August 5, 2024
Artists

Check Out These Unique Christmas Gift Ideas from KY Artists


I don’t know if y’all know this about me, but I am an artist. I used to struggle with imposter syndrome, but I’ve always felt fulfilled by creating things, Once upon a time helped run a local art gallery called Studio Slant and the East Bridge Art Festival. I have been in the scene for over a decade now, so I appreciate the value of giving and receiving one-of-a-kind pieces made by Owensboro area artists.

Why You Should Support Local Artists

Not only does shopping locally keep more of your dollars here in the community, but it also encourages and allows artists to continue creating. I can speak from personal experience that the ones who support themselves with their art hustle HARD. You see them at pop-up shops, markets, festivals, and art shows all over the tri-state and beyond.

And what is life without the beauty of art? Whether it be paintings, jewelry, food, music, etc, it all makes the world a more beautiful place or inspires transformational thinking. Studies like the ones done by Americans for the Arts have even shown that public art pieces and events contribute to the economic growth and social well-being of a community.

Owensboro is Thriving With Creativity

We see that here when folks go downtown to enjoy Friday After 5, see shows at The Riverpark Center, eat at The Famous Bistro, and take those selfies with Aaron Kizer’s Johnny Depp CryBaby or any of the other awesome murals and sculptures along the riverfront. 

Owensboro Businesses Who Support Local Art

Something I love about Owensboro is how supportive creatives are of each other. There are quite a few local restaurants and businesses that display artwork to sell for a small commission or better yet, for free. Fetta Specialty Pizza, Brew Bridge, The Spot Coffee & Finery, and Niko’s Bakery & Cafe are some of my favorites. I have to give a special personal shout-out to the crew at Niko’s for always supporting my art and giving it a home along with so many others.

How You Can Support Local Artists

So, let’s support local artists this year by giving original artwork to friends and family for the holidays. It will make you feel good to help out a local artist, and the recipient will love getting a special piece to cherish. Original artwork is priceless. Here are some of Owensboro’s coolest creative folks sharing their talents with the community who would love to help you find the perfect gift. If you aren’t in a position to purchase anything right now, you can always share this story or their social media posts for free! Or refer them to a friend who may be looking for something unique.

Brittney Jean

“I am typically a graphic designer/web designer, but I am doing custom pencil drawings for the holidays. My website is brittneygaddisdesign.com.” To order, you can message her here on Facebook. Look at that incredible attention to detail!

Brittney Jean

Brittney Jean

 

 Will Evans

“Examples of my work can be found on my Facebook page in my photo galleries. I have one for oils, ink, graphite, watercolor, sharpies, colored pencils, and pastels. I can be reached directly via Messenger.”

Catherine Gross of Built to Roam Designs

“Intuitively Crafted Wire Wrapped Crystal Jewelry Designed to Make You Feel ‘Soul’ Again” Please visit her Etsy shop for available pieces. I have to note that Catherine is one of my favorite local artists. She has put in countless hours to master her craft. Wire-wrapping is not easy, but these tiny sculptures are flawless featuring gorgeous gems and cabochons. I own a few of her creations and she is also a delight to work with.

Built to Roam

Built to Roam

Dale Taylor Art Studio

I love how Dale Taylor and his work are described, “Dale Taylor is an old man with too many hobbies, vices, and creative outlets, one of which is his art. Almost 50 years ago, Taylor earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Murray State University and was certified to teach art K-12 by the State of Kentucky. But only recently has he decided to drag his BFA out of the closet for public viewing.” His specialties are as follows:

•Photography on Canvas

•Photography on High Gloss Metal

•Acrylic Paints on Canvas

•Mixed Media of Photography & Acrylics on Canvas

Please visit his Instagram page, dt_dales_art for more information or to purchase a piece of his.

Londun Randolph

“I put on a show once every 5th Sunday evening at a locally owned business. Dinner is included and always prepared by a local chef. Entertainment is provided by myself and special guests, which differ with each performance. This next show will feature LaTaysha Evans and I’m very excited to share a stage with her. I’m always accompanied by the L.I.O. crew with Jamichael Morton in the keys and Jehvion Thames killing it on the drums! It’s always a vibe.” She’s not lying! I have been to a few of her events and they are such a great time. You can buy tickets for her next show here.

Londun Randolph

Londun Randolph
“My husband Pavel and I, hand-turn Christmas ornaments on our lathe each holiday season. It started out as a date night and grew into a couple’s project. Something we can do together and bond. You can look us up under The Family Craftsman on Facebook.”

Katherine Zboril

Katherine Zboril

Amy Hoenicke

“I do a little bit of everything from baking and candy making to paper art, watercolors, sewing and jewelry making. Anything that works my cognitive, fine motor skills is good for pd. My sweets are quite popular on the Westside, everything from scratch-made quick breads, cookies to cashew or peanut brittles, dipped pretzels and my legendary Peanutbutter fudge & oatmeal cream pies. Her handmade holiday & greeting cards are sold at Niko’s Bakery and Cafe. You can also find her on social media.

Orpheus Sosh

“I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. I have an art Instagram called ohoddsleepydoodles that houses pieces I’ve made dating back to 2018! I’m a college student currently at KWC but will be transferring to NOSSI next year to pursue more of my art skills. I take commissions in a lot of mediums. Currently, I’m doing custom wooden handpainted ornaments, which there’s an example picture of some I’ve already sold. If you’re interested you can message me through Facebook messenger or Instagram.”

Sara Beatty

“I dabble in a little bit of everything and offer a wide range of products on my site. I offer prints on most pieces and have payment plans on site.” My website is https://whiskeystudiosco.com/

James Taylor

“Another old man who does oil, acrylic, and sculptures. I have been painting for 55-60 years and I will always take on commissions.” Here is his Facebook page.

Matthias Bartley

“I am actually a committee of limbs and organs that rejoin like Voltron. We make cartoons right now.” His art can be purchased at The Spot Coffee & Finery in Williamsburg Square.

Matthias Bartley

Matthias Bartley

Patrick Bennett of Blue Bridge Studios

 “The Painter. This piece is about how art makes my soul happy, and allows me to exhale all my stresses.” Patrick is available via FB or his email is blu3creativestudi0s@gmail.com if you would like to inquire about purchasing his art.

Patrick Bennett

Patrick Bennett

Wow! What a diverse group of artists, and they all live right here in Owensboro, KY. I hope you all have a beautiful holiday with some original artwork under your Christmas tree.

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Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh





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