KATIE KAMEEN
KATIE KAMEEN jewelry + wearable sculptures katiekameen.com @katiekameen @katiekameen Meet The Maker Katie Kameen creates jewelry by playfully experimenting with premade plastic objects. Kameen received her BFA in 3D Studio from Eastern Illinois University, and her MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Kameen has shown her work at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville, Tennessee, the Center on Contemporary Art in Seattle, Washington, Site: Brooklyn Gallery in Brooklyn, New York, and in many exhibitions across the country. Kameen was awarded the Ethical Metalsmiths Student Committee Emerging Artist Award in 2017. Her work has been published in American Craft Magazine, Friend of the Artist, and Uppercase Magazine. Kameen has exhibited internationally at venues including Kunstnerforbundet Gallery in Oslo, Norway, Galerie Marzee in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and Talente 2017 in Munich, Germany. Kameen is currently part time faculty at University of South Carolina Aiken and Augusta University. In my work I explore the ways in which premade materials can communicate with us. Our use and treatment of everyday objects mirrors our social behavior. I draw from that to create my own path to understanding intimate and casual human connection. My process mimics a type of play as I discover how plastic objects can be reformed into oddly familiar configurations. These recognizable forms and individual components evoke a shared haptic experience, relating both to memory and the immediate objects that surround us. Cheap plastics were made to serve a specific purpose, and to do so with a limited lifespan. I manipulate these objects to subvert both qualities, and make these materials, so often ignored from oversaturation, visible again. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
WESTOBOU T-SHIRT
WESTOBOU T-SHIRT Limited Edition Tees from the We Give a Shirt Campaign. Since 2008, Westobou has brought world-class art and entertainment to Augusta, from the yearly Westobou Festival to the ever-evolving Westobou Gallery. We want to keep the good times going, so grab this limited edition tee and help Westobou stick around for many more years! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
LITTLE GNOME CERAMICS
LITTLE GNOME CERAMICS ceramic art @littlegnomeceramics Meet The Maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Mary Besel – I am a senior ceramics major at Augusta University and an aspiring professor. I come from a military family, so I don’t feel attached to any one place, but we have lived here in Augusta for the longest period of time. My favorite thing to do, of course, is to make work and be in the studio, but I also play dnd and host games for my friends. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.My process usually entails making one form over and over again in different variations. I make figurative pieces that provoke a sense of life, a little personality and story of their own, and that process encourages it. I begin to create species of figures where each is unique in their own way, but still part of a recognizable group, just like humans or animals. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I am deeply inspired by fantasy, American and European Folklore, dollmaking, and the feeling of happiness that I get while working with clay. I try to incorporate all of those things into the final product of my work. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I don’t have a middle name! FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.I love the initiative to create more public art around Downtown. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?To me it is calming. It is one of the ways that I am able to cope with anxiety and I have found a great purpose in being able to bring life into my work with ceramics. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Don’t be afraid to mess up and let go of your work. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE BURL + BARREL CO. Hand-crafted, all natural men’s grooming products (pomade, beard oil, beard balm, mustache wax, lip balm) @burlandbarrelco @burlandbarrelco burlandbarrelco.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?Joseph Nordan, Augusta GA, owner of Burl & Barrel Co. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I make handcrafted men’s grooming products out of my own house. I started this up about a year ago because at a young age I became very interested in learning how things are made. With that mindset, I focused my attention on creating an all-natural line of products. At first, it was to save money. But then, I just really started to enjoy everything about making products and letting other people try them out! Every product is measured out, mixed, and batched by hand. All product labeling, printing, packaging, and shipping is done in one of our guest bedrooms, which my wife and I have turned into a business workspace. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Other motivated, young start-ups that have a vision, put their nose to the grindstone, and make it happen! FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I grew up in a very musical family. I’ve been singing and playing instruments since I was 5! Also, without a beard, I look like I’m 12. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.Nightlife, appreciation of arts & culture. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE? If you have a vision for something, whether it’s creating a product, a brand, offering a service… research it. Don’t be afraid to get to work on it right away! Take time. Make mistakes. Figure out what works and what doesn’t. Solicit feedback from trusted sources. And have fun! Your business venture is literally what you make of it! WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Never Give Up. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
COHENS LANE CO.
