St. Louis metalsmith, jewelry designer, and mixed-media artist Kate Valleroy got her start in the arts early. Born in to a family of makers- Mom was an artist and Grandpa liked to tinker with wood- Kate was destined to create. Her earliest creations were car-sized sculptures made of wood that she and her brother crafted out of her grandfather’s scrap bin. Once assembled, a celebratory bonfire was lit to make way for the next masterpiece…

In college, Kate studied design and metal smithing and spent a year in Italy studying with masters. Her love of arts blossomed in to a teaching career. She got her start teaching arts and crafts classes at Laumeier Sculpture park, then later at Maryville University where she currently works. Kate is also the founder of Red Anvil Art- her arts and crafts business. Kate’s unique collection of jewelry is  made with new and upcycled materials. Findings, chain, fabric, toys, and trinkets collected from years of thrifting, yard sales, and estate sales are the foundation of her pieces. Her eclectic style makes for eye-catching, one-of-a-kind wearable art. If you get the chance to meet this fabulous lady, don’t be surprised if you get a hug from your new best bud Kate – her warm and friendly personality have made her a favorite among local artists.

Kate’s current project, Indie Craft Revolution, is a collaboration with the St. Louis Craft Mafia (of which she is a member). She and her co-chair, Nancy Leubbers of Evil Little Girls, have produced what is sure to be a dynamite show with more than 60 vendors.

Held at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild on the grounds of Oak Knoll Park in Clayton, this show kicks off the craft show season with a big bang this weekend (March 13 & 14) and features high quality local arts and crafts. The Upcycle Exchange will be on hand too – so if you’ve been hoping to find a home for some of those odds and ends you have been collecting, you can bring them to the show to drop off.  Just be sure to check the list online to make sure your goodies are among those requested. Admission to the show is free, and it runs 10 to 6 on Saturday, 10 to 4 on Sunday.

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.