Spotlights

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Brandon Guy Smith! Brandon is a glass maker and metal worker from Factoryville. He is the head of the glass program at Keystone College where he teaches and makes his own creations. His work switches between representational and nonrepresentational sculpture, functional ware and installation work. Occasionally, he incorporates imagery into his vessels at times, as well as mixed media and found objects. Brandon began his journey by earning an…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Meghan D’Agostino, the owner of Sugar Lush, an at-home, made-to-order bakery! As a child, Meghan always played it safe. She was taught to be smart and have backup plans and to keep her dreams limited to her mind. Because of this, her actions have always been thought and analyzed from every angle, and then re-thought again.  After graduating high school, Meghan completed a bachelor’s in nursing. However, something was…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Melanie Quintanilla! Melanie and Natalie are two sisters who run Find and Beautify. Together, they revitalize old, rundown furniture into new pieces. With concentration and ambition, the pieces are transformed and given a new life. They also create custom home decor pieces perfect for gifts, statement pieces, or finishing touches for any room.  Their journey started when Melanie and Natalie’s friends began moving into their own apartments. Typically, their…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Staci Srebro! Staci is a Factoryville local, animal lover, and fan of anything horror, wiccan, or gothic. She creates her own ceramics, making everything from mugs to sculptures.  She graduated from Keystone College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics and printmaking. Since clay is from the earth, Staci feels connected to nature when she works with it. She enjoys taking the soft medium…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Kristen Fisher! Kristen was born and raised in NEPA and currently resides in Plains with her husband and children. Kristen is a self-employed business coach and youth soccer volunteer. In her spare time she owns and operates 6 Fish Pottery, a small batch pottery studio.  Kristen always loved creating. From sewing and crocheting to drawing and cake decorating, she’s always been immersed in a creative outlet. In 2020, Kristen…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Ryan Sotelo! Originally from Shickshinny, Ryan currently manages Barre-Bones Paranormal, a NEPA-based paranormal page that shares their findings on the history of hauntings in the area. Ryan is also a travel photographer and drone pilot.  The work that the Barre-Bones groups does can be summed up in 3 words: abandoned, haunted, and history. They showcase paranormal stories from NEPA while also giving insight into local history, legends, and lore.…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Kyle Hoo! Kyle is a multimedia interdisciplinary artist and Scranton resident who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. In 2010, he moved to Pennsylvania to attend Kutztown University where he majored in Photography and Time-Based Experimental Media.  His creative journey began in high school, where the classes Kyle took allowed him to explore various creative outlets. After receiving awards and exhibitions in local galleries in Milford, PA,…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Carina Havenstrite from Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm! Carina is a mother, wife, and owner of an alpaca farm. Located in Covington Township, Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm offers a variety of 100% USA made and sourced alpaca products, including socks, hats, and gloves. Additionally, they offer seasonal farm visits and even on-site events such as yoga and painting. Recently, the animals have been making it to community events…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Ashlee Harry! Born and raised in NEPA, Ashlee Harry is a creative writer with 3 self-published books under her belt. Growing up, her love for reading blossomed into an interest in writing. At age 11, she wrote her autobiography in big purple font before it was lost to the world (remember to hit save!), but that wouldn’t be her last time writing her story. In 11th grade, she submitted…

Every Sunday, we turn the spotlight on some great creatives. This week, we have Brendan Brisk! Brendan is an artist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist out of Wilkes-Barre, PA. Brendan has been an artist for as long as they could remember, but more recently, they started to embrace their identity. Brendan is a self-taught musician, but the internet has given them resources to hone their craft.  In 2016, they saw the release of their debut album, Astral Counterfeit: a solo excursion that explores funk,…