By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team
The season is here for arts and craft shows. Concordia neighborhood is full of artists, designers and makers.
Calley Dodero is one of them, and she converts everyday objects into joyful bursts of magic. In her skillful hands, paper is converted into items of wonder. Her fruitful imagination brings forth ornaments, decorations, masks, jewelry, glittery houses, three-dimensional scenes and so much more.
Although some artists are burdened with carrying heavy loads and cumbersome displays into crafts shows, Calley delights in the ease of moving her products to market. She says she usually sells out and always has a great time.
Early inspiration came from her parents. “My background is rooted in craft and has been propelled by my parents,” she said.
Her father is a ceramic artist and her mother works in textiles. As a child, Calley helped them at craft shows and at the family art gallery in southern Oregon.
There she was instilled with a love of craft and design which lead her to work as a floral designer, event decorator, window dresser, paper crafter and jewelry designer.
As a compulsive crafter, she worked for seven years crocheting baby accessories and fingerless gloves which sold in stores throughout the Concordia area.
“This most current incarnation of my creative self has been inspired by a love of paper crafting and the exploration of the medium,” she explained. “As much as I love to create art pieces, I have always had a desire to connect art to the everyday.”
After designing a new piece, she will assess how to produce it economically and efficiently with a balance of passion and practicality. She says she appreciates the benefits of being self-employed and working at home with her two kids and her self-employed husband.
Calley displays a spark of joy and creativity in her home, personality and life. “I love all things vintage and am compelled to create all sorts of objects inspired by my collections.” She offers her wares online at CalleyDodero.squarespace.com and on Etsy. As for craft shows, she’s in four this year:
- Plucky Maidens Holiday Fest, Oaks Park, Nov. 16-17.
- Monticello Antique Vintage Christmas Show, 8600 S.E. Stark St., Nov. 16-Jan. 6.
- daVinci Arts Middle School Arts Fair, 2508 N.E. Everett St., Dec. 1.
- Crafty Wonderland, Oregon Convention Center, Dec 7-9. Calley’s items are on sale at:
- Frock, 1439 N.E. Alberta St.
- Blithe & Bonny, 4140 N. Williams Ave.
- Theas Vintage Living, 1204 N.E. Glisan St.
Contact her at CalleyDodero@yahoo.com.
After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@ gmail.com.