September First Friday -- Meet the Artists

August 29, 2023

This Friday, September 1st, marks the final First Friday Art Walk of the 2023 season, and what a fun season it’s been! Here at FTT, we’ve been lucky to be visited by a number of excellent artists throughout the summer, and have loved the chance to highlight some incredible work. For September, we’re bringing First Friday a little bit closer to home, featuring the artists within our own four walls – the incredible FTT Team! 

We’ve created this blog as a way to get to know each of our artists and their chosen medium, enjoy and see you soon! 

Miah Davis – Crochet Creations

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I am making a variety of crocheted items, inspired by the natural beauty here in Seward! I have crocheted some cute stuffed whales, octopuses, and bees, as well as flower keychains. In honor of the fast-approaching spooky season, I’ve also crocheted ghosts and pumpkins. I have also made a beanie and some crocheted bags.

That all sounds amazing! How long have you been crocheting? 

I have been crocheting since I was 12 years old. Hard to believe it's already been over 10 years!

Wow, twelve years is really impressive – how did you get started with crochet? 

I was always a crafty kid. My mom is NOT crafty, so I'm not sure where I got it from. When my mom ran out of arts and crafts ideas for me, she surprised me with a couple of crochet lessons from an instructor. I've been hooked ever since! (Haha like a crochet hook, get it?)

Why do you think you enjoy crochet so much? 

There are so many reasons that I enjoy crocheting! The obvious reason is that I love being able to create things. It's a fun creative outlet that results in cute and/or practical things. It's also a great thing to do with my hands while I binge-watch TV that stops me from scrolling on my phone or mindlessly snacking. Plus, I get the added bonus of feeling productive even if all I did was watch TV all day!

Cassie Desrochers – Hand-drawn Outlet Covers

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I will be making painted light switch (single and double) and outlet covers using acrylic markers. Right now I have lupine, fireweed, and forget-me-not,  and am hoping to have a few other designs as well! I picked flowers that we see here in our backyard to draw because they add such a beautiful pop of color to our life here in Alaska!

Well, we certainly can’t wait to see what you come up with! How long have you been painting/drawing?

I don't think I “actively paint” apart from the occasional paint night or art course, it is just something of a hobby every now and again that I enjoy - I wouldn’t call myself a painter by any means. I am using acrylic markers for these, so it feels more like drawing or doodling if I am being honest! I am a chronic doodler, drawing little things whenever there is paper in front of me!

That makes total sense – how long has art interested you?

Arts and crafts has always been something I enjoyed. From when I was young and in school and throughout my adult life I have always loved a good arts and craft project! It has become something I look forward to when I have the time and resources to do it

Making these light switch and outlet covers has been such a fun experience! It has been so refreshing to slow down and take a break from whatever I am doing to put my time and energy into drawing flowers onto these covers. As far as drawing in general, I find it to be such a nice way to clear my head and reset myself, as well as just a fun activity to do!

Mary Coster – Photography: Canvas Prints

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I will be bringing in several different canvas prints of photographs I have taken here in Alaska! I’ll be offering two different print sizes, all on canvas. 

Wow, we can’t wait to see them in person! How long have you been interested in photography? 

I have been taking photos since I was in my teens. I was heading back to a Girl Scout camp I attended summers in the Rocky Mountains near Augusta, Montana, and asked to borrow my dad’s old Brownie camera. I wanted to be able to share some of the scenery and horses I was seeing with my family. Dad actually said yes and I was hooked. 

What a cool experience you were able to share with your dad! What draws you to photography?

Being able to capture nature’s beauty just amazes me, and I want to do it as much as possible. 

It took me 8 years to complete the New York Institute of Photography course because I was working seasonally and trying to see as much of the States as possible. The mail had a tough time keeping up with me. Now it can be done online. How much easier is that?

Deb Faust – Sweet Treats

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I will be creating mini cinnamon loaves of bread, they’re a hit with my family and friends, and I can’t wait to share them with all of you!

Our mouths are already watering! Can you tell us a little bit more about your process? What got you interested in baking?

I have been baking since childhood, I would work with my mom to create bread and other things. When it comes to the process, I love working with the dough, it’s amazingly cathartic. 

Do you have any fun facts about what you’re making?

This will be my first for sharing with other folks than friends and family. 

Lily Aey – Photography: Canvas Prints

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

For First Friday, I’ll be bringing four different canvas prints of photos that I’ve taken in and around Seward since I arrived in April of this year! I’ve had such a great time getting to know the town and the landscape through the lens of my camera, and I can’t wait to share my images with you all. 

How exciting! Can you tell us a little about what got you interested in photography?

I actually couldn’t tell you when I first got interested in photography, it’s always been a passion of mine. My focus has changed over the years, but I love to be able to capture a moment in time and share it with the world. While I was at college, I was heavily involved with live music photography and loved every minute. It’s a real rush to try to capture the exact moment of action, and a challenge I really enjoy. 

From live music to nature, I guess it really is all about the timing. Where was the last place you visited that you were most excited to capture photos? 

I actually just got back from a trip to Denali National Park with two other FTT Team Members, and I cannot wait to go through my photos from our trip. We were lucky enough to get really close to a grizzly bear (from the safety of the transit bus, thankfully!), and I’m really looking forward to going through my photos of that encounter. 

Want to learn more about our artists and their mediums? Stop by Forests, Tides & Treasures from 6 - 8 pm on Friday, September 1st!

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