Edwardsville Art Fair to Feature Jewelry Artist Rhonda Gurgone, With Koller, McDermit

(These are artists that will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair. The art fair is set for Sept. 25-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park).

EDWARDSVILLE - The artists featured on Wednesday are Rhonda Gurgone, Ian Koller and Randall McDermit.

Artist #1

Artist Name: Rhonda Gurgone
Medium: Jewelry
Artist Statement: "I believe that the jewelry we wear should not only look beautiful, but also tell a story. The antique buttons I use in my pieces are selected for their unique design and historical significance — most are approximately 120 years old. I pair them with hand-forged mixed metals and semi-precious stones to transform them into wearable works of art and give them new life. Each piece includes a description and brief history of the button used. My goal is to create jewelry that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and sentimental."

Artist #2

Artist Name: Ian Koller
Medium: Mixed Media
Artist Statement: "Ookaloos are small, whimsical curios, each handmade by artist Ian Koller without the use of molds or patterns — making every piece a one-of-a-kind original. “Ooks” come in a wide array of characters, forming an ever-expanding universe of creativity. What began as a simple parliament of owls quickly grew into a world of curiously whimsical creations, shaped by fan suggestions and a love of storytelling. These brightly colored oddities truly live up to their name: Uniquely Kooky Curios."

Artist #3

Artist Name: Randall McDermit
Medium: Painting
Artist Statement: "I am an acrylic painter primarily interested in the dramatic expression of the human form. I use vivid color, bold lines, and geometric compositions to accentuate those dramatic elements. My process is intuitive rather than planned —beginning with chaos and shaping it into a finished product that engages the viewer."

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