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.