Dress a Doll
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Dress a Doll by David Dean is an opportunity to create an authentic Native-American doll from scratch with a kit. The $95 required kit includes a doll that is ready to decorate, a pre-cut buckskin dress, belt, moccasin leggings, choker, beads and complete instructions on how to build the doll. Using lane stitch you will bead a cape, put together the belt and work on the dress and leggings. Though you won’t finish the project in two days, you will have a great start and all the information you need to finish.

All levels. Supply list will be sent. Members $125, non-members $150.
February 3-4, 2001: Laura Shea

Introduction to Triangle Stitch
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Introduction to Triangle Stitch by Laura Shea. This new stitch is worked on the same principles as the right-angle stitch but results in a triangular and a hexagonal pattern rather than a square. She will teach both a single-bead and a three-bead pattern. Students will learn how to work this stitch in horizontal rows, in the round, in tubular form, and covering a large round bead. She will cover increasing and decreasing. Students will work with Delicas and seed beads. This is a techniques class.

Intermediate to advanced levels. Knowledge of right-angle stitch is helpful but not required. Supply list will be sent. Members $115, non-members $140.
March 8, 2001: Steve Meltzer

Using Photographs to Increase Sales and Improve your Career
12-5. Location to be announced.

Using Photographs to Increase Sales and Improve your Career by Steve Meltzer. This lecture/demonstration’s goal is not to make people into photographers but to have them understand how to make photography work to their advantage. He will cover such topics as: why do you need to photograph your work anyway; whether to shoot photos yourself or go to a pro; how to select a photographer; putting together a jury entry; using photos for marketing and promotion and many more. Steve will present examples of photos for ads, promotion and jurying as well as providing a handout guide to marketing your work.

All levels. Members $75, non-members $100.
April 12, 2001: Jamie Allen

Bead Stringing Clinic
design theory, cord theory and knotting theory
10-4. St. Joseph Parish Church Office Bldg.
5000 N. Cumberland, Chicago

Bead Stringing Clinic by Jamie Allen includes design theory, cord theory and knotting theory. This technique-oriented hands-on workshop begins with the basics and works up to complicated knotting techniques. He discusses basic approaches toward designing with beads and talks about integrity, balance, esthetic and universality. He discusses various fibers, their differences and uses, needles and a variety of knots. His exclusive booklet detailing in clear illustrations and instructions how to do all this work and a variety of fibers are included.

All levels. An additional supply list will be sent. Members $85, non-members, $110.
May 2-3, 2001: Lynn Merchant

Beads 1: Ten Beads to Tantalize
10-5 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Beads 1: Ten Beads to Tantalize by Lynn Merchant: Calder coil, Kuchi coil, cage, spider web, Saturn, croissant, triangle, blue moon, double Kuchi and gift bead. This beginning class by master wire-wrapper can be the beginning of a whole new world. With just pliers and a cutter, you can create wire beads. Look at Bead and Button # 18 for examples of many of her beads and an interview. Then, look at Ornament Summer 2000 for a discussion of her most recent passion-Tahitian black pearls, which, of course, she wraps with wire.

All levels. A supply list will be sent. Members $175, non-members $210.
May 5-6, 2001: Lynn Merchant

Findings
10-5 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

Findings by Lynn Merchant features wire-bending techniques to produce more than 25 examples of jewelry making essentials. She will teach everything from jump rings to buttons and clasps.

All levels. No prerequisites. A supply list will be sent. Members $175, non-members $210.
June 13, 2001: Sha Sha Higby

Building a Magnificent Body Sculpture
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

The Building a Magnificent Body Sculpture workshop by Sha Sha Higby will use traditional costume construction and techniques and will also focus on embellishment with beads. Participants will explore the mysteries of creativity and performance in this hands-on mask-making and costume workshop. Each part of the body is re-imagined to become an island in space, a mountain or a temple with its own decoration, design and movement. At the end of the workshop, all the pieces of the body sculpture will be joined together into a large moving mandala of images. She states that masks, are the recovery of all things that happen to us during the day. Ornament Spring 1992 states that, They (masks) are a transformative object, from physical enhancement of the skin to the entire replacement of identifiable human features, and far from covering up, its purpose is to reveal hidden truth.

