Meet Janice McElroy
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BIOGRAPHY In 2012 I took a class in making pine needle baskets. The class was from 9am to 4pm and we were told we would complete a basket. I imagined a good size basket, large enough to hold fruit. My basket was 2”x3” and I had bruised fingers and a broken thumb nail! That started it and since then I have been self-taught. I soon discovered I could use a gourd for a base and sew pine needles onto the gourd getting a much larger basket. The possibilities are unlimited. My love of nature and travel have added extra dimensions to my obsession with gourds. Wherever I go I pick up sticks, stones, fungi, flowers, shells and almost anything that I can use to embellish my creations. About 5 years ago I started doing some local art shows. Much to my surprise my sales were good, and I even won some awards. In 2017 I retired from a long career in Real Estate. I started applying to more art shows and with more time was able to travel further. I really enjoy the people contact at art shows and festivals. Since most shows have been cancelled due to the Covid virus I am excited to participate in the Artisans on Fifth art gallery. Recent Awards: Award of Merit, Halifax Art Festival, 2019 Merit Award, Leesburg Art Festival, 2019 Award of Excellence, Deland Fall Festival of the Arts, 2016 |
