Grand Opening Guest Artist Speakers

Friday 3 PM – Speaker Anita Luvera Mayer : New Paths to Creativity

Celebration by Anita Luvera Mayer

Where does creativity come from and what fears can impede creativity? The concept of creative thinking applies not only to our work in the arts, but how we live our lives, raise our children, and deal with problem solving and challenges.  The secret to creativity is that there is no secret and it can be learned by any person willing to learn the process and do the work.  Anita will be presenting her inspirational steps to creativity through notebooks, journals, and clothing at our center.

Biography:  Anita Luvera Mayer completed her Level 4 Studies in Design and Experimental Stitch (Diploma) at Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts.   Anita is a designer of contemporary clothing inspired by ethnic originals with finishes and embellishments done by hand.  Anita’s work has been included in national and international exhibits; she is the author of five books and frequently presents articles in major fiber publications.  Anita believes there should be something magical and unique about what is worn each day and shares that concept of clothing with others through the workshops and lectures.

Saturday 3 PM – Speaker Susan Sasnett: My Journey with Birds, Bugs, and Beasts

Calvin the Caterpiller- 3D embroidery by Susan Sasnett

My hands have always been busy creating to make meaning in my life. My understanding of “making art” deepened while studying at the Center and changed the way I viewed the world around me.  I discovered my passion for images of primitive birds, bugs and beasts and bright primary colors while searching for inspiration.  Images that I could design with, manipulate and stitch to make people smile when they see them. Susan will present her Journey along with stitched, dimensional and paper art animals and birds at our center.

Biography:  Susan completed her Level 4 Studies in Design and Experimental Stitch (Diploma) at Gail Harker Center for Creative Arts.   She was a much beloved Kindergarten teacher for many years at an innovative community school in Seattle.  Her duties included teaching sewing as an art form to Kindergarten thru 2nd graders which both girls and boys love.  Many of the projects the children sewed related to what they were studying which included sewing bats, ants, spiders, human body part aprons and water cycle vests.