Last night I was honored to receive one of two awards by members of the Georgia Art Education Association. The award, a beautiful handblown glass piece by David Goldhagen , says:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to
Tommye McClure Scanlin
Our Mentor and Friend
In recognition of a lifetime dedication
to craft education
2009 GAEA Conference
Clebrating American Craft in the Southern Mountains
November 12, 2009
The other award was given posthumously to Bob Owens, who I consider to be my mentor in many things, including how to be a craftsperson and a teacher. Bob was an exceptional artist as ceramicist and sculptor, and he also excelled in drawing and painting. He was my first art teacher when I was a college student and later, after I'd completed my degree, Bob hired me to become part of the art department at North Georgia College. I worked with Bob Owens as a colleague for twenty-five years until his retirement in 1997. Upon leaving the university he continued to teach and inspire students at John C. Campbell Folk School as well as in his home studio where he created many works before his very untimely death in 2004 at age 67.
Bob Owens lived this life as a perfect role model of artist, craftsperson, teacher, mentor, friend, as well as community leader and he is more than deserving of such an award. Whether I'm worthy of the honor... time is yet to tell, I think; that's why this is a humbling experience even as I'm very grateful for the recognition by the art education group. Maybe a couple of decades from now, when I'm no longer able to travel to teach a workshop or point someone to resources I know about or become excited when I see the passion for craft budding in someone (whether young or old)--maybe then I'll be deserving of "... recognition of lifetime dedication to craft education." Until then, I'll keep plugging away and having fun on the journey!
