An opening reception featuring the work of Joyce Schaum will be held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Off Track Art in Westminster.

Off Track Art — a Carroll County Artist's Cooperative at 11 Liberty St., at the railroad track and Main Street in downtown Westminster — is featuring the basketry work of Carroll County artist and basket maker, Joyce Schaum, for October, November and December.

Schaum is a nationally-known, award-winning basket maker.  For more than 15 years, she has exhibited in the top art shows in the country including the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Cherry Creek Art Festival, many American Craft Council shows across the country and other shows. 

Demonstrations and presentations have included the Museum Conservation Program at the Winterthur Museum and the Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of Art.

Her work is based on techniques influenced by Native American, Shakers and New England baskets with a contemporary flair incorporating color and patterning. 

According to a Nov. 11, 2008, article in “The Hill” on McDaniel College's Web site, Schaum is also the recipient of the Joseph R. Bailer Award for significant contributions to the field of education.

“ ‘Joyce was selected because she embodies the qualities of a great educator and counselor: She is creative, empathetic and sensitive; and expands her leadership and mentoring skills into the realms of the legal system, the classroom, and the art world,’ said Julia Orza, associate professor of education and coordinator of the Graduate Counselor Education Program.

'Her crusade to make children feel safe and her ability to create beauty through her art are sorely needed in today's hectic and unsettled world.' ”

The article also notes that Schaum, who is also the director of Carroll County's Victim Witness Assistance Unit, has achievements spanning basket artistry to crime-victim assistance, from crisis counselor to trainer of therapy dogs.

“In 2003, she assumed responsibility as director of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit for the Carroll County State's Attorney's Office and manages the daily operations while ensuring that crime victims and witnesses of Carroll County have all the rights and benefits afforded them under state and federal victims' rights laws,” the article states.

“Her most recent foray into training dogs for therapy got her coverage on the 'ABC World News with Charles Gibson' as part of a piece titled, 'Prosecutor's Best Friend.' “

In addition to displaying her work at Off Track Studio, Schaum will also join other artists on the Carroll County Artisans Studio Tour this coming December 5 and 6.
For more information go to: www.ccartists.com/index.html.

— submitted by Kevin Dayhoff

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