Meet Marlene Sabatina

Marlene Sabatina will be bringing her eclectic style to the

Parade of Souls art Show.  

I have been wearing jewelry all of my life. 

When I was a little girl I would spend hours in the yard finding rocks that would mimic a grand stone for a necklace, bracelet or ring.  I had polished tumbled stones before they were popular, as my mother would wash them in my clothes. 

I take great pride in each piece I create, with my muse as a guide, I delve into many mediums to create a one of a kind piece.

My training first started when I was in grade school, I made a ceramic rabbit with forest green glaze. (wish I still had that piece)

Now I can create my own glass rabbit in any color I choose. (see blue rabbit photo)

I went on to take many hours of classes and workshops to develop my style and inspiration for my work.  I have been focused these last several years on Metal-smith techniques and PMC.  Currently I teach bronze clay and cast glass classes.   Although jewelry is my first love I do have training in water media and enjoy those times that I can create, paint and play. 

My favorite Halloween story is a bit quirky.  I wanted to dress like a hippie, when I was about 9 or 10, we would always make our own costume's so I took an old blanket and made a poncho, but it was not just right until I decided to write "bad words" in spray paint all over it...boy did I get into trouble.  We still got to go trick or treating and we always used a pillowcase for our treat container.  There was a stop along the way that was a farm stand market and we were treated with cider and donuts at that place.  Not like the Halloweens of today for sure.

Marlene will be showing and selling her best Fall and Halloween work at the

Parade of Souls Art Show

October 13th!

Meet Rita Offutt

Rita will be bringing her Wonderful Woodcarvings to the

Parade of Souls Art Show

October 13th!

My name is Rita Offutt.  My whole life I have loved to make things with my hands. As a little girl I could entertain myself for hours creating and it has continued through my adult life. I want to try everything and as a result I have an abundance of hobbies and more projects than I can ever finish in a lifetime. I honestly believe that all of these endeavors have helped me to grow artistically.

  About 25 years ago I wandered into a tole painting shop and they were offering a wood carving class.  Of course, I signed up on the spot and have been carving ever since. I love the feel of wood and discovering the endless possibilities of creating a piece of art. Often I spend time carving with friends.  We sometimes carve the same project and they all turn out so differently because of our own unique style. I am fascinated with carving tools.  If I see a knife with an unusual or pretty handle I am a sucker for purchasing it!!  As with any art or craft, tools are very important. Keeping my knives sharp and in good condition is essential. I prefer using knives and gouges when carving; I feel that I have more control than when using power tools.

My other love is creating jewelry.  I am in partnership with Debra McKee and Mary Heldenbrand in Twisted Sister Designs located in Mesa, Arizona.  We create unusual one of a kind jewelry designs and teach classes.  Check out our website: 

 www.twistedsistersdesigns.net

  Preparing for Parade of Souls has been very fun. I have always loved Halloween and remember my brother and me, as children getting ready for Trick or Treating. Living in the Midwest was a challenge deciding which costume to wear. Because of the cold weather, my mother always vetoed the beautiful princess and superman costumes in the stores, so we usually wore my dad’s clothes and dressed as hobos. We rubbed charcoal all over our faces to give us a heavy beard. I loved carving my jack-o-lantern…maybe that is where my love of carving originated.

I am originally from Illinois; after living in seven states I settled in Arizona.  I have two grown children and two handsome grandsons with a granddaughter due in October. My cats, Patchy and Samantha keep me company and are very interested in what I am doing; they are always right in the middle of my wood chips!!

Meet Our Arizona Artists

Meet

Olivia Thomas

of

Olive Rose!

Olivia's work has been featured in Art Doll magazine as well as Sommerset Magazine Holiday Editions, her work has been sold and shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and in the American Folk Art Museum NYC.

Art has been a part of my life from an early age. 

My father was an accomplished artist and illustrator.

I have many fond memories of coloring with pencils and chalks alongside dad as he worked at his
drafting table.

  My grandmother unleashed my sewing creativity when she
taught me to make a doll dress from her scrap basket. 

From this humble beginning , an artist was born.
I graduated with a design degree,  hoping to enter the fashion world.

Who knew this would lead to designing doll clothing. 

 My many professional  paths have led me to create, 

Olive Rose, my FolkArt line.

Each art piece is created  to reflect my particular style ;outsider meets whimsy.

My work is featured in  shops and galleries across the United States and Canada. 

 Halloween  is my favorite holiday ! 

Growing up with a strong church influence, a nun outfit was my go to costume for trick or treat . 

We are excited to have Olivia joining us at the PARADE OF SOULS show!

You may also find Olivia and her amazing work at the following locations:

Art Unraveled Art Unraveled
Oliverose.comoliverose.com

To email Olivia CLICK HERE