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Our Artist of the Month
Susan Lenarz
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Artist’s Statement

For me, art is an expression of spirit.  The process of making art is magical- in going to that timeless place, I experience a quiet connection with a higher power. It is a journey to a hidden place, from which I return to analyze and adjust, then re-visit again.  It is my hope that my art evokes an enduring impression, stirs some feelings about this amazing world, rekindles the possibility of a magical existence. Fiber and thread are the medium through which I convey color, line, texture, form and depth.  They are a very tactile medium which express a personal perspective.  Welcome to my world.   .

Exhibitions

2009 Studies in Design and Experimental Stitch 

2008 Artist in Action, Whidbey Island Studio Tour at Gail Harker Creative Studies Center 
                                                  2007 Studies in Design and Experimental Stitch, level 2 
  
2007 Skagit Artists Together Juried Gallery Show at The Depot in Anacortes, WA 

2007 Skagit Artists Together Juried Studio Tour        

2004 Art and Design, level 3,
City and Guilds

 

Bio

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Susan earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh, 1983. She worked as a Dietitian in many hospitals during an era in which medical centers began to beautify their halls with wonderful art.

Susan’s affinity for textile arts began in the early 70’s with the influence of the mod and chunky macramé designs of the period.  She made belts and plant hangers.  Later, as her daughter grew, she picked up basketry and bead embroidery, spinning and knitting.

In 2002, Susan enrolled in the City and Guilds course of study to develop her skills with fiber art.  She completed certificates in Art and Design level 3, and Hand and Machine Embroidery, levels 1. She has continued her studies with Gail Harker’s Creative Studies Center in Experimental Stitch, levels 2 and 3.

 

 


EDUCATION

 Advanced Studies in Experimental Stitch, Level 3,
Gail Harker Creative Studies  Center, 2007-2009

Certificate, Level 2 Hand Embroidery,
Gail Harker Creative Studies Center, 2005-2007     

Certificate, Level 1 Machine Embroidery,
Gail Harker Creative Studies Center, 2006   

Certificate, Level 1 Hand Embroidery,
Gail Harker Creative Studies Center, 2005

Certificate, Level 3 Art and Design, Preparing Working Designs,
City and Guilds of London, 2004

B.S. in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, School of Health Related Professions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1983
 

SELECTED ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION

Deconstructed Screen Printing     Kerr Grabowski

Glitz and Glisten  
Ruth Issett

Layers of Color   
Ruth Issett

SELECTED ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION

Felt Making - Ruth Issett

Spinning Exotic Fibers  
Judith MacKenzie

Creativity and Design, Beaded Handbag   
Anita Luvera Mayer

Clothing  - Anita Luvera Mayer


 

 
 

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Vice President, Skagit Artists Together, 2009

Board Member, Skagit Artists Together 2009-current

Chairman of Studio Tour Committee, Skagit Artists Together, 2008

Superintendant, Spinning and Weaving Competition and Demo, Skagit County Fair,  2004

Assistant Superintendant, Spinning and Weaving Competition and Demo, Skagit County Fair, 2002 and 2003