My holiday merchandise is ready for tomorrow night’s Sip & Shop event at AFL STUDIO, 301 E. Seneca Street, Manlius, NY 13104. I think I will be sharing my gallery space with the Apricot Lane proprietor.
There will be a Botox medical professional and a “permanent” jewelry business there as well as light food and drinks.
I will be there at 3:45 PM, if you would like to come and shop early. Hours for this party – 5:00 – 7:30 PM.
I created notecards that double as holiday ornaments and other special things including one hundred twelve hand painted postcard paintings of angels. Prices are as marked on the package. My jewelry collection is all marked as well. The 36″ x 36″ oil and collage paintings are only $800 and the 18″ x 24″ oil and collage paintings are only $200. The encaustic hearts with the stands are $75.
I will try to get my Square card reader operational to take charges. You can also pay cash or use PayPal or Venmo. Will I have cash to make change? IDK.
Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and it will be a fun and festive evening!
Karen Tashkovski, “Gift”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Chip”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Dragonfly”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Two”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Eden”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Tapestry”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Primer”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Home”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Treasure”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Sweetness”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Eclipse”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Magma”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Symphony”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Essence”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “The Favorite”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Effervescence”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Zodiac”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Temperance”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Visionary”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Festival”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Loverboy”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Queen”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Love You”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen TAshkovski, “Dreamer”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
Karen Tashkovski, “Loverboy”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Festival”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Dreamer”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
These encaustic paintings are 4″ x 4″ mounted on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard. They each have their own little stand and are meant to be displayed on a desk or table.
I’m obsessed with them. I just love the process of making art.
Karen Tashkovski, “Eden”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Essence”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Visionary”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Primer”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Chip”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Symphony”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Magma”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Queen”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Temperance”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Two”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with standKaren Tashkovski, “Home”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Zodiac”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Gift”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Love You”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Treasure”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Dragonfly”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Effervescence”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “The Favorite”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Eclipse”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Sweetness”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand Karen Tashkovski, “Tapestry”, 2024, 4″ x 4″ encaustic & mixed media on 6″ x 6″ chalkboard with stand
The AmeriCu Arts & Crafts Festival is celebrating its 50th year in downtown Syracuse, New York. Located on the streets surrounding Columbus Circle, there are about 150 artisans and crafters represented in this three-day event. It ends around 4pm today, July 25, 2021, so there is still time to check it out!
There’s food trucks, drinks and music too. My sister and I were there for two hours yesterday. So fun!
This is a juried exhibition. Lula Castillo’s booth at the festival won an honorable mention award. Her work is incredible. She uses plants, nuts, seeds and organic dyes to create exquisite pieces of jewelry. I’ve never seen anything like this!
The colors are so vibrant and fun. I loved everything about her sustainable materials collection.
She comes to us from Long Island, New York (formerly Columbia!)
I thought Erin Primerano’s presentation of her handwoven fine art clothing was wonderful. Her tent looked like a real store! The pieces are one-of-a-kind looks, using a mix of fibers from silk to cotton, to wool and can be hand-washed.
Her company is called Haute Made and you can find her on Etsy! She lives in Syracuse, New York.
Booth A4
I met Ted Greenfield from Chittenango, New York, last week at his City Market booth. These wood charcuterie boards are gorgeous! His company is called Bayside Wood Products.
It’s always a pleasure to see the effervescent Barbara Conte-Gaugel (Syracuse, New York) and her mixed-media handbags and satchels. Everything is handmade from recycled fabrics (including leather and old flour sacks). The larger bags are among my favorites with whimsical patterns that inspire positivity. She is selling these bags at the festival but she is also a fine artist – paintings and assemblages.
Devin Mack from Baltimore, Maryland, creates these fun wire sculptures of animals. He was in the process as I photographed him, said he does not use photographs, just whimsy, and the results are stunning!
Kathleen Scranton from Coventry, Connecticut, creates vintage book purses under the logo BeeZ. She comes to us from the business and marketing world. A chance rendezvous with a library eliminating old books sparked this plan to turn their covers into handbags. Purses come with a paperback version of the book.
Michelle DaRin, Pompey, New York, is a rock star around here. Her face is on billboards, as she is currently represented by Cazenovia Jewelry! I noticed that everyone who walked by Montgomery Street was a customer, including me (I was wearing three of her bracelets!).
Michelle DaRin Jewelry is a one person operation – she is the face of the brand. She selects the stones, cuts the metal, does all the metal-smithing and strings the leather.
The look is upscale Bohemian-chic/’70s vibe meets the new millennium.
Wildflowers Armory is a co-op – artisans who share in the responsibility of selling their wares in their store in downtown Syracuse (217 S. Salina Street). Co-owner Michael Heagerty posed for a few pictures with Kathy and me. He is an amazing person who has single-handedly changed the view of the local art scene in Syracuse – a beautiful person inside and out! <3
They have a double tent set-up on Montgomery Street at the festival with an eclectic mix of items for sale.
