Celebrating A Year Of Art And Creativity On Main Street, Hudson Ohio

HUDSON, Ohio - Nov. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- For the past year, artists Karen Koch and Dana Giel-Ray have brought art to Main Street, Hudson. They established their art studios on the 2nd floor of 220 N. Main Street where Koch owns Life Needs Art, a painting studio, and Giel-Ray owns Bellabor Art Jewelry, creating chain maille jewelry.

Opening art studios and becoming full-time artists was a life-long dream for both women. Marking their first year of pursuing their passion is a milestone that they are excited to share. To celebrate, the artists invite the community to join them for an anniversary party on Friday, November 14, 5-8pm (during the 2nd Friday Art Hop) and on Saturday, November 15, noon – 5.

On the evening of November 14, the artists will share their studios for a one-night-only trunk show with Debbie Armstrong of Hand-n-Hand Creations. Armstrong creates warm and cozy wearable crocheted art.

The studios at 220 N. Main Street are actual working spaces. The artists are on site every day working on their latest creations. “We love to have visitors stop in so that we can show them our artistic processes in action. Our work is all one-of-a-kind and handmade,” says Giel-Ray.

The first year has been good to them. Originally, the artists shared one studio space. In April 2014, they expanded into a second space that gives them for more room to create, teach art classes, and display their work.

Over the year, both women have grown and matured as artists as a result of having plenty of time and space to create. Their work has become larger, more complex, and more ambitious in ways they had never imagined a mere year ago. Working on their individual art yet with another artist close by allows them to discuss ideas and work through creative blocks in ways that would not be possible alone.

Because they have seen the benefits of working with each other, Koch and Giel-Ray are big believers in artistic collaboration. They are part of the artists and galleries spearheading the 2nd Friday Art Hops in Hudson. “Hudson has a remarkable, thriving arts scene,” says Koch. “I’m proud to work with artists of such high caliber. Yet so many of us are tucked away in unlikely spaces, making us a hidden treasure until you know where to look.”

Bringing awareness to not only their art but that of others, is a passion that Koch and Giel-Ray share.

About Bellabor Art Jewelry: Bellabor Art Jewelry is run by Dana Giel-Ray, a jewelry artist specializing in chain maille whose work has been widely exhibited throughout the U.S. She is a member of Maille Artisans International League and Ohio Designer Craftsmen.  For more information, visit: http://www.Bellabor.com

About Life Needs Art: Life Needs Art is the studio of Karen Koch, who makes abstract art inspired by nature and nostalgia. For more information, visit: http://www.LifeNeedsArt.com

Both businesses are based in Hudson, Ohio.