Artist Lecture Summary: A Letter from ADC Member Betsy Douglas

On Saturday, October 18, 2008, I had the pleasure of attending 3 Arizona Craftsmen Lectures by three amazingly talented ADC Members. Fiber artist Denise Currier showed her remarkable quilted fiber and mixed media commission for the Mayo Clinic as well as other examples of her creativity. The second presenter was Lynette Andreasen in metal, who shared a body of work incorporating metal and embroidery. Her wearable necklaces evoke memories of jewelry of the turn of the century, cut out silhouettes and themes that suggest human relationships. She has created wall pieces, using found silver trays that feature bent up cutouts of figures also evoking human connections. Jeff Reich, teacher of ceramics at the Mesa Art Center, showed us delightful examples of his clay sculptures, teapots and other ceramic work, which demonstrate his passion for desert plants. Jeff and his wife graciously hosted a gathering of ADC members earlier in the year, sharing their home, studios and gardens with those who attended.
I want to congratulate these generous artists for sharing their time and accomplishments and thank with deep appreciation the efforts of our ADC president Becky McDonah, who made this event happen at ASU. There were only a few of us in attendance for this special experience. For those of you who could not be there, I believe you would have really enjoyed the program, the people and the art. It was a gift! Thank you.