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:

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Meet the Makers: Artists & Crafters Coming to Cincinnati!

Meet Heidi Black from Electric Abyss...

I am Heidi Black an award-winning comic artist and illustrator who focuses on traditional media, including watercolor and resin. My art can be described as "glitter, gay, and bad puns." I know I wanted to become an artist was when the Lion King came out and I wanted to become a Disney animator. Unfortunately, about the time I hit college (2004), Disney had switched to 3D animation, which I had no interest in, so I chose the next most time-consuming art discipline, comics.

This will be my first show with Avant Garde Art & Craft Show. I'm largely inspired by the works of other artists and storytellers - video games, comics, anime, music, and so forth. I'm good at art is because I do it consistently, with a focus on learning from my mistakes, for 30-some years now. 

 Meet Shelly from Verdant Home & Co...

I am Shelly, a former corporate girlie who stepped away to pursue something more meaningful: creating a healthier home and environment for my family. Small changes at home grew into a larger purpose. 

This mission to make our space safer and more eco-conscious led me to craft non-toxic products I trusted around our kids and pets- and I soon realized others were seeking the same peace of mind.

Driven by a perfectionist's attention to detail, a deep commitment to quality, and a passion for science, O create every product with care to meet high standards of safety, effectiveness, and sustainability. And because I believe safe, natural products should be accessible to everyone, affordability is at the heart of what I do.

Meet Jennifer from Mark Of Lily llc...

I formerly worked as an esthetician, then a 2016 move prompted me to change paths. I've been making cold process soap for over 15 years and it's a labor of love that grew into a business 5 years ago that expanded into candles as well. My personal favorite soaps to use are my all natural bars but having an artistic outlet in my artisanal soaps has made me grow and pushed me to try exciting techniques and grow my artistry. 

This is our first time participating in the Avant Garde Art & Craft Shows and we couldn't be more excited. We hope you can make time to come out and see our products. 

 Meet Veronica North from True Imagine Treasures...

I am a disabled, neurodivergent artist, a bonus mom of two, a partner to my wonderful boyfriend Chris, and a loving daughter, sister, and aunt. I create wire and mixed-media functional art and sculptures, home/office decor, jewelry, and accessories, many featuring wire-writing, my specialty. Bringing my creative ideas to fruition is an important part of my life. I've been creating jewelry and mixed-media art since 1997. This will be my first show with Avant Garde Art & Craft Shows.  

My goal is to create art that will communicate emotion and even create a sense of belonging -- of being heard and understood, especially for others who suffer disabling chronic pain, chronic illness, mental illness, and disability of any kind. I aim to create pieces that evoke a variety of emotions, including joy, empowerment, peacefulness, love, amusement, self-acceptance, and belongingness. Throughout college I continued to create jewelry and mixed-media art. I created my first wire sculpture in 2001. 

 My process begins with a spark of inspiration in response to an emotion -- something I feel personally or empathetically in response to another person. The sparks happen as I go through life, and I feel moved to create in response to them. Words that describe emotion are the basis for much of what I create. Once I decide on a general idea for a piece, I jot it down in a sketchbook. 

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

Cincinnati's Local Talent Shines!

Meet Sophia Anders from Auntie Phia's Crochet... 

Hi! My name is Sophia, and I’m a ninth-grade student at Cincinnati Classical Academy. I have lots of hobbies and love to crochet! I’ve been crocheting for 3 years, and this is my first show with you.

My friend bought me a craft kit for my 12th birthday, and I was hooked. I like to get inspiration from Pinterest. I discovered my talent pretty easily because I am more left-brained. My creative process is pretty simple: I go to a quiet place, look at Pinterest for ideas, turn on a show, and crochet. It’s easy for me to crochet for 6-8 hours at a time. I’ll keep this business for as long as I have an interest, and others have an interest in my products. Maybe I’ll sell in local shops one day!

Meet Debbie Steiner from Red Bird Art Studio...

