SUMM OF JESS SUMM OF JESS etsy.com/shop/SummOfJess @summofjess Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Jessica Summers and I am born and raised in Augusta, GA. I love everything in the arts, but personally create painting, drawings, and embroidered pieces. I love to use bright colors and am drawn to more simplistic ideas. By day I am a nanny for 3 little kiddos that I adore, as well as work for my church coordinating the children’s environments. I guess I just can’t get away from kids lol. I am also back in school after several years of time off pursuing my Bachelors degree in Psychology, and then a Masters in Family and Marriage Therapy. My dream is to open up an art therapy facility! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. I used to struggle with coming up with my own ideas for my art and have spent a long time trying to discover my ‘style’. When in fact all the time I spent feeling like a failure I was wasting. So now, whenever I get even the smallest idea, I jot it down in writing (because my brain will totally lose it), and then draw out some drafts and ideas. Or sometimes I go straight for the paints and just begin, the process is ever-changing and an experience to say the least. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I have always had an unrest within me, every few months I feel the need to change things in my life, or drop everything and go somewhere. Those frenzied feelings are definitely part of my creative inspiration and pouring them into my art is an outlet and helps me stay level headed. I am currently loving more simplistic ideas like single pieces of fruits, or greenery. I follow several artists that use different mediums or styles from myself. For example interior designers like Justina Blakeney, or realism painters like Mike Dargas. These are extremely talented people who keep me inspired to create my own art. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I am an adrenaline junkie who is ironically a little scared of heights. I have been sky diving twice and want to go base jumping next! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. It’s my home. I love going to the Saturday market on the river and my favorite Restaurants like Sole and Whiskey Bar Kitchen; and I love even more that it is in my hometown. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? It is part of me. I can without a doubt say that this is something that God created in me to do. I am constantly doing something with my hands, stitching in the car line while picking up kids from school, staying up too late drawing out ideas. Its just in me to pour out these ideas, I would feel the need to burst if I didn’t have any way to let it out. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Just go for it. If you wait until you feel fully ready to create, you will never start. So instead of spending so much time feeling uninspired and down on yourself, just start the process and you’ll find your way! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
STACI SWIDER FINE ART Original Artwork. @staciswiderartist @staciswider www.staciswider.comb Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Staci Swider is a certified GOLDEN Artist Educator with a Masters in Education and 20+ yrs experience facilitating creativity. She paints at her studio The Hutch in Aiken, SC. Her work is available at galleries throughout the southeast and Abroad. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I prefer layers of pattern and texture, often incorporating some textile element. Between the layers you’ll find red line drawings and copper accents or maybe Slavic embroidery patterns. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?My studio is nestled in the woods on a large pond in Aiken, SC and the animals and plants that surround me provide me with endless ideas for storytelling in my work. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I have three dogs, two of which are a 6# chihuahua and a 110# chocolate lab who interject comedic relief into my otherwise quiet days. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.It’s small town atmosphere. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I simply love the idea of creating something from nothing and sharing the colors and textures that exist in my mind’s eye. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?It’s a numbers game and only time behind the brush so to speak will get you where you’d like to go. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
THE HUNGRY FOX Original Screenprinted Art @thehungryfox hungryfoxillustration.com etsy.com/shop/thehungryfox Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? My name is Mikaela Fuchs, I live in North Augusta and I screen print my illustrations. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. I paint or draw on translucent paper and use those to “burn” to an image onto a screen that is coated with emulsion. This creates a stencil. Each color is a separate layer. I scrape ink across the screen onto paper in layers to create my final artwork. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Color, nature and stories. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I have three boys and I’m a baker. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. I love checking out the Book Tavern and hitting up Nacho Mamas or Taco Cat. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? I love getting really focused “in the zone” when it’s easy to create. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Develop good work habits, don’t wait for inspiration to strike. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
