Keith and I have been friends for years. He grew up in the same part of CT that I brought my kids up. The first time I saw a piece of Keith's work was 1992 or 93 when he was part of an exhibit in Westport CT where I lived at the time. The exhibit was called "The Boxists" and included many local artists. Keith's piece caught my eye and stayed with me.
A couple of years later I found myself living in Ohio and planning the first Art Continuum. I looked up Keith on the internet and e-mailed him to ask if he taught and, if so, would he teach for me. His response was kind, but firm that since he lived in Australia, he could not. Bummer.
I asked again the next year with the same response. Then one day I answered the phone at the store and it was Keith. He was in the US and had a free weekend. Did I want him to teach at my store? Did I???? Of course. I gathered together a good group for him, many of which were close friends of mine. We were relentless pushing him to say yes he would teach at AC. Mike Meador was among the students and he made Keith laugh so much that Keith agreed to be added to the instructor's roster. He taught at Art Continuum every year thereafter. Several other instructors joined us at Keith's prodding (Dan Essig being one) and I have been so grateful to Keith. He and I have remained friends ever since, but then Keith remains friends with everyone he meets. He is one of the truly good guys and truly an original.
Keith returns to Ohio to teach in October for Small Studio. There are a few spaces remaining in each of the two workshops he is teaching. Go here for complete info and registration form.
Thanks for the responses to yesterday's post. I will look up the suggested books and video.
Keith is truly one-of-a-kind, and a really nice guy and terrific artist. He is also a fantastic teacher, so if you haven't had a class with him, now's your chance! You won't regret it : )
Posted by: Gayle Pritchard | Saturday, 04 September 2010 at 07:10 AM