About Gwen
Gwen Mayer was born and raised in small-town communities in Western Pennsylvania. Her paternal grandmother, a seamstress and traditional quilter, encouraged her interest in sewing from an early age. Because her father was an artist and draftsman as well as a carpenter and tool maker, Gwen was surrounded by handmade works of all kinds. In the process, she became adept at clothing construction, which led her to home decorating sewing projects, upholstering, furniture refinishing, crafts, and refurbishing old houses.
Along the way, Gwen became infatuated with the excitement of travel and languages. She majored in French and taught at the junior/senior levels for five years before getting a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the School for International Training in Vermont. She has lived and traveled throughout Europe, Mexico (where she also taught English and French), Brazil, and Southeast Asia. Gwen recently retired from teaching English/Pre-GED fulltime to immigrants in the Adult Division, Los Angeles Unified School District, in Van Nuys, CA. She is also an exercise enthusiast, gardener and cook.
Self-taught, Gwen began creating fiber art about 15 years ago for some friends in France who had helped her in a time of need, to express her gratitude. Her varied interests in people, the world, and life all contribute to her creativity and artistic development. She lives in Woodland Hills, California with her artist husband, Richard, and her dog, Jake.
EXHIBITS
2009
"Edges," Houston International Quilt Show
"Edges," Houston International Quilt Show2009"Edges," Long Beach International Quilt Show
"Edges," Long Beach International Quilt Show2007 Road to California
Road to California2007“The Chair I Sit in When I Read About Art” Challenge, Quilter’s Studio, Newbury Park, CA (Won Viewer’s Choice)
“The Chair I Sit in When I Read About Art” Challenge, Quilter’s Studio, Newbury Park, CA (Won Viewer’s Choice)2006“Fiber Pathways I “ VIVA Gallery, Sherman Oaks, CA
“Fiber Pathways I “ VIVA Gallery, Sherman Oaks, CA2006“Flying North,” Flying Geese Guild & Northern Cities Guild, Orange County Fairground
“Flying North,” Flying Geese Guild & Northern Cities Guild, Orange County Fairground2006“Carlotta’s Passion” Los Angeles, CA
“Carlotta’s Passion” Los Angeles, CA2005“Unraveled II,” Malaga Cove Plaza Library Art Gallery, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
“Unraveled II,” Malaga Cove Plaza Library Art Gallery, Palos Verdes Estates, CA2004 A Solo Exhibition, Honolulu, Hawaii
A Solo Exhibition, Honolulu, Hawaii2003“By the Sea,” Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, South Carolina
“By the Sea,” Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, South CarolinaMEMBERSHIPS
Studio Art Quilt Associates, Professional Member
Los Angeles Fiber Artists
Extreme Quilters, Conejo Valley, CA
Quilts on the Wall, Seal Beach, CA
ART EDUCATION
Self-taught
Workshops with:
Katie Pasquini Masopust
Leslie Gabrielse
Justine Limpus Parrish
Eileen Alber
Website by Loris Bogue Designs
Copyright © Gwen Mayer 2009
