Contributed by Charice Chambers
Valentine Trunk Show
February 8-9, 2018 – 10AM
Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop
1132 S Chugach St. Palmer
FREE Admission
At a very early age, Vicki Randolph learned to respect and honor both the land and nature’s gifts. Born and raised on Kodiak Island, she is a 5th generation Native Alaskan of Alutiiq’ and Norwegian descent. As a young girl, Vicki was inspired by watching her mother, her many aunties and her grandmother as they worked with their hands to create something of value and beauty. Whether it was a large vegetable garden, harvesting the bounty of the ocean, tending to livestock, sewing a piece of clothing, making berry syrups and jams or knitting a warm jacket, all of the women of her family were strong in mind and spirit. It was always their goal to create finished products of lasting quality and beauty. Vicki’s jewelry and glass art reflect this heritage.
From her youth, Vicki spent hours sequestered in her bedroom creating fanciful art and craft projects. Her early passion was painting. In high school, her natural talents flourished. She entered and won art contests. Encouraged by her art teacher, she chose to seek a career as an artist. Her parents, however, did not view art as a dependable livelihood. Vicki allowed her personal art expression to go dormant for a long period of time. As a young mother, she encouraged her children to be creative with various arts and craft projects and activities. When her children were teenagers, Vicki again allowed her creativity to breathe. She began working with glass, and Classy Glass Expressions was born. She has since transitioned to making more jewelry than glass art, but has kept the business name.
Vicki’s children, now adults, also have the need to be creative. She continually encourages them to include time in their lives to feed their brains’ need for creative activity. Her advice to young parents: “Encourage your children from an early age to be creative and to experiment with a variety of art and mediums. The brain needs to be active. Creativity helps stimulate all functions of the brain. No art is ugly or worthless. It is an expression, and is just as important as the spoken or the written word.”
Now in her early 60s, this 26-year Palmer resident, focuses primarily on making jewelry. A tour of Vicki’s home showcases her varied artistic talents. Several original paintings, numerous items in stained glass, art glass and beads are scattered throughout the warm and inviting space. According to Vicki she, “…has a lot of glass supplies and tools, and I know I’ll transition back to that aspect of art. Who knows? Maybe I’ll start painting again too.” She even admits to a bucket list that includes a novel that is currently underway!
For now though, Vicki is happy to create beautiful, unique, handmade jewelry. Her necklaces feature natural stones and a variety of material that provide dimension and texture, or that provide a bit of sparkle for dressy date night outfits. Her leather bracelets are trendy, stylish and durable, and even include several styles for men.
Vicki loves the look and feel of natural stones, including their rough edges and imperfections. As she says, “They are like all of us - imperfect, yet full of expression, beauty and strength.” When making jewelry, she often places several different stones on her workbench and allows them to “talk” to her. Sometimes, the stones will be there for weeks, and then suddenly, she knows exactly what to do with them. Another beautiful necklace is born.
Most of Vicki’s necklaces are one-of-a-kind pieces. She is very conscientious about durability, using professional jeweler’s components and hard connections that assure that the construction of her pieces will stand the test of time.
Vicki does numerous shows and events throughout the year, and can be found on Facebook at Classy Glass Expressions.“People need to see my jewelry in person, touch it and try it on. The jewelry comes alive when you wear it.”
Classy Glass Expressions creations can be found in several retail locations throughout the state of Alaska, including the Matsu Senior Services Gift Shop. Located at 1132 South Chugach Street in Palmer across from Palmer Junior Middle School, the gift shop will host a Valentine trunk show featuring Vicki’s creations. The show will run from 10am to 2pm on Thursday and Friday, February 8th and 9th - just in time for you to find a unique handmade gift to express your love to that special person in your life.
