Getting to look at some amazing precious metals clay work up close and personal was a highlight of the Tucson shows for me. If you’re not familiar with the work of Holly Gage, Kate McKinnon and Christi Anderson, let me introduce you.
Kate McKinnon lives in Tucson and you can bet I got my name on the sign up sheet for the next local class she’s giving! I noticed my teacher, Cindi Shaffer right above me. Kate is the author of several books including Structural Metal Clay and her web site says she has two new books in the making. She has a lovely eclectic web journal you can enjoy as well.
Holly Gage is from “back East” as we transplants like to say (I moved to Prescott from Connecticut 15 years ago) and she’s been interested in art since she was a child growing up in Philadelphia. Her work in PMC and Art Clay are inspiring and I especially enjoyed seeing her sculptural rainbow titanium pieces at the Best Bead Show.
And finally outside the main building at the Best Bead Show was Christi Anderson. I almost missed her! Her work goes under the name Elemental Adornments and I was drawn in by the delicate bird houses and books, all made with metal clay. I didn’t get to talk with Christi personally, but had a lovely conversation with her mother, Joanne Price. Turns out the Prices are moving up to our area. Great luck! And also turns out Christi lives in Tucson and sometimes teaches in Phoenix. Maybe we can talk her into coming up to Prescott even. The detail in Christi’s work was for me, a neophyte, simply mind-blowing. I have so many questions.
Cindi Shaffer is one of the guest artists at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery on Whiskey Row…here’s the info…Love your blog. March 15 — April 14, 2009 ‘Glass & Metal … Four Jewelers Play with Light & Fire’ and COLOR–Sue Brugger, Debbie Burkett,Karen Livingston and Cindi Shaffer. The opening reception is during the 4th Friday Art Walk from 6PM to 8PM..on the 27th. Hope to see you there. Rowena Tank