Featured Artists Come Together To Support Loaves & Fishes

An eclectic collection of breathtaking artwork created an initial awe as observers entered the Potting Shed last week at the Holiday Artist Open House. Welcomed by the humble Artists, guests were immediately drawn to the beautiful displays of their work - each providing insight to their inspiration and unique worldly techniques. In addition to the captivating installation, 20% of all proceeds was donated to Loaves & Fishes to help feed our hungry.

Sophia Forero
"Inspired by Byzantium, our jewels will make you feel beautiful."
www.sophiaforero.com

Sophia's jewelry has a true anthropology essence to it. It is more than clear that her love and appreciation for world history provides inspiration as she works to create these beautiful jeweled collections. When asked in further detail, Sophia shared her adventurous history in which her initial jewelry designs were conceived.

After graduating with a Master's Degree at the University of Chicago, Sophia spent two years working for the US Peace Corps providing her the opportunity to experience Eastern Europe. It was then that she began to collect beautiful gems and beads, gathering inspiration for her jewels from around the world. Since her initial dip into the anthropological inspired jewelry, her most popular collections are her hand-made mosaic pieces that are featured along with her collection in specialty stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdales and Oilily. In addition, you can see her jewelry worn by some of America's celebrity women such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Vivica Fox, Nia Vardalos, and even Chicago's very own CNN and WLS TV gals.

Working closely with her family and Greek heritage in mind, her jewelry is the perfect expression of her.  These jewels add warmth, beauty, and worldly appreciation to all.

Featured Piece:

Carnelian and Aquamarine stones embraced by Greek Silver and tied to Greek Goat Leather.

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

www.LPEclay.com

Working in clay for over 25 years, Laurie's continued inspiration stems from memories found on her Grandmother's dresser, old quilts and button boxes. Visions of tiny flowers nestled in crevices of an old stone wall or patterns of plowed fields and old barn siding seen along the Midwest's country roads are planted deep in her soul and come to surface while she is working in her studio.

Distinguished by a vibrant pallet, lush with intricate detail and whimsy, Laurie's pottery has a feminine, playful touch that speaks to contemporary sensibilities with bits of nostalgia woven into each piece.

Laurie's clay designs can be found in a number of collections such as One of A Kind Pieces, Serving Pieces, Vases with Attitude, Hearts, and Crosses. Her Serving Pieces are created from food safe stoneware clay and glazes. These beautifully functioning pieces are also oven and dishwasher safe. Another personal favorite are Laurie's Vases with Attitude. Each "gal" is distinguished by it's unique colorful markings and personally inscribed names on the bottom of each vase. My favorites include Esperanza with comforting shades of red and Claire with cleansing hues of blues. 

Featured Piece:

Laurie's 2012 Limited Edition piece, "Imagine". With only 50 in existence, each ornament his signed and numbered to ensure it's uniqueness. Along with all of Laurie's clay pieces, it is safe to use for all occasions.

Daina Maria Pakalnis

"Inspired by the heart empowered by the hand."

www.basgallery.com

A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Illinois, Daina Maria Pakalnis has been an artist for many years. Owner of BAS Gallery in Naperville, she has devoted many years representing hundreds of artists and currently creates her own mixed media works. Works that can be found in galleries and museums across the United States.

Daina's mediums range from a wide variety. At this particular showing, displays of candles, glass flowers, and Japanese paper blanketed a wall inside within the Potting Shed. Each piece adding a subtle addition to the rooms warm embrace.

Featured Piece:

A wall decorated with enchanting flowered clocks invites guests as they stroll toward the window. These handmade clocks are created from fine Japanese paper and possess beautiful pressed flowers from Lithuania.

The entire experience was more than inspirational. The incredible displays created by these talented Artists were complimented by their warm welcomes and kind regards for Loaves & Fishes. You may visit any of their above websites for purchasing details, a list of upcoming shows, and to learn more about them individually. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with these humble women as they embarked on their annual tradition to give back to their community.

Sincerely, 

Suburbanista 

Citations

Forero, Sophia. "Holiday Artist Open House." Personal Interview. 19 Nov. 2011.

Eskenazi, Laurie P. "Holiday Artist Open House." Personal Interview. 19 Nov. 2011.

Pakalnis, Daina M. "Holiday Artist Open House." Personal Interview. 19 Nov. 2011.

"About the Designer." Welcome to Sophia Forero - About Sophia. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://www.sophiaforero.com>

"About the Artist..." Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi - Ceramic Artist - LPE Clay. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://www.LPEclay.com>

"Holiday Artist Open House for Loaves & Fishes." Naperville, IL Patch - News, Sports, Events, Businesses & Deals.Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://naperville.patch.com/events/holiday-artist-open-house-for-loaves-fishes>.

WAR Chest Boutique - Giving a Voice to Vulnerable Women

Readers,

I challenge you to step outside of your current focus. Put down the pencil, close the unnecessary internet tabs, and silence your phone. Allow yourself to fully embrace this knowledge and dedicate these next few moments to those who currently are unable to achieve what you have - unable to freely read, speak, listen, and learn... struggling to fight for their lives.

Allow me to introduce to you the following facts. These facts have been collected from national governmental agencies and are sadly astonishing.... however, we can help.

