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>.