COHENS LANE CO. handmade clay earrings cohenslane.co @cohenslaneco Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I’m Emily! I’m originally from Ringgold, GA but have lived in Augusta for about 5 years. By day I’m an Account Manager at Wier/Stewart, and by night I make polymer clay earrings at my kitchen table. I turned a fun hobby into a fun side business! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.ven though the final products can be very different, the basic process for making polymer clay earrings is essentially the same every time. I start by conditioning the clay by working it with my hands or putting it through a clay roller (basically a pasta roller). Once it’s pliable, I roll it to the desired thickness and cut out using cutters or knives. Sometimes I add designs or other elements (like marbling). Throughout the process, it’s important to keep the work surface and my hands clean so I don’t introduce lint or other debris. If some finds its way in, I clean the surface of the piece with rubbing alcohol before baking to remove any specks. When they’re ready to go, I bake them in the oven based on the type of clay I used and then allow them to cool. I then sand the edges and add the holes with a Dremel (unless they’re studs), then I adhere the posts using liquid polymer clay for durability. I bake one last time and they’re done! WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I follow a lot of other polymer clay artists that have really honed their craft. Seeing the type of products they create keeps me pushing to improve my skills! FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I clogged for most of my childhood (as in the Appalachian dance) FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.Sandwiches is close to the top of the list. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Since I was a kid I’ve had some sort of craft or project going on—I guess it’s just in my DNA! I love working with my hands and making things that are fun and beautiful. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Don’t worry about what other people in your creative space are doing! They’re not you and you shouldn’t worry about being them RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
ARTIST HOLIDAY CARDS
ARTIST HOLIDAY CARDS proceeds benefit Westobou + Augusta Handmade Fair Local Artist Holiday Cards Set of 10 Cards – $25 Buy 4 Sets get the 5th Free Quantities are limited so email us to reserve yours today! featuring art by: Dawn M. Cardona, Kenneth James Benson Illustration, April Henry King, Aort Reed, Amy Hunter Callan, Jacob Boland, Jacki Mayo Art, Autumn Von Plinsky, Kendra Runnels Art, Artsy Rew RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
SUMMER NIKOLE JEWELRY
SUMMER NIKOLE JEWELRY handmade funky, fun, and colorful jewelry @shopsummernikole @summernikolejewelry SummerNikole.etsy.com summernikolejewelry.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?coming soon DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.coming soon WHAT INSPIRES YOU?coming soon FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.coming soon FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.coming soon WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?coming soon WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?coming soon RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
AUGUSTA TRAINING SHOP
AUGUSTA TRAINING SHOP handmade snowflakes + jewelry @augustatrainingshop @augustatrainingshop augustatrainingshop.com ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION The Augusta Training Shop, Inc. believes that all persons with disabilities are PEOPLE FIRST and that a disability is secondary to their individuality. Our employees are entitled to the same rights and privileges afforded to any other citizen. with the opportunity to stretch their limit They enable their employees with the opportunity to stretch their limits, build their confidence and make their dreams a reality. They thrive on fostering self-respect and independence on a daily basis. Their program is determined to see a person’s courage lifted high and build an abundance of self-esteem. It is their goal to witness someone cross the threshold of inspiration and show the world what they CAN do. RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
DEARLY DAWN STUDIO
DEARLY DAWN STUDIO original art, cards, throw blankets, stickers, etc. @dawnmcardona @dearlydawnstudio dearlydawnstudio.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?My name is Dawn and I am the Creative Director and Founder of Dearly Dawn Studio, a small South Carolina based studio producing artwork for children’s books, stationery, textiles & more. I initially moved to South Carolina over ten years ago and slowly began to call this place home. I knew that one day I wanted to open a brick & mortar shop here in our small downtown. I’m not quite ready yet, but that is the dream! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.My process is a little difficult to describe as I work organically and can bring something to life from a simple color, shape or idea. I embrace spontaneity in my work to allow what I’m feeling in the moment to shine through… I work best when my feeling brain takes over and very little thinking is involved. I do what feels natural. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Everything I do is inspired by paper, people, nostalgia and nature. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I am self-taught.. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.I love that you will always run into someone you know. WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I feel most alive when I am designing/creating/making…I need it to survive as much as I need oxygen. It is my inspiration, my therapy and my happiness. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS? Have patience with yourself. I love working with others to bring ideas to life! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
