Brad Abrams has been an artist since childhood. Brad has specialized in glass sculpture since 1985 as well as steel and mixed media. He has worked in the metroplex since 1990 at his Dallas studio.

Mr. Abrams is an abstract experimental expressionist inspired by free thought, addiction of color, and his love for Southern women. His work is shown in many galleries and shops across America and collected widely because of his unique, playful and colorful forms.

Mr. Abrams has studied at the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California; the Cleveland Institute of Art in Cleveland, Ohio; Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania; and numerous workshops at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington.

As a sculptor my work finds its inspiration in the infinite forms of nature. Though no artist can compete with the perfection or spectacular beauty that exists in the forms from our ocean, the earth and the sky, and the tiniest cell or organism, my challenge is in studying these forms, as well as those which man has created, and bringing them together in an interesting way. For me, creating is a spiritual and intuitive process where the link between nature, our existence, and universal consciousness coincide.

Polarities and opposites – simplicity/complexity, good/evil, male/female, faith/reason – forces that drive our universe, intrigue me and are an underlying current in my work. I believe these polarities are the essence of creating balance. Fascinated by the inherent motion & universal rhythms found in so many forms both natural and manmade, my work strives to capture a piece of this action, sometimes found in the tiniest flower bud, sometimes in the industry of music, sometimes found simply in a feeling of being part of our vast, mysterious world.

The intent of my artwork is to celebrate lives struggles. Whether they are chosen or imposed, our struggles define who we are. The most profound struggle is survival, and all living things must face this at one time in their life. Survival is a concurrent theme that I express in all my artwork either through imagery, medium or content.

Diane Box is an author and illustrator of a popular series of Children's Books. She has worked as a professional artist for magazines, newspapers and has painted murals for multi-million dollar properties. Diane will be selling her books, original drawings and prints.

I have loved art since my conception. There has always been an unseen hand pulling me or pushing me to express myself visually. I have always had a very strong need to use my hands and body to create, whether it was wielding a paintbrush or swinging a hammer.

I have had many extreme experiences that have shaped me as a person, with a need to convey certain ideas, points of view or lessons I have learned. I have learned I can change an objects meaning or usefulness by incorporating it with other objects or words. I like the idea of recycling, and “improving” things. I am bothered by the waste and temporary nature of our culture. I am bothered by the cavalier way we treat living things. I am bothered by our need of comfort and luxury at the cost of others. I am bothered by the increasing lack of personal freedoms in our country. I am bothered by the cavalier way our government sends our young men and women off to war. I am bothered by our lack of empathy for those who suffer. Creating art that addresses these issues is my way of voicing my concerns.

I have come to realize that experience and ideology - in partnership with my craft can create very powerful expressions. Whether exploring visions that come to me in dreams, or depicting juxtaposing ideals, I have a need to honor those dreams or realizations visually. My journey through life has changed my art to tell a more meaningful story and my art has changed my journey into a more meaningful life.

Misty Boldish is a Dallas, TX based all media artist. Her diverse mediums in poetry, Eco-art, and painting have dazzled collectors and admirers alike.

www.mistyamberart.etsy.com
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Sullen

www.randybrodnax.com

I began my career in 1990, studying under John H. Slocum as an apprentice in the neon glassblowing field. I found neon fascinating with many sculptural possibilities. My foundation in this medium began with primarily commercial applications, but additionally exposed artistic potentialities. I feel fortunate to have received the opportunity to work with the Slocum family, credited with the creation of the Pegasus in downtown Dallas. John taught me a multitude of glass techniques. Moreover, I remain interested in exploring the more provocative aspects of neon and its associations with sexuality.

Roy Cirigliana graduated from NY Institute of Photography and has done course work at NYU, Eastman Kodak and East Texas State University. He moved to Dallas 29 years ago and has worked as a commercial photographer, lab technician, educator and exhibitor of fine art photography and metal work. He is currently teaching in the Richland College photography program. He is also the co-creator of the Maymester Richland College New Mexico Infrared Photography Workshop Series and was one of the founding members of 500 Exposition Gallery. Cirigliana uses Infrared film, which technically records images formed by the visible spectrum and infrared radiation.

“The light quality of infrared film is of prime importance to me. The special effects and surreal imagery lends itself to my style of shooting.”

