The Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is this weekend!

Visit me this Saturday and Sunday (Dec 12th & 13th) at 1300 w.78th St. in Cleveland.

Noon - 9 pm Sat

Noon - 6 pm Sun

Support local artists and DIY. Shop handmade this holiday season!

For all the eastsiders be sure to check out Animals in Art at the Orange Art Center

(also on the 12th & 13th)

10am - 4pm Sat

noon - 4pm Sun

located at 31500 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike.

Happy Holidays!

As most of you know I have my studio in the Lake Erie Building (aka the Screw Factory). When I moved to Lakewood I never knew it existed. I am from Lorain, a city with nothing to offer artists. My first studio post grad school was supposed to be this great space. I was lucky to have a place right outside of school to work and I found a used kiln. But I was in the hood of Cleveland. Don't get me wrong, I love Cleveland but I can't say I was somewhere I felt safe.

After a series of issues in this space I decided to leave and start shopping around. My friend Ruth told me about the Screw Factory open house she had attended. I checked out the space and decided to call it my new studio home. Because I had to get the hell out of dodge I had to move before my studio was actually built. The landlord was kind enough to let me store my equipment and supplies for free. The tenants were few at that time but my stuff was left untouched and safe during its stay. I could already tell I was going to love the place.

Once I finally settled into the studio I quickly got to work. It was nice for the first time since school and the last studio nightmare to have a space to call my own. No distractions, no one else to deal with. It was my bubble. Often there is nothing I would rather do than spend a Friday night in my studio with some beer and some clay.

After being there for a year I proposed to my neighbors that we do an open studio. The response I got was tremendous. It quickly snowballed and everyone chipped in time, energy and money to help. The amount of tenants has tripled since I first rented a space. The last open studio event tripled in size as well. I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be. I am surrounded by a group of talented and diverse artists. They are some of the best neighbors I could ever ask for. The energy is amazing and I can say that these events are truly a collaboration. The community has been kind enough to give us support and I'm happy to call Lakewood my home.

I love Cleveland but I recognize that there are always going to be people checking in on me to see if I've failed. And I will fail at things. But that's the only way I'll get any better. I'm happy to be right where I am at. I only hope you can say the same.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my artwork throughout the years. And thank you to everyone who has supported these open studio events. Your kindness will never go unappreciated.

Yesterday was the Cleveland Handmade Market at Wooltex Gallery. I was scarf sitting for Shannon Okey. It was a good day despite the cold. You have one more chance to check out the Cleveland Handmade crew on Dec 19th at the Lake Erie Building (home to the Screw Factory Artists). It will be a big show. Join us from 10am-6pm.

Snowflakes have been filling the studio. As well as stars, trees, and christmas bulbs. Enjoy.

Things you can buy me for Christmas to make me happy. (Or things I will buy myself with Christmas show earnings!) Enjoy the work below. Remember to buy handmade this holiday season.

This Saturday, December 5th from 10-6 you can find me and my work at the Cleveland Handmade Market. This event will be held at the Wooltex Gallery located at 1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, 44114. Its in the same building as Artefino.

It should be a great day of holiday art shopping in Cleveland. Terravista Studios located at 1400 E. 30th St. will be open. And Bridget Ginley who is located on the same floor will be selling her awesome cards, prints, paintings and ceramics as well. In addition the ArtCraft building is holding their annual holiday sale.

The Cleveland Handmade Show includes work by LazyTcrochet, Silver Made Studio, Susan K Jewelry, smashing, urbanartifaks, Les Trois Fleurs, mtmarge7, deglass, jenuin, pvialewis, Sara Riley, Lise Anderson, knitgrrl, Cherubs Blanket, Bread and Roses 2, Ms. Kitty's Closet, Simple Elements Design, snollygosters, Gina DeSantis

Great shopping all around! Hope to see you there.

