Amy Manson Pottery - July 9th!

Amy Manson has been creating with clay for the past nine years. She uses high-fired stoneware and porcelain, and enjoys glaze colors and themes, which can be found in nature. Amy tries to incorporate a combination of family, prayer, meditation, nature and the creation of pottery into every single day of her life as part of her own personal growth and transformation.

"It gives me great insight and joy to create a one of a  kind piece of  artwork. I hope others enjoy viewing and  utilizing the pottery as much as I enjoyed making it!"

Her passion for clay certainly shows in her work! Enjoy Amy Manson's pottery in person at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, July 9th.

Jerseymaids - July 9th!

Jerserymaids is a one-woman show lead by artist, Lauren Beacham. A photographer and Polaroid enthusiast, Lauren has many different collections in her shop--from prints to jewelry, home decor to lighting. It's quite a shopping experience!

Catch Lauren and all of her unique Polaroid creations at the next Ballston A&C Market on July 9th. 

I can't wait!

The Ballston Patch Covers Saturday's Market

The Ballston Patch wrote such a fanatastic article about Saturday's show, I just have to share it with you here!

Nothing screams summer like an outdoor market under the sun. Art vendors showcased their work on Saturday at the Ballston Arts and Crafts Market in Welburn Square.

A large crowd of Arlingtonians came out to shop and soak up the sun while the acoustic mandolin-toting blues band Snakehead Run provided the upbeat tunes. The market meets every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Under the tents was an impressive array of handmade pieces ranging from professional photographs to silk-screen printed pillows. Plus, the vendors are just as lovely as their crafts.

Bette of Bette's Bags greets customers with a friendly smile. Her stand also draws attention with its collection of colorful bags with great summer patterns.

"My daughter purchased an expensive designer bag and got tired of seeing other people wearing it. That's when I got the idea of making one-of-a-kind bags!" said Bette. Bette's Bags has its own website (www.bettesbags.com), but holds an even larger selection up for sale on its Etsy page. Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bettesbags.

If you are looking for the perfect gift, bLugrn Design has beautiful jewelry made by the young and hip D.C.-dweller Lucia Hamilton. With colors like gold and teal, these accessories are perfect additions to a summer wardrobe. You can find their unique and trendy designs for women and men on their website: www.blugrndesign.com.

If the crafts did not strike your fancy, the market even held a free Saffron Yoga class on the grass in the middle of the square! After the free class, you could pick up a delicious organic crepe from the Solar Crepes truck situated on the edge of the market.

The next Ballston Arts and Crafts Market will be held on Saturday, July 9 at the same time. Gather your family and friends for this festive summer event you will never forget!

Thanks, Abby & Ginny, for the awesome write up!!

June 11th Market was AWESOME!

Did you make it out to the June market? If you did you were greeted with friendly, awesome artists, yummy crepes, fun music, free yoga and more! 

The Ballston A&C Market continues to succeed and thrive thanks to YOU the artisans and loyal visitors. Not to mention the great weather! Thanks, Mother Nature, for holding off those storms. Much appreciated. 

Now, here's some pics from Saturday's show:

It's a Yeti Party at Red & Main. Everyone's invited!

Jillory's new "banana seed" jewelry

Organic baby adorableness by Ashleybug

Jules' Jewels & Friend!

So much to choose from at FuzzyMug

Lucia from bLuGrn design is HOT. Tee hee.

Stunning glasswork by Wunder Around. LOVE the orange

Emily Dolenz Photography enjoying some down time

 I love these feminine, pretty silkscreened pillows by Birdtree Philosophy

Newbie Botodesigns was a HUGE hit at the Market. Hope you'll be back!

Another huge hit -- Snakehead Run. As usual, you guys rocked!

Saffron Yoga offers FREE Yoga in the Square. Thanks Kim!

Upcycled earrings by UglyKittyReduex

Guess who!

Colors galore by Pocketful of Posy

See you at the next market on July 9th!

Ballston A&C Market TODAY - June 11th!

Never mind this crazy weather weirdness! Rain, shine -- who cares ... come out TODAY - Saturday, June 11th and spend a couple hours strolling along pretty Welburn Square, chatting & shopping with one of the things that makes Ballston special, the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market - the ONLY 100% handmade market in Arlington!

We'll be there from 10 AM - 4 PM doing what we do best -- delivering unique, handcrafted goodies to the people! And while your here, pick up an organic crepe from Solar Crepes, listen to the bluesy styling of local fave, Snakehead Run (noon - 2 PM), or take a FREE yoga class from Saffron Yoga (noon - 2 PM).