Cathryn Colcer was born in Dallas, TX. After attending Community college at El Centro in Dallas, Cathryn ventured to Chicago. Here she attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied materials and techniques in painting and also received BA in Interior Architecture. To her, artwork is a form of problem solving which she relates to mathematics - the most universal of all languages. She focuses mostly on techniques but as well concentrations of subject. Now back in Dallas, Cathryn and her husband Dan Colcer pursue their art as a collaborative as well as individually.

Dan Colcer was born and raised in Transylvania, the northern province of Romania. He received a BA in Ceramics at the University of Arts in Cluj - Napoca in Romania, and followed with a post-grad certificate in archaeology from the Cairo University in Egypt. Dan uses a variety of techniques in which to express his creative vision. His traditional training and background in classic and graphic art lends itself to his unique style. His trademark of explosive color reflects back to his young life in the context of communist Romania, in a rebellion of the drab and gray. He relocated to the United States in 2006 and made his way to Dallas, Texas by 2008, where he is now permanently established. His involvement in several public art projects in the Deep Ellum and Arts District areas as well as other benefits and art events has given Dan a place in the Dallas art scene as well as helped to contribute to the revival of interest in the local cultural arts in these communities.

Appreciation for the humanity of people we never meet… fascination with shape, form, and light… the magic of transcending time and space when one quietly observes… thus unfolds the beauty of the ordinary.

Carolyn Collins Photography on Facebook

I could go on about all my attributes or my honors, but it’s easier to let you take the journey yourself. I did study in N.Y. and L.A. and Phoenix. My influencescome from every area of the U.S. I let color speak as a tool in my work as well as a deep ability to draw. My ranges are anywhere from Photorealism, Pop and Abstract. My father worked for Disney so there’s some of that thrown in there as well. There’s a lot of planning that goes into each of my pieces. I don’t just throw paint on a canvas and walk away from it. If you look at my work you can see the detail in everything I do, even the abstracts. There is a method to the madness, a calculated plan to arrange expression and soul into all of my forms that end up on my canvas. I don’t believe in accidental meetings, not even in art. There’s a reason for every inch of paint that you see.

Your job is to take the journey and see what you bring back with you on this trip. I’ve had influences from some of the worlds greatest POP Artists, Watercolorists, Realist and Sculptors of our lifetime as well as my interest in film as an art media. If we are to understand art as an experience we cannot fear what the artist brings back with him from his journeys to other planes and planets. If your taking art too serious then you cannot completely enjoy it. I don’t fall into other artist cliques...I create my own and hop e that you will follow. As you study each piece I hope that you feel as important to the piece as the medium itself!

So get ready to enjoy the ride and be ready to get your shoes wet. A multitude of sense’s are going to hit your palette as youventure to a place, a place you have never been before. I hope your venture, with all the effort you put forth is enjoyable, and I hope that you will want to participate time and time again.

I began working in clay in 1972 when I was first exposed to clay. I had an instant attraction to the clay and the potters wheel. Over the years I have worked in every aspect of clay, slab building, hand building, casting, and of course, the wheel. I remain devoted to clay in spite of the obstacles of the past few years.

I believe that we, as a nation, need more art and quality craft in our every day lives. Art should be touched, experienced, and utilized in order to enrich our lives. To that end, I strive to produce work that is affordable to all price ranges.

www.rosedowns.com

wwwterramadre.com

Dawn is a creative force of nature. She is an expressionist painter as well as a multi-media artist. She’s been a leader in the art community from high school to college & into the present day in various areas of Texas. She has run the gambit from party & event decor to commissioned pieces of art. Presently she is working for a prominent event company as the Lead Graphic Designer & Assistant Art Director. In her free time she consumes herself with various other mediums including: acrylics, oils, enamels, and spray paints on wood, canvas, and recycled materials; also, craft works including jewelry making, clay creations & edible delights. Her entire life she has used her subconscious mind, her ever changing emotional states of being & unexplainable phenomena to help fuel her in her creative process.

Dan views everyday images with a humorous twist. After many years of cartooning and animation Dan is using his twisted view now in ceramics and enjoys creating detailed characters into clay. He feels he is trying to capture a moment in a story yet untold. Dan primarily hand builds and enjoys sculpting on shapes others throw for him.

Lori designed children’s clothing in the 80’s and was an event coordinator and floral designer in the 90’s. Clay, a skill from her 20’s, then resurfaced as a creative medium for her to express her love of form. Inspired by natural imagery (human, plant, and sea), Lori’s pieces are wheel thrown and altered. Lori’s work is sensual and emotional ranging from goddess vessels, leaf bowls to sea forms.

