being truly one of a kind.

I hope to continue growing Hang Onto Joy while staying true to the handmade and artistic nature of the work. I would love to participate in more art events, expand my collections, and continue creating unique wearable pieces that help people express their individuality. My goal is to keep evolving creatively while sharing joy through the pieces I make.

The message behind my work is simple: hold onto the things that bring you joy.
Life moves quickly, and I believe creativity, color, and self-expression can bring moments of happiness into everyday life. My hope is that when someone wears one of my pieces, it makes them feel confident, expressive, and joyful. 

                                         

2026 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Sunday- 10:00am-4:00pm

RSVP Event Center

453 Wards Corner Rd.

Loveland, Ohio 45140

For more information, contact Becki Silverstein, becki@ag-shows.com

Visit us on:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN