AFA Spring Open Studios - Spring Arts and Crafts Sale
The American Fabrics Arts building, located at 1069 Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport,CT is holding its first Spring Open Studios on Saturday, May 4th from 10am - 5pm and Sunday, May 5th from 11 a.m-6 p.m.
Online, March 30, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The American Fabrics Arts building, located at 1069 Connecticut Avenue in Bridgeport, is holding its first Spring Open Studios on Saturday, May 4th from 10am-5pm and Sunday, May 5th from 11am - 6pm. The historic re-purposed building will be open to the public to offer a unique opportunity for individuals to purchase "one of a kind" pieces from the spaces in which they were created. The building site has ample off-street parking and provides handicap access through the back entrance.
In addition to exploring the arts and crafts, guests will have the opportunity to enter an ART RAFFLE to win items donated by the artists. Some of the items include a totebag by Ocheltree Design and a limited-edition print by Janine Brown.
The studios, some of the more spacious in Bridgeport, provide a creative space for more than 24 artists and artisans. The people that work in the building is an eclectic group from painters to ceramicists to quilters. Some of the people you will meet include:
Janine Brown, a prolific multi-media artist, who will be holding a moving sale of her paintings, prints, and photography, as well as, miscellaneous studio supplies and frames. Brown's artwork, which ranges from representational to abstract, is informed by her life experiences and can be viewed at www.jbrownart.com.
Oil painter, Lisie Orjuela creates works with an ethereal quality that draws the viewer in. She will also be holding a sale of her paintings. To preview her works visit www.lisieorjuela.com.
The acclaimed, Denyse Schmidt, a graduate of RISD, has been featured in hundreds of publications, including the New York Times, TIME, People and Martha Stewart Living. Visit her website at www.dsquilts.com. For the Spring Open Studios, she will be offering loads of fabric, books, stationery, and other supplies for DIY-ers. First come, first served!
Emily Habansky, another graduate of RISD, is known for her colorful, energetic, nature-inspired paintings. Her work, often on the larger side, will be installed and shown in her studio space. Habansky finds inspiration through her devout shamanic practices and energy work. Her paintings lend insight into her subconscious creative mind. Her unconventional approach to painting evokes an experience involving different abstractions of passing feelings, emotions, and insights. A peaceful experience on any wall. Go to www.emilyhabansky.blogspot.com for more information.
Modern ceramicist, Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong will be demonstrating throwing pots on a potter's wheel througout the weekend. She has received art fellowships, exhibited in prestigious institutions, and has raisedrecognition in the field of ceramic sculpture. She will be offering discounts on her JBA Signature Collection of ceramics throughout the weekend! To view her collection: www.jocelynbraxtonarmstrong.com.
Kate Callahan, a sculpture graduate of Alfred University, will be selling "Origami Luminaria", hand constructed lamps, that explore geometry, space, and light. She has recently shown at the Silmo, in Paris, and has been published in international design magazines such as ICON. To place orders visit www.katecallahandesign.com.
Additionally, several other notable artists and artisans will be opening their studios: Alexandra Tremaine (photographer); Brechin Morgan (Marine Art painter); Judith Corrigan (painter); Gus Moran (painter); Elizabeth Bullis-Wiese (painter); Art Bags by Debora Crichton (Unique bags and accessories); Michelle Beaulieu (photographer and encaustics); Ocheltree Design (pillows and quilts); Rebecca Schwartz (painter); Robin Gilmore's Made in Bridgeport (Urban treasures); Suzanthea L. Michel (painter); Wooden Ages (hand-turned writing instruments); and The Cotton Press (hand-printed home decor, textile, and fashion).
The American Fabrics Arts building was established in 2005, when five artists moved from the Remington Arms factory building to the American Fabrics Company building joining two photographers and creating an arts community. A full history of the building and arts community can be found at www.amfabarts.com. For more information call 203.685.5986.
The AFA Open Studios is sponsored, in part, by City of Bridgeport, Mayor Bill Finch and Westrock Development, LLC.