Immigrant Artisan Network

Meet Marleni Gutierrez, a Venezuelan artist who has been with us at our Immigrant + Refugee Artisans Booth since our first event. She makes and sells jewelry, mostly made with copper wire and colorful thread, as well as wooden painted statues. She had her own shop in Venezeula called Hippie's Arte Urbano, or Hippie's Urban Art. She says, "I am working to show American people that Venezuela has talented, good, and hardworking people, and they are looking for an opportunity to show that. Viva Venezuela, and all the immigrants that are in this country starting from scratch!" Follow Marleni’s work on her facebook page.

Lilian Amisi is a jewelry maker who makes paper bead jewelry. She's originally from the Congo, but learned how to make her paper bead jewelry while living in Uganda. She and her family have been in Pittsburgh for almost 2 years, and they like the friendly people, not to mention all the bridges! Her son, Emmanuel, helps her with her new Etsy shop and with selling at local markets when he's not in college or at work. Jewelry making is a side business for now, but they plan to have their own shop in the future for extra income. See and buy Lilian’s jewelry on her etsy shop.

Jackie is the owner of Joyeria Artesanal CON AMOR (Artisanal Jewelry with Love). Her jewelry features beautiful semi-precious stones from Mexico. This Pittsburgher hails from San Luis Potosí, México, and has lived here for five years. Her main motivation for her jewelry business is to raise funds for medical expenses for her son, who was born with a severe heart condition. Follow or buy her work on her facebook page, etsy shop, and instagram.

Alma Briyido is a Méxican artist who has been selling her artwork at the All for All Immigrant + Refugee Artisans Booth this summer in Market Square. Her shop is called El Rincon del Arelquín, which means Harlequin’s corner. She makes a variety of knitted items as well as decorative bottles. She says, "Since I was in México and was very young, I have liked art and making my own creations very much. I spend almost all of my free time dedicated to my artwork. I love to crochet and do cross-stitch among other types of craft." Follow her work on her facebook page.

Kardelens Fiber Arts Group is led by Serap Uzunoglu and her friends from the Turkish community. The Turkish word “kardelens” is the name of a flower that symbolizes resilience. They chose this name because their group is trying to support the Turkish community with the sales they make at craft markets. Their work features embroidered jewelry and greeting cards, as well as marble art fans and more. The Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh has been teaching them how to make these crafts, and they’re very appreciative. Serap says that at first, their goal was to help the ladies in the group get accustomed to their new surroundings faster. She says, “We became aware that we can have a place in the community and we gained our self-confidence again, like we had in our country. We hope to support other newcomers as All for All and the Fiber Arts Guild did for us.” Buy their work on their etsy shop.

Ricardo Solis is a Costa Rican artist who makes art out of reclaimed materials. His business is called Costa RicART, with products ranging from bottle cap keychains and magnets to wallets made from plastic bags. Some products give a nod to Pittsburgh, with images of our city's bridges, while other products celebrate his native Costa Rica, with images of sloths and other animals found there. He loves the fact that he can reuse what someone else throws away, and it's an affordable way to make art. He says, "I love to see people's expressions when I tell them I make my own homemade paper or that I create fabric out of plastic bags." He says they are always amazed and happy to buy his products. He adds, "Thanks to All for All, I've not only been able to show my products to a bigger audience, but I've also been able to meet all these other talented artists from around the world." Ricardo is studying graphic design and has the goal of sharing his art with bigger audiences, promoting the idea that trash can be turned into art. He says he wants to leave "an artistic footprint rather than an ecological footprint." Visit his website or follow him on instagram.

Meet Dariana and Jordin, owners of Dary’s Accessories. They sell jewelry, purses, and more. Dariana started designing with a goldsmith in Venezuela as her first job related to this field. Their goal is to acquaint the public with Venezuelan culture and display Venezuelan art and talent. They’d also like to eventually have their own store in Pittsburgh. The whole family, including their son Fernando, works together in the business to develop designs and market their business. Follow them on instagram and facebook for updates.

Htwe and Alex are originally from Myanmar but lived in Malaysia for a period of time. They started making jewelry in Malaysia to occupy themselves, and realized they had a passion for making handmade art. Currently, they have started Phoza Jewelry and make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more! They use wax thread, metals, and even bone in their unique products!

Kamilia is an artisan from Egypt, and she makes jewelry and accessories, including hats, scarves, and decorations. Kamilia has been crocheting for several years and would make accessories for herself and for her friends to give as gifts. She started making accessories as a way to take up spare time, and quickly realized that she found happiness and a hobby in arts and craft-making.