Beyond the Basics: Jackie Abrams and Friends

I feel truly honored that FibreWorks Studio & Gallery in Pender Harbour, the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada, hosted this exhibit of my work, as well as the work of my students from Australia, Canada, and the USA. 
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I am fortunate that I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful and talented students over these decades. Thank you all for your participation. 

row 1: Frances Dorsey, Judith Saunders Dorothy Cross, ​row2: Jane Whitten, Ellen Luchkow, Julie Pongrac, ​row 3: Lisa Galbraith Heyl, Mimi Peterson, Jean Poythress Koon

Juror/teacher statement 
The greatest sign of success for the teacher ... is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.' -- Maria Montessori
 
I love to teach.
 
Since 1975, I have savored the challenge of working with each student as an individual, adapting to varying degrees of proficiency, and helping each one learn the techniques of contemporary basketry.
 
Each student is different; they have their own voice to find and explore. My role has been to teach them the foundations, help them acquire further skills, stimulate their creativity, and encourage them to discover their unique voices. 
 
“Beyond the Basics” is a celebration of these students' creativity. It is gratifying to see how they have taken the techniques and concepts taught in class (the "basics") and used them in their own creative work. Their technical skills and innovative interpretations of “the basics” have resulted in pieces which explore colors, textures, concepts, and forms. They have gone beyond the basics.
 
As I look at their work, I am reminded why I love to teach.