Hello, my name is Debbie! I have had my business nearly all my life, over 50 years. This is my 5th show with Avant-Garde! What inspires me to create is nature, mythical characters and creatures, and anything beautiful. My high school art teacher is the one who got me into painting. I discovered my talent with lots of practice. You never know what you can do until you try it! 

In my creative process, I imagine and visualize a painting. I work using a lot of abstract methods, so I'm never sure how a piece will turn out. The message behind my work is, Own the art that gives you peace or fulfills a space in your mind, body, and spirit.

Meet Kathleen Ballman from BGB Bgirlsbeads...

All it took was one jewelry-making class for Kathe and her three daughters — Jennifer, Christy, and Megan — to become completely enthralled with working with beads. While on vacation in the spring of 2025, we signed up for an earring-making class, and just like that, B Girls Beads was born. 

This family affair began with us creating simple earrings, but our passion quickly grew. Today, we’ve expanded into making necklaces, bracelets, watch bands, and a continually evolving collection of handcrafted pieces. Each day brings new ideas, new skills, and fresh inspiration.

We love working with semiprecious stones and high-quality beads. While many of our materials are purchased, we also enjoy discovering unique treasures at estate sales, yard sales, and consignment shops — beautiful pieces that are repurposed into something fresh and special.

We started by making custom-request items for friends, relatives, and coworkers. With each passing day, our creativity grows. Because we all love designing and creating, our inventory continues to expand, and we decided it was time to market our pieces. We sold our treasures at four craft shows at the end of 2025 and one in January 2026.

This will be our first event with you, and we are truly looking forward to the 2026 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. Just knowing we’ll be displaying our pieces at this event has inspired us to learn new techniques and create even more treasures. Currently, we are incorporating leather and sterling silver into our collections… and who knows what the future holds!

Meet Vicky from Spicy Mary...

My name is Vicky. I worked in the corporate world for 44 years. When an early retirement opportunity came around in 2024, I jumped on it! I'm married and have lived in the Loveland/Milford/Goshen area all of my life. I purchased Spicy Mary in Oct. 2024, going on my second full year. My first Avant-Garde show was in 2025. This will be our 2nd show! I got a bit of the creative gene from my Mom. She was very artsy-crafty and loved to bake. I also love to bake and come up with new "flavors" in both baking and spice mixes. What got me into this is I was getting just a little bored with retirement after 6 months, and Spicy Mary came up for sale.  It sounded like fun and something to keep me busy.

I discovered my talent by experimenting. I've always liked experimenting with different recipes and flavors. Although I hadn't played around with spices before, it's very similar, and I've found that almost every flavor you can think of comes in some type of spice or powder form. 

I have 19 different spice mixes at the moment!  I think about what flavors would be tasty together and different than what we already have, and experiment with different spices. Most "new" flavors have been a success and go on the menu.  In the next 5 years, I see myself keeping it small. I love going to all the local craft shows and meeting new people.  I also sell mixes from home and mail order.

The business started with a spicy Bloody Mary mix.....A good Bloody Mary was hard to find...until now!  Along with our Bloody Mary mix, we also offer spice mixes for super flavorful chip & veggie dips, seasonal dessert mixes, burger seasoning, and a roast/rib rub. Once you sample Spicy Mary mixes!

Meet Allen Greene from Theme Park Art by Allen... 

My name is Allen Greene, and I’m a watercolor artist specializing in theme park–inspired artwork. I create detailed paintings of roller coasters, attractions, and park landscapes that help people relive their favorite theme park memories. For me, art is about storytelling — capturing that feeling you get at the top of a lift hill, the glow of lights at night, or the excitement of walking through the gates.

I’ve been illustrating theme parks since elementary school. What started as sketching roller coasters in notebooks has grown into a creative business where I now sell prints, framed artwork, and specialty pieces both online and at live events. This is my first Avant-Garde show, and I’m very excited to be part of it!

What inspires me to create is the emotions and memories of a day at a theme park inspire me most. The anticipation in line, the incredible views from the top of a coaster, the lights at night — those experiences stay with people. I love turning those fleeting moments into lasting artwork.

