Chicago Fine Arts Examiner Highlights works of 26 Artists During One-of-A-Kind Show

Earlier this year, I mentioned my work was juried into the prestigious One-of-A-Kind Shows in Chicago and New York. These extraordinary holiday shopping shows feature the best in fine art and fine craft from over 500 unique artists and designers from across North America.

Each item for sale is hand-crafted and each artist is in attendance for buyers to meet the artisans responsible for creating their work. During the show, I had some really great press which I shared earlier on my blog about my work work being selected by top Chicago designer Julia Buckingham Edleman for her Artful Living Space.

Additionally, I would like to also share this article where my work was highlighted along with some of the nation’s very artists.

To see the full feature article with all pictures, please check out this article courtesy of the Chicago Fine Arts Examiner http://www.examiner.com/x-15510-Chicago-Fine-Arts-Examiner~y2009m12d9-The-rich-variety-of-original-art-and-holiday-gift-items-enthralls-visitors-to-the-One-of-a-Kind-show?#comments.


The rich variety of original art and holiday gift items enthralls visitors to the One of a Kind show

December 9, 9:43 PM Chicago Fine Arts Examiner Jessica Kronika

…The One of a Kind Show and Sale at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, a holiday shopping show featuring fine art and fine craft from over 500 artists, artisans and designers from across North America had delights for patrons of all tastes. Each item on display was made by hand, one piece at a time, and every artist represented was in attendance. Visitors supported the independent artist community with purchases of unique art gifts for Christmas. An alternative to reproductions and retail this show was the ideal place to find a wide range of art and fashion for family and friends. Media and categories included: ceramics, children's gifts, clothing, fashion, accessories, fiber art, furniture, glass, gourmet, holiday, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, and wood. Shopping experiences were complemented by live music, fashion shows, expert presentations, gourmet cafes, bars and special events.

Breck Armstrong and Jason Weir, of Moss Studios, reclaimed metal, chain and blown glass. Sculptor Breck Armstrong, of Moss Studios, presented fine furniture and decorative items, all crafted by his team from recycled and repurposed materials. Glass work by Moss Studios collaborators, Jason Weir and David Taylor, was enhanced by reclaimed metal chain, letterpress blocks and antique film reels.

Alicia Leeke, Changing Seasons, acrylic on canvas (Pictured left). Painter Alicia Leeke’s contemporary impressionist landscapes exhibit strong color balance and big confident brush strokes. The combination of painting en plein aire and photo references gives Leeke’s work a sense of place and a dynamic of color and light which must be seen.

Kristie Hyde, silver and gold plated orchid leaf, with patina, turquoise, cendalusite and smoky quartz beads, leather cord. Jeweler and painter Kristie Hyde works in precious stones, silver and gold. Hyde’s most unusual work takes its cue directly from nature. With real orchid leaves, which the artist silver plates, then touches with twenty-two karat gold and embellishes with a patina, Hyde creates necklaces of presence and style.

Ruth Eckstein, The Good Land/Haaret Hotova, oil, varnish on canvas. Ruth Eckstein works intuitively with oil paint and a palette knife to create her alternately whimsical and politically charged works. Delicately balanced between abstraction and ambiguous figurative subjects, Eckstein’s paintings are big, bold and intriguing.

Rick and Susan Bisgyer of Ridgetop Pottery, Morning Fog series, Sailing. Vessel and open vessel, hi-fired porcelain. Potters Rick and Susan Bisgyer of Ridgetop Pottery work the landscape in sensuous turned dishes, cups, bowls and “Sailing Vessels.” Their distinctive color schemes in glaze and simply elegant forms call to mind the rich natural landscape of their home in the mountains of the Blue Ridge.

David Goldhagen, Goldhagen Art Glass Studio and Gallery & Elmer Marouch, Floating Vessel and Snail, blown glass, forged steel. Glass blower Goldhagen works with enthusiastic and playful forms and colors. In works like “Snail” and his series of “Floating Vessels” color, transparency and the grace of liquid glass are frozen. Working collaboratively with Elmer Marouch to create one of a kind stands the pods of “Floating Vessels” are perfect for wall or mantle centerpieces, inviting the eye to linger within their undulating forms.

