Meet the Makers Schedule

Come hear the stories behind the work, straight from the makers themselves. These talks invite you to explore the techniques, inspirations, and journeys that shape each artist’s work. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Saturday, September 27

11 AM - Doni Langlois

Exploring Texture in Ceramics
Booth #: 408

Doni Langlois is a Ceramic artist from Montgomery, Texas, known for the surface textures of her pieces. She incorporates layers of slip, oxides, and glazing over a sgraffito surface to create the desire in the viewer to look more closely; to wonder and explore. The artist intends a bit of mystery.

Doni’s artistic journey has traveled through interior design, poetry, and decorative painting. She will share an overview of her background in the booth talk, as well as discuss her painterly approach to the ceramic surface.

12 PM - Mary Torres

The Art & Chemistry of Fused Glass
Booth #: 303

Mary Torres, from Houston, is a fused glass artist who creates both vessels and wall pieces. She is inspired by nature, and incorporates color, texture, and movement in her pieces. In her booth talk she will discuss the different types of glass and their uses, how she melts or shapes glass in the kiln, and a little bit of glass chemistry that she uses to her advantage. Finally, she’ll answer the question “is that glass really woven?”

1 PM - Ewa Kielczewska

Elegance & Spontaneity in Painted Suede
Booth #: 514

Ewa Kielczewska was born and raised in Poland, and grew up surrounded by fine art and a rich folk art tradition. Her hand-painted suede fashions are characterized by understated elegance and subtle yet intricate detailing. Each piece is precision-cut and then freehand-painted. She doesn’t sketch beforehand or use tools such as tape or a ruler; each design evolves through a spontaneous process. Ewa’s booth talk will be about the spontaneity of her process.

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2 PM - Mona & Alex Szabados

The Art of Enamel & Goldsmithing
Booth #: 511

Mona & Alex Szabados have been designing and creating jewelry together for 45 years. Mona creates stunning enameled works, usually of beautiful women and wild creatures, using techniques of layering and multiple firings. With his goldsmithing expertise, Alex encases the enamels, adding precious stones and other gold detailing. In the booth talk they will be talking about their story and inspiration, as well as the steps involved in creating their work.

3 PM - Steve Chalson

Zero-Waste Innovation in Woodwork
Booth #: 402

Steve Chalson is a fine craftsman from Texas, creating works in wood in a wide range of subjects, both functional and nonfunctional. In his booth talk he will discuss his passion for creating one-of-a-kind, Zero-Waste artwork, and will demonstrate how he sees things in wood off-cuts, discarded skateboards, and fallen trees. These are combined into inventive pieces that are often infused with his love of Mid-Century Modern style and the graphic influences of the Pop and Bauhaus art movements.

Sunday, September 28

1 PM - Octavio Espinoza

Process & Tradition in Leather Carving
Booth #: 405

Octavio Espinoza is the owner of Espinoza Saddlery in Clifton, Texas. He is well known for his saddles, but also creates smaller leather goods, including purses, belts, journals, and holsters. The main focus of his work is on tooling, or leather carving. In his booth talk Octavio will talk about his influences, such as his experience as a farrier, as well as his processes, and how he goes from a blank piece of leather to the final product.

2 PM - Cathra-Anne Barker

Glaze, Form & Imagination in Ceramics
Booth #: 501

Cathra-Anne Barker is a Ceramic artist from Santa Fe, New Mexico. After 50+ years at the potter’s wheel she has recently included hand-building in her work. Along with her vessels, she’s now making fanciful bird houses with sculpted little birds to sit on them. New ideas have been muscling in about glaze approaches too. She will talk about her process, technique, inspiration and will happily answer your questions.

3 PM - Heather Wasaff

From Photo to Fabric: Creating Wearable Patterns
Booth #: 306

Heather Wasaff, from The Woodlands, is just like the kid you knew who was always picking up strange things like leaves/twigs/seashells/seed pods, storing these things in her desk, pocket or backpack. Now she takes photos of unusual things and creates intricate, interesting and mesmerizing patterns. She will talk about the location of inspiration, the emotions she experienced as she was taking the photos, the excitement she felt as the pattern came to life and finally the joy when the viewer’s face lights up when the pattern is displayed on scarves, apparel and framed art at the Texas Fine Craft Show.

4 PM - Randi Solin

Sculptural Glass: A Journey of Inspiration
Booth #: 510

Randi Solin creates original blown glass sculptures for galleries, art consultants, interior design trade, public and private collections, and art collectors. She is visiting us all the way from Brattleboro, Vermont, where her studio is located on the beautiful West River. Randi will be speaking about her process and her love of nature and travel, and how it influences her artwork.