Merchandise includes clothing (like the awesome Everson is for Lovers shirt!), soaps, notecards, crafts, and artwork.
Finally, I want my Superintendent to buy these metal bear sculptures for our school (We are the Chittenango Bears!). And I want the cardinal sculpture for my back yard.
OMG, Dale Rogers! His work is exceptional. The sculptures are crafted from stainless steel in his studio in Massachusetts.
I visited City Market at the Everson Museum of Art on Sunday. Walked around before it rained and met some new-to-me vendors, as well as old friends.
Randy Casciano of Salt City Salvage creates tables from vintage filing cabinets and bird houses with wine crates, among other repurposed items. He does not have a website yet (working on it) but his email is Randy@SaltCitySalvage.com. I love his work. I want everyone of these birdhouses, especially the copper roof one!
Barbara Floch had a beautiful display of her papier-mache crafted jars, sea shells and jewelry. She has a space at the Delavan Center and calls her company Gypsy Girl Designs. Find her at www.gypsygirldesignsandcreations.com.
Ken Nichols and his lovely wife Kris sold his handmade ceramic bowls and mugs. When I stopped by, they had a large crowd of fans gathered around. Ken is at this event every second Sunday, of the month 10:00 am-5:00pm, May through October 2021.
Goodies Mediterranean Grill & Cuisine was represented with to-go versions of their delicacies. As the sign indicates, they are located at 3605 James Street. Call (315) 433-1003 for more information.
David McKenney of GBD Studio (glass by Dave) presented his glassworks. He can be reached at (315)373-3078 if you would like to make a purchase.
Jane Zell was the musical guest. She is FABULOUS! This video is on my http://www.youtube.com channel. Yes, I have one! <3
I am currently in a post St. Valentine’s Day love affair with the home goods/home decorating/interior design firm and store Fringed Benefits. It is a manifestation of clever, inspirational design and good taste.
The brainchild of Interior Designer Amy Burns, who has established herself in the business locally for over twenty-years, and her partners Michelle O’Connor (business) and Kate Burns (designer), this venture is a stunning array of home decoration brilliance.
The store is located in the plaza adjacent to Wegman’s DeWitt (6825 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, New York 13066). It is closed on Sundays but operates every other day of the week. (Check their website for more information)
The venue is set up like a one-bedroom studio apartment with living-room, bedroom, office and dining-room decor supplemented by areas of small accessories, art, floral arrangements, gifts, candles and plenty of pillow options.
Retailer Glory took me on a tour including the back room, which is Burns’ design studio and offers personal assistance in home decorating including selecting fabrics and wallpapers. Glory’s enthusiasm for the products and budding business acumen made me want to make a purchase. It was a wooden heart ornament (pictured below) that I will cherish.
I had been a Facebook “Top Fan” of this place, but had never wandered in until today. It is an amazing store! You must go to there. Bonus if you tell them I sent you. <3
The Tashkovski Collection is officially launching on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 from 5 – 8 pm at The Chop House on Waring (200 Waring Road, Syracuse, New York 13224 – (315) 445-1976). The event is called Sip & Sparkle and will include twelve local vendors. They will also have a Wild Turkey bourbon tasting and some appetizers. It is going to be a lot of fun!
I had a poster made and some postcards. The bracelets are photographed, catalogued and tagged. I have a Square reader to process debit/charges. I am ready to be ready (which means ready, I think).
$55 – NORMA BUTTERFLY #2
NORMA BUTTERFLY #2 (BACK)
$55 – NORMA BUTTERFLY #7
NORMA BUTTERFLY #7 (BACK)
$55 – NORMA BUTTERFLY #6
NORMA BUTTERFLY #6 (BACK)
Here are the latest pieces. These leather bracelets feature vintage pins manufactured in Estonia circa the 1970s by a tin toy company called NORMA. I scoured the world looking for them. I’m in love with them! The are handmade, one-of-a-kinders. I know you will fall in love with them too. <3
The former Johnny Appleseed’s furniture store (3402 Old State Road, Erieville, New York, 13061) is now The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseeds. The brainchild of Erica Gilmore and her husband Patrick, it is an over fifty vendor facility, with artisans setting up individual shopping experiences creating little vignettes throughout this amazing space.
It is a still-life lover’s dream. Charming folkloric visual merchandising at every turn. The vendors are not there hawking their wares. You are left to enjoy the process of discovery. Vintage clothing, handbags, jewelry, greeting cards, home decor including furniture and housewares, candles, art (Wendy Harris is there!) and even bird houses.
The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed reopened in the spring of 2017 as a retail space for crafters and artisans alike. We are excited to offer such a unique venue and are always looking for talented people to continue to grow with us as we build a future at this historic Central New York location.Â
There is a restaurant as well, the Apple Kitchen, and they serve apple crisp! <3
Store Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday, 10-5 Â Sunday 11-5Â
Apple Kitchen Hours:
Saturday, 11-4 pm
Sunday, 11-4 pm
They have various sales and events – pet adoptions on weekends via a liaison with Wanderer’s Rest and more! You can stay informed by linking to their Facebook page. <3
Current list of vendors –Â
The Apple Kitchen • Alexandra’s Attic •  The Heckled Hen Antiques • Decorative Edge • 13 South Metal Signs • Wendy Harris Fine Art Â
When I met Jason Alexander, I did that goofy Cinderella’s step-sister thing and asked him how he liked our Syracuse, New York weather.