Ed Pribyl, George Washington astride his horse, basswood, hand carved and aged. The folksy characters of basswood carver Ed Pribyl recall the history and traditions of Americana. With his creative take on characters such as Santa, George Washington and his series of “Retro People” these hand aged wood sculptures are great gifts for that special person.

Michael Cole of Red Klay, Unlock the past, mixed media construction with key, brass faceplate, vintage paper collage, vintage and hand crafted wood moldings, letter press blocks. Mixed media artist Michael Cole incorporates found and recycled materials into his highly dimensional wall pieces. Within them, viewers will find paintings in acrylic of lovely landscapes paired with dynamic arrangements of letter press blocks, finely wrought handmade wood frames and an assortment of salvaged paper. Works like 1937, a piece from his “Bullseye Series”, incorporate a collage of newspapers from that year and paint.

Jacqueline Crivello Photography, selection of wildlife portraits, digital photography, with presentation formats by Tim Emerson of Duraplaq. Photographer Jacqueline Crivello presents exciting views into the wilder life, featuring wolves, wild horses and other natives of the West. Collaborating with Tim Emerson of Duraplaq, Jacqueline’s works are presented on dynamic mountings, ready to hang as the show piece of a room.

Ed Kydera, bells crafted from recycled gas tanks and metal, embellished with soldered and torch brazed designs in copper and bronze. Metal smith Ed Kydera’s original gas tank bells are recycling at its best. Featuring cut tanks, embellished with hand soldered decorations, tinted with torch brazed copper and bronze, these bells have a delicious range of sound and can be acquired with hanging cords or free-standing.

Davis Glass, Jared and Nicole Davis, hand blown transparent glass, with opaque glass powders, and sandblasted texture. The hand blown works of Davis Glass vividly recall the striations of canyons and rock formations. Created with a unique process that combines transparent and opaque glass, powders and sand blasting, these vases are elegantly proportioned, dramatically hued, and delicately textured so that when lit from below or behind they shine and glow with an inner animation.

John Flemming,hand pierced, cut, dyed and shaped rawhide, with embellishments. The expressive leather work of John Flemming includes belts and purses, bags and masks. The masks are the colorful and astounding element that stopped many shoppers at this year’s One of a Kind. Featuring hand shaped, pierced and dyed leather, these masks have been appreciated by Cirque du Soliel, and been part of costumes in a variety of theater and films.

Christopher Mosey,at front Tidepools, blown glass, at left rear and right rear, geodes, crushed and molten glass, at center, poured resin, acrylic, and inlaid gold on burnished and torched wood panels. Working with crushed and molten glass, sculptor Christopher Mosey crafts “geodes, thermal bowls, and tidal pools,” inspired by the forms and intricacies of nature.

Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki of B'os Art, industrial stainless steel mesh of varying thread counts with torch detail. With industrial grade stainless steel mesh of exceedingly finely woven construction, Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki craft silky purses decorated with captured feathers, leaves and torched iridescent designs.

Paul Pearson, hand cut and forged stainless steel, teeth, fossilized shell, precious stones, leather belts. The handsome and sturdy belt buckles of Paul Pearson involve a complex process of mosaic, found and crafted materials. Incorporating glass, sharks teeth, one of a kind cut and shaped metal backings and borders, these buckles are sought after by all, including such notables as Dolly Parton and Steven Tyler.

Gina Pannorfi, Inc, wet felted wool and silk. A range of gem tones, in wet felted wool and silk, define the original fashions of Gina Pannorfi, Inc. With ravishing sculpted profiles and delicate textured assymetrical falls, these dresses, separates and scarves promise to heighten the natural allure of any woman.

Tom Sourlis of Sourlis Glass Studio, art glass lamp, low temp fused glass with streamers, fractures and frit. Accomplished tiffany style glass sculptor Tom Sourlis has created a new style with his fused glass works. Incorporating three types of prepared glass for low temp fusing these works have a richly hued palette, subtle sculptural detail and greatly enhance the lamps for which they are created.