A supply list will be sent. Required materials fee: $10-$15. Members $100, non-members $135.
Sep. 24, 2001: Laura Liska

Seven Secrets of Gorgeous Color
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$100 members, $135 non-members

This workshop is geared toward anyone working in the fiber arts including beads, fabric, fibers and paper. The day is spent immersed in color experimenting with new approaches to combining colors inspired by examples from a variety of mediums. She shares her unique approach to color and guides students to being confident in creating their own style and learning how to get colors to work together. Supply list will be sent.
Sep. 29, 2001: Cynthia Rutledge

The Aurora Bracelet
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$75 members, $110 non-members

The Aurora Bracelet which is named after the goddess of the dawn in Roman Mythology. It is created using gourd (peyote) stitch, netting, surface embellishment, bead embroidery, entrapment techniques and stringing. The main focus of this bracelet is a cabochon entrapped using netting. Then bead embroidery is added around its circumference to increase the size of the centerpiece. Added to this are multiple strands of decorative beads that close with peyote stitched tabs.

Level: intermediate and advanced.
A supply list will be sent.
Sep. 30 & Oct. 1, 2001: Cynthia Rutledge

Simply Elemental: A Beyond Basics Necklace
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$125 members, $160 non-members

This has a 3 dimensional gourd (peyote) stitch, conical-shaped pendant with embellished bead shapes at the top that flow into a beaded loop. The pendant is embellished with a variety of surface techniques including stitching in the stitch, netting, edge stitching and spiking. Learn increasing and decreasing. You may make a beaded cord or put it on a multi-strand necklace or a metal chain.

Level: intermediate and advanced.
A supply list will be sent.
Oct. 2, 2001: Cynthia Rutledge

Autumn Leaves Bracelet
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$75 members, $110 non-members

Autumn Leaves Bracelet, with a wide flat gourd (peyote) stitched band, is the perfect backdrop for the freeform herringbone stitched shapes that explode from its surface. Imagination and color are your guides as leaf shapes twist and turn across the top of this bracelet and add a special bead here and there to attract the eye and add just the right finishing touches. The band decreases at the clasp and encloses the connection. Level: intermediate and advanced. A supply list will be sent.
Apr. 12-13, 2002: Arline Fisch

Knitting & Crochet in Wire
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$175 members, $210 non-members

This two-day technique workshop covers the use of small gauge metal wires in knitting and crochet. A number of small samples in a variety of techniques and patterns will be made. Coated copper wires in multiple colors, brass, sterling and fine silver may be used alone or in combination with yarns and glass beads to produce flexible and lightweight structures for jewelry, clothing and baskets. No prior metalworking experience is required but knowledge of basic knitting and crochet is essential.

Level: intermediate and advanced.
Knowledge of basic knitting and crochet required.

A supply list will be sent.
May 1, 2002: Lynn Merchant

The Watch Class
10-5 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$100 members, $135 non-members

At the end of this project class, you will go home wearing a new watch. You will make spiral beads, links and berry beads. The watch, clasp and wire-all the materials needed are included in the required kit ($16).

Level: Beginning

A list of necessary tools will be sent.
Required kit fee of $16 is to be paid to Lynn.
May 2, 2002: Lynn Merchant

The Key Chain Class
10-5 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$100 members, $135 non-members

At the end of this project class, you will go home with a beautiful and unique key chain. You will make eye pins, jump rings, double links and the Calder or Kuchi coil. There will be an optional Afghan tassel for the bottom at $12 each.

Level: Beginning

A supply list will be sent.
May 4-5, 2002: Lynn Merchant

Basket and Tassel Techniques Class
10-5 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$175 members, $210 non-members

Day one will focus on techniques for making a basket and handle and on the second day, Lynn will present a number of ideas for wire tassels.

