by David Flint
Stephentown’s Heritage Center last weekend became an impressive showcase for local gifted artisans – the Women Artisans of Stephentown Showcase. This was not a sales event but rather intended to let people know about just a sample of the many talented creators of arts and crafts that reside in this small town. [private]The exhibit was the brainchild of Stephentown Heritage Center Curator Bev McClave. Bev is a member of a knitters group that meets Wednesdays at the Stephentown Library. It occurred to her sometime last fall that there is so much talent tucked away in these hills that people don’t know about. It should be discovered, the Knitters agreed. Isabel Krebs offered to help organize the show and Lynn Drumm served as Coordinator of Layout and Display.
On display were colorful llama yarns and woven baskets of all shapes and sizes by Lynn Drumm and Isabel Krebs, very creative quilts by Tammy Madden, rug hooked pillows and wall hangings in amazing colors by Lisa Wheeler, mysterious and wonderful sculptures in alabaster and soapstone by Florence Barth Mason, needlepoint works by Phyllis DeFreest including one amazing piece depicting a victorian house, x-stitched using only one color.
A collection of antique dolls were dressed wonderfully in the creations of Donna Mullet, who also displayed a very large and beautiful quilt entitled “German Chocolate” that dominated the stage area.
Former Town Supervisor Pat Mohos had a dazzling sample of her knitting. “I am very fussy about the yarn,” she says, “I use mostly hand dyes and spun by the vendors. Colors and textures are very important to me.” Spinner and dyer Laurie Perrin displayed yarns and knitwear in fabulous colors. Very striking was the exhibit of a sample of Meredith Rhindress’ stained glass art.
“There is so much to paint and so little time,” said artist Grace Zema. Admiring the sample she had on display, mostly nature’s objects but also some still life, one is apt to wish that Grace has many, many more years to paint.
Barbara Peterson has been teaching the craft of rug hooking since 1977. A sample of her works displayed on the stage demanded everyone’s attention.
A very interesting display of soaps featured two artisans, Bernice Gawron with a sample of her glycerin based botanical soaps and all natural body lotions, and Bonnie Frank with a section of her soaps made from beeswax and honey and other natural products.
“We were very pleased with not only the excellent quality of work but the turnout of people from all over the area,” said McClave. “It was a great week-end and perhaps it will spark other new and creative ideas. We did not wish to offend any men who read about it but instead challenge them to have their own exhibit next year. Just call me or Isabel!”
A small selection of the Artisans’ work can be seen in the Historical Society’s display case located in the Stephentown Post Office.
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