Alexis Silk, hand blown and sculpted glass with natural elements, hand forged metal stands, found hooks. The freehand sculpted blown glass of Alexis Silk step out of the decorative realm, making statements through the figure on contemporary concepts of physical beauty and identity. These startling glass figures with their hand forged metal stands and braces encourage inquiry and glow with the subtle play of transparency and color. Silk’s glass heads with latticework suggest the unlimited boundaries of the human mind.

Debra DeWolff, assorted jewelry, wet and needle felted wool, polymer clay and beads. The playful wet and needle felted wool and fimo or polymer clay jewelry of Debra DeWolff recall the fun of animated classics and provide a sassy dash to your holiday ensemble that can’t be beat.

Yantar, Teresa Maria Widuch, drapes and jackets, wool and suede, hardwood pin fasteners. Yantar’s own fashions, by Teresa Maria Widuch, with hand crafted hardwood pins by her son, hug the figure while draping flatteringly from the shoulder. These wool and suede jackets and shawls, round out any outfit with their strong colors, subtle and simple styling, and dynamic accents.

Studio Tatijana, selection of works, water media, pastels. Featured artist, Studio Tatijana, brings the tradition of gestural work in pastel to new heights with her sensitive portraits, expansive landscapes and intimate still lifes. Using under paintings with water media, and striving to meet the challenges of people as a subject, these pastels are a colorful and gestural wonder that captures the subtle emotions of her subjects.

Dana Killion, Stone loop knit cowl neck top, black draped jersey skirt. The evening fashion show, Friday, December 4th, featured a range of outfits, dresses, accessories and jewelry. Some audience favorites included the draped black jersey skirt of Dana Killion, a red knit shrug by LANA, and the wool, felt, and silk hand dyed shift dress and scarf of JillLynn Ltd. LANA, gray leather woven bag, red knit shrug, knit hat, belt. JillLynn Ltd., bright wool, felt, silk hand dyed shift dress and scarf.

Dining options at the many café’s within the show floor included a range of prepared sandwiches, salads and snacks. This author found the fruit and cheese plate to be a delight to share, featuring a selection of three cheeses, strawberries and green grapes, and a selection of four types of snack crackers, and sweet raisin bread.

In addition, the event supported a cause close to Chicagoan’s hearts, with ticket sales on

Thursday, December the third and the proceeds of sales by show sponsor Votre Vu of Paris on Friday, December fourth going to Children’s Memorial Hospital. Ticket sales raised thousands of dollars, while sponsor proceeds raised $5,000 for pediatric brain tumor treatment, research, and family services as a result of our Friday sale at the One of a Kind Show-Chicago. Actual proceeds of $2,500 in sales, were doubled by CEO Harold Zimmerman, who opted to match that to make a donation of $5,000.

Votre Vu was on site with several booths on Thursday and Friday to share samples of products. This author tasted their refreshing low sugar energizing drink, “Snapdragon,” and enjoyed the rich and warm scent of the skin softening non-greasy hand lotion, “Duette.”

All photos by Carol Johnson, images sized and manipulated for article by J.L. Kronika. Wtch for Artist Profiles from this author over the duration of December and into January 2010. For more information about the One of a Kind show: http://www.oneofakindshowchicago.com/showoverview/ For information about Children’s Memorial Hospital: http://www.childrensmemorial.org/

For artist information:

• Breck Armstrong, of Moss Studios and collaborators, Jason Weir and David Taylor http://www.mossstudios.com/
• Alicia Leeke www.alicialeeke.com
• Kristie Hyde www.kristihyde.com
• Ruth Eckstein www.rutheckstein.womanmade.net
• Rick and Susan Bisgyer of Ridgetop Potterywww.RidgetopPottery.com
• Goldhagen Art Glass Studio and Gallery & Elmer Marouch www.goldhagenartglass.com
• Ed Pribyl www.edpribyl.com
• Michael Cole of Red Klay www.redclay.com
• Jacqueline Crivello Photographywww.JCrivello.com
• Tim Emerson of Duraplaq www.duraplaq.com
• Ed Kydera bells www.edsbells.com & www.kiderafineart.com
• Davis Glass, Jared and Nicole Davis www.jareddavis.com &www.northrimglass.com
• John Flemming www.johnflemming.com
• Christopher Mosey www.christophermosey.com
• Bozenna and Lukasz Bogucki of B'os Art www.bosart.net
• Paul Pearson www.mosaicbuckles.com
• Gina Pannorfi, Inc www.ginapannorfi.com
• Tom Sourlis of Sourlis Glass Studio www.sourlisglassstudio.com
• Alexis Silk www.nogasilkartglass.com
• Debra DeWolff www.debradewolff.com
• Yantar, Teresa Maria Widuch www.yantar.com
• Studio Tatijana www.tatijana-jacenkiw
• Dana Killion, http://www.killionclothes.com/
• LANA, http://www.shoplana.com/
• JillLynn Ltd., http://www.jilllynn.com/
• VotreVu of Paris, France www.votrevu.com

