SHAPIRO'S : Rooted in American Craft

n this heartfelt episode, Mike, Matt, and Alena reflect on the deep-rooted impact Shapiro’s Gallery has had on the St. Petersburg community. From touching customer stories to the lasting relationships formed over decades, they explore how art and thoughtfully chosen gifts create powerful emotional bonds. More than a gallery, Shapiro’s has become a place of connection, celebration, and memory-makin...

In this episode of Shapiro’s: Rooted in American Craft , Alena sits down with celebrated jeweler Sarah Graham to explore her remarkable path from a pawn shop apprentice to a thriving artist based in Aspen, Colorado. Sarah opens up about her unconventional introduction to jewelry making, her pioneering use of cobalt chrome, and the natural elements that inspire her striking designs. The conversatio...

In this inspiring episode of Rooted in American Craft , Janet Sams shares her remarkable journey from a successful career in chemical engineering to becoming a celebrated glass artist. She delves into her creative process, the techniques that define her work, and how her style has evolved over the years. Janet also discusses the role of mentorship, the value of family collaborations, and the chall...

Welcome to "Rooted in American Craft," the podcast that delves into the stories and passions of artisans shaping the contemporary craft movement. In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Keleher, a self-taught jeweler whose path from a corporate career at Starbucks to full-time artistry is as inspiring as his designs. Jacob shares the evolution of his craft, the inspirations that fuel his...

Join Alena and Matt Shapiro as they take you live from Baltimore, where they attend a vibrant handcrafted wholesale show. In this episode, they dive deep into the significance of in-person handmade events within the craft industry, exploring how these shows foster meaningful connections between artists and buyers. With a focus on community building, they reflect on the evolution of these events an...

In this engaging episode of SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft , hosts Alena & Matt Shapiro sits down with artist Sondra Gerber to explore her remarkable evolution from fashion design to the world of metal sculpture. Sondra opens up about her journey, sharing stories from her experiences at the prestigious American-Made Show, and offering a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process....

In this episode of Rooted in American Crafts , Matt and Alena sit down with Jessie & Dan to explore the artistry, challenges, and evolution of American craftsmanship. Dan shares how his family's woodworking legacy shaped his journey, the intricacies of designing with unique wood types, and the balance of creativity and business in a small operation. They discuss the importance of quality o...

Join hosts Matt and Alena as they take you inside Shapiro’s Gallery, where American craft, handmade artistry, and community come together. In each episode, they share exciting updates on trunk shows, meet-the-artist events, and new arrivals, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and joys of running a gallery. From inventory management after the holiday rush to balancing fa...

In this heartwarming episode of Shapiro's Rooted in American Craft , siblings Matt and Alena open up about their experiences recovering from recent hurricanes and the challenges that came with it. They discuss the vital role of supporting local businesses during tough times and reflect on the joy of the upcoming holiday season. In addition to sharing personal stories about adopting new pets amid t...

This week on SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft, hosts Alena and Matt sit down with the Hillborn family, a beloved second-generation pottery studio. In this captivating conversation, the Hillborns share their inspiring journey through the world of ceramics, from the studio's origins to its evolution as a family-run enterprise. Discover the intricacies of their creative process, the art of...

In this insightful episode of SHAPIRO'S, hosts Alena & Matt Shapiro sit down with John Collins, the recently retired executive director of the St. Pete Arts Alliance. Join us as they explore the dynamic arts scene in St. Petersburg, Florida, and delve into the vital role of community support, organization, and funding in fostering artistic expression. Collins shares his experiences oversee...

In this compelling episode of SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft , hosts Matt and Alena sit down with the remarkable clockmaker Leonie Laquette. Journey with us as Leonie shares her unique path from the world of art and design to the intricate realm of clockmaking. Discover how her artistic background shapes her approach to creating functional art, and delve into the vital role of relationshi...

In this captivating episode of SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft, join us for an in-depth conversation with Meghan Patrice Riley, a contemporary jeweler whose artistry has graced the industry for over 15 years. Meghan takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, revealing the intricate journey from concept to exquisite finished piece. She shares how vital relationships and mentorship...

In this compelling episode of SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft , Alena sits down with Matt to delve into his personal journey of integrating into the family business and his influential role in the gallery. The conversation explores Matt's unique vision for the gallery and his deep-seated passion for design, highlighted by his creative venture into the world of t-shirt design. As they d...

Join hosts Matt and Alena as they dive into the mesmerizing world of glassblowing with the incredibly talented Scott Garrelts. In this week’s episode, Scott—an acclaimed glass artist from Kansas—shares the fascinating journey that led him from cold work to mastering the art of glassblowing. Discover how Scott creates his own glass from a blend of sand, soda ash, and lime, and learn about his uniqu...

SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft . In this episode, we welcome Mike Shapiro (dad), as we delve into the rich history and evolution of Shapiro's Gallery. Discover the story behind this beloved gallery, from its humble beginnings and the obstacles overcome to the deep connections forged with artists and customers. Mike shares heartwarming anecdotes about customers who found a way to bring...

In this episode of SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft , we dive into the world of jewelry with the talented Christina Kober. Christina takes us on a journey through her evolution as a jewelry artist, revealing the unique approach she takes to incorporate meaningful words and messages into her creations. She discusses her meticulous process of selecting metals and materials that enhance the im...

Join siblings Matt and Alena Shapiro in Episode 3 of Shapiro's: Rooted in American Craft as they uncover the essence of art curation, buying and gallery management. In this engaging episode, Alena recounts her recent excursion to the Atlanta Gift Show. With a discerning eye for uniqueness and quality, Alena, Matt & Sue delve into the intricate process of selecting new pieces for their gall...

Join hosts Alena and Matt in Episode 2 as they delve into the world of American craft with clay artist Sue Shapiro. Sue, not just an incredible clay artist but also is their mom, shares her unique perspective on the American made industry, offering insights into its evolution and her personal journey within it. From the early days of her career to the present, Sue provides a fascinating glimpse in...

Episode 1: Welcome to SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft - Meet Your Hosts, Alena & Matt Shapiro Welcome to the very first episode of SHAPIRO'S: Rooted in American Craft ! We’re thrilled to kick off this new podcast journey where we’ll dive deep into the world of American craftsmanship and explore the stories behind the makers and creators shaping the craft scene today. In this debut...