Find me and my dog dishes and cat bowls tomorrow evening at the Animals in Art Exhibit. The Patron Party is Thursday, December 3rd from 6-9pm. Tickets are $30 in advance or at the door. Call 216.831.5130 to purchase tickets. This event benefits both the Orange Art Center and the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. The exhibition will be up all week during normal business hours (Mon-Thurs, 9:30-4). Then on December 12th & 13th stop by the OAC for a craft sale which is free and open to the public. The show is 10-4pm on Sat and 12-4pm on Sunday. I hope to see you there!

Holiday Calendar for the Month of December!

Sat, Dec 5th:

Cleveland Handmade Market at the Wooltex Gallery.

Sat, Dec 12th & 13th:

I'm pulling double duty. Find my work at the Orange Art Center's Animals in Art Craft Sale which is in conjunction with the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village. A portion of the sales benefit both organizations.

Also find me at the Bazaar Bizarre at the 1300 Building on w. 78th St. I'll be there later in the day. Be kind to Becca and Kate who are manning the table for me.

Fri, Dec 18th:

TBA in Little Italy. When I know details, you will know details.

Sat, Dec 19th:

Cleveland Handmade's Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Building. I will have a table on the 2nd floor with the lovely Ruth Sholtis-Furyes in charge. And I'll be in my studio on the 3rd floor as well. Bridget Ginley is also joining us!

As of December 1st:

4 shows down, 5 to go. some great. some not.

30 more soap dishes made for the next 5 shows. so not enough.

then i broke 1. 29 soap dishes.

125 new ornaments made. lots of snowflakes. and new christmas bulbs which are hopefully nice to look at.

1 bad elf beer in the fridge. saving it for an evening at home which probably won't be till saturday.

3 kiln firings in 4 days.

i just want my bed....

Just in time for the holidays!

Check out this great article in the NY Times about buying handmade...click here to read more.

And don't forget to check out the Bazaar Bizarre Eastside edition on Larchmere Blvd this Fri and Sat from 10-8pm during the holiday stroll. Black Friday is much more fun when you can shop local and avoid the malls. Hope to see you there! Happy Turkey Day. Gobble gobble.

Another installment of "My Life in List Form". Because that is only way I accomplish anything.
1. This weekend I made 80 ornaments. Today I get to spend my time at the studio prettying them up. I hate this part.
2. New plan. Marry rich. Get full time live in masseuse. This ceramics chick's back hurts.
3. Beer Engine in a few. Starting this week out right.
4. We are a few days away from my favorite meal of the year. I'm a foodie.
5. 3 down. Lots to go. 1 inch down as well. Thats even better.
6. Christmas tree is up. Purple, silver and pink. Its like Jem and frickin holograms.
7. 5 bottles of left over wine. I live alone. That's 5 good nights this week.
8. Mop the kitchen floor again. Tonic water incident last evening. Oops.
9. Soup of the week: vegetable with israeli couscous. mmmm.
10. I'm thankful this year that: I'm in an amazing studio with a lot of supportive artists, I have a day job in the arts, I don't work in retail purgatory (which includes not being covered in glitter, sweat or tears at the end of a work day), That I have 2 weeks at Christmas to spend with my family and relax, and that I have lots of shows coming up so I get to share my artwork with all of you and get out of the studio and be social! Oh yes, and I'm thankful I have amazing friends who will watch my booth for me. You rock!

More work that was displayed during the Nov. 7th Open Studio event. Some of these pieces will be at my holidays shows...others only at the Dec. 19th event. I definitely want to explore making more teapots in 2010.

More work by another visiting artist Elizabeth Emery. She has a show this Friday at SPACES Gallery.

At long last photos from the Lake Erie Building Open House. Here is some of the work by the visiting artists in my space. Enjoy!

Catnip mice by Deborah Pinter.


Sara (of Small Screen Designs) fixing her display and a shopper.


More work by Small Screens.


Kelli of Frank-n-Stuff and Kylee of Kyko.


More Frank-n-Stuff clothing.

Here is my event calendar for the remainder of 2009. Please note that my studio will be open on the Dec. 19th event during the Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market in the Lake Erie Building.


11.14.09 & 11.15.09 Tiny Canary

10-6 pm both days. Columbus, OH.