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN PAINTER ALICIA LEEKE’S WORK SELECTED FOR CHICAGO ARTFUL DESIGN SHOWCASE

Two of Contemporary American painter, Alicia Leeke’s abstract landscapes were selected by Chicago Designer Julia Buckingham Edleman of Buckingham Interiors for Chicago’s One of A Kind Show and Sale Artful Design Showcase held December 2-5.

Pictured here (left to right), the two 30 x 40 paintings, entitled, Five O’clock Shadows and Stockholm painted by Leeke adorn grey and white wallpaper Edleman chosen from Farrow and Bali’s -  The Lotus Paper collection for the wall covering. Centered in the room is a mirrored bookshelf flanked by two white leather chairs and hand-crafted, chain-link side table. Above the chairs sit Leeke’s paintings.

Edleman handpicked the works of for her space out of more than 500 exhibiting artists. According to Edleman, “The space shows customers how to implement hand-made and one of a kind art objects into their living space.”

Edleman believes “there is no such thing as 'luck' in great design." Interior spaces should be filled with the excitement of beautifully crafted environments and her "Out-with-the-boring, in-with-the-bold" style is recognizable in every space she designs.

Edleman has been praised for her design creativity in her client’s spaces and she and her firm bring over 10 years of client relationships and their happily inspired homes to the forefront of many national and local publications. Traditional Home, Metropolitan Home, Home Magazine, The New York Times, Chicago Home + Garden, and The Chicago Tribune to name a few.

The ninth-annual Chicago One of A Kind Show is a holiday tradition where 50,000 shoppers can find truly unique gifts and home décor items by North America’s best artists, artisans, and designers.

Alicia Leeke is a native South Carolinian and an avid painter whose works are highly coveted by corporate and private collectors from New York to California and Paris.

For information on purchasing one of Leeke's paintings please call (803) 429-5456, via fax at 888-429-5456, or via email at leekeka@hotmail.com. Examples of her work and experience can be viewed at www.alicialeeke.com.

Adventures in Wonderland Show This Thursday

FRAME OF MIND FEATURES "ADVERTURES IN WONDERLAND" A CONVERGENCE OF PERFORMING ARTS COUPLED WITH PAINTINGS BY ALICIA LEEKE

You may not see any daring feats or tightrope walking, but a new exhibit entitled “Adventures in Wonderland” is sure to be a crowd pleaser with its bird’s eye view of new paintings by local artist Alicia Leeke, coupled with some thrilling performance art.

Frame of Mind Sets the stage on Main Street October 8 from 6-8:30 p.m. with its Halloween edition show. Owner, Mark Plessinger is a catalyst for the arts, and the momentum for the shows have come full circle since his first show which opened with Leeke’s work over a year ago.

The two first came together in early Spring of 2008 to discuss ways to draw traffic to Frame of Mind and integrate art into business. She shared with him the names of other artists around town for future shows which later exploded into other networking ventures between Frame of Mind and The Columbia Museum of Art, The White Mule and most recently Gotham Bagel.

"For centuries artists have been coming together. Most notably in America at the Algonqun Hotel in New York City where some the great literary giants such as Gertrude Stein, Maya Angelou, William Faulkner, as well as a plethora of cabaret singers and theatrical entertainers met on a regular basis, said Leeke.” But that hasn’t been the case for the most part in Columbia until now. “It’s important to the area to have businesses like Frame of Mind build a networking bridge among companies, performing arts organizations and artists in the community, and I am seeing a lot more people recognizing the value and impact the arts have on a community -- especially in terms of quality of life and economic growth,” adds Leeke, noting that a more diverse art scene is shifting to Main Street and developing around the Museum and Nickelodeon Theater’s new home.

