I’ve been away from my computer and my blog for over two weeks and it feels like forever. My very good friend from high school, Sharon Downing came to visit me and I drove home with her to Cleveland, Ga. We had a wonderful time catching up and enjoying each others company, a perfect trip. thanks Sharon for everything.
Then it was on to Buford, GA and the Woman Creative – Art & Jewelry Design Center.
Woman Creative
Woman Creative is an engagingly ambient arts center hosting 5 artist studios, a gallery, an exhibit and two classrooms. Studio artists and resident faculty include Barbara McGuire, Ellen Prophater, Jan Stevens and Patricia DiBona. Sue Sutherland is the facility manager and houses Filigree & More! in her studio. Each of these women brings unique skills to the center and product lines with supplies relevant to their craft. The women are experts in their respective fields of polymer, metal clay, jewelry design, photography, wire wrapping, digital design and altered arts.
Sue Sutherland, Patricia Dibona, Jan Stephens, Barbara McGuire, Ellen Prophater
The Gallery at Woman Creative features artwork and contemporary art jewelry from the residents as well as celebrity and nationally renowned artisans. Adjacent to the gallery is an exhibit presenting outstanding work in polymer clay, past and present. This study collection, titled “Polymer, From the Beginning”, represents the contributions of notable polymer artists to this art medium over the past 30 years. As the popularity of polymer is beginning to go ‘viral’, Ellen and Barbara encourage everyone to come and discover what polymer and art jewelry are all about.
Barbara and I have become friends over the last year and she invited me to come spend some time with her and get to know the other ladies, the gallery and take some pictures and video to share.
Patricia teaching class
Two comfortable and fully stocked classroom areas encourage students to ‘stay and play’ during facilitated hours. The goal of the Woman Creative faculty is to offer quality design instruction coupled with technical skills, delivered in a hospitable and creative environment. Classes cover all areas of progressive art media, including polymer, wire, cold connections, paper, kiln glass, metal clay, oil, acrylic, encaustic, fiber and altered arts. For those wishing to market their art the center offers classes in digital photography, internet marketing and product development. A growing roster of celebrity guest instructors will be offering classes in cold connections, fiber art, metal clay and polymer. In addition to classes, the center will host various fundraising events in support of the arts and select causes.
I had a wonderful time and only have one regret, I won’t be able to make it back up there for the Polymer Premier Exhibit. The official exhibit opening “Polymer, From the Beginning”, will be held Friday and Saturday April 8-9 and follow with class presentations on Sunday April 10.
But I’m thrilled to have been asked by Ellen Prophater, the Gallery Manager to add some of my work to the mix. So, I send a special thank you to Barbara, Ellen, Sue, Patricia and Jan for making me feel so welcome in their fabulous new space.
This is a short little interview with Barbara, but stay tuned, there will be more to come.
To learn more about Woman Creative and for information about classes and gallery events visit Woman Creative website.
Thanks Alice! – We appreciate all your help and enthusiasm in getting the ‘polymer’ word out – we are growing! Woman Creative Art And Jewelry Design Center is a new resource for altered arts, jewelry clay and classes located just north of Atlanta. We miss you already! – Barbara
My pleasure Barbara, I miss all of you too. I had a wonderful time in that stunning new gallery and design center.
Thanks Alice: It was wonderful having you there. Our Mixed Media Altered Book Class was a blast, everyone made
some really beautiful pieces. We look forward to having lots of classes in Polymer Clay, Wire Wrapping, Soldering,
Painting, and much more more. Look forward to your next visit with us. Patricia
Thanks Patricia, it’s a beautiful space and you all made me feel so welcomed.
Fabulous thing are going to happen there.
Happy to see you back on line. Everyday I check polymer clay daily and your site and was getting antsy for an update.
Glad you had a good time with your friend and am wowed by the info on Barbara McGuire’s new endeavor. The center sounds wonderful and would love to take a face cane class there.
Not long now until Fandango. A few of us from our clay group are going and know it will be fun.
We need to open something like that down here in the central Florida region! It’s such a wonderful idea.
Oh thanks Linda, I kept trying to post something, anything, but I just stayed too busy. I’m still trying to catch up here. It’s race weekend here (12 hours of Sebring) and it’s been revolving beds. Kids are home and friends have been here, so I’m busy but having a great time.
I know you’ll have a great time at Fandango…..
It is a great idea, isn’t it Charline, It’s a beautiful space.
Oh Alice! How exciting is this?! And the fact that you are having a space doesn’t surprise me in the least as you are so incredibly talented!
What a wonderful adventure you have had! I’m so delighted for you. And of course – everything is a gazillion miles away from me and I can only drool and goggle at everything. I hope you can keep us posted about what is going on over in Georgia as well with you.
Personally I thought I might try a little claying although I don’t know if I am supposed to be doing that with my hand or not. I guess I’m going to find out!
Thanks Aimee, don’t overdo the wrist.