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Health & Fitness

An Accidental Entrepreneur, Local Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show Expands in Ohio

The Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows are based around Ohio year-round. They feature an eclectic selection of the area's most talented artisans and crafters.

When Becki Cooper decided to launch the first ever Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show in June of 2011, when she was only 25 years old, she had no idea how her life would change within a year. What started as a hobby, has become a local movement and a full time job.

The show, which started with forty-five vendors, has grown to feature twelve shows a year in different areas of Ohio including Solon, Westlake, Akron and Columbus. Far from your typical art and craft show, the event features local talent along the lines of popular Internet sites like Etsy.com and Pinterest, featuring a new generation of crafters and artists paving the way. 

“I started this show because I felt there was disconnect between my generation and the art and craft show movement. I was actually a crafter myself and would sell at these shows, and a lot of times saw the same types of items: pot holders, doilies, stockings etc., all things that didn’t jump out at me. That’s what led me to want to start a new movement in the local arts and crafts scene,” said Cooper, 26 founder and owner of the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.

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The show line features items such as purses made from upsycled burlap coffee bean bags, sterling silver and precious stone jewelry, Ohio pride apparel, handmade poured candles, and much more. In addition, at each of the shows a local charity is chosen, where profits are donated and kept within the community.

“I really felt a connection with these vendors and what they stood for, I wanted to help play a part in helping local artists and businesses. Pretty soon I found the show had a following, and from that, I decided to launch into other markets and expand. The newest is on the east side in Solon,” said Cooper.

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Indeed, visitors at the upcoming first ever 2012 East Side Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will have a chance to shop up to 120 handmade vendors at the Terry Macklin Entertainment & Event Centre on Sunday, September 23, 2012. True to Avant-Garde fashion, the show will feature an eclectic assortment of vendors ranging from stained glass to organic local grown tea.  Pair that with a full service open bar, concession stand, and Brown’s game playing on the big screen TV’s, the show literally has something for everyone. 

“The overall show line has gotten a great response, and because of that and the following, I was able to expand on my dream to launch the shows as my full time job. I call myself an accidental entrepreneur because it wasn’t my intention to do this full time, the passion and love of this show line really chose me,” said Cooper.

When asked about where she is at today versus a year ago, Cooper has no regrets about the path where she has found herself. In addition to the shows, she has also started her own event planning umbrella brand called Rebecca Adele Events. This company allows her to help others with their businesses through event planning, social media and public relations consulting.

“It’s been quite the adventure thus far, and I’m excited to see where it goes. Each show I learn something new, whether its from attendees or vendors. The reward of seeing people able to sell their work and share their passion with others, is something I wouldn’t trade for anything,” continued Cooper. “Pair that with being able to help local businesses and charities, I feel that the show actually helps makes a difference in our community. It’s really nice to be able to do that at such a young age.”

If you’re interested in seeing what exactly will be for sale at the fall East Side show, each of the vendors is showcased in spotlight profiles on the organization’s web site www.avantgardeshows.com. Here you will find photographs of work that will be for sale, and the stories of what inspires them to create. After that, head on over to the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show (Rebecca Adele Events) Facebook page for even more colorful pictures and to view the discussion surrounding upcoming shows.

The 2012 East Side Fall Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show will be held at the Terry Macklin Entertainment and Event Centre at 6200 Enterprise Parkway, in Solon, OH 44139 from 1:30pm-6:30pm, on Sunday, September 23rd, 2012. Admission and parking is free to the public. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

The Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows are based around Ohio year-round. They feature an eclectic selection of the area's most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of all proceeds goes to charity at each show. To learn more about the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows visit www.avantgardeshows.com, or via Twitter @AvantGardeShows, on Facebook at Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows (Rebecca Adele Events) and on Pinterest and LinkedIn.

 

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