Prerequisite: One previous Lynn Merchant class. (Either of the ones above or courses taken in previous years.)

A supply list will be sent.
Jun 14, 2002: Theresa Guthrie

No Warps!
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$100 members, $135 non-members

Theresa Guthrie will teach No Warps! If you ever thought of doing some bead loom work and were turned off by the idea of sewing in, tucking under or taping down all those warp ends when you got finished…fear no more. This fabulous 4-selvedge bead loom technique, developed by Guthrie, can be used with all size beads for projects in all lengths. When your woven piece comes off the loom, it is finished on all four edges. The class kit contains everything you need except beads and basic bead class tools. Use traditional weaving techniques for the class project; a cuff bracelet or tiny bag. If you’ve never done loom work before, you will learn here.

Level: Beginning and intermediate.

Supplies: $20 required kit fee. Necessary supplies listed in description.
Jun 15 & 16, 2002: Theresa Guthrie

Loom Sampler
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$175 members, $210 non-members

Theresa Guthrie will teach Loom Sampler, is an advanced techniques class. Students will work with a loom as they probably never have before. In this 2-day class, students will learn: how to warp a loom, increasing, decreasing, creating spaces in the piece, twisting sections, adding focal beads, beaded warps, embellishing with cabochons and fringe and split loom. For anyone who thought that loom work is boring and flat, think again. Guthrie will show you how to finish your piece to wear it.

Level: Beginning and above.

Supplies: $85 kit with a prepared warp is available for order in advance. Contact Guthrie at moondance@net1plus.com. Supply list will be sent.
Oct 10, 2002: Kenneth King

Embroidering With Beads
Level: Begining
9-5 St. Joseph Parish Office Building
5000 N. Cumberland, Chicago
$75 members, $115 non-members
Optional Kit $30

Kenneth King’s workshop, Embroidering with Beads, begins with a lecture-demo covering equipment and construction techniques. The rest of the time is hands-on during which one learns stitches by what he calls the concept method. This serves the student better than learning by rote, as certain stitches are grouped by method of construction. In this way students can repair existing pieces or study them for inspiration for they know how the stitch operates. This workshop was offered in 1996 and was enjoyed by many who took it, some of whom plan to do so again. Optional kit $30, payable to Kenneth King. Supply list will be sent.
Nov 16, 2002: Susan Lutz Kenyon

“Heart’s Desire” Doll Pin
Level: Begining
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$50 members, $85 non-members

Susan Lutz Kenyon’s workshop, “Heart’s Desire” Doll Pin is designed for stretching your creativity to your heart’s desire. Students will stuff a 3 1/2 inch cloth body to make a pin incorporating a variety of stitches. You will incorporate whatever stitches you already know, including gourd stitch, square stitch, and right-angle weave, as well as embroidery stitches. Each student will receive a pre-sewn fabric body to stuff and decorate. Students should also bring embellishing supplies. Anything with a hole in it will work for this project, size appropriate. Be creative. Look in the hardware store for interesting embellishments.

Susan’s Enchanted Entity pins developed after a workshop with Jackie Dodson. They were a form of therapy for her while she was the caregiver for her parents. These little figures were a great canvas for many embroidery, beadwork, weaving and other fiber techniques. Each one brought a smile to her face as it was completed. Her pins may be seen in Creative Bead Weaving, by Carol Wilcox-Wells. A choice of faces and some decorating supplies are in the required kit. $15, payable to Susan Lutz Kenyon. Supply list with be sent with confirmation. Full payment is due with enrollment.
Jan 18, 2003: Dona Anderson-Swiderek

Marriage of Metal & Beads Bracelet
Level: Intermediate
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$60 members, $95 non-members
Dona Anderson-Swiderek’s workshop, “Marriage of Metal & Beads Bracelet” is a unique combination of linking seed beads to form a chain in which is included the soft luster of pearls or the glitter of crystals with unusual pieces of copper, brass or silver. You may use peyote, brick stitch or right-angle weave stitches in free-form. Beadwork Magazine February 2001 has a picture of the bracelet on page 30. Dona will send us a bracelet in different colors for the September meeting. She writes that, for the relationship of this piece to survive, it requires commitment along with determination and strength.