Mark, a Texas native, established his “Clayworks” studio in Dallas in 1981. He earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Dallas in 1994. Mark teaches classes and workshops in and around the DFW area.

“I concentrate on how to best utilize the plasticity of the material to create sculptural forms and or functional vessels. For me its a never ending exploration. Having lived in this neighborhood for twenty years, I am constantly amazed at how many people (locals) have stopped in during our sales not sure what they were going to find at the house with all the pots and sculptures in the yard. We’ve enjoyed growing up in this neighborhood.”

A Dallas native, Deanne Eskridge has been blowing glass since 2003 at the BA Glassworks studio. She finds nature a constant source of inspiration.

“I'm hopelessly hooked on glass. I love the movement and surprise with the flow of hot glass during the creation of a piece, it's as if it's alive. When the glass is cold, I find the interplay with light fascinating.”

“Photography, to me, is essentially the art and science of capturing the light that illuminates our world. This so that we can peer more permanently into moments inhabited by the objects, spaces and creatures around us. These images are singular expressions of an idea, an emotion; Permanent glimpses into the infinite and continual moment of creation.”

Adam Glick is an artist, writer and technologist. He works and lives in Austin Tx. with his wife Maya and his cat, Inky.

Dallas artist Stephen Herndon is nationally recognized for his biomorphic sculptic forms in paint. His work is inspired by natural phenomena-imagery suggestive of astronomical, biological, or geographical formations. Often, Herndon will couple his organic primal forms with contemporary manufactured elements to create an imaginative dialogue between past and present, between the natural and manmade.

Monique Jannette is a self-taught artist who explores humankind’s most intimate emotions. She merges pain, love of nature, music and current events with creativity. Her work embraces diverse styles from surrealism to abstract and commonly polymorphs disparate images. Often times Monique’s paintings are both narrative and mysterious creating a mélange of horror, passion, and serenity that arouses the eye and heart.

Jenice Johnson was born in Lubbock, Texas and raised in Arlington. She currently resides in Dallas where she creates art photography using her favorite subject--gummy bears. She also makes practical jewelry and dream journals for those who need a little inspiration. If her life had a soundtrack, an odd mix of Jimi Hendrix, Tom Waits and Christopher Cross would sing it. Three things she can't live without: random hugs, country hillsides and Dublin tobacco. Jenice's photography -- gummy bear related or otherwise -- has been featured all over DFW gift shops and art galleries including Fete-ish, Kettle Art Gallery, the Mesquite Arts Gallery and the Janette Kennedy Gallery.

Alternating layers of texture & imagery through the build-up of mixed media, paint, ink, found object, collaged or transferred print materials of the public domain & conversely via deconstructive decay, stencils, gunshots & varying methods of exploring negative space.

“I’m trying to take in little parts of life and imagination and smash them into something more personally relevant and exciting.”

mediumheavy.com

www.stuartkraft.com

My sculpture reflects an intense relationship between me and the material I am working with. This relationship is based on my reactions and responses to the material. I choose to transform and energize each piece through cutting, welding, forming and Cutting again. There are no templates to follow, no design specifications, or boundaries to stay within. Everything is free-flowing, unique and bold.

Welding, brazing and mechanical fastening are some of the Processes used in Fabrication. The final work's surface finish is somewhere between the vast extremes of rough ground jagged edges and highly polished mirrored finishes, Often several extremes are reflected within the individual piece. I am 100% invested both personally and professionally in all aspects of my work.

TheKillerArt.com

Chris Lake's love affair with hot glass began in 1994 when he saw the Chihuly Installations exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. As he has traveled the world since then, he has collected and experienced as much of the medium as he could. Chris began taking classes in stain glass technique and bead making in 2002. He learned to blow glass from Brad Abrams and he has been working with him ever since. As a musician, a lifelong drummer, Chris is drawn to the rhythm and balance of the glassblowing process.

“I have been altering my environment ever since I can remember. It may have started with crayon on the kitchen wall, but whatever the cause, I am now an artist and cannot imagine anything else.”

