Handmade Austin Women: Art in the Garden

Handmade Austin Women present:
Art in the Garden Spring Show 2008
May 3rd-4th Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-4pm

We present outstanding innovation produced by local studios.

Handmade Austin Women presents the third annual "Art in the Garden" on May 3rd and 4th, the weekend before Mother's Day.

Handmade Austin Women are dedicated to unique design, and the highest quality in handcrafted work. Art in the Garden 2008 offers a beautiful array of fine art that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, stunning jewelry and fashion. This year we've grown to ten studio artists with four musical acts. We're local, and we're looking forward to meeting you!

Handmade Austin Women Spring Show 2008 will be held in the gracious East-Austin gardens of Ginko Studios. Our lineup features ten Austin originals and four musical matinees:

• Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson cuts and sews vinyl, vintage fabrics, and repurposed leather into the looks of a modern lifestyle. Her wallet, handbags, traveling baby station, and other accessories seem at once both necessary and fashion forward.
• Jo Bridges paints nature's portrait. She celebrates details of our Texas landscape within her exploration of vibrant color and rich texture.
• Sunyong Chung produces porcelain art at Ginko Studios. She builds images in colored clay by layering and mixing traditional techniques. Her intricate work includes tableware, tiles for kitchen or bath, and sculptural presentation pieces.
• Jamie Jo Fisher combines silversmithing and impeccable skill in her one-of –a kind jewelry. She forms glass, metals, and stone with a unique collection of found materials guaranteed to give the wearer a stunning conversation piece.
• Chia Guillory's clothing designs shout spring fashion! Vintage fabrics preserve the whimsy in her practical and bright sunhats and dresses. Her reversible bags are practically an Austin secret society. Her specialty is quality. Inspect the craftsmanship and be assured…this is not a passing fancy.
• Stephanie Lindsey collects antique linen postcards for her silvery, scenic jewelry. Necklaces, belt buckles, and rings depict favorite attractions and destinations across America. Her Baby Jane jewelry, named in honor of her mother's childhood nickname, is nostalgic, classic, and refined.
• Bonnie Lynch has been hand building large ceramic vessels for 25 years. With surfaces of smoked, organic finishes, her pieces range from large and quiet to deeper and smaller. Bonnie's spheres, ovoids, orbs, cocoons, and pod shapes reflect the simple, elegant forms of nature.
• Beverly Mangham searches for objects with a storyteller's sensibility. Her voice is poetic and lyrical, and can connect all types of material. She salvages parts that speak of history or material issues, and tells their tale in the conversation of assemblage.
• Melanie Schopper makes dynamic, colorful and functional ceramics for everyday use. Her ceramic shapes are slip cast to present the viewer and user a modern, clean line.
• Cherie Weaver paints sweet and cranky creatures. Her palette of pink, gold, brown and cream draws the eye to a tiny storyline populated by saucy, simpering deer, greedy monkeys, and a host of fiercely charming characters! Luxury and delicacy balanced by the occasional bear.

Saturday and Sunday mornings start with a complimentary tea and coffee bar.

• Saturday afternoon from 2 to 6, DJ Mahealani plays soothing sets of old-time jazz mixed with smooth R&B.
• Twice on Sunday at 1 and 2, Lisa Shawley plays accordion and accompanies Heather Jarry in a marionette matinee.
• Laura Freeman (aka Luna Tart) sings and performs original songs with her ukulele on Saturday at 11 and again on Sunday at 12. The Austin Chronicle says, "With every brilliant song she plucked on her tiny ukulele, she invoked entire worlds. Luna Tart drags a vast and curious history behind herself, like the train of a stained, sequined dress. Laura Freeman's work was gorgeous." The songs, music, and marionettes are family friendly.

Handmade Austin Women believes in the profound benefits of keeping women sustained at work at home here in Austin. We support cottage industry and the growing character of local economy. You can preview our show and find directions to Ginko Studios online at www.handmadeaustinwomen.com.

Please step out and join us on the weekend before Mother's Day for our annual Handmade Austin Women Spring Show. This event is supported in part by Women and Their Work. View the HAW site