Dona will provide the pieces of metal, usually 3 are needed and run $2 each, $4 for the silver. Include an order for the metal pieces with your registration in order to be assured of having the ones you want. Do not include payment; you will pay Dona directly. A supply list will be sent.

Level: intermediate. Students must know flat peyote, brick or right-angle weave, which ever stitch you plan to use.
Feb 14-15, 2003: Jean Campbell

“Mousies”
Level: Intermediate to advanced
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$75 members, $110 non-members
Jean Campbell, editor of Beadwork Magazine will present “Mousies”, a sculptural peyote stitch class. This class is aimed at the students who know even-and-odd-count flat, round and tubular peyote, but have only dabbled in sculptural peyote. You will make a small mouse, complete with pointy nose, rounded ears and tail. You will do it by “feel”, using beads like sculptors use clay. Guideposts and techniques will be provided. Students will use their imagination to create their own little sculptures. Each mousie will end up having its own personality. Campbell will provide several mousies for reference. A supply list will be sent.

Level: intermediate to advanced. Working knowledge of all peyote stitches is required.
March 14-15, 2003: Laura Shea

The Plato Bead, its Variations & the Philosopher’s Bangle
Level: Intermediate
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$95 members, $130 non-members
Laura Shea will be teaching her “Plato Bead”, a self-supporting beaded bead, with many variations that Laura has developed and continues to explore. The basic 12-sided polyhedron has been used in China to make pearl balls for more than a century. Each variation has it’s own distinctive look. Students will complete 6-10 wonderful beads in class, which can be used as focal beads, made into earrings, included in other work, or become support structure for sculptural beadwork. These beads may be worked with either Austrian crystal or seed beads.

This is your first chance to see the “Philosopher’s Bangle”, based on a new tubular pentagonal stitch. It is based on the Plato Bead but in this incarnation, it looks very different and makes a unique bracelet or lariat, which you will begin in class.

In class, students may purchase kits for individual beads and/or the bangle and buy individual crystals. This is a good opportunity to use up the three & four mm crystals you have. Prices for kits will be on the supply list which will be sent.
Apr 26, 2003: Suzanne Golden

Peyote Spiral Bracelet
Level: Intermediate
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$60 members, $95 non-members
Suzanne Golden’s Peyote Spiral Bracelet is shown in Carol Wilcox-Wells newest book, The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving. It is the glorious bracelet on the back cover. This one-of-a-kind bracelet is labor-intensive, says Golden, but the results are well worth the effort. It is impossible to describe the vividness and wonderful dimension of this bracelet. If you don’t have the book, look at in our library or your nearest bead store. Golden’s dynamism will be a delightful part of this class. Supply list will be sent.

Level: intermediate. Working knowledge of peyote is required.
Apr 27, 2003: Suzanne Golden

Rainbow-Colored Tubular Netted Bracelet
Level: Beginning
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$60 members, $95 non-members
Suzanne Golden will offer a “Rainbow-Colored Tubular Netted Bracelet.” You will design and create a simple but elegant “attention-getting” tubular netted bracelet using a combination of different beads and various colors. You’ll want to make one for every outfit in your closet. What makes this bracelet unique is that since you will use different colors for the nets, you will then be able to rotate the bracelet to the color of your choice. A supply list will be sent.

Level: beginning, though previous experience with netting is helpful.