And get there early to receive your FREE tote bag courtesy of ArlingtonVirginia.com.

C'mon, ya'll! It's June! :)

Father's Day Gift Guide at the Ballston A&C Market!

The Ballston A&C Crafts Market, THIS SATURDAY, June 11th, is the perfect place to pick up a  cool, crafty gift for Dad! We have everything for the nerdy dad to the stylin' dad! So, check out the awesome manly offerings our artists have in store for you this Saturday from 10AM - 4PM.

Botodesigns

UglyKittyReduex

FuzzyMug

Red & Main

Interlaken Soap Company

Artologica

Steven Miller Words and Images

Don't forget about Father's Day on June 19th!

Saffron Offers FREE Yoga Class at the Ballston A&C Market!

Don't forget! This Saturday at the June 11th Market, not only do we have an amazing array of talented artisans lined up for you, but Saffron Yoga will also be at the show from 12 noon to 2 PM with FREE yoga classes for the entire family.

Saturday, June 11th -- Crafts, music, yoga and crepes. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Exhibitor List for June 11!

Yah! I'm so excited for Ballston A&C Market on June 11th. Check out the map and the awesome artisans we have lined up for THIS SATURDAY!


Botodesigns
Artologica
FuzzyMug
A-Z Jewelry Design
Karma Krafts
Emily Dolenz Photography
Interlaken Soap Company
bLuGrn design
Wunder Around
little blue studio
Fast Snail
Jules' Jewels
Udacha
Mary Ellen Larkins
UglyKittyRedeux
Melissa Lew
Jenny Wren Jewelry
Haute Hilary
Grumpy Haters
Steven L. Miller
Bette's Bags
YarnChef Creations
Avner Ofer Photography
Pocketful of Posy
Funnelcloud Studio
Babus Toys
Holland Cox
Jillory
Ashleybug
Purple Clover Art
Lisa K. Rosenstein
Red & Main
Knotty Daughters
Birdtree Philosophy

See you THIS SATURDAY - June 11th!

FREE Eco-Friendly Tote Bags THIS SATURDAY June 11th!

Don't forget to pick up your FREE eco-friendly tote bag at the Ballston A&C Market THIS SATURDAY, May 14th! First 50 visitors get one absolutely FREE!

Our friends at ArlingtonVirginia.com, Arlington’s Social Media Community, will be on hand for the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 9th with FREE eco-friendly tote bags for the first 50 visitors.

Now, you'll have something cool to carry all of the awesome new handmade goodies you buy at the Market this Saturday.

UglyKittyReduex Q&A

1). Recycled. Reclaimed. Reused. Your jewelry designs (for both men & women!) are very clever. Tell us what inspired you to start creating with all repurposed patterns.  
I started collecting security envelopes after I had seen several artists making card and buttons out of them. Specifically, Sweetie Pie Press was working on a project to make an art installation using only buttons made from security envelopes. I was fascinated by all the patterns and started collecting them. After a while, I had a box of used envelopes and no (original) ideas. I can't remember the exact process that lead me to jewelry, but I'm pretty sure that it was my mom who picked one up said, "Wouldn't this be a pretty necklace?"

2). Apart from creating, what do you do?  
By night, I'm a crafter-extreme (of course), but by day, I'm a full-time Environmental Scientist-extreme. I work for a small consulting company in Annapolis, Maryland and mostly perform compliance work for the Government. I also love to bake and I'm slowly learning how to cook. Other than that, I'm a huge nerd who likes spending my time with my husband, spoiling my 2.75 cats (one only has three legs), and alternate watching The Simpsons and Planet Earth DVDs.

3). Okay. You knew it was coming. Please tell us about your adorable cat, Quasi—the inspiration for your logo, I believe!  
I found Quasi on petfinder.org at a shelter in Annapolis shortly after I moved to Maryland in 2005. As soon as I saw her, I wanted to make sure she had a home first, whether I was the one who adopted her, or if someone got her before I did. When I arrived at the shelter, she was sitting in the middle of a giant food bowl with all the other cats eating around her. I was in love and she had to come home with me. Quasi was found as a stray so no one really knows what happened to her. A vet checked her out and other than some in-grown eyelashes that were corrected, she was deemed healthy. The going theory is that she has a cleft pallet/lip that never got corrected and connects to her eye.  

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft?  

