Wallace, an author, writer and independent curator from the Los Angeles area, had this to say about our artists:

"While the larger market requires that artists develop a trademark style, many of the artists that I met (here) found this too limiting and insist upon following their muse, rather than compromising their vision by such restrictions. Although this in not in line with the thinking of the larger art world, it is well suited to the creative spirit." He added, "I was exposed to wonderful work that couldn't be created in any other environment."

Invited and established artists Michael Lee (wood), Rick Mills (glass) and Sam Rosen (sculpture) are excellent role models for their dedication and contribution to the community.

Wallace's specialty in woodcraft, as verified in his many published works, gives further credibility to this year's wood artists.

Award winner Derek Bencomo's "Come To Me Dancing 53rd View" (turned and carved maple) appears light enough to float off the pedestal. Novel for their large size, Robert W. Butts "Robusta" (turned bowl) and Cliff Johns' blossom-like "Waiting for Auntie" are surprising. The unusual shape of award winner Patrick Kramer's "Bits 'n Pieces," as well as Gerald Ben's "Shell Series" and the sculptural "Hole in One" by Sepp Koch, are intriguing. Phillip Markwart's construction and Sharon Doughtie's detailed burned textural and unburned surface decorations are noteworthy.

The ceramic selections seem to have taken on an otherworldly quality this year, led by award winner Yukio Ozaki's large, slimy-looking and scary stoneware "Foot and Mouth." According to Ozaki, the owner can rub the nose for good luck. No thanks.

"Breath of Bull," by Jodi Endicott, was created with gesso, crayon, pencil and oil. Photo by Brad Goda

This bizarre theme continues in the glassworks of Ture Gustafson and Amber Zulich, and finally rests in the "Rhythm of the Night," fused glass work by Jane Raissie.

The small but exquisite showing of jewelry by Alicia S. Kawano Oh, Adrienne Duckrow and Carole Bowen, and the lovely metalwork of Brenda May Ching, as well as the mixed-media "SmART Jewelry" by R. Eve Solomon, are charming.

Fiber works by Lori Uyehara and Dee Van Dyke, and the life-sized gray clay, paper and steel sculpture "Transference" by Steve R. Davis, hold our attention, as does the sheer size of Beverly Major's carp and Helen May Friend's quilt.

It is refreshing to see collaborations of Fran Williamson /Web Anderson, Steve Martin/George Woollard, established glass artists Hugh Jenkins/Stephanie Ross and Diana Grundhauser and Joan Davis, who were given an award of excellence for their exquisitely designed "Sliced Pineapple" fabric quilt.