The Greater Westmoreland Creative Collective: October 2011

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Pictures from An Artful Affair 2011

A special thank you to all the artists, family, friends, and visitors who made the second annual Artful Affair a huge success. We couldn't have been more pleased with the turnout (especially considering the rainy weather!), and hope you all enjoyed the day of tea, cookies, conversation and art as much as we did. Here are some photos of the day for those who couldn't make it:

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Introducing Our New Gallery: Spoonwood

The artists of the Greater Westmoreland Creative Collective (GWCC) are pleased to announce the grand opening of their online gallery, Spoonwood. Spoonwood is a juried marketplace (named after Mountain Laurel, Pennsylvania's state flower) that provides a new venue for GWCC members and guest artists to showcase their work. It also serves as an adjunct to their annual Fall trunk show, An Artful Affair.

The GWCC is a Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, group of artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, and growers working cooperatively to promote quality and excellence in products crafted for the public. Our members, and their areas of specialty, include: Merriann Grant, fine jewelry; Nan Loncharich, fabric arts; Cia Williford, mixed media arts; Katie Resch, painted woodwork; Helen Stetina, needlecrafts; and Lisa Hertzog, country decor.

The Gallery is located at www.spoonwoodgallery.com. Interested visitors are encouraged to register (no financial information is required) in order to receive the GWCC newsletter, sales notices, etc.

Keep us in mind for your holiday shopping!

Meet the GWCC Members

Merriann Grant - Zippity Doodads, designer jewelry

"I handcraft my pieces from sterling silver or 14k gold, with a focus on natural semi-precious and precious gemstones. My style sweeps a wide range from fresh and clean to classical and intricate. My handcrafted designs are clean, feminine and constantly evolving. My goal is to complement the beauty of each person who wears my creations."

Nan Loncharich - Fancy Wool Flowers, fabric flowers and accessories

"I started creating flowers three years ago shortly after joining a group of rug hookers in southwestern PA. You can hook a flower in 15 minutes--compared to a rug which may take years! I enjoy adapting various techniques in creative ways."

Cia Williford - Briarwood Studio, miniatures and paper arts

"My given name is Cynthia, but people usually call me Cia or Cindy. Take your pick. *grin* I'm a children's writer, a web designer (specializing in small, affordable sites for other creative people), an artist, and I make miniatures. I guess you could say, I love to create! "

Katie Resch - Kate's Creative View, wood burning and acrylic painting

"Recently I began working with my father using his talented carpentry skills, combined with my love of painting, to create vibrant jewelry frames and barn wood cabinets. These designs incorporate a combination of bright colors blended with the dark lines of burnt wood. I enjoy finding ways to add my creative flair to functional home items!"

Helen Stetina - Helen's Treasures, needlework

Although my “specialty” now is punchneedle, I enjoy so many needlework disciplines. I love incorporating the punching with needlepoint, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, beading, and crafting of all kinds. Give me a myriad of found objects and materials and I’ll create a “treasure”."

More members to be featured - stay tuned!