Creative, clean and graphic

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?  
Currently my jewelry is available at http://uglykittyredeux.etsy.com and I've been consigning work at the Mystic Mermaid in Norfolk, VA. I'm looking to do more consignment and wholesale in the future and am working on a wholesale catalog, but it's still a work in progress. I travel a lot during the summer for work, but I usually try to do several holiday craft markets as well. I would tell you which ones, but the applications aren't out yet!

Catch UglyKittyReduex at the BallstonA&C Market THIS SATURDAY, June 11th in Booth #19! Her cuff links make great Father's Day gifts!

FuzzyMug - June 11

FuzzyMug creator, Brooke, is a professional graphic designer and business owner, not mention HUGE animal lover. In fact, Brooke says that owning three cats and three dogs were the inspiration behind FuzzyMug!

You can really tell that love, time and patience goes into every one of Brooke's colorful pet portaits. Have one designed for your furry buddy at the Ballston A&C Market, THIS Saturday, June 11th. Brooke will be there all day with her original tees, books, prints and more.

Lisa Rosenstein is a multi-media artist and poet living and working in DC. I cant describe her artwork in a way hat would it justice. So, I'm gonna let Lisa speak for herself:

"Life is chaotic, complex, noisy, 
and at times painfully full. 
These paintings are a reflection of my need for peace and quiet.  
Using nothing but white paint and found objects  
I hope to created a space of 
contemplation, solitude 
And a visual opportunity for slowing down."

I find her work very tranquil and beautiful. I'm sure you will, too when you see it in person at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th!

Free Law-Related Panel Discussions for Artists!

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Attention Artists &  Crafters! Have questions about the law and your art business?

The Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (ACM), co-sponsored by the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA), will be holding a two-part panel discussion on the common issues and pitfalls attorneys regularly see with their creative business clients.

Targeting both emerging and existing entrepreneurs, this event can help you protect your creative endeavor and watch it grow. Bring your pads, pens and questions for our legal experts.

• Part 1: Tuesday, June 21 at 7pm: Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Common Legal issues for Writers and Visual Artists. 
• Part 2: Tuesday, September 13 at 7pm: Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Common Legal Issues for Emerging and Existing Creative Businesses.  

Both sessions will be held at the ACM located at 1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. Completely FREE to attend, so why not?

Q&A with Artologica

1). You cover everything from bacteria to bunny rabbits. Where does your inspiration come from? 
I get a lot of inspiration from the paint itself. I just love seeing all the cool things that watercolor paint does, the different ways you can use it. I actually started painting cells by accident, just making patterns with the paint, and scientists who saw them would tell me they looked like cells or amoebas.  So, I got more and more interested in the science part, so now I just read tons of articles about science, mainly biology, and I'm always finding new ideas for images.  

2). When did you first realize that you were an artist?  Is this a medium you have always worked in?   
It's funny, I used to work as a management consultant and I never thought of myself as artistic. But even then, I used to take images that I would copy, cut out, and pin up on my cubicle for decoration. But, it took a long time before I really found direction and got serious with it.

 3). Can you describe what kind of setting you like to paint in? Is there music, messiness, candles, TV, etc?  

No candles - I would definitely set my paper on fire!  Yeah, I'm pretty messy, but I work at home, so I try to keep it somewhat under control. I always have music when I paint. I can get kind of obsessive about having just the right songs.

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft? 
Color. Shape. Science.  

5). My cousin in Reston told me you were her favorite local artist. So, where else can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?  
That's so nice to hear! Well, I'll be back at Ballston in August, but you can find me online at www.artmonger.net. You can link to my etsy shops from there (artologica.etsy.com and artmonger.etsy.com) and also see the rest of my upcoming show schedule. You can also follow me on Twitter (@artologica) where I spend way too much time.  

Random Bonus Question: What’s your favorite mythological creature?  
Jabberwocky.   


Artologica will exhibit at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th!

Red & Main - June 11

Red & Main is more than just clay critters. It is a wonderful world full of creativity and imagination! Artist, Meg Murray, has always seen the world in bright colors and cartoons and believes that every creature, human or otherwise, is a potential new friend.  And that's why each and every hand-scultpted clay creations has such a distinct personality.

It's no secret I'm a big fan of Meg's work, espeically those adorable Yetis! Love em.  But, you have to see these little mythological critters in person to really get the feel for the time, patience and happiness that goes into each one.

So come visit the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, June 11th and say hello to Meg, the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, Cthulhu, The Swamp Thing and a bunch of other friendly characters worthy of your mantle.