DEE’S ART UTOPIA original art and handmade cards @artists’nook @deesartutopia Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Hello! My name is Deepti, I am the artist and owner of Dee’s Art Utopia. I am from Evans, GA. A contemporary artist with a deep appreciation for the natural world. Professionally, a Dietitian… my art journey began in illustration. It evolved into a full-time pursuit of the visual arts, where I now create evocative works that celebrate animals and birds. brings a unique perspective to my art—one that honors harmony, balance, and beauty. My signature style combines realistic detail with subtle abstraction, drawing viewers into serene, story-rich compositions that immerse you in a world of wonder. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.My creative process is a playful exploration of paints, inks, and texture paste. I allow the medium to guide me, letting it work its own magic while I focus on the hues that speak to the emotion I want to convey. Sometimes I begin with a planned subject, but often the subject reveals itself organically as I work on the canvas.Each piece features a subtly abstract background that sets the mood, layered with realistic details rendered in oil paints. This balance between abstraction and realism allows me to create depth and atmosphere—inviting viewers to not just see the artwork, but to feel it. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Working on multiple paintings simultaneously keeps my creative energy flowing—it’s like each canvas feeds the next. Music is my constant companion and muse; the rhythms and melodies I love often guide my brushstrokes and influence the mood of my work. It’s in this blend of movement, sound, and color that my inspiration truly comes alive. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I am a professionally trained Dietitian now pursuing my passion for Art! Besides Art, I love binge-watching Thriller web series 😉 FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The overall cozy, comfortable small-town vibe is what I love the most about our Downtown. All small businesses are highly supportive of each other. What a wonderful community to be a part of 🙂 WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Art keeps me going!! I am content and elated when I create; it is a peaceful experience. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?The more you make, the better you get! Keep creating! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
B DOUBLEDEE DESIGNS Handmade Woven and Fiber Art Goods @bdoubledeedesigns @bdoubledeedesigns bdoubledeedesigns.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I’m a “betsy of all trades”: a wife, mother, homeschooling parent, pet lover, house manager and most of all I get to do what I love and that is create art.I’m a midwesterner that moved to the south as a kid. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I love to work with yarns, fibers and fabrics. I started sewing at a young age and never stopped working with textiles.My yarn tapestry reliefs and sculptures are woven and then embellished to create microscapes of nature.Crocheting home goods is fun to pass the time to keep my hands and mind busy WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Being around nature makes me happy. I paint with yarns to create unique art pieces that bring nature into your home. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.My pinkies are double jointed. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.It is where I meet my husband and where he took me on my first date. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Art is a wonderful way to express yourself. I have an overwhelming need to create. As a child I learned to sew and even went to college to learn fashion and fiber arts. I recently became disabled. Art can be my release.. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Make something often for yourself and Make items you love. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
billy s local art @billysartmusic @billy_s_images Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Downtown Augusta & I write, play, & teach music and I love to create art too! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I just go to the canvas and begin. Sometimes with a color, sometimes with a word, or sometimes with a mark. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?People and the love between them FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I have a new music album online! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The facades. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I am physically unable to stop. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Do your thing. I love you. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
REVISIONIST STUDIO functional ceramics that foster a sense of playful wonder in everyday objects @revisioniststudio revisioniststudio.art Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I create joyful and unexpected functional ceramics in my studio in the woods of South Carolina. I spent twelve years as a Spanish educator before becoming a ceramicist and sculptor. Largely self-taught, I have developed my own processes and techniques. Drawing inspiration from the intricate systems of coral reefs and forest mycelium networks, I create joyfully detailed functional ceramics that foster a sense of playful wonder in everyday objects. With an emphasis on detail, growth, and movement, my creations are primarily functional and meant to be held and used. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I start by hand building or throwing a form on the wheel, then add hand-sculpted elements. I rarely plan a piece before I start, preferring to follow the patterns and inspiration that arise in the moment. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I’m inspired by the intricate, hidden systems that permeate our world, particularly those of coral reefs and fungal networks. I’m fascinated by their interdependence and quiet movement and growth FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I don’t leave fingerprints. If you want to rob a bank, I’m your girl! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The positivity of the Downtown Community & I’ve only been to Augusta for the AHF, so I’m excited to see more of the city. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I feel as though I’m most myself when I’m creating and finding new solutions. When I get into a creative flow I can work for hours without ever noticing the passage of time, and feel peaceful and content. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Other artists and makers are not your competition, they’re your partners. When we share, support, and work together we create an environment that fosters more opportunities and appreciation for art and handmade work. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
