There is a grand community of artists in Syracuse – some well-known, some at the creative fringe, and others whom we have yet to discover. One of our aims on the Connective Corridor is to seek out these folks and highlight their endeavors. For the next several months, we will follow Briana Kohlbrenner and her trials and triumphs as an up-and-coming regional artist. Consider this an insider’s look into one local artist’s life. (For those of you who missed last month’s introduction, Bre’s a pretty cool gal, so check her out!)

Briana Kohlbrenner grew up in a family of artists in Brooklyn and has been creating art since elementary school. When she moved to Syracuse, she came with a dream of opening a hand-made art store. In November of 2009, this dream was realized in the form of Craft Chemistry, a small storefront on N. Salina that boasts a variety of local artists’ works. Brianna hopes Craft Chemistry – or C2 as it’s known among the hip – inspires people and shows that there are endless possibilities in their community.

On the path of inspiration, last year she and co-collaborator Vanessa Rose launched the Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market, which saw more than 800 folks through its doors. The market, which returns on Saturday, October 23, is a niche contemporary art market with a range of items from letter-press and screen-printed tees to modern ceramics and handmade jewelry.

This year, over 40 artists will display their wares and talents. When deciding which artists will have the privilege of showcasing their creations, Briana and Vanessa look for work that fits the contemporary style they strive for, while focusing on art that often stands outside of what you’d find at a typical craft fair. The resulting collection is mostly “indie-design” artwork, similar to what C2 has, and looks like it could be part of a display in an Urban Outfitters store.

Briana is particularly excited about this year’s market since many more artists will be in attendance, including Krista DeJoseph, a local metalsmith. “Her jewelry is just my taste, mixing industrial shapes with organic details. I admire that she constructs her pieces entirely by hand using traditional metalsmith techniques. And, they’re very reasonably priced!”

In addition to the Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market, Briana has her hands full with the next gallery show called “New Formula,” a collaborative installation that will be up from October 29-November 13. Drop by C2 for the free reception on Thursday, November 4, from 5-8pm, and listen to David Wax Museum at 7pm.

In the meantime, mark your calendar for Saturday, October 23, and plan to hop on the FREE bus that runs the Connective Corridor. Get off at the Case Supply building at 112 Wyoming Street, between W. Fayette and Marcellus Streets, and support our local artists.

Check in next month to see what’s up in Bre’s world!