GENEVA, NY – Find memorable, artistic gifts for everyone on your list at Flying Whale Studios & Friends’ 3rd annual Artist Open House and Holiday Sale, featuring original creations from over thirty artists and craftspeople from throughout the region, Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28-30, 2014, at 143 William St.
Hours are 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Kevin and Mary Schoonover, of Flying Whale Studios, open their Greek Revival home for three days of shopping in an intimate, friendly setting. Six downstairs rooms at Flying Whale Landing will be filled with a wide variety of eclectic arts and crafts, from the whimsical to the practical — including holiday decorations and fine art photography, Pysanky eggs, handmade soaps and glass jewelry, paper, pottery and primitives, steel sculpture, wooden cutting boards, decadent desserts, pillows, stuffed monsters, up-cycled mittens, and locally sourced honey and beeswax candles.
“If you’re looking for a fun and funky alternative to the malls and big box stores this Thanksgiving, then this is the place to be. We're bigger and better than ever," said Kevin, who opened Flying Whale Studios five years ago, specializing in photography and graphic design. “We have such a great time putting this together each year – juggling artists and their unique visions, rearranging to accommodate all the goodies, and welcoming the enthusiastic patrons into our home.”
Participating artists are: Beachcomber Designs (Lisa Johnson), Cedar Pottery (Chris Schnaufer), Chancery Lane Primitives (Sandie Fogle), Cherie Carter Designs, Deborah Bly, Dumpster Bunny Designs (Kristen Curley), Erin Makes Stuff (Erin Busch), Foster’s Frostings (Scott Foster), Flying Whale Studios (Kevin & Mary Schoonover), Gio's Designs (Julia O’Connor), Hand Candy Mittens (Charlotte Reid Besaw), Honey Bee Creations (Melissa Foppes), JK Stitches (Jean Keane), Karen Rothfuss Cloth Bowls, Etc., Kathleen A. Kosel Steelworks, Knit Creations by Judith Treisback, L Prince Designs Art Jewelry (Lori Prince), Ladies of the Lake (Dale Mangan), Lisa B. Contemporary Folk Art (Lisa Bystrak), Peaches Products (Casey Wright), Pine Tree Designs (Stefani Tadio), PS Enjoy Your Life (Jen Born), The Purple Hippo (Tracy Morrall), Pysanky by Mia (Mia Sohn), Rusty Button Studio (Missy Buckley), Sage Studios (Sage Churchill-Foster), Secondseed (Nancy Topolski), Stone Foliage (Kathy Sullivan), Tom Zachman Fused Glass, Urban Turning (Sam Tischler), Waid’s Honey & Candles (Duane Waid), and Woods Edge Studio (Sara Senour).
Billsboro Winery will conduct a complimentary wine tasting Friday night from 6-8 p.m.
"I look forward to this all year. Kevin and Mary open their house in the truest holiday spirit,” noted returning Rochester jeweler Lisa Johnson of Beachcomber Designs. "I know I can find beautiful, unique gifts for everyone."
Lori Prince of L Prince Designs Art Jewelry in Rochester added, "There is such a great selection of high quality, handmade goods being offered. Last year, I bought things for multiple people on my list. And for myself too, I couldn't resist.”
"The thing I like about this sale is that even with the returning artists, their work is always new & fresh,” declared paper artist Stefani Tadio from Pine Tree Designs in Fairport. "Kevin always mixes in a few new artists too. It’s a wonderfully curated event.” Tadio is the founder of Rochester Artisans, an online forum and resource for artists and craftspeople in the upstate New York area.
Eight artists are making their debuts at this year’s event including Erin Busch of Erin Makes Stuff in Buffalo. "I am super excited to bring my hand-knit monsters to Flying Whale Studios,” she said.
For all three days, admission is free and the browsing is easy. There also will be refreshments and prizes. All major credit cards will be accepted.
For more information or directions, call Kevin at 315-719-1499 or visit www.flyingwhalestudios.com. Or, check out Flying Whale Studios on Facebook.