Wire Sculpture - not as easy as it seems!

Katy and her creations


What a great time we all had on Saturday as artist Katy Haas showed us how she creates her intricate wire sculptures. Not only did she explain her process but she also challenged each of us to create a "simple" piece ourselves. Explaining that this process is largely one she developed on her own, she told us about the different wires and tools needed to bend and twist the wire into a recognizable shape. She works from her own designs, creating a contour drawing of the subject to use as a pattern for each sculpture. As her agile fingers make the wire conform to the pattern, it seemed so easy to get all the little shapes needed. But then it was our turn - we each had a pattern for a bear to work from. It became very obvious from the start that bending that wire to fit this shape was not so easy. Sometimes it seemed as if we were all thumbs, but we kept at it until amazingly the creature began to take shape. There was lots of laughter and excitement and sharing of the experience as Katy patiently worked with us individually to get the desired results. By the end of the hour we could all proudly display our little wire critter.

Thanks, Katy, for providing us with such a wonderful demonstration!
Cindy Ahrenkiel and friend


Beautiful work!

LAC Co-Op Meeting

The Co-Op members had a short meeting Wednesday at the Gallery to discuss upcoming changes in the next year. In anticipation of increased expenses for next year, Kathy has been doing her usual creative thinking and has developed a Member’s Wall within the classroom area at the gallery. This wall will be available for rent to members wanting to display their work..what an exciting idea! Sort of like a personal gallery! It’s available for viewing now, so come take a look. The first members’ exhibit will be up soon! (See the exhibit area to the left and right of the photo)


As Co-op members we will be hanging more work in less space, so there will be some interesting changes when the gallery items change in October!

We are also beginning to think about the fall and winter activities, so Kathy is asking for donations to our Green Rack at the rear of the classroom area plus items for the ever-popular gift baskets for the holiday season. Keep your eyes open for great things to donate!

I am woman...hear me roar!

All the ladies attending the August 20th luncheon stood a little taller after hearing the presentation from guest author Charlotte Waisman about her book "Her Story - A Timeline of Women Who Changed America". This well informed and entertaining speaker presented many stories of women who made an impact on American history - both big and small. Some are relatively unknown but their accomplishments were great. Do you know why Lane Bryant first created her line of clothing? Or who the woman was who identified the HIV virus? Along with co-author Jill Tietjen, Charlotte has created a chronoligical order of women and their achievements in a largely pictoral format. Not only did we hear about these interesting people, we learned how the book came into being, how the two women met, and the problems they faced in getting their book published. Many of us bought an autographed copy of the book to take home and enjoy - but it can also be found at your local library. The feeling was this book should be part of the school curriculum and would make a perfect gift for any young woman starting college.

The delightful afternoon included the usual delicious lunch and time to relax and enjoy a conversation with friends.

Children's Exhibit Brings in the Crowd!

This show just keeps getting better every year. We had a huge crowd at the opening reception on August 11, attended by proud kids, parents, grandparents and friends! They were all having such a good time and the excitement was contagious. Both floors of the gallery were filled to capacity with folks even congregating in the parking lot. And the show is worth all the attention. If you want to lift your spirits and get your creative juices flowing, be sure to stop in and see this wonderful exhibit of colorful dragons, flying people, carefully formed pottery, interesting cartoons, colorful paintings and sensitive charcoal portraits. A special thank you to Jim Olsen and the City of Lakewood for bringing this very special show to our gallery.