The Creative Classroom

These four unique artists and makers not only excel in their craft but also find immense joy in sharing knowledge and teaching others their techniques. Get a glimpse of their passion for nurturing creativity and plan to meet and shop from them at the holiday show, December 5 – 8.

Melissa Broek is fascinated by the idea of transforming raw materials such as metals, enamel, glass, wood and fiber into intricate, wearable art that holds personal significance. Her design inspiration is based on cell structure and microscopic landscapes.

Tell us about your creative process.

Melissa: I begin my creative process with a deep dive into materials and techniques, enjoying the freedom to experiment instinctively. I often blend traditional metalsmithing methods with contemporary processes. This allows me to keep my pieces fresh and dynamic while honing my technical skills.

What do you enjoy most about creating?

Melissa: What I enjoy most is the opportunity to share the creative process with others. I’m particularly fond of teaching because it allows me to pass on the excitement I feel. There’s something deeply rewarding about watching students embrace their creative instincts, especially when they embrace experimenting and realize that trial and error is part of the process.

What makes your work unique?

Melissa: My work is unique because of the combination of tradition, innovation, and a deep understanding of design history. I have a background in furniture design, which gives me insight into historical styles and craftsmanship.

Informed by historical and contemporary sources, Margaret Leininger loves to create meditative woven studies, or tiny tapestries, to explore texture, color, structure, and other formal aspects of art.

Tell us about your work.

Margaret: I use handweaving and other textile processes to create art and limited editions of textile items for the home and body. I love creating original work by incorporating handspun and hand-dyed unique materials that I source from local producers.

Why did you become a maker?

Margaret: Many artists will answer they had no choice, making things is just a part of who they are. I am one of those people, I couldn’t stop making things even if I tried. During my first year of study at the Art Institute of Chicago I fell in love with weaving. For me, weaving encapsulates all forms of making.

What makes your business unique?

Margaret: Developing a community that invites participatory exploration through workshops and events is one unique aspect of my business. While I enjoy making things, I love teaching others about the processes, materials, and other resources that go into producing a handwoven fabric even more!

After enduring a series of hardships and experiencing immense sadness, Julie Safonova also known as Curly Julie, began creating collectible teddy bears that gave her hope. Today, Julie wishes to pass that hope and warmth onto others.

What is your creative process?

Julie: Everything starts with the idea of a bear. I make my own pattern, choose fabric and hand sew all the parts. I use combine stuffing for the bear: sawdust, wood, wool, pellets and kapok. This combination gives the bears a lifelike effect. I use embroidery to make a nose, eyelids, mouth and claws. For shading the maze I use pastel and acrylic paints. I finish by needle knitting or hand sewing a unique accessory for each bear.

What keeps you creating?

Julie: I believe that my creations come alive in people’s hands and warms everybody’s soul. My greatest reward is seeing a happy smile on the person who gets a soulmate for lifetime.

What is a personal experience that has sparked creativity?

Julie: I had a successful teaching career in the educational center I founded and my preschoolers were always so happy to have the unique puppets and toys that I created for them.

Beth Aimée is happiest in her studio, playing with her tools, digging through boxes of stones, listening to her favorite bluegrass band, teaching others, and creating compelling designs that wear well and make a woman feel joyful and beautiful.

What do you love about creating?

Beth: I love alone time in my studio and working with my hands. I love teaching others my craft. I love connecting with other people who value craft. I love the challenge of taking my work in new directions.

What led you to pursue a career as an artist?

Beth: I studied neurobiology and studio art at Duke University. Both disciplines thrive on curiosity and inquiry, and both require skill and precision. I worked in neurobiology labs, moved to Montana and taught ranch kids in a two-room rural school, and ran a non-profit art gallery. But once I delved into metalsmithing, it all made sense. Metalsmithing is the perfect medium for the artist/scientist that I am.

What inspires you?

Beth: I’m a Montanan, I live in one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen. I hike the backcountry trails and take morning walks along the Yellowstone river. All of this seeps into my jewelry designs. This special place nourishes my soul in a way that sparks my creativity.

Visit and shop from these unique makers and hundreds more at the holiday show, December 5 – 8!