Member - Madeline Ramsey |
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A CRAFTY LADY Springtime is Madeline Ramsey's season to experiment and get artistically refueled. It is also when she creates the significant inventory that enables her to exhibit at upwards of eight craft fairs come autumn. Madeline is known for her creations in glass. And because she divides her time between stained glass, glass mosaic, and hot/fused glass, fair goers can be bedazzled by her dichroic glass jewelry, stained-glass kaleidoscopes, mosaic platters, bottle-glass trays, and lots more. Madeline got her first experience in crafting large quantities nearly 30 years ago when she was making star ornaments. A florist used her stars to decorate trees that were sold through his business--Madeline estimates that she made about 200 stars to fill his orders! It was not long after that her participation in craft fairs began. Starting with a two-person show in her home, her connection to the fair network gradually evolved through word-of-mouth, though according to Madeline an artist interested in locating vendor opportunities can find listings in newspapers such as the Alexandria Gazette-Packet. Her own home show continues to this day, but now there are 33 artisans involved. Plus, she exhibits at fairs in Occoquan, Mount Vernon, Arlington, and Fairfax. When Madeline joined the Del Ray Artisans several years ago, she exhibited mainly in the holiday gift shows, but over the years she has been inspired to create work that is not mass produced. "I tend to think of myself more as a craftsman," says Madeline, "DRA has helped me really grow as an artist." Two years ago a thematic show based on fire inspired Madeline to create a stained glass fire screen, after that there was the self-portrait in fused glass for DRA's Portrait of an Artist exhibition. This past December's Offbeat Auction showcased one of her most challenging artistic achievements, a stunning mosaic table complete with embedded place settings. "It took 5 months to do, and was different for me. It stretched me," says Madeline. Her helping hand in the venture was Adama Russell, another DRA member who partners with Madeline frequently. Not all of Madeline's customers find her at craft fair exhibits, though; she has success reaching out of town customers through the Internet. Her affiliation with the International Guild of Glass Artists has made it possible for interested customers to contact her through the guild's link on the Martha Stewart Living website. Somehow amid her busy crafting schedule, Madeline finds time to teach. For upwards of 15 years now, she has been a craft instructor through the Alexandria City Public Schools, teaching about 6 adult education classes a semester. "Teaching is important to me," says Madeline. "If you can provide a spark that stimulates art--that is really rewarding." She also holds classes at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, where since 1978 she has volunteered her time running an open studio for arts & crafts. The studio is open from 9:30 am-noon and 7:30-10 pm on Tuesday, and crafters can work independently for just $1 plus the cost any of studio materials used. Arrangements can be made for personal instruction or guidance if someone wants to learn a new technique. Lately, husband Chuck has been inspired to join Madeline in the studio to create hot glass products. Working with the kiln is an ongoing learning experience, and each month they try a new technique. A recent experiment with wine bottles has resulted in a whole new gift item--whimsical cheese platters. They are sure to be a big hit at the craft fairs later this year when shoppers are looking for novel items for hostess gifts and holiday entertaining. Cheers, Madeline!
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