May 10, 2003: Barbara McGuire

Designing a Display
Level: Beginning
10-4 Winnetka Community Center
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
$80 members, $120 non-members (includes all materials)

Barbara McGuire’s workshop, “Designing a Display” will show you how to make a bead, earring or jewelry display from pre-cut wood and wire. Presentation is an importance aspect of enjoying your collected work, selling the same or showing off all those beads/earrings you had to buy. Personalize your display with inlaid panels or artwork executed in stamped paper collage, metal embossing or textured polymer clay. How you use the wire creates the size and individuality of the display; there is lots of potential for personalization. Choice of 2 basic design styles will be available.
Mar 27, 2004: Virginia Brubaker

Cabin in the Woods Necklace
Level: All levels
10-5
Location to be announced
$60 members, $95 non-members

The spiral rope necklace with leafy tendrils is built around a central sterling log cabin bead or a bead of your own choosing. Virginia Brubaker will teach the stitch, explore color graduation techniques, balance and assembling the necklace for sturdiness. Sterling log cabin bead (1″ long by ½” wide) may be purchased in class for $48 or provide your own focal bead.
Apr 23-25, 2004: Theresa Guthrie

No Warps! w. Beads and Fiber
Level: All levels
10-5
Location to be announced
$60 members, $95 non-members (Pay teacher for kit in class)

Theresa Guthrie taught her famous “No-Warps!” technique for three separate projects. Because of the unique way the loom is set up, when the completed bead cloth is released from the loom, it is finished on all four edges. There are No Warp threads to weave back into the bead cloth. This fabulous 4-selvedge bead loom technique developed by Guthrie can be used with all size beads for projects in all lengths. She has been beading for about 18 years and teaching beadwork classes for 11 years. She has been quilting for 13 years with a specialty in wearable arts. She tried traditional fiber loom weaving which lead her to create her No Warps technique. Theresa taught for us in June 2002. These classes do not repeat those she taught then.
Mar 11, 2005: Stephanie Sersich

Spiny-Knotted Bracelet
Level: Beginner
10-4
Location to be announced
$80 members, $115 non-members

Stephanie Sersich will teach the Spiny-Knotted Bracelet which uses floss and waxed linen to bind beads and other treasures into a bracelet. You’ll also learn how to apply the technique to make a necklace. These materials and methods provide an opportunity for self-expression—there is no pattern to follow and the beads can vary in size, color and shape. Each student in the class creates a bracelet that’s different. The unusual materials and larger bead sizes seem to level the playing field for beginners and long-time beaders. The technique is Stephanie’s version of a finger weaving or macramé technique. Her bracelets are feature in Bead&Button October 2004 and Ornament Summer 2004.
Apr 23, 2005: Anna Karena Tollin

Potek Ring
10-4
Location to be announced
$80 members, $115 non-members

This class involves placing a large fused glass slice by Malcolm Potek on top of a peyote stitch ring using embellishments to create a bezel and attach the bead to the ring. You may use your own bead or buy one of Potek’s from Anna for $15. She conceived of this ring to work out how to use large hole beads in a ring or a necklace. You anchor the bead by creating a free form bezel. Potek’s bead is about 1” by ½” and if you wish, you may supply your own bead.

Level: Intermediate to advanced. A working knowledge of peyote, brick and spiral rope chain is required.

Supplies: Supply list will be sent.
Apr 24, 2005: Anna Karena Tollin

Free-form Peyote Bracelet
10-4
Location to be announced
$80 members, $115 non-members

Anna’s unique approach will allow you to imbed larger beads into your work with techniques for horizontal and vertical hole placement. You will end up with a sensuous piece of beaded fabric even with larger beads, silver, lampwork or anything else you can imagine within its borders. She is a good problem solver, so bring that item you have always wanted to add into your beadwork but don’t know how. Anything is fair game even if it doesn’t have a hole in it, so think outside the box and have fun.

Level: Intermediate. Some experience with peyote stitch is required.

Supplies: Supply list will be sent.
May 14, 2005: Laura Shea

Archimedes Transformations Necklace
10-5
Location to be announced
$80 members, $115 non-members

Laura Shea will be teaching the Archimedes Transformations Necklace. Make this stunning multi-colored, self-supporting beaded-bead necklace based on the basic Archimedes bead. These three beads floating on a strand of crystals are transformative variations of the same pattern. Most students will finish the project in class. The technique is a three-dimensional angle stitch. Instructions will include the basic bead pattern and numerous color and shape variations.

