This event recap is provided by Events Assistant Liz Crandall.
Community members recently gathered in the classroom at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture for the seventh Open Studio of the season, where they heard from the current residents: weaver and folk artist Sylvia Friday and sculpture artist Hilary Pfeifer.
A hazy, warm afternoon set the stage for attendees to divide up into two groups, which rotated between Sylvia’s display in the “Pickle Room” studio and Hilary’s creations in the “Tack Room” studio. After the groups visited both studios, they returned to the classroom for a social hour.
Birds of a Feather and Upcycled Nests with Hilary Pfeifer
Hilary has been collecting street sweeper bristles for over 30 years, which she integrates into her art series of handmade nests. Using other “garbage” such as badminton birdies, spray painted gravel and sheep’s wool, Hilary has crafted many nests, all of which are individually unique and have their own character.
In her studio, Hilary laid out all her supplies and items used in her sustainable artwork. A blast of color and texture created an atmosphere of creativity and whimsy, which is a true testament to how she approaches her work. Lined along the wall space as well were a new series of gouache paintings featuring various species of mushrooms, which Hilary plans on making a future calendar with.
Weaver Fever and Stories of Willow with Sylvia Friday
Moving over to the Pickle Room studio, attendees were caressed by the aromatic wafting of fresh willow boughs. Covering the walls were hand-woven willow baskets of differing size and structure, all created by the talented Sylvia Friday. For years, Sylvia has intertwined willow and cattails into outstanding pieces of art, the vast majority of which is multi-use. “Every basket ever created was and is made by human hands,” Sylvia stated to the group, honing in just how special baskets really are.
Not only did Sylvia explain the process of harvesting and weaving with willow, but she also taught everyone a few fun facts about the history of basketry. Notably, nearly every culture created and used baskets hundreds of years ago. Prior to our modern society, humans used to practice subsistence methods and maintained more intention into their daily lives. For example, the Irish used to create willow boats with rawhide and branches, a lengthy process that used all natural and local materials to build.
After the Visits
Sylvia and Hilary enjoyed having the opportunity to connect with community members and were grateful to the attendees for taking time to attend the Open Studio and participate in conversations.
It is worth mentioning that our third resident artist, Jayne Struble, had to leave her residency early and was not able to join us for the Open Studio. She was missed at this event and we wish her all the best back at home.
Thank you to our residents and community members for making the seventh Open Studio event a success. Our next Open Studio is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025. During this event, guests will hear from author Beth Alvarado, multimedia artist Ebenezer Galluzzo, and ceramicist Mychelle Moritz.
Photos by PMRCAA
