I’m a fiber artist living in the Midwest, with a passion for color and making. I draw inspiration from nature’s colors to fuel my textile pieces with energy and texture. I create contemporary and traditional textile compositions of varying sizes, using new and re-purposed fabrics. Though I began this adventure in 2012 by selling made-to-order custom pieces at arts & craft shows and exhibits, my renewed focus is on teaching and I’m happy to share my enthusiasm for this craft with others. I teach children and adults alike. My goal is to create, teach and promote the sewing Arts in the community in which I live, surrounding areas and beyond!

In sewing I find the perfect outlet for creating colorful compositions that speak about where I have been and what I have learned. It allows me to merge components of my Cuban heritage and my love for the visual arts. My philosophy is to follow no rules; my style is definitely improvisational. I love textiles and sewing unconventional materials. I try to teach each student I encounter, that sewing is not about perfection; sewing is about personal and spiritual enjoyment. Sewing is about freedom of expression and the act of trusting our instincts.

Free Spirit Sewing Machine Project: Sewing has become an integral part of my daily life and I want to ensure that others have access to the tools that have so positively impacted my life. Making these available in the community has become my main focus this year.

• The Baraboo Public Library was the first recipient of three (3) brand new Janome Sewing machines. The library is a great resource in the Baraboo community and creative programs are in the works for this summer.
• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sauk/Baraboo were the second recipient and received a new Janome sewing machine to be used in the club. They were also recipients of art supplies and scrapbooking die-cut machines.
• The third recipient of this project is the Lodi High School Music Dept. http://www.lodi.k12.wi.us/high/theater.cfm. Each year they organize a play and Shrek is their next production. The Janome sewing machine donated will be put to good use in no time.
• The 4th recipient of this project for the new school year receiving the 6th machine, is St. Joseph School ‘s Art Department. A Janome 2212 will join their creative space.

Mary Luckhardt Klemm creates a full line of both sculptural and traditional functional baskets where her primary material is reed but uses willow and found materials. Her freeform sculptural baskets use antlers in many of the pieces. Using antlers as the focal point, Mary can gain a wide variety of designs which ‘follow’ the shape and weight of the graceful objects.

Mary uses a variety of basketmaking techniques including free form as well using patterned forms. She dyes reed in all colors which gives her the flexibility to create colors of choice. In the 20 years Mary has been weaving, she’s made well over 1000 baskets and always has a good inventory on hand.

Mary participates in several regional art shows each year and welcomes those interested in learning how to make their own baskets. She’ll set up a class for all aspiring basket weavers! Mary donates approximately ten baskets annually to charitable events.

Mary has exhibited at the Red Door in Richland Center, the Al. Ringling Sauk County Arts Association Gallery in Baraboo, the River Arts Gallery in Sauk City and Hills Gallery in Baraboo. She has participated in show/sales with The Fall Art Tour (guest artist) in Baraboo, The Richland Center Whitetail Deer Classic, The Country Christmas in Lake Delton and Baraboo, Durwards Glen Fall Festival, The Fermentation Fest Art D’Tour, The ARt Asylum in Lime Ridge, PRairie Weavers Guilds Shows and a variety of smaller venues.