On Thursday, October 13 at 7 p.m., the Sunland/Tujunga Art Association (STAA) will welcome guest demonstrating artist Shelley Matousek. She will be demonstrating her methods for crafting lovely pine-needle baskets with fused glass and other natural embellishments.
She will also hold a followup session on Saturday, October 15. This workshop will be in her studio and allow attendees to create their own baskets.
Matousek believes her passion for basketry developed from a love of using natural, organic and California-native materials and then combining them with other materials to create works of arts.
As she artfully explains, “Nature provides everything we need if we just open our eyes and minds to the creative process. Pine needles can be collected, cleaned and used to make some amazing baskets. I love to recycle whenever I can and recycling the pine needles is often just the beginning of the process. Wood, agates, leather and even glass get a new life as art in many of my designs.”
Each piece is a one-of-akind item as the organic materials shape their final design. Each piece takes on a life of its own. Its own adventure. She added, “I am just along for the ride, the love, and the passion!” Her glass embellishments include some handcrafted by her and her husband.
Her work is currently on display at the Collonade Gallery at 2421 E. Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. The gallery can be reached at (626) 239-3153.
Her work has also been presented at The Towns/Burr Gallery on Magnolia in Burbank and at the Magnolia Park art nights as well as many other spots
There will be an opportunity drawing at the end of the demonstration for one of Matousek’s newly made baskets. Refreshments will also be served.
Regarding the October 15 event, Pine Needle Basket Weaving with Shelley Motousek, it will take place at Shelley’s Studio on 10352 Glory Avenue in Tujunga from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event costs $20 for STAA members and $30 for guests.
For the October 15 event, space is limited to six students. Please call Nancy Bearce at (818) 736-7492 to reserve your place. There will be supplies for each of the six students to create two baskets: a wood bottom and a leather bottom and the pine needle sides for both. There will be time to finish one; the second one should be taken home to complete. If you wish to bring from home any beads, stones or other natural embellishments for your basket, please feel free to do so! (Please bring your own beverages and snacks for this Saturday, October 15 workshop.)
For more information cregarding the STAA, please contact Nancy at (818) 736- 7492 or Pat at (818) 352- 2484. The group meets the second Thursday night monthly at 7 p.m. at the La Crescenta Spiritual Center, 4845 Dunsmore Avenue in La Crescenta 91214. Shelley Matousek’s Web site may be found at www.PineNeedleBasketryAndGourdart.com.