Kathy Bussert-Webb

I have enjoyed my month-long stay at Elsewhere Studios, getting to know the other residents (Chuy, Sierra, and Kara), the director (Mitchell), and the community, especially the Paonia public elementary school. This first picture is of the children creating mountain scenes, using homemade stencil techniques that I taught them. Lauren (their teacher) and Rose (from Arts for All) helped me with the entire process. I will treasure this time with the Paonia teachers and children.

The mountain scenery inspired me as well. I was scared to try an assemblage using found wood, but my practice has been moving to more organic materials and processes. Thus, I was so excited when I found six placemats from one of Paonia’s thrift stores (Barking Bargains). And guess what?! The placemats were made from Paonia’s wood. Here is a picture of my finished piece with one of the placemats as a backdrop; my assemblage is entitled “Wherever i Go, There i Am.”