11.27.09 & 11.28.09 Eastside Bazaar Bizarre

10-8pm both days

12635 Larchmere Blvd


12.3.09 Cleveland Handmade's Last Minute Market

10-6pm at the Wooltex Gallery

1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH.


12.12.09 & 12.13.09 Bazaar Bizarre Westside

noon - 9 pm Saturday, noon - 6 pm Sunday

1300 W. 78th St, Cleveland, OH.


12.19.09 Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market at the Lake Erie Building

10-6pm, 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH.

The show is on the 2nd floor but I will be in my studio on the 3rd floor.




Check back for regular calendar updates as the holiday season approaches.

I was in a gift guide on etsy! Click here. Hopefully my mug is still there.

And come see me Sat and Sun in Columbus for Tiny Canary!

My pottery classes at Art House are wrapping up shortly but they have some other great class offerings for the remainder of 2009. Visit http://www.arthouseinc.org for more information!

ART HOUSE WINTER CLASSES
FINAL DAY TO REGISTER - NOV. 5
MIXED MEDIA DRAWING
with Melinda Placko
Wednesdays, November 11 - December 12
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Class fee: $70, four student minimum
Expand your definition of drawing as you explore a variety of techniques on a wide range of surfaces. Students will experiment with pencils, pens, charcoal, pastels, acrylics and collage as they refine their skills and discover new means of self-expression.

THE YOUNG ARTIST'S STILL LIFE
with Tim Callaghan
Saturdays, November 7 - November 28
9:30 - 11:00 amAges 9 - 12
Class fee: $55, five student minimum
Working on traditional and non-traditional surfaces, students will learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting while developing his or her own unique style and skills. A perfect start for every young Picasso!


TO REGISTER FOR ANY WINTER CLASS Contact Stephanie Kluk TODAY at 216.398.8556

another installment of: my life in list form. because without lists i would never get anything done. ever.
1. i'm feeling defeated lately. one medication has ruined my life. its supposed to help. it didn't.
2. i have too much to do and trying to fit a social life into this schedule is difficult. age 29 should be fun, yes?
3. its cold. its dark early. its time to find a winter home. not. in. ohio.
4. i still haven't found a gnome to follow me around and assist me with my work and chores.
5. if this gnome could go to the gym for me that would be even better.
6. this list is depressing.
7. do 10,000 things before the open studio on sat.
8. go to taco night.

I need your help!
Here is the deal. The Orange Art Center and the Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village are hosting the 3rd annual exhibition and craft sale "Animals in Art". Dec 3rd, the opening for the exhibit is a ticketed event. Part of this event includes a wine pull. You buy a ticket and pull a bottle of wine. All of the bottles are valued at $15 or higher. So you could score a swanky bottle for very little cash while helping to great non-profits.
This is how you can help...
On Sat, Nov 7th my studio will be open for the Lake Erie Building Holiday Open Studio. I am going to have a jar out for donations. Even if you only have a $1 to spare you are helping. I am also going to donate a $1 from every transaction that day. This money will go towards purchasing wine for the pull.

If you would like to buy a ticket for the event call 216.831.5130.
(The craft sale portion is free to the public!)

More cherry blossoms. I like painting them. Thankfully. Because they are becoming quite popular. But my new photo set up at the new home is not good. My lighting is all messed up. I hate this part of dealing with my artwork. Some glazes like to blur. My purple likes to look blue. Good times.


I made a lot of these coaster sets. I'm happy with the results but I painted about 70 coasters so that is close to 300+ blossoms????




I have 7 shows coming up. I promise to formally update my show calendar soon when the last 2 shows are confirmed. In the meantime I'm going to continue the cleaning process for the open studio in almost a week. Its fun trying to make a clay studio look clean.

Last week I decided to update my etsy site. This was delayed by my laptop battery biting the dust. I just received the new battery and my computer is no longer hibernating. So hopefully this week I can continue to add new things to my site. I will add more after the Lake Erie Building Open Studio on Sat, Nov 7th. Hope to see you there.

