At The Rust Belt Market: Painted Lady Trashions

The offers a unique experience for patrons as well as vendors. The new art market is host to more than 60 artists every weekend. Each week, Ferndale Patch will feature one artist and get a closer view of what the heck they do.

Ferndale Patch: Who are you and what do you do?

Heather Rhea-Wright: My name is Heather Rhea-Wright and I have a store called Painted Lady Trashions inside of The Rust Belt Market. I love collecting the weird, creepy, kitschy items that you can't find just anywhere! I love seeing people just trying to take it all in, because there is almost too much to see!

I have a cleaning business and I drive all over to different jobs. That gives me a chance to hit several thrift stores, garage sales and where ever else I might find something fun. 

A favorite in my store is earrings made from doll parts. I am constantly making them at my table while I am working. People stop just to ask me why I am cutting a doll’s face in half or pulling their arms and legs off.  Sometimes, people pick a doll head from a large glass bowl and I make earrings while they wait. I also have an original x-ray of Siamese twins from 1942. I refuse to sell the original, but because so many people wanted it -- I make transparency copies to sell. I have them in a frame or in a locket hanging on a necklace. I love my job!

Ferndale Patch: How did you get your start?

Rhea-Wright: I have been a collector of oddities since I was a little girl, so I feel that this is what I am meant to do!  There is nothing I like more than to know that I found the perfect piece for someone. It might be a hot pink deer skull or bowl that I made out of melted down army men. 

Ferndale Patch: What inspires you?

Rhea-Wright: Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you -- I am constantly on the lookout for unique items. It can be trash-picked or found in a thrift store. I love seeing something ugly and knowing it can be transformed into something great.

Ferndale Patch: What is it about the Rust Belt that attracted you to it?

Rhea-Wright: I love the vibe in there! It is such a rad idea for an indoor artist market every weekend, year-round! It is the perfect spot for holiday shopping, if you ask me. I am most impressed with the number of new artists every week! I get excited to go in every weekend and know that I will always see new items.

Ferndale Patch: Tell us one thing about your work that would surprise us.

Rhea-Wright: I can usually be found on my front porch spray painting or melting different items for the market.  Just look for the porch with 20 cans of spray paint!

Painted Lady Trashions is a permanent artist at Rust Belt. Her booth is fabulously unique and always changing. Painted Lady Trashions also has a website and she loves special orders! Check it out at: thepaintedladytrashions.com.