Classmate Martha Collins was one of the first class members I wanted to see when I moved to Washington state, and in November we went to the Best of the Northwest Art Show, where she had a large booth exhibiting her work. Martha is a “woodturner,” working in fine woods using an intricate process to make exceptional and highly regarded jewelry and tableware. Click to read a fascinating article about her technique and career. Martha’s interest in woodworking goes back many years to Michigan where, under Title IX, she became the state’s first certified female cabinetmaker. Catching up on 50+ years of news, we talked about our mutual friends, David Slee and Julian Dean. Martha said, "Julian has been my best friend since 9th grade!" Since 1984, she has had her home and studio in Sequim, Washington (rated “Best Northwestern Small Town” by USA Today), located along the Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountain range. Interesting note: Sequim is in the “rain shadow” of the mountains and contrary to what that sounds like, it means that it only gets about 16 inches of rain per year. Martha loves living there but will leave her haven to teach and exhibit at art shows, including the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
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