Donna Pellegata ~ ArtQwerks ~ Art Blog

Bracelets at JCC Project Runway: Detroit

2012-01-23T20:09:00.001-05:00

What a great time we had at the show yesterday at the JCC. Congratulations to all the wonderful fashion designers, other artists involved and Terri Stearn, for a job well done! What a delight to find out when we got there that Joe Faris from Project Runway 5 would be taking part in the show. It's always an honor and great fun to participate in the exhibits at the JCC!

Terri Stearn, gallery director, you are the very best!

These are the bracelets I created for the gallery portion of the Project Runway Detroit show

at the Janice Charach Gallery.

They are on sale here until March 8.

You can find a few pictures from the runway show HERE

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and tablet and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Project Runway: Detroit

2012-01-21T18:44:00.016-05:00

I'll have three bracelets on display this weekend at
Project Runway: Detroit
Lots of fun to be had this weekend at the JCC. This is a beautiful gallery with a countless stunning exhibits throughout the year. Stop in to take a look at this exhibit when you get a chance. Many great artists and emerging fashion designers here this weekend through March 8th. You won't be dissappointed...

Located in the D. Dan & Betty Kahn Building in West Bloomfield, the Janice Charach Gallery hosts exhibitions of Jewish art and works by Jewish artists. Exhibitions include glass, ceramics, multi-media, painting, fiber arts, photography and more. Educational programs also are offered. As a tribute to Janice Charach's relationship with the College for Creative Studies, the Gallery also hosts annual shows in cooperation with CCS. The Gallery is endowed by Natalie & Manny Charach, in their daughter's memory.

Opening reception:
Sunday, January 22, 2012

West Bloomfield

January 9, 2012

JCC fashion project to display new talent

Teens’ ‘upcycled’ designs to be displayed

By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size «

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Dana Keaton displays fashion model sketches at her Detroit studio. Keaton has taught 12 teens about the fashion industry at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, and those students will present their own fashion designs at a new exhibit at the Janice Charach Gallery this month.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit is clearing the catwalk and making its Janice Charach Gallery more fashionable this month.
Starting Jan. 22, the gallery will host a new exhibit called “Project Runway: Detroit” that will run through March 8.
Gallery Director Terri Stearn said it will display clothing designs from local artists and young fashion students. The exhibit could be the ticket to getting discovered and developing a career in the competitive fashion industry, she said.
“A few of these are emerging fashion designers,” Stearn explained. “A lot of them are really up-and-coming people working in Detroit trying to get discovered. They own T-shirt companies that support them while they work on their thousand-dollar dress.”
Although the art exhibit has no official ties to the “Project Runway” TV show, Stearn predicted that “Project Runway” runner-up Joe Faris of Motor City Denim Co. will contribute to this show, as he did with a past bra exhibit. The exhibit will also show off approximately 400 wooden bracelets that have been decorated by artists, she said.
Stearn said the exhibit idea came from Dana Keaton, a Detroit-based fashion designer of 11 years whose educational background includes fine arts, business management and marketing.
Since October, Keaton has been teaching an ongoing fashion class to students from West Bloomfield and Detroit at the JCC in West Bloomfield. The class of 12 teens has learned about fabrics, sewing and more, she said.
The girls have been busy making dresses and designs for the exhibit’s Jan. 22 opening so that fashion models can wear them on the runway. The students’ projects will be eco-friendly and “upcycled” from used items into wearable garments.
“We have a young lady that is making a dress out of potato chip bags,” Keaton said. “They’re taking old ties and sewing them together to make a garment. … A young lady actually took a bunch of tea bags and is sewing them individually on a skirt.”
Keaton said all of her students want to join the industry in some way, be it as a clothing designer, a wardrobe stylist or a model. But she warns them that it is hard work.
“They are being very creative with this, and I’m always pushing the envelope,” she said. “If (a design) is mediocre, they have to go to the drawing board. I always tell them it has to have a ‘wow’ factor.”
The Janice Charach Gallery, 6600 W. Maple Road, will host the upcoming exhibit, “Project Runway: Detroit,” from Jan. 22-March 8. The exhibit will start with a runway show at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 22. To learn more, visit www.jccdet.org or call (248) 432-5448

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Blaze Sports Books!

2012-01-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

BlazeSports has the perfect Valentine, birthday, any day gift for the child in your life. How Haitians Play Basketball written by Travis Mushett and Illustrated by Donna Pellegata, introduces us to Milekson, a boy with a different way of walking and a big love for basketball. When an earthquake strikes Milekson’s home on the island country of Haiti, his life and the lives of his friends and family are changed in big ways. This book, the second in the BlazeSports Children’s Series from TorchRunner Press, is a great way to tactfully teach your child about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the abilities of people with disabilities, and the triumph of the human spirit.
And don’t forget about Ricky Played, written by Travis Mushett and illustrated by Joanna Steege the first title for TorchRunner. In this delightful book, we meet Ricky, an amazing boy who reminds us that every child deserves the chance to play.