Native Dallasite, Margo Miller received her B.A. in Art from Southern Illinois University in 1982 and an M.L.A. from Southern Methodist University in 1998. She taught public school art for 8 years and has exhibited in galleries from Chicago to Dallas. She has a drawing specialization which has served as a foundation for all her work but has found a voice in mixed media, assemblage and collage. She uses items that are usually considered “trash” (shredded paper, fused plastic grocery bags and “found” objects) emphasizing the tension between humankind and the world. Her newest works combine animal portraits and elements of the mixed media assemblages creating surprising textural environments. Her studio is in her home in Dallas, Texas where she lives with her husband, Michael, and their three cats ---Tang, Ila and Bue.

Maja Inc. was founded in 2002 as a wholesale jewelry design and manufacturing business. Maja Inc.’s creations are distributed to fine boutiques, museum shops and specialty stores across the country. The company distributes only products designed and produced in the Maja Inc. studio in Dallas, Texas. Maja remains a small company with two employees. Her apprentice is currently learning Maja’s techniques and assists in the production of designed pieces for the company’s wholesale clientele.

“My jewelry designs are a reflection of my creative spirit. Each piece is carefully designed to the last detail and everything that leaves my studio is something that I would proudly wear myself. I am confident you will find my work to be unique, beautiful and of the best quality.”

Julia McLain's “JUNK DRAWER” SERIES. All of these utilize old junk, too fun to throw away montaged in with her original illustrations that once graced the pages of national magazines. Mostly paintings: acrylic on plywood.

www.flickr.com/photos/juliamclain

Fifth-generation Texan Kevin Obregon is a Dallas-based site-specific sculptor, painter, writer, muralist, percussionist and artist’s advocate who co-founded The Cube Creative, an ever-evolving contemporary art gallery, design house, and fine art studio located in the Tyler Davis Art District of North Oak Cliff.

Obregon recently founded Cliffwalls Mural Projects, a multi-tiered mural & graffiti program involving schools, city officials, local & regional artists as well as international muralists and graffiti crews. With Melbourne, Australia as its first sister-city, Cliffwalls is developing an international muralist-in-residency in the River West area of Dallas. He was instrumental in developing the annual Tree Carving Project (now called Make Space) at Dallas’ only “urban forest” artist-in-residency, La Reunion TX. Obregon was integral in revamping the visual impact of the River West (formerly West Dallas) industrial neighborhood at the base of the first of three signature bridges designed by the Spanish sculptor/architect, Santiago Calatrava, by suggesting a massive primary & secondary coloration of the many warehouses and buildings that one would see upon crossing the bridge.

www.TheCubeCreative.com

I was once told that I have the keen ability to add value to the mundane…I like the way that sounds….

The value that I place on material objects is based upon their sentimentality rather than their monetary value. I am the keeper of many things, each having its own story or special meaning in my life. Rather than hiding these objects in boxes, I have given them a place of honor or reverence which they deserve; on a pedestal, platform, hanging on a wall, or around someone’s neck.

Every now and then it’s nice to get back to the basics, ink and paper. This series started out as just that, a simple exercise in seeing. I decided to exclude the typical tools of drawing and work in a limited size. There is something about the conviction of ink on paper, an absolute awareness of the image in front of you and the directness of the mark on the paper. This installation of twenty seven images includes monotypes and sumi-e ink brush drawings on hand made cotton paper. In keeping with the simplicity of the work the pages are openly floated allowing the surface and image to flow in a sensuous undulation across the wall inviting the viewer to journey through this open book.

Nancy Thompson enjoys working on a variety of stained glass projects out of her East Dallas home/studio. Inspired by her passion for glass and natural talent for design, Nancy began her whimsical art glass designs when a car accident prevented her from continuing her former vocation.

“I love glass with a lot of color and texture so it works in harmony with light and movement. Most of my work is done in lead but I also have some copper foiled pieces.”

Always searching for the shape inspiration is sometimes elusive but when it comes it glows enlightening the spirit. Primitive, folk art,geometrical and abstract are common themes. A classic Spanish author once wrote in these life nothing is true or lie it all depends on color of the glass you see it through..

I have spent many years discovering my art and am still working on it... just buy it....

Karen Weiss is a photographer, jewelry designer and 3D artist. She is a painter, painting on canvas, on walls, on furniture on the sides of buildings, on theater sets, on faces and bodies. Karen provides face painting, body painting, henna and temporary tattoos for parties, events and individuals.

www.bodyartdallas.com
www.karenweiss.net