On June 13 and 14, from noon – 6 pm, InLiquid presents Art for the Cash Poor 16. This year, Go Mad for Art as the three-day event includes all the elements that drive us crazy-in-love with Philadelphia’s creative sector. Over 100 arts vendors will be twisting every medium imaginable into jewelry, photography, printmaking, graphic art, painting, sculpture, and more.
Sara Gallo obsessively repurposes doll shoes into necklaces and bracelets, thereby giving childhood tangible color and form. At Art for the Cash Poor, she’ll be adding a bit of bling to her Barbie with a selection of sterling silver bangles.
Could you tell me a bit about your arts background?
As a kid, I always found a way to make jewelry out of whatever I could, so it makes sense that I’d end up in a jewelry program in college. I attended Millersville University for Fine Arts and Art Education, taught art to grades 9-12 for two years, then went on to Tyler School of Art’s Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM graduate program.
How did you come up with the idea for your doll shoe series?
The Doll Shoe Series started with a bracelet made using all of my old Barbies’ shoes. It was really popular amongst my friends and I even had women buy bracelets I was wearing when I went out. I decided to create jewelry using Barbie shoes that were inspired by the first original bracelet, but were even better designed- with form and color in mind.
What’s your best Barbie Doll story from childhood? (We all have one.)
My Barbies were very promiscuous! They were all in tumultuous relationships (mainly with my troll dolls) and were so jealous of each other’s wardrobes, they never shared clothes. My childhood friend, and avid player of Barbie dolls (with me), now models all of my jewelry on my website… we joke about how much playing with Barbie has affected our adult lives!
People can purchase your work in boutiques as far away as Tokyo. Do you think it’s the nostalgic and humorous quality of your work that gives it such universal appeal?
It is definitely the nostalgic and humorous quality of my work that gives it such universal appeal! Everybody loves to laugh!
Will you have any other work available for sale at AFTCP?
I’m going to bring along some of my fine jewelry pieces as well as the fashion jewelry. I’m most excited to sell my Adjustable Sterling Bangle Bracelets that will have all sorts of Barbie accessories as charms!
What are you looking forward to the most about this year’s AFTCP?
At AFTCP, I’m really looking forward to networking with other artists and anyone who is passionate about art.
The weekend-long fair invites attendees to navigate the Crane Arts space, which will be bursting with art vendors, live musical performances, culinary curiosities, and an outdoor beer garden. The addition of a Friday night ticketed preview party on June 12, 5:30 – 9 pm, serves as a meet-and-greet with the artists and a fundraiser for AIDS Fund, offering guests an exclusive sneak-peek at the festivities to follow
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