I’ve always loved creating art, but combining that with my passion for theme parks really brought everything together. I realized I could use watercolor to preserve memories for people — not just of rides, but of experiences shared with family and friends. I’ve always been drawn to art and design. Over time, as I kept painting and refining my skills, I realized that capturing architecture and motion — especially roller coasters — was something that came naturally to me. As my love for theme parks grew, blending the two passions felt like a natural direction.

In my creative process, I usually start a piece by researching the attraction — studying photos, ride layouts, and the surrounding environment to capture the right perspective. I sketch the composition first, focusing on movement and energy. Then I built the painting in layers of watercolor, carefully developing depth, light, and detail. I want each piece to feel dynamic — like you’re right there in the moment. 

In five years, I hope to continue growing my brand by creating new art inspired by more parks and increasing my presence at live events and festivals. My goal is to make my artwork a recognized way for families and coaster enthusiasts to preserve their theme park memories.

The message behind my work is simple: memories matter. The experiences, fun, story, and thrill of a day at a theme park taps into the essence of who are designed to be.  Theme parks are places where families connect, friendships grow, and unforgettable moments happen. My goal is to capture those kinds of experiences through art so they can be displayed, shared, and remembered for years to come.

2026 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, March 15, 2016

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

Shop Over 80 Handmade Vendors in Loveland!

Meet Suzanne from SQ² Creations ...

I’m a quilt maker based in Piketon, Ohio, creating heirloom-quality quilts designed for everyday use and long-term durability. My work focuses on thoughtful color palettes, balanced design, and construction meant to hold up to years of real life. Each quilt is made slowly and intentionally, with an emphasis on comfort, longevity, and quiet beauty.

I’ve been quilting for several years, with my work evolving steadily from personal projects into a focused small business. Over time, my process has become more intentional, emphasizing consistency, material quality, and design that feels timeless rather than trend-driven. March in Cincinnati will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show, and I’m looking forward to being part of it!

I’m inspired by the idea of making objects that are meant to be used — quilts that live in homes, get folded, washed, and passed down. Natural textures, balanced color, and a sense of calm all play a role in my work, as does the belief that handmade quilts should be thoughtfully made, functional, and attainable enough to be genuinely used rather than reserved for display.

I was drawn to quilting as a way to combine creativity with function. The process of taking raw materials and turning them into something useful, warm, and lasting has always appealed to me. 

It developed over time through practice, curiosity, and a willingness to refine my work. Quilting is a craft where skill builds slowly, and I’ve grown into it through consistent making and attention to detail.

My process is simple and intentional. I select a pattern, choose a fabric line that complements it, and concentrate on careful construction. I don’t overcomplicate decisions, which helps keep the work clear, balanced, and true to its purpose. I see my business continuing to grow at a sustainable pace, with a strong emphasis on quality over quantity. My goal is to maintain a body of work that feels cohesive and intentional, while continuing to offer quilts that are meant to be truly used and enjoyed.

There isn’t a message in the traditional sense. My work is about warmth, care, and longevity — creating quilts that provide comfort and become part of everyday life, rather than objects meant only for display.

Meet Kasey and Jason from Wheel and Chisel LLC...

We are Wheel and Chisel LLC. Kasey and Jason are both registered nurses who make handmade pottery and woodworking items such as bowls, mugs, cutting boards, hybrid epoxy and wood charcuterie trays, and other household items and holiday decor. Everything is made in house at every stage of the process, including glazing and firing using our own kiln. We've been lucky enough to secure a few sponsors including Designer Epoxy, Growling Molds, and Eye Candy Pigments.

We've been serious about production for about a year now and are hard at work not only creating product but building our Instagram page, @wheelandchisel, and recording content for our website, wheelandchisel.com, and building our YouTube page.

We both enjoy learning and having a creative outlet. Our inspiration comes from various sources including youtubers and artists like Florian Gatsby, Pottery to the People, Jim Sprague, and Mayuko. Learning their techniques help us create variations on popular themes as well as develop our own designs.