There is an optional kit for $60 which includes 420 crystal bi-cone beads (3 and 4 mm), monofilament, needle, stringing material, sterling clasp and sterling crimps. There are enough beads included in kit to make a choker ranging from 16-24 inches.

Level: Intermediate. Some experience with off-loom bead weaving techniques is required.

Supplies: Supply list will be sent.
May 15, 2005: Laura Shea

Tessellated Bead. Triangles, Hexagons, Plus More
10-5
Location to be announced
$80 members, $115 non-members

Laura Shea will teach the tessellated bead. Triangles and squares and hexagons, oh my! Learn to put these three and other basic shapes together to create lovely symmetrical open weave patterns. Create lacy snowflakes and interesting seed bead fabrics. This is a technique class. Many ideas will be presented on how to incorporate the tessellation forms into your beadwork repertoire.

There is an optional kit for $15 which includes several colors of Japanese seed beads, stringing material and needle.

Level: Intermediate. Some experience with off-loom bead weaving techniques is required.

Supplies: Supply list will be sent.

An exhibition of items from the Hope B. McCormick Costume Center collection illuminating the 1920′s “blend of fashion, music and radically revamped mores,” according to a Chicago Tribune Magazine article by Philip Berger. Of course, beads play a large part in many of these outfits.
7 days/week
The Charles A. Wustum Museum
2519 Northwestern Ave. Racine, WI
They are now engaged in a campaign to raise funds to create a new Racine Art Museum and strengthen the Wustum campus. They support both art and craft and have had several exhibits in recent years that are right up our alley. Although we do not know about their future shows right now, they just closed a show of their permanent collection of works by Chihuly and an exhibit of rings of all styles created by metalsmiths from around the world. Check it out this winter when you are stir-crazy and need to get out of the house. For more info call 262-636-9177 or check out www.wustum.org.

Jun 9
Daily
Collection of Lace
Art Institute
111 S. Michigan Chicago, IL

The Art Institute is exhibiting a collection of lace which is usually held in their vaults to be seen by appointment only. This exhibit, running until June 9 in galleries 57-59, showcases lace types from the late 16th through the early 20th centuries with examples of pre-needle and bobbin lace techniques as well as needle, bobbin and machine-made laces from the major European lace centers. Ellen Germanos, a lace-collector, says this is a must-see.

Apr 7
BSGC’s ART of Beadwork 2002
White Eagle
6845 N. Milwaukee, Niles
This is BSGC’s Fifth Annual Show where our members sell their finished work.
Apr 7
Milwaukee Bead Sale
Call Knot Just Beads for details: 414-771-8360
May 24-26
Fri 12-7
Sat 10-6
Sun 11-5
International Gem and Jewelry Show
Stephens Expo Center
5555 River Rd., Rosemont
The largest retail and wholesale show in Chicago. It is held three times a year on Memorial Day and Labour Day weekends and two weeks before Christmas.

Jun 6-9
Bead & Button 2002
Midwest Express Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mark your calendars for this one. Classes begin June 6. To receive a class registration catalog, e-mail web@beadand button.com or send a postcard with your name and address to Bead&Button Show, PO Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612. Catalogs will be mailed January. For more information, go to their website, bead and button or call toll free 877-644-6887.
Jul 10-13
National Powwow
>Iroquois County Fair Grounds
Crescent City, IL
The powwow is open to all Native and non-Native creators of Native art and there is a special division for young people to participate. Great chance to see the works of some of the country’s best Native and non-Native artists and dancers.
Jul 15-19

North Suburban Needlearts Guild
The North Suburban Needlearts Guild is hosting Seminar 2002 featuring 2, 3, and 5 day workshops July 15-19. Check their website for details: needleartsguild.
Diane Fitzgerald will teach a two-day workshop: Brick Stitch Basics and Beyond plus there are other non-bead classes.

Oct 25-27
SOFA 2002
Navy Pier
600 East Grand Ave, Chicago
This is THE most stunning craft show of the year held in Chicago. Think of SOFA as a museum experience. The pieces are so expensive that you might not buy anything other than the catalogue. Run! Don’t miss it.

