Nemacolin Woodlands is an exclusive resort situated in the Laurel Highlands in Farmington, PA. This 2000 acre resort was founded by 84 Lumber owner Joe Hardy. Along with his daughter Maggie, they have developed this resort into a magical get away, with 3 hotels, spa and golf course. They also have over a 1000 piece art collection, work 43 million as of 2013. Recognizing the benefit of the creativity, an art department was developed, where guests can take art classes, such as painting, jewelry making and other crafts. The Artist in Residence program was developed 4 years ago,  there the guests can observe the Artist's creating, learning and expressing their craft. Lodging, food and a stipend are provided to the artist's in the residency program. My residency was from April 1 - 29, 2022. My proposal was to work on my beaded Spirit Animal stoles, particularly, the red tail hawk. I had 1 month to super focus on my work and interact with the guests sharing my techniques and ideas. While in the residency, I also visited Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater" home, designed in 1935 as a vacation home for the Kaufmann Family, completed in 1939. The Laurel Highlands host a variety of historical locations, Fort Necessity National Battlefield, General Braddock's grave and Ohiopyle National Park. This was truly a wonderful and inspiring experience, stepping out of routine and the luxury to concentrate on my work.

I would tell young and emerging artists to make art! Connect to that creative part of your brain and quiet the thoughts that tell you to be practical and conservative. Learn the fundamentals, study art history and travel. These are all experiences that will enhance your creativity and build confidence in making art.

The year was 1983 ~ I was in the MFA program at Ohio State in the glass department. A group of Art Students rented a van and drove to Miami Florida to work on the Christo Surrounded Island project. Somehow, we convinced an OSU Alumni to let all 10 of us to stay at her home for over a week.  I'm not sure she was convinced it was a good idea after we arrived. The project included 11 islands in the Biscayne Bay that would be surrounded in pink polypropylene material. Christo had always intended for the color to be monochromatic. In the Orlando Sentinel on April 17, 1983, its subscribers read: 
"In Miami, pink used to mean flamingos, sunsets and Art Deco Hotel. Now it means Christo."

As soon as we arrived onsite, we were given a specially made pink bag, that contained a special Surrounded T-shirt and hat, sunscreen, a water bottle and toilet paper. And strict instructions on protecting ourselves against the strong sun and procedures of first aid if we were bitten by any poisonous snakes. We were paid minimum wage and our checks were pink with a photo of the Islands, not sure where the pay stubs ended up, I'm sure as a financially challenged college student, I ran directly to the bank. 

Groups of us were loaded onto speed boats that took us to the islands, I was assigned Island 9, our first task was to pick up all of the garbage that had collected onto the island, bags and bags of trash was removed. Leaving the islands in beautiful condition.

Another job I did was being on a crew of 120 people who would carry the 400 - 650 ft. booms  of cocooned fabric sections into the bay. The booms average weight was 4,000 lbs. On a megaphone, Augie, (Christo and Jean Claude's son) would direct us step by step. The material was anchored onto the buoys that had already been sank. Once they were connected the process of unfurling the material began. We were given little rafts to float ourselves along the seems, where we would shoelace the fabric sections together. All of these steps took several weeks to accomplish. 

This was truly an unforgettable experience. Christo's work is temporary, but the planning, proposing, permits take years to work out. His work survives in photos and books and wonderful memories of the lucky people who were able to share in this adventure.

  "The Flame Purse" Created for the "FIRE AND ICE" Exhibit in collaboration with Carol Comstock at Campbell Pottery. The purse is inspired by the Indian beaded works of various Native Americans and with these pieces I wish to honor their creations. 

"THE FOX STOLE" - Glass beads sewn on hardware clothe.
Native American Fox totem:
The fox totem as our spirit animal is often referred to as the "Trickster".
Teaching us how to swiftly find our way around obstacles that we face
in our everyday lives. Following the Fox totem we learn quick thinking and adaptability. They are a great guide when we are facing tricky situations.

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