Tara Goldberg, Grace Hu and Felicia Tibbs
Combining creativity with practical experience, Tara Goldberg (Vivi ’32 and Oliver ’36), Grace Hu (Gryff ’33 and Max ’34), and Felicia Tibbs (Ian, ’22) have teamed up to chair Artclectic 2024.
All three point to the students – and particularly their own children – as inspiration for leading Artclectic. “My favorite memory is when my daughter was in kindergarten and experienced Artclectic for the first time,” says Tara. “She was so in awe of the gallery and couldn’t wait to show me. She chose a small wooden piece that she said looked like Belle’s house. Seeing Artclectic through her eyes was magical.”
Grace adds that she most loves “the opportunity for kids to engage with artists and to buy art for their first time.” And, Felicia concurs, as she loves “Seeing the art come to life through the kids, the way they interpret art.”
Learn more about each chair:
From Tara…
What do you most love about Artclectic? Artclectic is the biggest community event of the year at USN! I love how the gym transforms into a gallery full of interesting and unique art pieces, and how the community gathers to connect, support, and, of course, purchase art!
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Why? Oh gosh, I have a few that I really love! Last year I bought a ceramic goat from Catherine Lemaire Lozier. He’s got a little curly beard, and I do really love him. I also have a piece we bought many years ago, a pop art piece with red circles and an unfolded take out box with different mouths on it. My daughter was not the happiest baby, she cried a lot! But there were a few things that made her stop crying, and this piece from Artclectic was one of them! I spent many hours in front of that piece with her.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? One of my closest childhood friends, Kaycee Anseth, became a mixed media artist who lived in Bend, Oregon. She passed away in March 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic. I think of her frequently and am so thankful she lives on not only in my memories but also through her art, as well as through the Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation in Oregon. From Kaycee and her art I have learned to see the beauty in even the hardest moments.
From Grace…
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Why? Jacob Olds, because his work is funky, fun and unique.
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? Either oil paintings or ceramics.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? Anyone from the impressionist era.
From Felicia…
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Why? Christina Cohn — I enjoy entertaining and her pieces are not only beautiful but also practical. Her story of how she started — I love. Also, Jernicya Onyekwelu.
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? Maybe a collaboration of painting and collage, bright & vibrant colors.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? Dr. Clifton Pearson — amazing sculpture work. I’ve learned so much technique, etc.…I grew up doing art in the neighborhood with him.