The Phoenix

… an Austin, TX, artist owned and managed, co-operative, selling original artistic works, clothing, jewellery, furniture, bags, and other artisan items. We strive to create and sell work that is fun, high-end (but not necessarily high budget), and thoughtful.

The Phoenix will look to meet the needs of the community through hosting events, such as live music, classes, open air markets, etc., and maintaining not only an environment that is welcoming to shoppers and art collectors, but a place that people can feel comfortable being present and “hanging out,” talking and creating with all of the members of the co-operative.

MEET THE MEMBERS…

Aaron Bir

“I’ve been a professional artist who has worked in fine art and illustration for a number of years, selling unique fine art pieces and creating custom art on a commission basis. My paintings are primarily completed in water media, but I’m often inspired by mixing in new media (oils, spray paint, graphite, charcoal, what-have-you) and playing with toys/tools. The subject matter ranges from portraiture, to pop art, to surrealism, to exploration of symbol, to animals, to abstract, with a focus on heavy contrast and light and, typically, in a minimal palette.”
Learn more about Aaron and his work at sequentialstutter.com

Alenna Sandy

“I am a mixed media artist who focuses on collage and encaustics.  I’ve worked with collage for the past 12 years, and generally begin these mixed media pieces by deconstructing old books and photos – sometimes on canvas and often directly on the paper.  Recently, I’ve begun to paint with encaustics, which is a combination of beeswax, damar resin and pigment, and is applied in heated form.  In my work, I often focus on memories and nostalgia, and generally let the vintage ephemera I incorporate guide my finished design.  I attempt to reveal the subtle nuances of humor and melancholy residing in the objects I use, and hope that those who view my work find each piece tells a unique story.  I usually ascribe a meaning to each creation, but I love when someone else has a completely different interpretation.”
Learn more about Alenna and her work at alennamariesandy.com

Barbara Pate

“I am an artist/designer of a collection of one of a kind handmade jewelry, leather & textile satchels originating of “green”materials. My inspiration comes from a mixture of vintage, southwestern and Native American influences. I love to design and create pieces that have a purpose and that make a statement. Growing up loving just to be able to have a unique creative side has always in my eyes been accepted as a blessing for my soul. My designs definitely portrays a lot about my own character and unique personality and I love sharing that with other people.”
Learn more about Barbara and her work at merci-handmadevintage.com

Frank Botello

I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelors of Art and a minor in Business. After several years in the business world I gave it up to pursue my true passion and have been a working artist ever since. I draw inspiration from many different art movements, and my own work is characterized by bold colors and loose brushstrokes that create movement in all of my paintings.
Learn more about Frank and his work at frankbotello.com

 Jeanne Philquist

“Hi!  I make small oil paintings with a folk art bent.   Alas, they usually have minds of their own.  (All by itself, a stiff cat will interject into the most serious of compositions, or a point will grow out of the head of an otherwise very sincere lady.)   I collect vintage and antique frames, and use them for my pieces when they suit the mood.  I also collect small oddities, handmade items, natural formations and vintage or antique objects with patina or charm.  Sometimes I form them into vignettes, but I also offer them for sale as is.  My best feedback is when a client or visitor lights up with a smile or laugh of recognition at my paintings or vignettes. I hope you will visit and look at my collections.”

Jennifer June

“I am a women’s and children’s clothing designer inspired by whimsy, humor and versatility.  My signature piece is a patented design called The Magic Dress that can be worn 30+ different ways and is truly unique in the industry.  The Magic Dress and I have been on many adventures together, the most significant being TLC‘s reality show “Homemade Millionaire“, hosted and produced by Kelly Ripa.  As the winner, I went on to sell The Magic Dress live on HSN and haven’t stopped since.  It has been called “fresh” and “young” by Mark Badgely of Badgley Mischka and is appropriate and flattering to a variety of body types and ages.  I love giving the woman wearing my designs the final say as the designer and giving her options as the challenges of her day and life unfold.”
Learn more about Jennifer and her work at www.byjenniferjune.com

Joshua Meadows and Farrah Nada
Josh and I are a ‘yin and yang’ style collaboration of sculptors that makes up the Haven Meadows Studio. We work primarily in bone, making otherworldly creatures which vary in size, shape and form: free standing, wall mounted and shadow box. We aim to creatively re-purpose natural materials in a way that challenges the mind and lures the imagination to a place of wonder. Learn more about Joshua and Farrah and their work at bonesculptures.com
Julia D’Angelo and Izabella Gavric

Wicked Whatnots is a team of two friends;Julia D’Angelo and Izabella Gavric.  We have been dabbling in all kinds of mixed media art for years as a hobby.  We finally decided to put all our energy into our arts and crafts full time!  We still do a lot of dabbling, which is why we had to put the word “whatnots” in our name.  Our current joy is graphic designs and enhanced photos which we make a variety of jewelry from using U.S. pennies!  We just recently added a new line of hats to our collection of whatnots.  The designs and ideas are forever changing which keeps it very interesting for us and our customers too!  You can see more about Wicked Whatnots at www.wickedwhatnots.com or https://www.facebook.com/wickedwhatnots.

Justin Telepak

“I am an artist, wood worker, musician and real life adventurer.  My work is a mash up of skill sets, styles and mediums.  I trained as a guitar builder but enjoy making furniture, lighting and sculpture.”
Learn more about Justin and his work at indioarts.com

Kit and Derek Gray

“We are a husband and wife collaboration of jewellery designers and soapmakers. Our house is filled with sticks, dried weeds, feathers, stones, animal bones, and odd antiquities. We believe that our love of the natural world and our anachronistic sensibilities are felt in our jewellery designs. Armed with hammers, saws, and torches, we turn recycled sterling silver and gemstones into original, wearable art. Our love of creating things by hand and our growing desire for a return to more simple, timeless values has carried over into our soapmaking. We use the old-fashioned cold process soapmaking method to turn organic, sustainable ingredients into soap that is good for us and our planet.”
Learn mor about Kit and Derek’s work at www.magpiestrick.com