- USA fellows Delores Lewis Garcia and Emma Lewis Mitchell crafted “Jar with Thunderbirds” in 2006.
The artists’ advocacy organization United States Artists struck again Dec. 14, honoring 50 artists with unrestricted $50,000 grants in a ceremony at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Calif. The organization annually recognizes artists from across the country in eight creative disciplines. The crafts and traditional arts category recognized seven top artists:
New Mexico artist Mary Shaffer, a founding artist of the American Studio Glass Movement, developed a technique called “mid-air slumping” in the 1970s, which allows her to soften plate glass into a form. Her glass-and-metal sculptures range from small objects to room-size installations.
Longtime teacher and Montana resident Beth Lo explores her Asian-American identity and issues of family in clay and collages. She employs traditional techniques like calligraphy and origami and sometimes borrows from material culture like souvenirs and toys to communicate her message.
New Mexico potters Delores Lewis Garcia and Emma Lewis Mitchell learned their craft from their mother, pueblo potter Lucy Lewis. They continue to work together to produce traditional hand-built pots with authentic Acoma patterns.
Alaskan Perry Eaton continues a long tradition of carving Sugpiaq Alutiiq masks. He started studying the techniques in the 1990s, and also teaches at youth camps and cultural organizations.
Wisconsin basket maker Dona Look has developed a singular look in her work by sewing birch bark with silk thread. The resulting minimalist style focuses on surface texture, volume and implied simplicity.
Pennsylvania ceramist Kukuli Velarde borrows from pre-Columbian traditions to craft clay sculptures that provide commentary on topics like gender and identity issues.
For the full list of winners, visit www.unitedstatesartists.org.
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