MCDONOUGH POTTERY locally handmade & handpainted pottery @McDonoughPottery @johannegimbrone Meet The maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO? Hi Y’all, we are McDonough Pottery from Jackson,SC. Johanne and Kris moved here from Buffalo, NY 11 years ago. There was all ready a small studio way in the back yard and Kris asked me “what are we going to do with this?” I was an art teacher and always loved pottery so that cute little studio turned into a pottery and we’ve been busy ever since. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS. Our process is one of wheel made pottery and hand formed pottery. I was doing all the throwing when Kris wanted to do something, hand building was just perfect for her. The both of us create works and after the first fire Kris, who has become a master glazer takes over from there, creating beautiful colors on all our wares. Some of the cups/mugs that I throw on the wheel, get hand painted original designs painted on the surface while the clay is raw. This enables the bright cheery colors and designs on our mugs, then they are fired and glaze applied. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Often you can tell by the designs, what I’ve been reading, viewing, or watching on documentaries. Birds outside the studio, flowers in the yard, historic information like Inuit or Native folklore, Geechee culture, animals, dogs, cows anything that triggers a moments notice. A lot of times it’s the influence of my daily prayer, or something that Kris brings to my attention. I’ve always expressed myself with painting, now the clay surface is my canvas. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU. I like to ride my bike! and fish. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA. The Augusta Handmade Fair! Nacho Mamas, 8th St. Farmer’s Market. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? My gifts are God given and meant to be shared. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Do what you love, everyone has a gift and maybe it’s not the one you’d pick but whatever God gave you, find out what that is and don’t be be afraid to share it or use it for your living. You can’t take care of others if you’re poor/helpless yourself. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
P. TAIT ART terrariums, stained-glass, macramé, and paintings @p.tait.art Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?My name is Patricia Tait, I was born and raised in Chicago and I am currently in the Navy stationed at Fort Gordon. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I have a variety of mediums and techniques I use, all very different from each other but I love to make and learn new skill WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Nature is definitely at the core of my inspiration to FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.My cat absolutely Must oversee all of my art process and inspect everything I make FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.That I live Downtown! I love walking on broad and how often there is something new going on with fun people. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?It is a part of who I am, I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Make what you love. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
CAT EYE COTTAGE mixed media art and crochet @cateyecottage @cateyecottage cateyecottage.etsy.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Hi! My name is Candace, and I’m from Augusta. I’m a little bit artsy and a little bit vintage. I love the vintage aesthetic and take my shop’s name from my love of cats and the cat eyeglasses of the 1950s. When I’m not making, you will find me managing my small urban farm and at estate sales and thrift stores, where I look for materials to use in my art. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I would say I’m primarily a mixed-media artist. Instead of rock, paper, scissors, it’s paper, fabric, yarn in my studio. What I create depends on my mood for the day or how a piece of upcycled material speaks to me. Some days I pull out my scrap box of paper or fabric and work from there. And, other days I flip through my collection of paper crafting stamps and let a stamp tell me it wants to be the feature on a brooch. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Vintage aesthetics and bright sassy colors FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I love vintage sewing patterns and can never turn them down when I come across them. It’s an obsession! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The ebb and flow of its history. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I love taking an idea that’s floating around in my head and making it a reality. Then, the ultimate is someone else connecting with it as much as I did. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?There is only one you, so you do you! Don’t compare your work or try to compete with others. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
