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Waterioo beader honoured to be museum‘s folk artist in residence 10 + WATERLOO CHRONICLE + Wednesday, April 4, 2007 But ever since the former teacher, librarian and comâ€" puter consultant visited Ariâ€" zona in the winter of 2000, and witnessed one of the world‘s largest events for gem and mineral enthusiâ€" asts, she‘s been hooked on a certain pastime. Marilyn Gardiner wasn‘t much of a hobbyist before she retired. She didn‘t have time to "There were tables of stones, pearls and beads," said the 65â€"yearâ€"old Waterâ€" loo resident. "I was amazed at the beadwork; 1 couldn‘t believe the materials and the work that went into the (pieces)." As a longtime costumeâ€" jewelry lover, Gardiner was tempted to buy some beads and attempt a few projects of her own. her "I didn‘t know where to start; there was just so much to it," she said. The following summer, Gardiner was still interested in learning more about the artform. She signed up for a couâ€" ple of summer bead courses in Haliburton. Her passion grew, and over the next few years she attended similar workshops in California, Ohio and Minâ€" nesota. "I‘ve been learning as fast and as furiously as 1 can," she said. "It‘s been a ball." She has tackled a variety of beadwork techniques including _ needleâ€"andâ€" thread work, loom art, croâ€" cheting and weaving. "It‘s all very exciting," she said, admitting her forté lies in making costume jewelry. "I‘m not one for precious stones. There‘s just so much more you can do with colour and texture." Still a teacher at heart, Gardiner has tried to pass on what she‘s learned about beadwork to others whoa‘ve taken a similar interest in But something stopped By Anorea Bangy Chronicle Staff _ the art. "1 do a lot of teaching across North America," she said. She also sets up displays and sells beading kits at bead shows across the conâ€" tinent. But the avid beader admitted she‘s not perfect at what she does; she‘s always learning new methods to improve her work as well as her teaching. "There are still many times when I won‘t like something and H‘ll rip it apart," Gardiner said. "But that‘s the fun of it â€" experiâ€" ARTS FOCUS menting and playing. "I don‘t think 1 would want to ever stop learning. The process of thinking and developing an idea in your head is really interesting. "There are so many choices in beads â€" so many different colours and texâ€" tures. You‘re never sure how well two beads will work together until you put them into a pattern." Gardiner finds the cooler colours â€" various shades of blue, green and purple â€" are most appealing to her But she includes all colours â€" warm and cool â€" in the kits she gives her stu dents. She also includes a lot of diversity in the pieces that ate now on display at the loseph Schneidetr Haus in Kitchener, where Gardiner is the 2007 folk artist in resiâ€" dence. The exhibit is called Baubles, Bangles and Beads: The Beadwork Art of Mariâ€" lyn Gardiner. "(Curator} Susan Burke has put a lovely display together, not just of my work, but of others‘ work as Continued on page 11 2 year 40,000 km comprehensive limited warranty 2 year unlimited mileag Roadside Assistance Low Finance Rates by Volkswagen Finance O.A.C. (For details check www varwaterioo com ) _ Volkswagen Waterlioo 550 Weber St. North, Waterloo {(519) 8$84â€"7470 Thc Kitchener Waterloo Symphony (KWS) announced its 2007â€"2008 season last week. "It‘s an exciting new era for the KWS, and an important turning point in its history," said Edwin Outwater, the new music director for the symphony. "The members of the orchestra have impressed me with their virtuosity, and touched me with their musical expression. I am honoured to lead this exceptional orchestra and to showcase their talents. I‘ve taken a fresh approach to programming the 2007â€"2008 season. You‘ll find this season maintains the high artistic standards of the KWS, and introâ€" duces an inviting atmosphere and presentation," said Outwater. The season will include the Signatures series, as well as the Intersections series, which will explore the points where classical music meets other kinds of music and art: rock, jazz, folk, ethnomusicology, literature and theatre. Each concert is focused on a dynamic artist that bridges the gap between classical and another art form. In the Generations series, Outwater will collaboâ€" rate with host Tom Allen to present this Sunday afternoon exploration of music. "We‘ll talk about the music we play, the comâ€" posers we love, and how we work together to make it happen. Presented in the style of Leonard Bernâ€" stein‘s Young People‘s Concerts, these afternoon preâ€" sentations are created for an audience of all ages." he said. The Pops series is pure fun, Outwater said. "You‘ll spend a spirited night at the Proms (one of the great British musical traditions}, meet a disgrunâ€" tled Mountie and hear two men with horns." In Back to Baroque, the audience will be taken on a European tour in First United Church in Waterloo or Central Presbyterian Church in Cambridge. Finally, Kinderconcerts will offer interactive 30â€" minute "cushion concerts," an integral part of introâ€" ducing children, aged three to five, to the world of classical music, Outwater said. "We have a vibrant and fresh season of music to offer and an extremely talented new music director and orchestra," said Bob Astley, the chair of the KWS board of directors. "With the continued support of this community, we are confident of a strong and viable orchestra that will continue to serve the needs of the entire community now and well into the future." A season preview concert titled Come to Your Senses will be held on April 10. This multiâ€"sensory, interactive concert event will showcase some of the new season‘s best classical music. Tickets are specially priced at $15 and are availâ€" able at the Kitchenerâ€"Waterloo Symphony box office. For more information, visit the website www.kwsymphony.on.ca. Here‘s why: Kâ€"W Symphony tunes up for new season info@vwwaterloo.com