Kasey started her pottery journey earlier in life in a pottery class that she took in high school and she had been looking forward to developing her talent further. Jason had slowly pieced together woodworking tools, initially out of necessity for home projects, and happened to develop a love for lathe work and flatwork. 

No matter what the piece is, there are preliminary steps that need to be laid out in advance, whether it is wedging clay or gathering lumber. Each piece deserves individual attention to things like color, grain distribution, height, handle shape, etc. Sometimes, when something is on the lathe or the wheel, the piece speaks to you and quietly tells you what it wants to be and you have to be willing to listen. 

In five years we will be doing several shows a season, uploading content to YouTube and products to our website regularly. We want to constantly improve our techniques and our finished product, ensuring that our clients receive something that is one of a kind and has a special meaning to them.

Meet Teresa from My Creative Cookies...

I started in 2020 during Covid. I got my first paying customer December of 2020.  I took some online classes in baking and then discovered I really love the decorated sugar cookies side of baking. I think because it brings out the creativity I never knew I had. It really is my happy place. 

I love to make people happy and to see their faces and reactions to my decorated cookies just brings my joy. What is a blessing to me is that I get to be apart of someone’s special celebration thru my cookies. My creative inspirations is really thru the request of my customers. Sometimes they will request a certain design or theme and I think, I can’t do that, but giving it some thought and researching about the characters or watching the movie of the characters they want in cookies, I think “ok, I got this.” 

This will be my third Avant Garde event. I like this event because it’s organized, it’s local, it’s exposure, and it’s affordable for me being a home baker.  

In five years I’d like to own a place where I can teach classes and other bakers can affordably rent space to teach classes, have cookie and cake supplies and use my Eddible printer, 3D printer for their own use when needed. 

Meet Rob from Heartwood Workshop... 

I've been making things my entire life but in early September of 2024 I got a wild hair and decided to start making and selling woodcrafts. Join me here on my journey. I make home decor and outdoor furniture and planters. 

I started in September of 2024 making small Jack-0-Lanterns and selling them to co-workers and on Facebook. 

This will be my first Avante Garde show. Being a WestSider I'm a little afraid to make the trek all the way to Lebanon.  I didn't get accepted at previous shows so I'm pretty humbled to be in this one! 

I LOVE taking a piece of wood or scrap or cedar picket and turning it into something of value. There is no scrap wood, only pieces that haven't been used yet.

When I retire in then next few years I don't want to sit on the couch and die, I want to do something.  If I can make other people smile it's even better! 

 

When I was able to sell things and friends and neighbors reach out to me for projects (I recently turned an old baby bed into a hallway bench for example). 

I'm a youtube certified woodworker.  I love to watch videos and then the videos that the videos find and tell me to watch.  I take something I see there and add my "flair" to it to make it mine. In 5 years I'm hoping to make this my full time / part time retirement job.  Hopefully closer to 2 or even 1 year!

Meet Ginger Boyd from Pieces with Purpose..

As a proud mom of seven and grandmother of two, I am self-employed, happily married, and share my home with our dog, Allie. I began this creative journey about seven months ago and recently participated in my very first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show. What inspires me most is simple but powerful: new year, new mission, same commitment to our youth.

In 2025, we focused our efforts on supporting local teen substance abuse centers, and we are overjoyed that all of their current needs have been met. As we move into 2026, our heart remains with local teens, and Pieces with Purpose is honored to partner with The Ben Memorial Fund. 

This incredible organization was founded by a Loveland resident after the heartbreaking loss of her son to suicide, and it works tirelessly to erase the stigma surrounding mental health struggles while providing life-saving resources to young people in crisis.

I discovered my creative passion with the encouragement of my sister-in-law when I became partially retired and needed something meaningful to fill my time. Since then, my creative process has been rooted in intention and purpose, always centered on supporting teens and the daily struggles they face.

In five years, I hope to continue growing this mission, expanding our impact, and helping spark the conversations that truly save lives. Together, we can make a difference.

2026 Cincinnati Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Sunday, March 15, 2016

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