Buy me these things...

Lake Erie Building in the Best of Scene Issue for "Best Re-Use of an Industrial Building".

Here is the write up...
"The former home of the Lake Erie Screw Corporation in Lakewood's Bird Town was left empty when the company moved to Indiana. But building manager Ralph Lukich wasn't going to let the concrete behemoth just sit there. Starting with printmaker Phyllis Fannin and a few other noted Cleveland artists, Lukich constructed artisan studios in the building and, in the process, built an active community of more than 20 people creating everything from custom cabinetry to messenger bags. The artists not only work there, they also invite visitors to frequent open houses, so you can see them in action. (The next one takes place from 3-9 p.m. on November 7.) (13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, 216.521.0088, screwfactoryartists.com) "— Gill

And my studio neighbors Arabella Proffer and Shannon Okey got a nod for Best Dynamic Duo. They left out delightful, hilarious, and loud. Congrats ladies!

Find me this Saturday, October 17th in Columbus for the Craftin' Outlaws Show. It is held at the Lodge Bar located at 165 Vine St. Hope to see you there!

Find Gina DeSantis Ceramics this year at Tiny Canary!


I am proud to be part of another awesome Columbus show. I will also be at Craftin' Outlaws one week from today! I'm very excited and have spent the weekend finishing a glaze firing and selecting work to take with me. I'll have functional work, jewelry and ornaments. Please stop by the Lodge Bar from noon to 6 and check out my booth.

The great thing about etsy is all of the cool handmade stuff. The bad thing about etsy is I don't have money to buy all of the cool handmade stuff. Here are my 2 most recent purchases...

A lovely ring from Smashing. Not the exact ring but I pulled a similar one from her etsy site. She is so kind to make me custom orders. I will definitely be back for more. And as long as she keeps breaking my sugar containers I'll be busy with commissions for her too!

I also scored this awesome tunic on sale from MissFragola. She is in Canada and ships her items very quickly. I highly recommend buying from her shop. Her clothing is definitely well made. Again, I will be back for more!

i snagged a treasury...inspired by cleveland's skies.

including some work by the cleveland handmade team. that's a lovely ring from Smashing below.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=69276

Here is a class I think you should take! ....

Glass Fusing at the Orange Art Center

Instructor Jennifer Szalkowski will teach you how to cut and assemble glass to create one-of-a-kind fused glass pieces. Students will create a variety of jewelry pieces and tiles while experimenting with a variety of fusing concepts. This course also includes the use of dichroic glass, glass decals, and photo fusing paper to add unique design elements. Basic firing schedules will also be discussed. Additional supplies will be available for purchase.

Visit the artist’s website at http://www.fusionstudioscleveland.com

Sept 30 – Nov 18 (no class Oct 7)
11:00-2:00 pm $145
***additional material fee

Oct 14 – Nov 18
6:00 – 9:00 pm $130.50
***additional material fee

***Each class includes an additional material fee of $95 payable to Jenn at the first class.

For more information or to sign up contact Gina DeSantis at 216.831.5130

The Orange Art Center is located at:
31500 Chagrin Blvd
Pepper Pike, OH 44124

Mark Your Calendars!!!!

And now here are pics from the Chicago show from July. Again, so frickin organized. Enjoy. Off to the studio.

Look! I finally posted pictures from the Clifton Arts Fest. You know the one that was in June. Clearly I am highly organized.

The Orange Art Center is excited to announce a new line up of ceramics classes for the fall 2009 session. Mark Yasenchack will be taking over the Basic Pottery course on Tuesday mornings while Theresa Yondo will be teaching the Advanced Pottery course on Thursday morning. Gina DeSantis will be instructing a new course mid-morning on Fridays. Each of our instructors exhibit regularly and participate in craft shows around the country.

Mr. Yasenchack received his BS from Baldwin-Wallace College in Biology in 1987 with a strong concentration in ceramics, glazing making and B&W photo techniques. He later went on to attend Cuyahoga Community College from 1990-1991 where he studied glaze and wheel throwing. For those of you who are not familiar with Mark’s work please visit his web-site at www.markyasenchack.com.

