Page 6 - Demo SS Fall 2016

2016 environmental artistry awards Honor
elaine Longenecker and Bob north
Local artist and historian Becky Dietrich returned to the stage during the 2016 Earth Celebration Day & Festival of Art on Saturday, April 30 to present the annual Renfrew Institute Environmental Artistry Award to two very worthy recipients, Elaine Longenecker and Bob North.
this region for his fine poetry. He is a member of the Destina- tion ARTS! Writers Forum in Waynesboro. [Bob’s poem about a tree swing, Jerk the Chains, appeared in the spring 2010 issue of Streamside, and Such Royalty, about a light- ning storm, in spring 2011.]
Elaine Longenecker
Bob’s tin-smithing began in 1974 when he used salvaged tin from turpentine cans to make his wife an electrified lantern.
Elaine, a former school teacher for 31 years, got started in basketry when a teacher friend asked her to join her in learning the craft.
Basketry artist Elaine Longenecker, left, received an Environ- mental Artistry Award from fellow-artist, Becky Dietrich. Photo by Kathy Helfrick.
He continued to learn all he could about the trade, studying under a master tin-smith in
The two of them continued
to work baskets together, and enlisted the help of a master basket maker who coached them along. They made a new basket every week, driving an hour and a half each way to study under the master. Elaine was hooked.
Eden, Pa.
In recent years, Bob has held
classes in his shop on Country Club Road in Waynesboro.
Elaine has been a member of the Central PA Basket Weavers Guild for 25 years. She is co-chair of the Guild’s Weaving Odyssey, an annual regional “weave” at the Eisenhower Convention Center in Gettysburg. Weavers come from all over the mid-Atlantic, from Michigan to Georgia.
Bob designs, cuts and forms tin into modern lighting, but he also enjoys piercing the tin with small holes to allow the light to shine through. His pierced tin nightlights can be seen at the Arts Co-op at 42 W. Main Street in Waynesboro.
Tinsmith and poet, Bob North receives congratulations and an Environmental Artistry Award from Renfrew Insti- tute exectuive director, Melodie Anderson-Smith, left, and Becky Dietrich. Photo by Kathy Helfrick.
Congratulations to both of these fine artists, who have inspired others with their dedication, creativity and craftsmanship!
Having taught scout groups, church and social groups, Elaine continues to teach adults and seniors at Menno Haven, where she lives. She also demonstrated basket weaving and sold her baskets at the State Museum in Harrisburg and has won ribbons and awards for her creative craftsmanship.
master tinsmith. He was honored this year for his poetry as well as his superb craftsmanship with tin.
Becky Dietrich Editor’s Note: See Bob’s poem,
J.R. (Bob) North is one very talented man, excelling as a former elemen- tary school teacher, faculty member on RI’s teaching staff, poet and
Bob is well known in
Bob was raised in Michigan, but settled with his wife in Waynesboro. He taught public school for 32 years. As a classroom teacher, Bob’s focus on writing brought this art to his young students. He began each classroom day with a song followed by recitation of a student- written poem, or one of his own.
Tinplate, on page 5.
A selection of baskets and a lovely straw hat created by Elaine Longenecker are displayed near a lantern handcrafted by Bob North. Photo by Kathy Helfrick.
Elaine’s works are done with flat reed, round reed, cane, ash and oak. She makes ribbed baskets, Nantucket and twill baskets.
Bob North
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