"114 to 200 million women are 'demographically missing' due to infanticide, dowry deaths, domestic violence, and all manner of risk." - UN Secretary General

"800,000 people a year are trafficked against their will. 50% are children. 70% of women are sold into sexual slavery, chained to beds of horror." - US State Department

"The New Slavery...human trafficking, is the fastest growing segment of organized crime. 100,000 are trafficked INSIDE AMERICA." - FBI

Women At Risk International (WAR) gives voice to the silenced cries of these women. By providing the opportunity for creative outlet, our local boutique sells beautiful handmade workings by vulnerable women. From jewelry, accessories, and clothing to shelves lined with autobiographies - WAR Chest Boutique shares the story of each individual behind their art. Who are these women, you ask?

"They are orphans, widows, and the destitute who are targeted by traffickers," explains Ashley Pitariu, Manager of WAR Chest Boutique in Downtown Naperville. "These women are not asking for a hand out. They are asking for a hand up," she adds.

When you purchase from WAR Chest, you are supporting the nonprofit organization that establishes to place circles of protection around women at risk. Creating safe places for women and children whom are rescued from human trafficking/sexual slavery and abuse helps to provide a voice to their silenced cries.

How can you participate? Below I have listed local upcoming events to help give hope and protection to women at risk. You may also visit the Women At Risk International website for nationwide opportunities at www.warinternational.org.

Upcoming Naperville Events:

Friday, November 25, 2011
Volunteers needed for Downtown Naperville parade. WAR Chest Boutique is asking women to dress to represent heritages around the world, carrying signs that say "Rescued at (age)" and lighted flowers and candles.

Saturday, November 26, 2011
Christmas Carolers will shed light on WAR by choir singing in Downtown Naperville's WAR Chest Boutique. Come in to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the holiday season, savory appetizers, and appreciation of WAR artwork.

To participate or for more information, please contact Ashley Pitariu, Store Manager.
630.904.9200

2011 Winter Photo Shoot & Their Stories
Photography by Summer Jean Photography

Featuring "Rhoda's Roses", these flowers have been crocheted by an American trafficking survivor. Each one of these decorative roses is a testimony to Rhoda and her flourishing ministry, as she speaks out against human trafficking, reaches out to vulnerable teens, sings at benefit concerts, and coaches other suffering women.

Made in our Indian Safehouse, women who have been rescued from trafficking situations create these intricate silver necklaces in order to learn a job skill. The safehouse pays them a fair wage of what a college graduate in their country earns, they earn their GED, are provided with childcare, healthcare and counseling. Wear them with dignity knowing that you helped to lift a woman back to a life of worth.

Sincerely,

Suburbanista

Citations

Ashley Pitariu. Personal and Email Interview. 17 November 2011.

"Home." Women At Risk International. 21 November 2011 <www.warinternational.org>

"The Problem... Hidden Gendercide." Help unveil a hidden evil... 21 November 2011

Relationship & Personal Health: The Winter Time Blues

Whether Man or Woman, Youthful or Wise - we all can't escape the humanly bonds we hold. One in particular that is easily ignored, is that we all need some time to be happy.

The reason for this reminder, because we all forget,  is that a potent component of the upcoming season is quickly approaching. What is that component you ask? The Winter Time Blues.

Cold weather will lock us inside, hindering our exploration of the outdoors. Tis the season of cloudy skies, and muddy snow. It is the most important time of year that we almost always forget - the time to focus on ourselves, inside to out. Why do you think we take time to give Thanks? Celebrate our Faiths? And create New Year's Resolutions? It's because the 4,380 hours of Winter give us plenty of time for reflection.

It's human hibernation at it's best. Time to rest our daily distractions and rejuvenate ourselves. Especially after a summer full of fireworks, Ribfests, arts & crafts fairs, Last Flings, and bar crawls. Like a child being expected to calm down when told, the Universe forces us to sit on our tush, quiet our minds, and reflect on what we have done.

So I ask of you, My Suburbanistas, to do the same. To utilize this approaching Winter season by avoiding boredom, digital distraction, and the lull of the Winter Time Blues. Instead, take this time to reflect and focus on You!

Sincerely,

Suburbanista Naperville

"Fighting Hunger with Style"

If you haven't already seen the hype all over Facebook, "Fighting Hunger with Style" was THE event to kickoff November 2012 in Naperville.

Organized by The Real Housewives of Naperville, Lillians of Naperville and benefiting Loaves & Fishes, Blackfinn American Saloon was generous to donate their second floor for this incredible event. From the admission donations to the fashion show and raffle, a percentage of proceeds was given to help feed the hungry.

As a guest, it was an extraordinary event - which did not surprise me as most Real Housewives of Naperville events are. There was no hiding that something BIG was happening as I climbed the stairs to Blackfinn's second floor. Screams and cheers of ladies laughter filled the halls, all in great fun and loving charity.

Once upstairs, the doors opened to reveal warm welcomes from the Lillians and Real Housewives team, instantly providing a comfortable admittance. From local fashionista icons to Naperville's authentic women, everyone was there to support a common cause - to raise funds and benefit Loaves & Fishes.

Of course, the party would not be a Real Housewives of Naperville event without the strategic organization of Mary Fran Greenberg and Ursula Schroeder, paving the path for the evening's debut: A heartwarming Thank You by Jody Bender, Community Relations Director with Loaves & Fishes. Our hearts were awed by her sincerity and at once we were all One - a community of local women from every walk of life, coming together to make a difference in this world.