Theresa is an Ohio artist working primarily in clay. As a teacher she explores creative possibilities with her students while exploring their full potential as an artist. She received her BA from Cleveland State in 1987 and her MFA in 1997 from Kent State University. To learn more about Ms. Yondo please visit her ceramic blog at theresayondo.blogspot.com. We are so pleased to have these seasoned artists as part of our Center.

In addition to teaching for the Orange Art Center Gina DeSantis also teaches for Art House and through her studio in Lakewood, Ohio. Ms. DeSantis holds a MFA from Kent State University. She will also be offering a workshop focusing on ceramic jewelry design. You may view more information and examples of Gina’s work at www.ginadesantisceramics.com.

Tuesday: Basic Pottery with Mark Yasenchack
Sept 15th – Nov 17th, 9:30-12:30pm – 10 wks, $243
And Dec 1st – 15th, 9:30-12:30pm – 3wks, $108

Thursday: Advanced Pottery with Theresa Yondo
Sept Sept 17th – Nov 19th, 9:30-12:30pm – 10 wks, $243
And Dec 3rd – 17th, 9:30-12:30pm – 3wks, $108

Friday: Ceramics On and Off the Wheel with Gina DeSantis
Sept 25th – Nov 20th (no class on Oct. 2nd), 11-2pm - 8 wks, $205
And Dec 4th – 18th, 11-2pm – 3wks, $108

Ceramic Jewelry Design Workshop with Gina DeSantis
Oct 10th & 11th, 10am-1pm, $85

Please feel free to contact us at 216-831-5130 with any questions or to register for a class or workshop today. Or visit our website at http://www.orangeartcenter.org. We are located at 31500 Chagrin Blvd, Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124.

the goings on of the ceramics chick...in list form. because lists are the only way i get things done.

i could use at least 4 more hours in a day.

i wish i had a clay wedging gnome. he could follow me around and do the dirty work in the studio. maybe i should try craigslist?

i think i'm never planning a party again. seriously.

i have 2 classes at Art House this fall! i have 2 at Orange Art Center! you should take one. ceramics is fun. i'm funny. it will be good times. i promise.

i have 70 coasters to paint cherry blossoms on. what was i thinking?

i'm tired of exhausting people. i'm already exhausted. you are not helping.

i need to clean the spare bedroom. i've lived at my new place for 2 months. perhaps its time to finally organize the room? again, a helper gnome would be delightful.

Buy me these things...

Show Updates...already!
Join me for the first Rocky River Arts Festival at the Old Detroit Road Shopping Center.
Saturday, September 19th from 10-5pm. I hope to see you there.

Fall Events Calendar

10.17.09 Craftin' Outlaws
11 am - 6 pm, The Lodge Bar (in the Arena District).
165 Vine St, Columbus, OH.
***Admission is FREE!*** Visit http://www.craftinoutlaws.com/ for more information.

11.07.09 Lake Erie Building Open Studio
Time TBA
13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH.

Check back for regular calendar updates as the holiday season approaches at http://www.ginadesantisceramics.com.

For the remainder of the summer Bridget Ginley and I will be selling our work at Open Air in Market Square. Join us each Saturday in August from 10-4 pm. Its located across from the Westside Market on W. 25th St. in Cleveland.

I will have older work and seconds for sale. Nothing over $15!!! Help me clean my studio and snag some inexpensive pieces for yourself or gifts.

I have a lot of new classes for the fall! I have 2 wheel throwing classes at Art House as well as a glazing workshop. Check out the listings below or on their website. Contact Elizabeth at 216.398.8556 to sign up today. My classes fill quickly.

Mondays, Sept 14-Oct 19, 6:30-8:30

Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20; 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration deadline: Sept. 10

Mondays, Oct. 26-Nov. 23; 6:30-8:30 pm

Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 24; 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration deadline: Oct. 22

Cost: $125 for 5 week session, $225 for two 5 week sessions purchased in advance, 5 student minimum

Class fee includes: 25lbs of clay, glazes, and firings.

