Daydream Studio is a small business that serves as the creative outlet for the duo of Amber Gerard and Lynn McKeown. Although these lovely ladies have found a great niche and are well known for their witty and unique handmade buttons, their vision for Daydream is dynamic and ever-changing. “Daydream Studio is a collaboration between Lynn and myself to pursue anything crafty,” explains Amber.
Amber and Lynn have been creating together for more than three years and about a year ago, Amber took the leap into being a working artist for her full time job. With assistance from Lynn, Amber makes herself busy with attending markets and shows and selling buttons at local shops. Lynn, outside of Daydream Studios, works for the Community Media Center in their education department. “I teach film, animation and video to anyone who is willing,” shares Lynn. Lynn’s experience through the CMC has lead the two towards their own youtube channel featuring Grand Rapids communities, areas and events.
Daydream Studios has consistently been involved with Avenue for the Arts and finds support and inspiration through this artist community. “Everyone at The Avenue is awesome,” brags Amber. “When you work with people from The Avenue you can tell they love what they do. Having been a vendor at many events, we discovered vendors are treated like royalty,” comments Amber who explains that Daydream Studios sees The Avenue as a great support system for artists and artisans in the community who are trying to become working artists. This duo has not only enjoyed working and volunteering at Avenue events, but through the community they have met many of the contacts for the shops they now sell buttons at through The Avenue. “The Avenue just draws in a good type of people,” comments Amber.
Talking about future and long term possibilities Amber and Lynn explain their day dream of opening a small cafe or juice bar possibly on Division Avenue that would also function as a gallery space, inviting guests to stay, work and soak in the atmosphere. “I love feeling surrounded by crafty stuff, it makes me feel more creative and inspired,” explains Amber who wants to be able to someday offer this sort of creative space to the downtown community.
Daydream Studios has made recent appearances at Art.Downtown., Free Radical and Record Store Day at Vertigo Music. Their buttons can be found at many locations around Grand Rapids including Minty Keen, Rebel Reclaimed, The Sparrows, UICA, Vertigo Music, Bartertown, and more.
This year at The Market Daydream Studios will, of course, have buttons, but will also have handmade greeting cards, knitted goods, upcycled vintage jewelry and whatever other treasures they decide to pursue.
Check this creative duo out at The Market this year on June 8th and July 13th, from 12pm-8pm on their spot along Division Avenue.
Written by Danielle Lynn Dunn
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