The theme for the show, entitled “Adventures in Wonderland” showcase newly released landscapes awash with color and movement plus a few extra surprises Leeke plans to unveil during the event. This new body of work focuses on the impact color and abstraction has on landscape painting. The artists' love of the coast extends back into early childhood where family vacations were spent exploring the woods, dunes and tides of South Carolina’s coast.

Other festivities for the evening include a contemporary dance sampling by the Wideman Davis Dance Company, a sneak preview by NiA Company, a theatrical company housed within Trustus Theatre who will be previewing their new play, and guest appearances by Belly Dancer Natalie Brown from Delirium Tribal and local Magician and professional entertainer, John Tudor.

Frame of Mind is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and is located at 1510 Main Street in Columbia, South Carolina. Other works may also be seen at the Gallery at Nonnah’s in the Vista, Tombo Grille and House Brand Furniture.

You may contact Alicia about her paintings by calling (803) 429-5456, 888-429-5456, via email at leekeka@hotmail.com or by visiting her website at http://www.alicialeeke.com/.

Leeke's Work Featured at Courtyard Art Gallery in Charleston through October 31

Courtyard Art Gallery in Charleston South Carolina is featuring the work of South Carolina artist, Alicia Leeke during the month of September.

Her show entitled "Parallel: 32, 47, 79, 56," features vibrant, colorful, abstract landscapes representing the physical longitude and latitude of Charleston, SC and other coastal areas.

"Science, math and art often go hand in hand," notes Leeke. This show explores Charleston from its different vantage points as well as other wetlands areas in the State. Sites on display include the Little Pee Dee River, Jekyll Island, Mount Pleasant, and Cherry Grove. The show will be on view through September 30.

The Gallery is located at 149 1/2 East Bay Street in Charleston, South Carolina.

Don’t Miss Viva La Vista This Upcoming Saturday!

On Saturday September 12, several resident artists at the Gallery at Nonnah’s will be on hand to discuss their art at the Gallery during the Congaree Vista’s Viva La Vista food Festival.

This signature event, takes place in the heart of the Congaree Vista in downtown Columbia, South Carolina and spans four city blocks including parts of Gervais Street and runs from Lincoln to Senate Streets.

The event kicks off Autumn with a Taste of the Vista’s best restaurants, live music and libations. Resident artists at Nonnah’s include: Bonnie Goldberg, Ingrid Carsonm Edie Biddle, Jan Fleetwood, Betty Mandell, Alicia Leeke, Donna Rozier, Michele McNinch and Christy Lekeup.

New Works Expolore Color and Light

Alicia Leeke imagines landscapes in a unique and colorful light. In her new paintings at Tombo Grille in Columbia, South Carolina she intertwines brushstrokes and imagination to develop brilliant landscapes with bountiful movement in this large works series.

The "New Works" show opened in September and is ongoing throughout 2009. Her work is one of three artists on display at Tombo Grille which is located at 4517 Forest Dr # 6 in Columbia, South Carolina and replaces the work of Blue Sky. Call for hours (803) 782-9665‎.

Third Annual Palette to Palate to be held May 15-17 2009

The Village at Sandhill has partnered with The Cultural Council and Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce to hold the Third Annual Palette to Palate Event Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, 2009.

This three-day art event will take place at Town Center Commons and will include live entertainment, art demonstrations, and the annual Taste of the Village event.

Palette to Palate Event Hours:
Friday, May 15: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: Noon to 6 p.m.

Schedule of events:

Art: On view and for sale from over 25 of the area’s best known and admired artisans including work by local artist Alicia Leeke.

Music: Friday, May 15: Island Close By – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: Fatback & The Grove Band – 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 17: Coolie G & Lion Soul – 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Taste of the Village: Friday, May 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., sample specialties from Village at Sandhill restaurants and beverage places. Just purchase sampling tickets for $1 each at the on-site ticket booths.

Village at Sandhill is located at Clemson Road and Two Notch Road in Northeast Richland County and is owned and managed by Kahn Development Company.