Spring Gathering of Artisans

One-of-a kind Zazzy Peacock Felted
and Beaded Swirl Bracelet by Jill Newman

After this bitterly cold winter, what better way to celebrate the vernal equinox and welcome the coming of spring than by shopping for bright new accessories for you and your home! On the very first day of spring, a "Spring Gathering of Artisans" will showcase the work of seven local artists, including myself.  The show will be held at a private home in Glen Echo, Maryland by invitation only on Saturday, March 21 from 10 am to 4 pm, with a preview showing on Friday, March 20 from 7 to 9:30 pm.  

This show is a great opportunity to find something truly unique to brighten your home or your wardrobe.  Bring a friend (but not the kids, please) and enjoy a glass of wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a relaxed atmosphere while you shop for unique hand-crafted items.   Here are some brief descriptions and photos of what my wonderful fellow artists and I will be offering at the show.

Vibrant Handmade Ugandan Quilt from Amy Gautam

Amy Gautam is offering unique handmade Ugandan quilts.  While living in Uganda several years ago, she designed the quilts, purchased local African textiles, and hired local women to do the sewing.  Of the 120 quilts created from this collaboration, only 8 remain.  Each is one-of-a-kind and features colorful batik fabrics.  Amy will also be offering kitenges -- African cloths with Swahili sayings printed on them.

A collection of Beverly Roger's hand-painted pillows

Beverly Rogers paints beautiful original abstract artwork on canvas, pillows, placemats, and unique totes.  Beverly's lively art and home decor focus on color, balance, and connection.  Beverly can be reached at brogersb4designs@gmail.com.

Debi Sacks creates colorful abstract oil paintings on canvas as well as  mixed media collage.  Her bold, expressive use of color captures abstractions of nature and conveys deeper meaning.  You can see some of Debi's work on the Marin-Price Galleries website.  

More adorable Tutu Bags handmade by Nancy Marshall

Nancy Marshall creates unique handmade gifts including silk and beaded purses, personalized ballet tutu bags and aprons, children's hair ribbons and accessories, super hero capes, and chalk placemats.  Visit her Etsy shop, Fancy by Nancy, to see more.

Betty Farrell -- Unique jewelry made from semi-precious beads and crystals.

Unique Lamp from Crystal Luxe Lighting

Aldeane Josephs designs elegant custom-made lamps from Crystal Luxe Lighting -- each made from a one-of-a-kind exotic crystal or semi-precious stone set on an acrylic base with nickel hardware and a custom silk shade. Crystal Luxe Lighting lamps were featured in the 2014 D.C. Design House. See more of these sophisticated lamps in the Crystal Luxe Etsy shop.

Jill Newman -- Yes, that's me!  I make hand-felted and beaded jewelry and accessories.  My wearable art pieces are all one-of-a-kind and incredibly comfortable. And my vibrant color palettes are perfect for Spring!  I was recently juried in as a member of the Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.  A selection of my work will be available there, hopefully beginning with their April show.  In the meantime, you can see some of my work on my website at Zazzy Peacock Studios.  

So, as you can see, there will be something for everyone at this Spring Gathering of Artisans.  If you receive an invitation to this special event, please go enjoy the show -- Friday, March 20 from 7 to 9:30 pm and Saturday, March 21 from 10 am to 4 pm.  Hope to see you there!

"Crop Geometry," oil on canvas by Debi Sacks

Zazzy Peacock hand-felted and beaded swirl bracelet and ring

Close-up of one of Nancy Marshall's handmade ballet tutu bags