All levels welcome.

Sooth your mind by throwing bowls and cups on the ceramics wheel, or if you are more advanced, try plates, teapots, and large bowls. Classes are small to allow for individual instruction and to provide every student the opportunity to delve into their creative side. Add unique handles and spouts to your art pieces. Make them beautiful with your own original paint designs. Enjoy your finished products both for their appearance and utility. All clays and glazes are food, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

I will also be teaching at Orange Art Center on Fridays in the fall. See the class listings below.
On and Off the Wheel:
Friday, September 15 - November 20

(no class on October 2)

11:00AM-2:00PM 8 weeks $205

Friday, December 4 - December 18

11:00AM-2:00PM 3 weeks $108

DeSantis, Gina: NEW Ceramic Jewelry Design Workshop
Saturdays, October 10 & 11

10:00AM - 1:00PM 2 days

I will also have 2 kids classes. Visit the website for more details in the coming weeks.

new coasters. new colors. off to chicago for the randolph street market. hope to see you there sat and sun! i'll be in the indoor indie artist area.

Ceramics Workshop!

Hand building Workshop: Form and Surface

I will be hosting a ceramics workshop at my studio will focus on creating hand built clay vessels (both functional and sculptural). We will also integrate texture and pattern to create one of a kind pieces. Topics will include carving, sprigging, stamping, inlaying, stencils, and sgraffito. This class is designed for all levels of ceramics artists from beginners to more seasoned students.

Dates: Tues evenings 7-9pm, Aug 4th-25th (4 weeks)
Fee: $105 (The class fee includes one 25lb bag of clay, all glazes and firings.)
Payment is due one week before session begins.

Location: Lake Erie Building at the Templar Industrial Park
13000 Athens Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107

Contact Gina DeSantis at artzy_grl@yahoo.com for more information and to register.

RAINED OUT!

looks like i will see you next week at open air in market square. they cancelled today due the thunderstorms. of course now its sunny and nice out. anyways...visit bridget and i next sat, july 18th. my seconds sale will go on as planned. nothing over $15!

in the meantime enjoy some new art. some of these are making the trip with me to chicago.

Seconds Sale at Open Air in Market Square

I will be at Open Air in Market Square this Saturday, July 11th from 10-4pm. Joined by the lovely and hilarious Bridget Ginley, we will be selling all kinds of goodies including ceramics, cards and prints. Open Air is located on W. 25th in Cleveland...across from the Westside Market.

Why attend? Well because the Ingenuity Festival downtown won't have awesome art from locals at low prices. Not to mention there is no admission charge for Open Air. Great live music. And of course its right by Great Lakes Brewing Co., The Market Avenue Wine Bar, and Bar Cento.

So what is a seconds sale? Seconds are pieces that don't represent my current line of work. The pieces are either from older collections, experiments or pieces with minor flaws that annoy the artists. i.e. these little cracks that form on the bottom of my pots due to the amazing Cleveland humidity. I don't feel right selling work at my normal prices that isn't perfect. Perhaps I'm a touch OCD. But basically little hairline cracks like this don't affect the use of the piece at all. So you get a $25 for about $10-15 instead. Good deal, right?!

All of my pieces will be marked at $15 or less!!! But please note I will not have any new work with me. If there is something you want email me directly at artzy_grl@yahoo.com so I can be sure to bring it with me. And you can always stop by my studio. Again, email me to set an appointment.

Please join me for the summer session of course I teach for Art House. My next class begins the end of July. My current class is full.

Clay on the Wheel with Gina DeSantis
Mondays, July 27-August 24, 2009
6:30 - 8:30
$125, materials included

Throw bowls and cups on the wheel. If you are more advanced, work on plates, teapots, and large bowls. Classes are small so this course is tailored for each individual. Enhance those thrown shapes with hand-built handles, spouts, and decoration. All clays and glazes are food, microwave, and dishwasher safe!