He replied, “It sucks!” This was after a performance of the play he’d directed at Syracuse Stage. My friend and I looked at each other in an are-you-kidding-me glance because we both love it here, both love to hike whether in rain, snow, sleet or hail. And our weather had been particularly great in June.
So funny – and that is why I don’t have a selfie with the Seinfeld alum.
Today’s weather is sheer perfection – a magnificent sunny and breezy day to explore the offerings at City Market. Sponsored by the Everson Museum of Art (401 Harrison Street, Syracuse, NY 13202), the market is housed on the museum grounds around the fountains.
It takes place on the second Sunday of the month from 10 am – 4 pm. There are two dates left before the season ends – Sunday, September 8, 2019 and Sunday, October 13, 2019.
There is a lot to peruse – jewelry, trinkets, clothing, food, furniture and flea market-y miscellaneousness. And art, of course.
Tyler Cagwin created Nostalgia Chocolate. He manufactures the product here in Syracuse with international cocoa beans. The flavors are rich and satisfying! Gourmet chocolate with health benefits! (That’s a win-win).
I loved these ceramic pins and magnets created by Beckie Bortel of Beckie’s Pottery. They have a substantial feel to them and they look like ginger snap cookies. Great patina!
Terry Lynn Cameron is selling originals and prints of her colorful paintings. The prints are done on canvas, which is very cool. I am really impressed with how she markets her product! Some of the art has been adhered to sketchbooks and daily planners. Love!
Lori Lizzio‘s work can be found as originals, prints and notecards. They are ink and wash pieces of animals and figures.
Syracuse does have beautiful weather, Jason Alexander, and beautiful people – and art. It is satisfying and fun. Really fun. It doesn’t suck. <3
Gratitude is in abundance in November.  It is in the air we are breathing here in Syracuse, New York  The cold air that is making its journey across the ocean as I write this, which may actually bring with it a snow day or at least a two-hour delay on Monday (according to my meteorologist friend), is actually clearing our sinuses of the allergens from last season with every breath we take.
We are grateful for the freedom from headaches and nausea associated with said allergies, lol. Â By we I mean specifically me, but I assure you, there are many who share the same sentiments.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, we (again me, lol) are all more keen to bring conscious awareness to our love and appreciation for our lives – our families and the pets we love, our friendships both near and far, and all of the things we love (yes! like art!).
I hosted a dinner party last night along with my friend Bobbi Rock Petrocci – Friendsgiving 2017, our 3rd annual and the biggest to date with thirty people dining together in the private room at Grover’s Table in Fayetteville, New York. Â It was a blessed evening. Â I just feel so overwhelmed with gratitude and love for these amazing people.
Last week, I met Bobbi at the Half Moon Bakery & Bistro in Jamesville, New York to assist her in installing her latest exhibition of Christian Brothers Academy student artwork. Â I did very little. Â She is an epic installer, equipped with level, hammer, tiny nails and the perfect plan to display these very special diminutive plates. Â I just provided the oh-that-looks-so-goods, and was the first to make a purchase.
They were made by CBA art club students in grades 7 – 12 for the purpose of fundraising for Hope for the Bereaved, a grief counseling group. Â These dishes are infused with color and spiritual messages, and/or delicate imagery meant to allow the flow of positive energy to encompass the viewer and subsequent owner. Â They are priced at $10 each. Â You put your money in a jar on the counter and write your name on the accompanying master grid to secure the one you want. Â A butterfly sticker is then placed under the purchased piece until November 30, 2017 when the show comes down and all the artwork are released to their respective new owners/homes.
These dishes epitomize kindness, the idea that we help each other heal; that children are just as capable as adults are to feel, express and share the positive vibe of love. Â Each piece is unique. Â I am sure that you will find one that speaks to you.
And while there, give thanks to amazing proprietor Debbe Titus who has been busily creating, crafting and baking pies to sell for Thanksgiving, as well as offering daily specials of breakfast and lunch – soups, salads and sandwiches that are very, very yummy – and of course, desserts like half moon cookies and pumpkin bread, cupcakes and all things deliciously amazing! Â So grateful! <3
My friends and I had a lot of fun in the journey of traveling through the labyrinth that is the Delavan Center. Â It is a building west of Armory Square that houses artist studios. Â There was open house last night. Â The party continues today until 4:00 pm. Â The Delavan is located at 509 W. Fayette Street in Syracuse, New York, 13204. (315) 476-9001
You will find lots of treasures! Â Artists are selling paintings, ceramics, sculpture, clothing and jewelry – buy something for yourself or to give as gifts this holiday season.
