Maura Donegan‘s piece “Wander” in the VALA Art Center Fiber Fusion show received the most votes for the People’s Choice award. Maura will receive a $50 gift certificate donated by Blick Materials, a sponsor for the show. Congratulations, Maura!

“Wander” by Maura Donegan. Photographer: Crystal Edwards.

SDA Washington’s Working Group, a five-month support group that uses Artists U materials “to build sustainable lives,” has reached the halfway point. Through the working group, artists develop their own strategic plan and learn useful information in reaching their goals. There are four members in the group: SDA artists Arisa Brown, Faith Hagenhofer, Francesca Penchant and Rebecca Wachtman.

Artists U supplies its working groups with the book Making Your Life As an Artist, a workbook, videos, and a curriculum. So far, feedback about the working group has been positive. Francesca says that she likes that “the curriculum and materials are all set up for you and totally free, so it’s easy to do your own group.” Faith says, “I was actually really impressed by some of the simple messages from the book and the reinforcing videos.” She likes getting “the affirmation for project management skills that being an artist has developed in me,” and how Artists U “really parses the steps I need to take to reach toward any goals I may have.” According to Rebecca, “I strongly suggest joining a group if you have the chance!” If you are interested in starting an Artists U group, see http://www.artistsu.org/working.

Christina Fairley Erickson is conducting a Dye and Embroider Mini-Workshop at Redmond Senior Center on Wednesday, January 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Fiber Fusion show. See how you can dye silk fabric in minutes, and then try your hand at some simple embroidery stitches to make a small hand-dyed felt and silk composition. All supplies included in a $5 supply fee payable to Christina. Christina is an award-winning fiber and mixed media artist. Her pieces feature both hand and machine embroidery, as well as hand-dyed and painted fabric. Register by calling 425.556.2300. For more information about the class, see a recent student’s blog post https://ksimonwriterblog.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/fiber-fusion-workshop/ or email event.surfacedesignwa@gmail.com.

Cynthia Stenz has a solo show at Social Fabric Gallery & Boutique, 1302 Commercial Street in Bellingham, WA through December. See http://www.socialfabricart.com/cynthia-stentz-art-show.html

Cameron Anne Mason was selected as the feature artist for the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery 2013 Meritage Artist Series wine. She shares this recognition with Dale Chihuly, as well as other distinguished artists. See Chateau Ste Michelle video featuring Cameron here https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=PI7uPedhTrg and Cameron’s blog post http://www.surfacedesign.org/cheers-to-fiber-art/.  Cameron is represented by the Foster/White Gallery in Seattle.

“Folio One” by Cameron Anne Mason