45. Artist Trust: Anna Skibska Studio - Summer's End Soiree

Forty five down. Ten to go.

Open to anyone willing to make a small donation,
the Summer's End Soiree was a fun party inside
Anna Skibska's Fremont Studio.

Artist Anna Skibska received a Fellowship from Artist Trust in 2001 and wanted to give something back: she wanted to help this organization continue its important work of supporting artists in Washington State. So, she hosted a benefit reception in her Fremont studio where she sold some of her beautiful jewelry, and shared the proceeds with Artist Trust.

I was a beneficiary of this event as well, in the form of a very fun outing and the chance to buy a birthday present for our eldest daughter. The artist herself confirmed my selection as "perfect", based on a photo of said daughter. At the event Ms. Skibska gave a wonderful demonstration of her signature and well-recognized glass technique.

Artist Trust offers some very important and tangible support for individual artists of all disciplines in Washington State, providing financial help, career training, and professional resources. Their grant-making is based on artistic merit, with awards (which range from project grants to major merit awards and residencies across the country) selected by peer panels of artists and arts professionals. The organization's Creative Career Center holds workshops and classes around the state where artists learn best business practices and entrepreneurialism. It is easy and inexpensive to become an Artist Trust member, which provides for discounts at arts-related businesses and Artist Trust programs, among other benefits.

Ann Skibska received her diploma from the Academy of Art in Wroclaw, Poland and has taught creative glass in Japan, at the Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, and at the Pilchuck Glass School. She has lived and worked in Seattle since the late 90's and her work has been exhibited in Europe and across the U.S.  Opportunities to meet the artist and see her work can be found on her Facebook page.

Our daughter loved the necklace and
earrings handmade by the artist.