Francesca Pulis
Arts and Crafts is delighted to have Francesca Pulis in our midst. As promised, she will be exhibiting her Calligraphy for you on August 11th in the Cribari Conference room. Francesca is a 28-year resident and an Arts & Crafts member. Perhaps you have never seen her work. Over many years she has dabbled in many forms of art from drawing to pottery, oil painting to jewelry which includes many on campus and off campus venues.
Her passion for the calligraphy art form was ignited around the time she retired in 1991. Francesca took many classes and participated in workshops from the prestigious Pacific Scribes Guild with internationally known artist scribes. This led to conferences with more in-depth classes and meaningful teaching moments for her.
Her tools are somewhat simple, which she now purchases from an online catalogue featuring pens designed for calligraphy, some chiseled, ink, pencils, and brushes that flavor Japanese art form. With these tools, over time, she learned many fonts, which are styles of letters. Visualize anything from poetry to marquee.
In her work she may use different papers or viscosity of inks or watercolor to produce the best visual for the subject matter for a lyrical poem or a graphic.
Francesca is indeed a technician. This artform is not misunderstood, it is not slighted, it is just not often seen. She does not sell her work, rather, she gives gifts to friends, or she keeps them for her own enjoyment.
There will be many chances to view her work over the next few months until late October, including during the Monthly Membership Meeting on October 9! Art appreciation is widespread. Take time to see this art form. It will make you feel not just at home and comfortable, but also informed.
Duet Art Exhibit
in the Cribari Conference Room
starting August 11, 2023
Francesca Pulis and Sharman Watkins
Sharman Watkins
Sharman Watkins will be joining Francesca Pulis in our August 11th hanging exhibit in the Cribari Conference room. Around 6 years ago, Sharman joined us as a Villager and an Arts and Crafts member. Some of us have gotten a glimpse of her work over this time, particularly her inviting watercolor. Sharman has dabbled with acrylics and oils and even ceramics and mosaics, but her stable and very beautifully done watercolors have taken main stage.
After retiring from her day job as a concierge at a spa, she found more time to continue her passion for art which stems all the way back to high school. The workshops and classes she has taken with Linda Seiker and Ceil Duke have been here at the Villages. Her other outside opportunities include classes at South side community, the old Campbell high school campus, and at Evergreen.
You may see her and her husband enjoying the outdoors, walking or riding bicycles around here, but moreover, taking in the experience of the outdoors anywhere which gives her inspiration to paint a landscape, a city scene, a feature with a boat or animal, or even dancers. All are meticulously well done and inviting. Soft, but not too soft, giving us a clear idea of the visual she wants you to see, a testament to paying attention to any guidance she has received.
There may be other art forms for Sharman to pursue like her photography but as with most of us, time and life get a bit in the way. So this time around, please manage to visit the Cribari Conference room when it's open and see her work. You won' be disappointed.
You can view Sharman's and Francesca's exhibit during the Arts & Crafts Monthly Membership Meeting on October 9 at 1:45 pm.