by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of Connor Terry, Instagram @ct26photos.)
OK, so we did just get into summer.
But before your schedule gets “packed” for September, I’d like to give you two dates to keep in mind: Saturday and Sunday, September 20th and 21st.
Those are the dates of the 17th annual Pasadena ARTWalk! And innovative indie handcrafted goods festival organizer Jackalope Arts is producing it, in partnership with the Playhouse Village.
More than 180 hand-selected artisans will be on hand, showcasing their work.
With a focus on fine art, these exhibitors will be offering handcrafted jewelry, original fashion designs, home decor, photography, visual art, housewares, food and much more.
(Photo courtesy of Connor Terry, Instagram@ct26photos.)
A sneak preview
And Jackalope Arts ARTWalk lead Gloria Baghdassarian has very kindly emailed us a preview of three artists whose work will be exhibited! Be sure to look for:
(Royalty-free image by Pexels from Pixabay.)
According to her website, photography has been a passion for Heather since the 1970s.
That passion shines through her work: her photographs range from ooh-and-ahhh-gorgeous pink roses to breathtaking landscapes and golden hummingbirds captured mid-flight. And just when any viewer would think, “wow, serious gallery stuff,” she gets playful–with a photograph like her “Dancing Polar Bears”!
Heather’s website lists the various media in which her work is available, including canvas prints, canvas matte and greeting cards.
Gloria also mentions in her email that Heather is an Eaton Fire Survivor, and Jackalope Arts is honored to have her join the show.
(Royalty-free image by lehafedor86 from Pixabay.)
Industrial designer Christine Lau, a/k/a Clau, is a highly gifted leatherworker. On her website, she explains that each item she creates is unique, from the design to the cutting to the stitching.
But each creation will have a signature addition: the “Clau Knot”, which, she explains, is her version of the knot button found on traditional Chinese clothing. Her addition of the knot, she says, is both a homage to her heritage and a way of challenging her skills.
And she crafts some beautiful artifacts: bags, card cases, wallets, keyhooks and even jewelry, using her “Clau Knot”.
I personally really like her red envelope charm, inspired by the traditional red envelopes given for special occasions, and her “k(not)” hand-stitched leather tote. However, you’re likely to find your own favorites.
(Photo courtesy of Connor Terry, Instagram @ct26photos.)
Tragically, multimedia artist Reid Matthew Gorecki passed away in 2023. His work carries on his legacy.
In his 18 years, Reid produced an incredible volume of work: sketches, videos, ceramics, paintings and mixed media.
His graphics are edgy, and can range from unflinchingly dark to wide-eyed innocence. Much of his work is highly thought-provoking. A sense of humor comes through in his ceramics and paintings, and his final video project, “Coming of Age in Los Angeles“, is a skate video that reveals a fun-loving and playful aspect of his talents.
Reid’s illustrations have been reproduced, and are available for sale, on items including shirts, stickers, hoodies, crewnecks, magnets, and archival art prints.
My personal favorites are his “Dalmatian Mouse“, the blue costume sticker pack for Halloween, and the print of his ceramic sculpture, “Carry #1”.
(Royalty-free image by Bodo Bertuleit from Pixabay.)
Of note: during his lifetime, according to his website, Reid was passionate about the healing power of art. 20% of purchases made from the “Reid Gore Store” will be donated to supporting youth mental health.
Reid’s talent lives on, and his story continues, in this legacy, and in his artist statement:
“…Art is relaying the human experience through creativity…If someone is able to connect to something I have made, or if the work speaks to even one person, I am satisfied.
“I know art helps me to feel connected, not alone and that is important for everyone.”