You are currently browsing the category archive for the ‘Meet the Models’ category.
Katie is one special lady. Not only is she a kind-hearted, compassionate individual who works with special needs children, she’s also my younger brother’s fiance – earning her a special place in my heart. Driven and active, Katie is passionate about serving others and teaching. She believes this is God’s calling for her life and knows how instrumental she can be in making a positive impact in peoples’ lives.
When Katie’s not busy working with kids or spending time with loved ones, you can find her stalking Pinterest, planning her wedding or cuddling with her sister’s dog. Something many people don’t know about Katie is that she is driven to scrap booking during thunderstorms. All that thunder and lightning ignites her creativity and we’re happy to see its results!
Meet Chella! This Chi-town girl is not just a pretty face. Working as a technician and trainer for Apple (yes the super duper tech giant), Chella gets her geek on while still remaining real.
While playing with the latest Mac gadget has it’s quirks, Chella’s real passion is photography. Having graduated from Columbia with a BFA in photography, Chella loves the creative license found in setting lights and creating scenes. And just in case her photography career doesn’t launch the way she hopes? Chella’s okay. Her backup plan? Joining a roller derby team or becoming a burlesque dancer.
In addition to her inner artist and techie, Chella is also an avid crafter who finds release in making things by hand. Currently she has been busting out her knitting skills making scarves while also baking cookies for her soon to be sugar-comatose boyfriend Eric. Her love of baking must be in her genes – she reflects fondly of her grandma’s “kifli” – a croissant-like bread stuffed with fresh feta cheese. Her ethnic roots, combined with her tech-savvy and pretty tough girl persona, make Chella a welcome addition to the Pierogi Picnic model lineup.
Welcome again Chella!
I just couldn’t resist sharing this adorable photo!
Fellow crafter and artist extroadinaire Angel D’Amico of Ad Love purchased one of my sweater bow ties at the Renegade Craft Fair. After bringing the piece home she made a wonderful discovery – her cat Mumu could rock the bow too!
This handsome gent looked so dapper in his new accessory that it inspired me to design some duds for our furry friends. So keep your eyes peeled for some Pierogi Picnic Pet items soon!
Perhaps I’m somewhat biased, but David Paul Downs is one of the kindest, most creative, hard-working individuals I’ve ever known. He’s also my husband. A gifted artist, musician, and cake-eater, David spends his days musings up new projects while canoodling with his beast friends Tomato, Peanut & Butter.
His painted works combine a neo-expressionist aesthetic with portraits of forgotten relics throughout the country. Using oils and organic materials, David’s paintings evoke a haunting nostalgia for the greatness of forgotten cultures, even pieces of our own. His latest musical project New Oceans follows a similar trajectory as it combines upbeat rocker melodies with early 80s industrial rhythms. And when combined with his thought-provoking lyrics the music inspires as much as it forces you to reflect.
You can catch all of David’s latest projects (which also include a recently published book) on his art and music websites.
Kelli is just a girl with her head in the clouds. A film, FX, and animation enthusiast – she loves to travel overseas or on an open road.
A woman on a mission – Kelli is a career adviser at the Institute of Art and shapes the futures of cinema’s budding filmmakers. When not busy making films herself, Kelli also coordinates events for Women in Film Chicago.
Kelli’s energy and with light up even the dullest of crowds. Having a debilitating weakness for kittens – she cherishes what little free time she has by cuddling up with her own four cats, spouse and a hot chai latte.
Jared migrated to Chicago from a small town in Ohio and now thrives in this new metropolis he calls home. A gifted painter, his ghostly creations infuse viewers with both curiosity and wonder as they gaze through a fog of paint where faces peer out from under the surface. Jared’s stunning art defies his cool and friendly demeanor.
Infinitely approachable with his grizzly beard and soft smirks – Jared spends his hours away from the studio reading, philosophizing, brewing coffee, napping, and canoodling with his dogs Frankenstein and Vera.
Jeannette is a talented jewelry designer and music lover who spends her time giggling and musing with friends in her vintage Chicago apartment.
Fascinated by various curios, some of Jeannette’s favorite films include Amelie, Donnie Darko and the Labyrinth.
When she’s not busy hopping and bopping you can find her bending circuits with a local hackers group.
