Gallery Night Makers Market
Curator of Gallery Night Makers Market
Light rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of revelers on hand for AIR curated Gallery Night Makers Market. Stephanie Schultz brought together an eclectic group of artists, designers and craftspeople for the first Makers Market of her tenure. Lithe models in costumes created by Schultz welcomed Gallery Night tourists into Rouge to view the profusion of works on display.
A number of artists not often seen at Milwaukee markets were showing their items, including Julianne Hunter of The Glittering Squid. Best known for her wearable art, the artist modifies vintage jewelry pieces, giving them new life through the addition of charms, rhinestones and any other baubles that delight the creator. Hunter stated she is moved by things that “sparkle, shine, or reflect light.” These magpie tendencies have been with her since early childhood. Beyond loving glittery things, as a girl she was an avid collector of charms, reveling in their intricate details, something that continues to thrill her.
Owner of The Glittering Squid
Also celebrating intricacies are the makers behind Steenhagen Studios. A husband and wife duo comprised of an engineer and an artist, the pair finds inspiration in the inner workings of clocks and watches. Gears, wheels and springs are refashioned into cufflinks, pendants and a variety of other wearable art pieces. The result is something dreamily magical, despite the works being created using materials that represent mechanical precision.
More whimsy could be found the table of local artist and art director Burton J. Gross. The illustrator, painter and sculptor has been creating original artwork since he was 5 years old. His passion for creating led him to art school, where he studied film-making and animation. His enthusiasm for animation is evident in his work, not only in the colors used and cheery presentation, but also in the subject of his pieces. Fandom of all stripes is on display in his collection, the table shared by unusual pairings, like the cast of the Walking Dead, Pokemon characters and adorably anthropomorphized woodland dwellers. It is hard not to smile while looking at his collection of work, designed with the happiness of the viewer in mind.
Joining the group were a number of local favorites, including the wellness-inspired duo of Artery Ink, photographer and illustrator of the intrepid MilRAWkee Alt. Collaboration, Ryan Laessig, and animal portraitist, Kathryn Ryan. These much loved Milwaukee artists displayed the works that helped make them perineal favorites in the creative community. Leading the revelry was the master of ceremonies, a beaming Schultz, wearing one of her own creations, and displaying her Pfister-inspired scarves, which feature some of the best known art of the hotel’s extensive collection.
I cannot wait to see what Stephanie Schultz has planned for the next Gallery Night!
For a full list of all artists displaying work for the Gallery Night Makers Market, see the list below.
Deborah Olson, Milliner Extraordinaire — Handmade Historical Headwear and curated vintage & antique accoutrements
Rough Diamond Jewelry — Hand-forged stainless steel jewelry, some inset with semiprecious stones & handblown glass
Bacon Moose Studios — Digital Art Prints & Enamel Pins, and will do on-site commissions
Black Candle Creations — Resin & Clay Jewelry & Miniatures
Kait Ryan — Pet Portraiture
Artery Ink — Anatomically-Inspired Digital Art Prints, Greeting Cards & More
The Glittering Squid — Upcycled Vintage Jewelry & Accessories
Tabal Chocolate — Milwaukee-Made Eco-Friendly Artisan Chocolates
MilRAWkee Alt — Pop Culture Fusion of Milwaukee Landmarks & Movie Scene Art Prints & More
Thom J. Ertl Designs — Mixed Media Artwork, Greeting Cards & Interior Decor
Miranda Petroviak — Illustrations & Paintings
Moots — Soap, Candles & Apothecary Items
MINGAdigm Studios — Mixed Media Art & So Much More
Burt Gross — Paintings, Illustrations & Sculptures of Pop Culture Icons
Steenhagen Studios — Steampunk Accessories & Jewelry