Durability and maintenance of Raku-fired Clay

The clay that I use is specifically formulated for my sculptures by a clay company in Washington State. After being fired to temperatures over 2000 degrees, all pieces are very strong and durable. I work with engineers, architects, machinist, and metal workers when designing new display ideas and projects. My pieces will last at least as long as a building and require no maintenance.

Percent for Art Experience

Nordale Elementary School May 2006 ~ My project was a large stairwell and used 3 walls that were 30 feet tall. I worked with the committee on the final design, which ended up being a bit different than the original proposal. The stairwell was on a corner, with wonderful light coming in from windows on two of the 4 walls. I created life-sized flocks of Canada Geese, Northern Pintails and Sandhill Cranes which appeared to fly in through one window and around the room and out again. A flock of life-sized Sandhill Cranes were taking flight up the stair case. After the installation, I spent a full day in the school meeting with each individual class in the space. Not only did we talk about how I made the pieces, we discussed bird migrations and what the children could observe at Creamers’ Field throughout the summer and fall. It was a great way to combine biology and art as well an appreciation and awareness of what natural activities were taking place around them. I was told by the principal that the project exceeded all expectations. It was installed on schedule.

Community Activities, Contributions, Awards and Exhibits

· Board of Directors- 2007 Bunnell Art Center, Homer, Alaska

· Board of Directors – Anchorage Historic Properties

· ‘Masters of Mud’, Anchorage Museum of History and Art: Since 2000 – ongoing. Georgia Blue and I envisioned a weekend event at the museum that celebrated clay. The first 2 years only included Anchorage potters. Beginning in 2003, we expanded our vision and decided to make this annual event invitational and really highlight the most skilled clay artists in Alaska. The event is a sale with an educational aspect. Each Artist agrees to bring their best, most innovative work and be willing to demonstrate their skills. To expand the community’s interest in our event, we include one of following: focus a celebration or honoring of one of Alaska’s accomplished clay artists, such as Alex Combs or we bring a well respected clay artist from outside Alaska to talk about their work or a respected curator or author to lecture and give a slide presentation regarding innovative clay work.

· ‘Wild Salmon on Parade’ ~ I have been a participating artist 3 years 2002, 2003, and 2004. Twice in collaboration with other artists and once as an individual. “Queen of Kings’ won the Best of Show award in 2002.

· Selected to serve on the Board of Directors for Anchorage Cultural Council 2004-ongoing. We work to support artists, advocate for the Arts and help foster opportunities for artists, both visual and performance.

· Annual contributions to the major fundraising events for: Anchorage Museum of History and Art, The Pratt Museum (Homer and Bunnell Street (Homer), Bird Treatment and Learning Center, Hospice, Catholic Social Services, and Anchorage Historic Properties.

· 2005-2006 Kenai Visitor’s Center invitational show participant

· 1999-2000 - Vice President of the Anchorage Clay Art Guild

· 1999-2003 – Steering Committee Alaska Travel Industry Charity Walk

1994-2003– Empty Bowl Project benefiting Bean’s Café sponsored by the Anchorage Clay Art Guild

Solo and Group Exhibits

In addition to the below listed shows, I built the ‘Gray Shakes Gallery’ in the woods near my studio and sponsor invitational multi-media weekend shows for one to six artist several times a year. My intent is to offer a natural and relaxed atmosphere for people to view art as well as see how we live with art. The response has been tremendous and many people who might have once felt intimidated by attending an opening in a formal gallery setting have come to appreciate and value art in a whole new way.

· Oct/Nov 2008 – 4 Ways with Clay MTS Gallery Anchorage, Alaska Group show with Carla Potter, Steve Godfrey and Denise Heimel.

· May-Sept 2008 – All Alaska Juried Show, Anchorage Museum 2 pieces

· May 2008 – Solo show at The Bunnell Street Gallery in Homer, Alaska

· November 2007 – Solo Exhibit at the University of Alaska campus in Kenai, Alaska

· Annually since 2001 – Masters of Mud

· August 2004 – Solo Exhibit @ The Bunnell Street Gallery, Homer, AK.

· April 2004 – Solo Exhibit, Grant Hall, Alaska Pacific University Anchorage, AK

· Feb 2004 – ‘All Alaska Juried Art Show’ my ‘River Howler’ chosen to be part of an exhibit of about 100 pieces chosen out of over 900 entries from artists all over Alaska

· August 2003 – Teacher @ Girdwood Fine Art Camp in Girdwood, Alaska. Student work later displayed in the Alaska Capitol Building in Juneau.

· 2003 – 2004 ‘Earth, Fire and Fiber Show’ 62 pieces out of 356 were chosen to travel throughout Alaska for 1 year. I was fortunate enough to have one of my pieces chosen to participate

· 2003-ongoing Steering Committee, Mountain View Art District.

· 2002 – 2 pieces accepted in the All Alaska Juried Art Show

Not listed are private party commissions. I regularly work with individuals to design work for homes, businesses and lodges throughout Alaska.