Simone Archer and Adriane Dedic started the annual Newark Artists Open Studios event 23 years ago and always look forward to sharing their techniques, displaying their newest art, and offering unique gift items for the holiday season including jewelry, handmade purses, fashion scarves, decorative ceramic tiles, glass platters, vases and gift sets. In 2024, glass artist Emelie Rogers will also be at Dedic’s studio, while fiber artist Helen Nielsen will be at Archer’s studio. On Dec. 7 and 8 from 11am to 4pm, locals are invited to enjoy holiday cookies and hot cider as they browse the array of art and chat with the artists.
Adriane Dedic displayed her textile art at the de Young Museum in San Francisco in 2023. At first glance, her art looks like a painting but she actually collages small pieces of fabric to create whimsical or figurative designs. Her award-winning Klimt-inspired textile collages are filled with metallic gold and jewel toned fabrics. She also has her favorite designs on fashionable long silky scarves, pillows, tote bags and marble coasters.
At her studio, Simone Archer’s will fire fused glass jewelry and ceramic pieces on her kiln. She will share secrets of her plein air painting, a technique that allows her to be immersed in the natural landscape and lose all sense of time, whether in local vineyards, the streets of Niles, or on the coast listening to powerful rushing waves. Her collection of iridescent glass jewelry and colorful ceramic wall tiles makes for wonderful holiday gifts.
Award-winning glass artist Emelie Rogers will display her stunning glass vases, platters and decorative pieces at Dedic’s studio. Rogers uses copper, enamels and powdered glass to create eye-catching images of sea turtles, mermaids, and exotic flora and fauna. Using metal inclusions, she creates shimmering effects on her glass plaques, wall art, and centerpieces that are in both private and public collections. She has applied her designs to small glass trays that work perfectly for soap, candies or assorted teas. In addition, Emelie has wonderful glass holiday ornaments as well as gorgeous dichroic jewelry.
Fiber artist Helen Nielson will be at Archer’s studio with handmade fabric purses and wallets made of colorful fun prints including flowers, turtles, abstracts and snowmen. The purses range in sizes from small to large and even over the shoulder style. Fabric wallets also easily fit in a purse to hold credit cards, driver’s license, money and small items.
This is the perfect opportunity to chat with artists behind the scenes, and to choose a unique artist designed gift item, a beautiful décor piece, or brighten a home with a new work of art. This annual event is free and open to the public.
Newark Open Studios
Saturday, Dec. 7
Sunday, Dec 8
11am – 4pm
36541 Cherry St.: Artists Simone Archer, Helen Nielsen
35911 Ruschin Dr.: Artists Adriane Dedic, Emelie Rogers
