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<H2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>To V2020 -- Anyone who appreciates the
beauty and functionality of handmade books, paper, basketry and other craftwork
should enjoy this exhibit. Jim and Melody live near Santa, Idaho, and
create their work there....BL</FONT></H2>
<H2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3></FONT> </H2>
<H2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Croft Family Craft Art exhibit opens
Friday at Center</FONT></H2></DIV>
<H2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The “Croft Family Craft Art Off the
Grid” exhibit opens Friday, June 8, at the Lewis-Clark State College Center for
Arts & History, located at 415 Main St. in Lewiston.</FONT><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3>The exhibit features the work of Jim Croft, his
wife Melody Eckroth, and their daughter Nara Eckroth-Croft. The exhibit runs
through July 31 and will open with a public reception at 5-8 p.m. on Friday at
the Center.</FONT></H2>
<H2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>The Croft family is known both
nationally and internationally, especially Jim.</FONT></H2>
<H2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Their art is a reflection of their
beliefs. They live in a remote area of northern Idaho and with their love of the
old ways, they live a life of self sufficiency. They grown the elements used in
their art, including wood harvested on their property, to make their own paper
with a water powered stamp mill. Jim has been making books for three
decades</FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <BR>Melody spins the
threads used in the bookbinding from raw flax fiber, as well as making beautiful
woven wool objects, and willow and cedar baskets that are also constructed from
their home. <BR> <BR>Nara, growing up in this creative environment also
became an artist, and is an accomplished painter and is currently the assistant
director at the Pritchard Art Gallery.<BR></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> <BR>The three will be available to answer questions at the opening,
and will also have a bookmaking workshop available at the Center during the
exhibition at a later date to be determined. <BR> <BR>Jim is also renowned
for his fine handcrafted book making tools. Jim gives workshops around the
country on the making of the Gothic Book and on tool making. He has taught at
the Penland School of Crafts and the Paper and Book Intensive.
<BR> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> <BR>Bert
Sahlberg<BR>Director of College Communications/Sports Information<BR>Lewis-Clark
State College<BR>Lewiston, Idaho 83501<BR></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>208-792-2200<BR></H2></FONT></FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>