In December of 2017 Lunalu was featured in a local newspaper article about the Last Minute Market, at the B&O station, hosted by the Artists of the Rust Belt. What a surprise this was to wake up to and an honor to be chosen as a feature. There are many talented artists that partake in these show. You can read the full article below and see who else was mentioned.

​

By William K. Alcorn

alcorn@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

​

Artists of the Rust Belt’s ninth annual Last Minute Christmas Market put the unique and creative works of local artists on display and for sale Sunday at the B&O Station in Youngstown.

​

And, for those who leave their Christmas gift shopping almost literally to the last minute, Artists of the Rust Belt is having another show and sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 23 at the B&O, 530 Mahoning Ave., near downtown.

​

“It’s a unique shopping experience,” said Tony Nicholas, Youngstown photographer and co-coordinator of the event with Amy Komara of Youngstown, manager of the B&O.

​

Nicholas was among the 40 vendors, who are passionate about their work, that set up shop at Sunday’s sale offering a wide variety of creations. His images are Youngstown-centric, some of which are collages of new and old photos, he said.

​

Handmade products of Ken Schenker Creations, which can be reached at schenkerken@gmail.com, include live-edge tables made with tree slabs, rocking horses and cutting boards.

​

In her day job, Lauren Potts-Novotak of Austintown does data entry and social media work for a local company. But her avocation for the past nine years has been creating gemstone jewelry using such materials as tourmaline, aquamarine and citrine.

​

As a published jewelry designer, Potts-Novotak’s work and tutorials have appeared in crafting catalogues. Her business, Lunalu Artisan Jewelry can be reached at lunalujewelry@yahoo.com.

​

Niles Atty. Jason Rebraca describes his handmade wooden pens as “unique, practical gifts.” Ranging in price from about $15 to $75, Rebraca’s pens are made from American cherry and oak to exotic cocobolo wood from Central America and olive tree wood from Bethlehem. The construction process includes turning the wood on a lathe to get the desired shape, drilling out the center to accommodate the working pieces and sand and polish the finished product.

​

Other works of art for sale included paintings, ceramics, pottery and homemade candy.

​

“Dec. 23 will be the last chance for a unique shopping experience … to see things you wouldn’t see in a chain store,” said Nicholas.