He(ART) of Bellevue Weekly Spotlight: Bling! Bling!, Calcifer Glass, Carolyn Doe, and More

The Bellevue Downtown Arts Market is a vibrant event that celebrates the artistic talent and creativity of over 110+ artists. The Arts Market is a great way for these amazing artists show-off their incredible work. Get to know these artists better with this week's He(ART) of Bellevue spotlight featuring six exceptional artists who are excited to share their inspirations behind their creative passions.

Bling! Bling!
Artist: Cheril Cruden

What type of art do you create?

I create beaded jewelry.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

I draw inspiration from every where. I love color and my jewelry features a lot of it.

What is your latest project?

I'm in the process of creating a wire wrapped pearl cha-cha bracelet.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

I used to live in Bellevue and sell jewelry there. Come out and see me, I always have something new to share.

Calcifer Glass
Artist: Dayne Lopez

What type of art do you create?

I create handblown and sculpted glass garden art.

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I have been creating glass art for about 33 years.  

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I found my love for glassblowing in 1992 while working for the Glass Eye Studio in Seattle, Washington.

What is your latest project?

I'm currently working on perfecting the glass butterfly. 

Carolyn Doe
Artist: Carolyn Doe

What type of art do you create?

I create fine art using palette knifes, oils, and silk batiks.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

Whatever landscape I am living in or passing through. Trees and birds bring me constant inspiration.

What is your latest project?

I'm working on large impressionistic landscapes using palette knives. They mainly consist of big skies, distant fog, and trees.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

I love what I do.

Jenna Creates
Artist: Jenna Brechbiel

What type of art do you create?

I create original, modern watercolor paintings mounted to wood panels.     

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I developed my technique though teaching myself the process of painting with watercolor. I have found joy in the freedom of trying new things without fear of failure, just enjoying the process.

What is your latest project?

I am currently working on a lot of new circular shaped watercolor pieces, I love the unique shape.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

I would love to share how the beauty and joy of creating colorful, feminine watercolor has helped me with a daily battle of depression.

Seattle Stitchery
Artist: Laura Ruuska

What type of art do you create?

I create bright and colorful handmade bags and quilted accessories, sewn in small batches using reclaimed and eco-friendly fabrics!

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

I am a self-taught seamstress. I started sewing masks during the pandemic from YouTube videos, and have since branched out into more detailed and complicated projects, even engineering my own patterns! 

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your art?

Color is my major inspiration. I love choosing fabric, zippers and hardware with bright and colorful designs! I am also drawn to utility and functionality. Everything I sew is meant to be used!

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

I am a Seattle-native and I am happy to be able to bring bright color to our little corner of the world that can be so dreary for part of the year! I'm so excited to be invited to Bellevue for the first time!

The Vintage Jewel
Artist: Urszula Golod

What type of art do you create?

I create vintage button jewelry. 

How long have you been practicing your type of art?

I've been creating jewelry for about least 20 years. 

Where did you learn or develop your technique?

The actual weaving technique was learned from a class. All my designs are completely original.

What is something that you would like to share with the Bellevue community?

Support the arts! It’s fun and gets people to be creative.

The 2024 Bellevue Downtown Arts Market is generously supported by Amazon and the City of Bellevue.

See All 110+ Artists

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.