Pratt, fish, and a long bus ride

I got myself over on the bus to Salty's on Alki today for Pratt's celebration of volunteers, cheerleaders, contributors of all kinds - oh yes, and instructors of the year.

Breaking new ground at Pratt


















Free drinks! People I know! And some new people - I had a great time talking to Gene Gentry Mc Mahon, artist and teacher, and walker. She has done some walking races and used to walk 75 miles a week to train. Inspiring...

Mimi Pierce, Jack Kleinart and others were recognized for their contributions to Pratt as an organization, along with six or seven of us teachers, in areas ranging from letterpress to blacksmithing. A quick intro, a handshake, a nice certificate, and back to my salmon, still warm...

It was truly gratifying to be recognized. And to look out into a room full of the generous and engaged people who contribute their time, money and energy to this organization. We teachers are so cloistered away in our classrooms, but suddenly I felt part of the Seattle art community.

Thanks to all of them and to Pratt for the appreciation, and for giving so many artists work, encouragement and opportunities.

Most of all, a big, warm thanks to my students who cared enough to vote - the gesture is deeply felt and goes a long way.

(And the fish, by the way, was very tender and tasty, with rapini and yummy spuds - nice job, Salty's!).

they shoot painters don't they

Photographer Vicki Grayland and I had a great time the other day shooting pictures at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

It was supposed to look like my studio, so I made a sort of collage on the walls of whatever I had to hand - old work I use in class, fabric, postcards, and squares of origami paper.

The painting was something I started on the spot, no time to think, just started cutting and sticking more of those squares and slapping down acrylic paint. And you know? I think this was good for me!

She was after a certain light...it became a collaboration.

Too much fun...

2-d Instructor of the Year/ SHOW OPENS TONIGHT

Julia Hensley, Red/Yellow 45th, Oil on Panel, 2006















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PRATT Fine Arts Gallery
Toshiro Kaplan Building
3rd & Washington Streets

Thursday, October 4th
6-8pm
Show runs through the end of the month
Gallery hours are Fri-Sat 12-5
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Party following at my studio
619 Western
Studio 6N, Sixth Floor
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I have been voted Teacher of the Year in the 2D studio at Pratt Fine Arts Center.

This means a terrific trophy replete with hotglue gunned embellishments (I'll get a photo of that but in the meantime, let your imagination run wild), the gift of $300 toward classes at Pratt (letterpress!), an award ceremony by the city at a Salty's on Alki, and a much-welcom sense of appreciation for seven years of teaching my heart out.

HUGE THANKS to all my students who voted - your work, excitement, and support is much appreciated.

There are six of my paintings in the accompanying show, along with work by my fellow-awardees in the 3-d departments. Stop by, it would be grand to see you! Or visit later, it'll be up for a month.