I sold jewelry for 30 years, then went into teaching. I have a hubby and two boys with special needs. This will be my first show with this line of jewelry, but I have participated in three Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows. Nature inspires me to create.
I got into the craft hobby after I lost my job, and I discovered my talent through a business I worked for. I would describe my creative process as inventive and spontaneous. I am currently not working, so I hope it will make a difference in our income.
The message behind my work is to stay down to earth.
Meet Gayle Hammer from Whimsical Wire Gifts...
I have always been creative myself and have loved to purchase colorful, artsy products. I just recently decided this past September to become an entrepreneur out of my own need. As a high school physics teacher, I was always putting my glasses down somewhere or placing them on top of my head, and the kids in my class were always helping to find them for me.
I hunted online for something colorful, handmade, and fun to use as an eyeglass strap but found nothing out there. After recently retiring, I decided to be creative and design my own whimsical, one-of-a-kind, colorful aluminum wire eyeglass chains so that I never misplace my reading glasses or sunglasses again!
Based on suggestions of customers at my first Avant-Garde show in December, I have also created lanyard chains, necklaces, and earrings to match the colors and designs of many of the eyeglass chains that you see at my booth and on my Etsy site (etsy.com/shop/WhimsicalWireGifts).
I really look forward to watching my business grow and to expand my products based on the needs of my customers. I hope you find a design that represents your personality and enjoy wearing your purchase as much as I loved making it for you.
My name is Mandy Vecchio, abstract artist and owner of MHV Fine Art LLC. I live in Twinsburg, Ohio with my husband, Matt. My connection to art has been a defining part of my identity since childhood. From an early age, I immersed myself in the creative process, which has become a constant source of inspiration and expression throughout my life.
Growing up in Fremont, Ohio, I spent my summers at the lake, where my fascination with water and the beauty of nature blossomed. This deep appreciation for the natural world has significantly shaped my artistic perspective. Later, while pursuing my education in southeastern North Carolina, I developed a lasting affection for the state—an experience that further nurtured my vision as an artist.
I hold two Associate Degrees—one in Graphic Design and the other in Fine Arts—along with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. For twelve years, I thrived as a full-time graphic designer in the corporate world. However, my unwavering passion for painting led me to make a transformative decision: to leave the corporate world behind and dedicate myself fully to my fine art business.
I would say I’ve been an artist since I was old enough to hold a crayon. In fact, I won an art contest as a preschooler, competing against older children. As for my art business, I recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in February.
This will be my first Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show.
My work is driven by a profound passion for creating unique pieces that evoke the emotions of nature, reflecting the visual elements of land, sea, and sky. I celebrate the beauty of the world around us, honoring the artistry of our Creator.
During college, I excelled in realism but viewed it more as a technical skill than as a form of pure expression. I had always been drawn to abstract art because it represented the artist’s vision and, to me, true artistry. After experimenting with both realism and abstraction post-college, I found myself naturally gravitating toward abstract work.
I cannot recall a specific moment when I discovered my talent—art has simply always been part of my life. Even as a child, whenever I created something, I always thought of others. I cherished the joy of gifting someone a piece I had made just for them. For me, creating art has always been an act of love.
I approach each piece without a set plan. My inspiration comes from my travels, photographs I’ve taken, or simply the view outside my window. With a chosen palette of acrylic colors, I let the vision unfold as I paint—sometimes staying true to the original idea and other times allowing the piece to transport me somewhere entirely unexpected, much like a dream. I often finish each artwork with subtle touches of gold leaf, adding depth, light, and a sense of vitality to the piece.
In five years, I hope to be consistently selling my art—whether through my website or new partnerships—while also participating in occasional in-person events. I’d also love to teach other artists how to build successful careers and potentially mentor a college art intern, helping them learn the ropes of running an art business.
The message behind my work is rooted in deep appreciation and gratitude for our planet and the majestic beauty of nature we’ve been gifted. I hope to evoke feelings of bliss, peace, and tranquility, and to spark special memories—emotions similar to those that nature inspires in me. Above all, I want to celebrate the beauty of the world around us and honor the artistry of our Creator.
