An Open Letter to Governor Strickland

Dear Governor Strickland,

I am writing to ask that you reconsider the proposed budget cuts for the Ohio library system. Libraries are so important now, more than ever, as people use their resources for job searches, resume help, a non-judgemental place where one can find out about services for people in need, and yes, even as community centers. In our small town, the library serves as a place for our children to go after school, and provides snacks and activities during the summer for all of our children. These budget cuts would be catastrophic, as our library would be shut down, leaving the children with nothing to do after school.

We have used the libraries when our power or water goes out; they are always a haven, especially for those who are elderly or who are home with small children, giving people a place to go which is welcoming and free. The libraries provide gallery space for local artists to exhibit, exposing many people to the pleasures the arts can bring into their lives. The libraries also provide low-cost meeting areas for groups of all kinds from La Leche League to local conservation groups, and programs for patrons of all ages, including yoga, writing, local history and more. The loss of these services would be devastating.

Please, please, please reconsider and do not cut funding to our libraries. They are too vital and too important to let go by the wayside.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Andrea L. Stern

If you are in Ohio, find out more about saving our libraries at these sites
Athens County Public Library (lists the budget committee members)
Save Ohio Libraries (Facebook page)

Can You Help Me Out?

I am working on my artist statement for the grant this fall as well as for my Artful Home application. I'm having a hard time clarifying and actually just talking about one or two points. Alyson B. Stanfield suggests you ask an impartial person some of these questions to help see how others view your work and what they may want to know that you think is obvious.

http://www.embellishmentcafe.com/NEWwallgallery.htm
for images of the work (for the grant I am using the water tower body of work; for Artful Home I will be including a bit more broader range, but all are pieced and appliqued)

http://andibeads.blogspot.com/2008/09/water-towers-lifelong-passion.html
for just the water towers

Now for the questions. If you can answer any or all of them or if you have any other questions you can think of I would really appreciate it. (and there are no wrong answers and no stupid questions). Thank you in advance!

1. Do you have art in your home? Tell me about it, why you selected it, what drew you to it, what you love about it.

2. What do you find most interesting about my work? What are you attracted to?

3. What do you find least interesting? Distracting? Puzzling?

4. What would you like to know about how it was made, displayed, and so on?

5. Does it remind you of anything in your life? Or recall a memory for you?

6. Is there anything you would like to know about me or my background?

Thank you *so* much!

Hillel Piece On Site

This is what the Hillel piece looks like in place. We are all thrilled with how it all turned out and it looked lovely through the window last night after services. All in all a very successful first public commission!

Almost Finished

The Hillel piece is nearly completed. Yesterday I added the stars, the day before that the new backing and edging. This weekend I will begin the buildings and Monday confirm the quote that is to go in the bricks. Even though it's a large (by my previous standards) piece and so a challenge to quilt etc, I am enjoying it more and more as each piece gets added.