IVY HILL INTERIORS
IVY HILL INTERIORS hand painted ceramic and porcelain homewares and decor @ivyhill_interiors Meet The maker WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?I’m Cayt, Augusta native and the creative force behind Ivy Hill Interiors. My passion of historically significant interiors and furnishings has lead me to saving pieces of a by gone era and breathing life back into them. All in an effort to preserve fabulous furnishings and bring timeless pieces to the incredible clients I meet along the way! DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I always let my passion lead me, even when the vision is still forming! So I seek out pieces that speak to me, whether that be creatively or through my knowledge of interior design and furnishings. I always evaluate each new piece with an indepth understanding of how it served in past designs. With that understanding I’m able to select finishes that preserve the historic charm while making them suitable for modern interiors! WHAT INSPIRES YOU?Historic homes and their interiors are what keep my creative wheels spinning! Following the evolution of interior design and furnishing has allowed me to see how much past design elements influence today’s trends. As a lover of the arts, preservation is the foremost principle at Ivy Hill. So bringing overlooked furnishings back into the spotlight brings great joy and meaning to my life. FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.I’m the pink sister iykyk FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The historic charm! All the work that’s gone into preserving and revitalizing Broad Street over the last decade has made downtown a hub for small businesses and the arts! WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?Forever a daydreamer, I’m always lost in thought of what I’d love to create next. In a creative state I’m able to connect deeply with my inner self. As a busy mom of 2 time for inner reflection and silence is so rare! By making time to create I’m able to bring beautiful things into the world, all while unwinding from the chaos that can be motherhood. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Follow your passion! The pressures of creating crow pleasers can steal your joy of creating. Make what brings you joy and your audience will find you! RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE
AGAPE CHOCOLATES
AGAPE CHOCOLATES Handmade chocolate bars + caramel sauce. @agapechoc @agape_chocolates antebellumchocolates.com Meet The Artist WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?My name is James Stefanakos and I’m from Graniteville, SC. I make handmade chocolate bars and caramel sauce with the mission to “take a bite out of childhood hunger one bar at a time!” We accomplish this by donating approximately 15% of my profits to feed at-risk children meals via the backpack program at Golden Harvest Food Bank. DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.I make chocolate bars and caramel sauce the old-fashion way, by hand using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. After tempering the chocolate, I dose the chocolate into moulds and hand place the ingredients into the chocolate. I then vibrate the moulds to level out the chocolate before letting the bars cool. Then I break the bars out of the moulds, package them, seal them, and then label each bar. Each step of my chocolate making process is done by hand with care and love. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?I love to create chocolate bars that are not only tantalizing to your eyes, but also to your taste buds. I look forward to each day keeping in mind the bars I make will help to feed a local area child in need. I also like to interact with my customers resulting in a lot of them becoming friends as well as customers FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.Given the artwork on my labels was done by my children, I like to joke around that I’m the father to 3 of the most famous artists in the world. At the ages of 8, 9 and 12 they have each already sold over 12,000 pieces of artwork and their artwork has bent sent to over 7 different countries that I know about. FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.The Book Tavern WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?I love to pair a sense of familiar comfort with a zing to the palate when it comes to the different ingredients I use to make my bar WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?Do what you love and love what you do! Follow your passion and don’t give up when things get tough RETURN TO VENDOR PAGE