Veteran volunteers Sarah Bishop, Angie Howard and Jennie Zagnoev ’02 have been working for months to plan Artclectic 2023. From recruiting talented committee volunteers to selecting the participating artists to soliciting sponsors to planning the parties, these women are ensuring that there will be something for everyone at Artclectic. Here’s your chance to get to know them better.
Sarah Bishop
“Artclectic is such a special event,” says Sarah Bishop (Hattie, ’29). “I love that it benefits USN in such a meaningful way. I also think it’s incredible that it brings a community of artists to the Edgehill campus, making it easier to support them and their livelihood.
“Running into old and new friends at Artclectic every year just fills my cup. We have several beautiful pieces purchased at Artclectic in years past and it’s always a joy to tell people the stories behind acquiring them.”
Who are your biggest artistic influences? Helen Frankenthaler, Matisse, and photographer William Eggleston.
Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? That is a real toss-up between Italy and India.
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Why? I could never pick a favorite Artclectic artist, but I have a beautiful ring that my husband purchased at Artclectic from Margaret Ellis Jewelry to celebrate our wedding anniversary. I always wear it; it is a stunner.
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? I would be a landscape architect.
Angie Howard
“I always enjoy watching the space transform from a school gymnasium into a sophisticated art gallery,” says Angie Howard (Will ’19 and Matt ’23). “It’s even more fun to watch the students who are experiencing Artclectic for the first time walk into the gallery and see the transformation. Their faces truly light up with amazement.
“I love the variety of artists involved in Artclectic. There’s always something new and exciting to see each and every year. Helping the artists as they load in and display their work is my favorite volunteer activity. It’s so exciting to meet the artists and see their work in person.”
Who are your biggest artistic influences? I appreciate a wide range of artists, from the post- impressionist paintings of Vincent Van Gogh to the contemporary photographs of Cindy Sherman.
Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? There are too many places to single out just one as the “most” beautiful, but I have wonderful memories of a family trip to the Amalfi Coast.
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Why? Again, it’s hard to choose a favorite. Years ago, we bought two pieces by R. Ellis Orrall, a local outsider artist, to hang in our boys’ playroom. Our sons are grown now, but those paintings are still hanging and always make me smile.
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? Something both beautiful and useful. Maybe fiber art of some sort – tapestries or quilted pieces.
Jennie Zagnoev ’02
“I love the diversity of the art as well as the importance we, as a school, put into including the students in the weekend,” says Jennie Zagnoev ’02 (Evan ’30, Emma ’32, and Zoe ’32). “My kids come home asking about specific artists, and they always have some great story about someone they met while walking through the display gallery.
“I loved being a part of the planning committee for ARTbash a few years ago. Gathering the community together is a passion of mine, and it makes me so happy to see everyone together in one room, celebrating the artists and their hard work.”
Who are your biggest artistic influences? For me, music has been a big influence in my life. I connect with songs and lyrics, musicians and their stories. Being able to connect with what someone is singing about, what they have written, has been so impactful.
Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? Italy, the beach
What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve bought from Artclectic? Or, who is your favorite Artclectic artist? Why? I have really enjoyed having Grant Garmezy’s antlers that we bought last year. The blown glass was so different than the other art we have collected, and his connection with the school made it even more fun. The color we picked is bright and vibrant which makes our entry way a little more exciting!
In another life, you are a professional artist. What kind of art would you produce? photography