Last Weeks Newspaper Article

The reporter finally sent me the article from last weeks paper. I was thrilled to be featured in it. The heart at the left was also featured.

Sculptor to Lead Workshop

Cheryl Rodewig
THE BAYONET

Less than 100 slots remain for the 2009 Fort Benning Women’s Conference. That means less than 100 chances to sign up for the many diverse workshops available at the conference.
“Seeing different classes we have available — wine tasting, belly dancing, gardening, automotives — I’m excited,” said Renee Peterson, secretary for the conference.
Although Peterson will be busy coordinating details the day of the conference, she knows at least one workshop she would definitely attend if she could: the sculpting class.
She’s never tried her hand at the craft before, but after seeing Deborah Steinmetz, who will lead the class, create such “elaborate pieces,” she wants to try, she said.
“Watching her work, you can tell no matter what piece she’s doing, she’s putting her heart and soul
into it,” said Peterson, who buys occasional sculptures from Steinmetz to display at home or work or to give as a gift.
Steinmetz discovered the inexpensive hobby less than two years ago, right before her husband deployed to Iraq.
While he was gone, it gave her something relaxing and comforting to do — “a way for me to work out the stress of the day,” she said. She even mailed him a couple small pieces to remind him of her.
Sculptures make great gifts, Steinmetz said. They can also serve practical purposes, such as a candle holder, book end or cake topper.
“The possibilities are endless,” she said.
In keeping with the theme of the conference, “Big Hearts, Great Ideas,” participants in the workshop will sculpt a heart that they can personalize to their taste.
“I think there will be a lot of reminiscing,” Steinmetz said. “It’s a new medium that a lot of people haven’t tried. It’s so much like Play-Doh. And then they’ll have a souvenir to take home with them. Each piece will be one of a kind.”
No matter what people think, this class is not just for artists, Steinmetz said.
“If you can roll a ball in your hands, you can make something. It’s so simple,” she said. “You won’t need anything but your hands. It’s just a chance to sit down and play. And it’s neat to watch something come out of a two-inch block and to turn it into whatever your heart desires. It’s almost magic.”
Conference attendees will also get a chance to hear from artist Sandy Clough, keynote speaker for the event. Based in Georgia, Clough will share about her creative process and how it can apply to others given individuals’ unique talents.