Anna Skibska Named "Presenting Artist" for 2008
Internationally celebrated Seattle artist Anna Skibska will create a dazzling glass Christmas tree as Providence O’Christmas Trees’ 2008 Presenting Artist. Skibska will use her signature glass sculpting technique in her donation to O’Christmas Trees.
She pioneered this unique process by using a small torch and tweezers to stretch glass into glass threads. The threads are then fused together into a sculptural form. Skibska’s work is solitary, tranquil and meditative - creating three-dimensional forms that trap and play with light.
Her creation for O’Christmas Trees will be a classic pyramid shaped tree with sparkling rectangular green glass boxes. The nearly six-foot tall structure will include intricate webs of latticed glass that produce a kaleidoscope effect of color and light.
Skibska’s involvement in the 2008 Providence O’Christmas Trees gala and auction is a reflection of her giving spirit and her commitment to the seniors of this community. “I didn’t come to America to take – I came to learn and to share,” Skibska says.
“I want to make a connection with the seniors of Providence. Growing old is something that will happen to all of us. I don’t want to be scared of my future.” Skibska studied painting, print, and architecture at the Academy of Art in Wroclaw, Poland.
Her unique method was born out of necessity. After graduating, she became an academic teacher at the Academy and on a communistic teacher’s salary she could not afford the expensive materials made is Western Europe.
“I was making too much money to die but not enough money to live,” Skibska says. She began using glass as her predominate medium in Poland during the 1980s in Poland, independently of international glass movements. Skibska’s talent was noticed first by the Kosciuszko Foundation and then by the Soros Foundation. The grants allowed her to visit New York and Seattle. Since 1997, she has divided her time between Europe and America.
Skibska’s stunning tree will stand out among a forest of 15 uniquely decorated evergreen Christmas trees at the three-day O’Christmas Trees event. It will be on display to the public at the free A Family Affair Treeview on Dec. 1, at the Silver Bells Luncheon on Dec. 2, and will be auctioned at the Dec. 3 Gala Dinner & Auction, all held at The Westin Seattle.Proceeds from the auction will benefit programs supported by Providence Senior and Community Services, celebrating caring services that enhance the lives of those in need through healthcare, housing and hospice.
About Providence O’Christmas Trees:
O’Christmas Trees, Providence Health & Services’ Senior and Community Services’ largest annual fundraiser, takes place Dec. 1 - 3, 2008 at The Westin Seattle.
A variety of activities, centering on the auction of beautifully designed holiday trees, are planned to engage the hundreds of people of all ages who attend or happen into The Westin, 1900 Fifth Ave.
Last year, O'Christmas Trees raised more than $930,000 for programs and services serving those who are elderly or disabled, disenfranchised, or facing the end of life.
They are served by Providence ElderPlace, Heritage House at the Market, Providence Hospice of Seattle, Providence Home Services, Providence Marianwood, Providence Infusion and Pharmacy Services, Providence Supportive Housing, and Providence Mount St. Vincent - all of which are available to residents of King County. Visit www.providence.org/otrees to learn more.
About Anna Skibska:
Anna Skibska studied art and architecture at the Academy of Art in Wroclaw, Poland where she remained as an academic teacher after graduating in 1984. Skibska’s art has been exhibited in Poland, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Japan. Locally her work has been shown at the Seattle Art Museum, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, and the Bellevue Arts Museum. Photos of Skibska’s creations can be viewed at www.annaskibska.com.
Please plan to join your friends in supporting this premier holiday event featuring amazing trees as well as live and silent auction items. For more information, email Patricia Szabo or call 206-938-2788.
For questions or comments about this site please contact Patricia Szabo
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