frances van wert

Frances is a mixed media &
​ found object artist

My first exposure to creativity was when my grandmother taught me how to make doll clothes for my dolls. I also remember participating in summer camps and loving the art projects provided.
I had excellent art teachers in high school, and I was President of the Art Club and loved that. I received lots of positive reinforcement regarding my art. Since then, I have always made time to do art in my life.
I majored in art at the University of Oregon with a minor in Literature. I got my Master's Degree from the University of Oregon in Special Education. I have taken many classes at the Sitka Center for Art.
 It took me a while to find the best long-term medium suitable enough to hold my creative attention. 
I see art everywhere! Of course, the environment, but sometimes in a small trinket or a photo in a magazine or book. If you saw my stash of stuff, you would be amazed at my collections! I am always inspired. I have to hone in on an idea and go for it. 

I see my work as CREATIVE PLAY. It is the process that sinks me into my creativity. I love that I never know the outcome because it sometimes evolves rather quickly, sometimes it takes a very long time. The result has to speak to me as something special.

​