If you know of any local bead related events that should be added to this list please e-mail us at info@bsgc.org or, write us at BSGC, PBX 8103, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Arline Fisch
Arline Fisch will present “Textile Techniques in Metal”, a slide survey of the development of her research into the use of textile structures in metal, illustrated with her work and that of other artists.

Robert Bell, Curator of Craft and Design, Art Gallery of Western Australia and one of the authors of Elegant Fantasy, writes in the introduction to the book: “Fisch considers the making of textile structures as part of the rich but undervalued world of ‘women’s work.”
Comfortable with the process of knitting since childhood, she feels that it gives her the opportunity to make dramatic yet ‘feminine’ forms in which the work is never about preciousness of material (even when she uses gold) but always about ‘flattery to the body.

“Fisch’s interest in unearthing examples of textile techniques in metal not only has led her to many of the word’s leading museum collections of such material, but also prompted her to draw upon and extend this research into Textile Techniques in Metal which has become the standard text in this field,” writes Bell. She has traveled and studied internationally and upon retiring from full-time teaching in 1996, she has been able to spend more time developing her work and forging new connections. “Colored electrical wire, industrial meshes, metal filter cloth, foils and plastics are all analyzed and evaluated for their possibilities as art, enriching Arline Fisch’s vocabulary of form and our perception of what, in her hands, is possible with metal.
She is Professor of Art (Emerita) at San Diego State University and an artist/jeweler working primarily in precious metals. She exhibits her work internationally. A major retrospective exhibition is touring museums around the country and will open at the Textile Museum in DC on September 27. She is author of Textile Techniques in Metal and the subject of Elegant Fantasy: The Jewelry of Arline Fisch. She was also featured in Ornament, Spring 2000. She will participate in the American Craft Council Awards Presentations at SOFA Saturday evening at 5 PM at the Imax Theater. (Open to the public and free.)

He will show slides and discuss the equipment used in his research, the tracking system, a way to organize the research, and how to “look” at beadwork. He will include a short history of bead manufacturing and how it affects research. His new book, “Beading in the Native American Tradition,” will be published this spring by Interweave Press. If it is available at the time of the meeting, we will have copies to purchase and David will autograph them. Interweave Press shows it coming out in June, but we’ll try to get copies.

The Interweave Press promo says: “Learn beadwork techniques passed down from generations of Native Americans in this complete history of native beadwork from artist David Dean of Choctaw descent. Spectacular color images of historical and contemporary pieces illustrate a collection of techniques, and clear, concise directions demonstrate beadwork in the Native way.” David Dean is a member of BSGC whose previous talk in 1997 on “Design, Color and History of Native North-American Beadwork from a Beadworker’s Perspective” was a delight.

Missing Slide Show

Mary Ann Hickey writes: “My mother has been described as the family archivist. Much of my work is based on a treasury of family photographs in her possession. This slide lecture will follow the development of a body of work that was based on her photo archives. I use various methods to transfer photographic images to fabric, usually thermal transfers from either digital color copiers or my own ink jet printer. Once the images are on the fabric, I embellish them in a variety of ways with hand and machine embroidery and, or course, beadwork. The majority of images in this series deals with gender and power politics.”

Mary Ann Hickey’s lifelong interest in costume, performance and surface design, coupled with a background of domestic needlework, led her to pursue the MFA degree in fiber from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Afer nine years of teaching in the Chicago public schools, she went to California to be the assistant to the technical director of Judy Chicago’s “The Birth Project.” Her embroidery work appears in “The Birth Project” book. Her love of needlework and her experience in education found a forum in “The Needlework Times” which she edited for two years. She has also taught at Richard J. Daley College adult education program, the Textile Arts Centre, and the Suburban Fine Arts Center, Mary Ann’s work has been exhibited throughout the United States and Canada and is featured in “Fiberarts Design Book Four” and “The New Beadwork.” She currently teaches art at National-Louis University.