Whether a holiday gift, or just an anytime present for your little one, TorchRunner Press offers one-of-a-kind books for your one-of-a-kind kid.

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Prepare

2012-01-18T15:59:00.006-05:00

Nothing could prepare these two for what was about to happen...

for this week's Illustration Friday

This is one of my illustrations from the NEW book How Haitians Play Basketball, written by Travis Mushet , published by TorchRunner Press for Blaze Sports.

How Haitians PlayBasketball introduces us to Milekson, a boy with a different walk and a love for basketball. When an earthquake strikes Milekson's home on the island country of Haiti, his life and the lives of his friends and family are changed in big ways. This book, the second in the BlazeSports Children's Series from TorchRunner Press, is a great way to tactfully teach your child about the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the abilities of people with disabilities, and the triumph of the human spirit. How Haitians Play Basketball makes a perfect addition to your school or public library, and a great gift for children both with and without disabilities.

Get your copy HERE

Illustration Friday ~ Stripes

2011-11-04T10:21:00.011-04:00

...for this week's Illustration Friday

This is one of my illustrations from the NEW book How Haitians Play Basketball, written by Travis Mushet , published by TorchRunner Press for Blaze Sports.

Get your copy HERE

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Arts and Greens 2011

2011-11-01T10:46:00.006-04:00

Please find me at Arts and Greens 2011, in booth D41, November 18th - 20th!

This is one of my favorite shows...loads of fun and holiday cheer. I'll be signing my illustrated Harp Mouse books with the author Diane Dunn on Saturday 10am - noon, so stop by and see us for some laughter and great gifts for the kiddies!

I'll also have my newest illustrated book How Haitians Play Basketball written by Travis Mushett for Blaze Sports, available for purchase in my booth. There's a limited supply so stop in early to get your copy!

Schedule of the weekend's events:

Friday 5pm-8pm: Preview and Opening Reception Night

Artist market opens with items from glass, fibers, woodcarving, photography, pottery, handmade dolls, paintings, and much more. All created by Michigan artists. Kick off the holiday season and purchase one of a kind gifts.
Empty Bowls fundraiser for Community Sharing: for a $10 donation, you can enjoy a light soup and bread supper, and get a handmade bowl
Luminaries will lightup the evening
Live performances by area musicians
Author Wayne Billhart will be signing copies of his book for all ages: The Mystery at the Birdfeeder

Saturday 9am-5pm

The artist market opens early for all to enjoy
Enjoy live performances by area musicians throughout the day
Visit with Michigan author's on hand for book signings
The Sweet Life Cafe of Milford will be on hand with delectable goodies for sale!
Enjoy holiday greens building workshops taught Patty owner of the Bogie Lake Greenhouses
Enjoy children's basket making workshops and hands on felting demonstrations for all ages.

Sunday 10am-5pm

Last day of the market!
Enjoy live performances by area musicians throughout the day
Visit with Michigan author's on hand for book signings
The Sweet Life Cafe of Milford will be on hand with delectable goodies for sale!
Enjoy holiday greens building workshops taught Patty owner of the Bogie Lake Greenhouses
Enjoy children's basket making workshops and hands on felting demonstrations for all ages.

List of Artists Participating HERE

When you purchase an item from

MY STORE

, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities;

Last Chance Animal Rescue

and

Horses Haven

, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Scattered

2011-10-14T11:38:00.004-04:00

Scattered

...for Illustration Friday

This is an illustration I created for

Harp Mouse Adventures - Book II

written by Diane Dunn.

This book can be purchased here

When you purchase an item from MY STORE, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity the donation goes to, will depend on the item purchased and I will love you forever from the bottom of my little black heart. ...and even if you don't purchase anything from me, you can go to their site and make a donation! They deserve a chance too!

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

Our Town Art Show and Sale

2011-10-14T08:51:00.001-04:00

I have two pieces juried in to this show...

Enjoy a beautiful fall drive to Birmingham this weekend to see all of the fabulous work for sale!

You'll find paintings, sculpture and jewelry too!

26th Annual

OUR TOWN

Art Show and Sale

October 13-15
10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The list of fine artists accepted into the show can be found here

The juried, all media art show provides a forum for Michigan artists to show, demonstrate and sell their work. The art ranges from traditional to contemporary. This year’s show and sale will showcase over 300 pieces of artwork from over 200 artists. Admission to OUR TOWN is free. Jane Dini is the 2011 juror.

Have a seat by the fire with a cocktail and your ipad and browse through the pages of my website ArtQwerks

IF ~ Ferocious

2011-09-27T10:53:00.000-04:00

ferocious? ....nahhhhh

...this for Illustration Friday