We started our last day as we always do, with a slide presentation.  Pat showed us interesting slides of native Alaskans drying gut, as well as wonderful works, using skins and other animal parts.

The ceramic pot shown below is covered in dried cow’s stomach; disgusting and beautiful!

This basket uses fish skin:

After the slide show, we continued to work on finishing projects:

I had some time to look at some of the books that Pat had brought with her.  Below, is a catalogue from a show that Pat Hickman curated.  The image inside the book is of a woman carrying dried gut to put away until needed to sew into waterproof suits.

We met around the table one last time to share a few more thoughts on our work and the class.

We even got certificates to say that we had passed gut101!

I have greatly benefited from my time in Pat Hickman’s class.  We dug deeply into our purpose and path in doing the art that we do.  Pat gave us visual guides each morning, as well as thoughtful direction and advice.  This was less of a technical journey and more of an investigation into the concepts that give our work meaning.  I want to thank Pat for a wonderfully enlightening experience and I hope our paths will cross again soon!

Being at Arrowmont again, after so many years has been a great experience.  I hope to come here again, a little sooner than 20 years from now!  The atmosphere here is a very positive one, both physically and mentally.  My visit here has been a great escape from normal life and has allowed me to focus on my work more deeply, without the intrusions of day to day living.  Thank you to both Arrowmont and Crafthaus for giving me this wonderful experience!  I also want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I hope that you have found this blog and my experience at Arrowmont interesting!

Here are a few images of Arrowmont, to leave you with: