Ruth "Mama Ruth" Lowery
Artist in Residence Workshops

February 23 - May 15, 2004
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 1:45 - 4:00 PM

Miss Ruth Lowery, affectionately known publicly as Mama Ruth, uses her sense of touch, her love of beads, and her artist's soul to create distinctive beaded jewelry. She is a 61-year-old African American woman who has been totally deaf and blind since childhood. She has a successful business, "Mama Ruth's Beads" through which she sells her one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings. Mama Ruth has taught workshops at Isaac Dickson School and at the Regional Deaf Club as well as demonstrated her craft at Camp Dogwood, the Mountain Made Gallery in the Grove Arcade, and at Liberty Corner Enterprises. She is a remarkable role model for both children and adults and the YMI is proud to host an eight-week residency with the talented artist.

Workshops will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 1:45 - 4:00 PM beginning February 23 - May 15, 2004. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed and we hope the community will take advantage of this extraordinary woman's talent! For more information on how to sign up for these workshops or to bring a group to participate, please contact Margaret Fuller for booking information.