You could call Jill Folino and Wven Villegas handy people — their company, after all, is named Mano-A-Mano. Folino and Villegas have crafted bespoke signs for Citroen and holiday decor for our holiday market — to name just a few recent examples of their work around the nabe — but it is their communally-sustained relationships they seem to prize most. As our interview illuminates, the crafty mavens behind Mano-A-Mano not only support each other but local establishment after local establishment. They see their projects as a way to artfully represent a company’s vision while also planting themselves knee-deep in the ethos of all they collaborate with. Below, we caught up with the two artisans to discuss their creative backgrounds and favorite projects.
Greenpointers: Introduce yourselves!
Jill Folino: I work with a partner, Wven Villegas, and we created Mano-A-Mano. Our work varies from mural and sign painting, sculpture, woodworking, type and creative direction. We model building and anything else we can conjure up. Together we share a tool box of skills that we are constantly juggling.
Do you both reside in Brooklyn? Wven has lived in Greenpoint for over 13 years, while I was born and raised in Staten Island where I once again currently reside. We work out of a three-car garage we converted into our studio behind my apartment so we have more than ample room to spread our creative wings. It’s also enough space to build some sizable pieces. It’s our creative lab we dubbed “Pop Art Garage.”
Let’s dig into what people might be most familiar with: your work at the Polar Vortex Holiday Market. How’d that come together?
When we were asked by our good friend JD to lend some props for decor at the market, we didn’t hesitate. We love that this market is a platform for artisans and other creatives like ourselves to present their creations. We hope to be vendors at a future market.
The castle was created a few years back for a children’s birthday party, but we gave it an icy makeover, changing it from it’s original cream colored/pink and Disney-esque paint job. The snowman on the other hand, has been around for more than 20 years. He’s been a fixture in our studio, just hanging around changing hats and costumes. We felt it was time for him to get out into the world and get a real job, hehe. The Out Snapped photo booth was his first modeling gig!
You won’t want to miss the Looking Glass presentation where participants can touch and interact with digital 3D worlds and characters. In the Summer of 2018, the team launched the world’s first desktop holographic display for 3D creators and are excited to spread the word of the hologram with the greater Greenpoint community.
The Brooklyn-based band Love Always is only a year old, but its seasoned members are a supergroup of sorts, crafting musical vibes with Jamaican/roots, rocksteady, reggae and lovers rock influences.
Patricia Verdolino (vocals), Michael O’Connor (guitar), and Andy Shaw (bass) are original members of 90s Ska band Metro Stylee. Shaw also plays bass in the popular Brooklyn band Bikini Carwash, while drummer Ron Salvo plays with .357 Lover and keyboardist Jeannie Oliver played in Si Se.
Love Always is currently in the studio recording an EP and is testing out their new songs live. What better way is there to warm up this weekend than with live music from Love Always? The band will perform two sets this Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Greenpointers Polar Vortex Holiday Market at 67 West St., we hope to see you there.
The Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive will be at our Greenpointers Polar Vortex Holiday Market this Sunday, December 2, from 1–7 PM, inside the Green Point Loft (67 West St). A donation box for unopened toys for local children will be waiting for you at the entrance to help you spread the holiday cheer.
Big Brooklyn Holiday Toy Drive started as a response to Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Seven years later and with the help of many new partners and friends, BBHTD is still doing what they originally set out to do. In 2016 years they joined forces with the NYPD Brooklyn Borough North Holiday Sleigh Ride event and now BBHTD distributes thousands of toys directly into the hands of deserving kids during the holiday season.
This Sunday, December 2nd from 1–7 PM, enter our immersive Winterscape inside the cozy Greenpoint Loft (67 West St) that will be donned with an ice castle, snow, snowmen and polar bears thanks to designs by scenic artist extraordinaire Art of Mano. 60+ talented makers & crafters will have beautiful creations ready for sale and there will be no shortage of FREE things to do throughout the day! RSVP on Facebook and stay updated!
The upstairs mezzanine leads out to the roof deck with views of the East River and Manhattan skyline as well as a number of FREE fun activities including: Continue reading →
Soft Opening (570 Manhattan Ave.) is one of Greenpoint’s latest additions and offers refuge from the always-on tech world in a thoughtfully curated plant shop abundant with nature you can bring home. You can also catch Soft Opening at the Greenpointers Samhain Fall Market happening this Sunday, Oct. 28.
The shop’s name is intentionally mysterious according to the owner, Kristin McLaughlin. “I love the way the words Soft Opening can mean different things to different people. A new bud or blossom can be a soft opening. An art reception can be a soft opening,” she said. Continue reading →
Throw leaves in your hair and arms in the air: our annual Fall Market returns October 28 from 1–7 PM! This year, we’re celebrating Samhain — a traditional Gaelic holy day marking the end of the harvest season and the nearness of winter. Our market will be a fall festival in the fullest: a celebration of Greenpoint’s autumnal splendor and the 60+ talented crafters our neighborhood supports. RSVP here, and spread the word around!
Boo! Join us for tricks and treats at our Samhain Fall Market on Sunday 10/28.
As our Instagram has shown, nobody celebrates Halloween like Greenpoint, so join us for our market in the stunning (and seasonally appropriate rustic chic) Greenpoint Loft at 67 West Street. Up on the fifth floor, enjoy for a variety of treats including: Continue reading →
Calling all creative crafters, makers of food, art, crafts, jewelry, pottery, etc!! Join us for some wintry snowscape fun inside the cozy Greenpoint Loft on December 2, 2018!
Our most popular market of the year, we are expecting up to 4,000 visitors, a full day of free fun activities, live music, and festive holiday cocktails.
NOTE: Vendor spaces are reserved for local independent makers and small businesses. If you don’t meet this criteria, email [email protected] to learn about sponsorship opportunities and help support local!
On Sunday October 28, 2018 we’re celebrating the end of harvest and welcoming the winter solstice with an otherwordly Samhain themed market! At this time, we’re looking for all creative crafters, makers of food, art, crafts, jewelry, pottery, etc. to apply to be a vendor.
As with every market, we are expecting 3,000+ visitors, a full day of free fun activities, live music, and festive food & drinks, in the beautiful Greenpoint Loft.
This year, accepted Fall Market vendors will have the option to reserve a space in this year’s Holiday Market too!
NOTE: Vendor spaces are reserved for local independent makers and small businesses. If you don’t meet this criteria, email [email protected] to learn about sponsorship opportunities and help support local!
On Sunday, September 16th, 2018 alongside TASTE Williamsburg Greenpoint, we are taking over BIBA of Williamsburg (110 Kent Ave) to feature 20-25 talented independent makers, artists, and crafters!
Formerly a rubber factory, BIBA is now home to an original beer hall that leads out into an outdoor patio that borders the East River State Park. With vintage charm and spectacular views of the NYC skyline, we are expecting thousands of visitors to come celebrate the local community around creativity, food, and drink!
We are looking for beautifully designed, high quality, handcrafted goods of the recycled, upcycled, ethically produced, environmentally friendly variety. Sound like you? Apply here or down at the bottom of this post.
