Title & Artist:  "Pop Cod" – by Ursina Amsler

Medium & Size:  Cut soda-pop can assemblage, glass beads, wire, acrylic paint, and brass nails on wood.  24" L x 18" H x 3/4" D.  For indoor display only.

Artist Statement:  I was inspired to create this piece because my son recently had a school assignment to create a recycled-object sculpture. We worked together, cutting and shaping soda cans to create a metal flower arrangement. I was intrigued by the versatility of the aluminim metal and decided to apply my curiosity toward the creation of my Cod! It’s a new medium for me, but not unfamiliar in the sense that I have been creating mixed media pieces for years and am intrigued by repurposing objects and imagery and using them in unexpected ways.

Artist Biography:  Ursina Amsler is an award-winning art teacher and artist originally from Marblehead. She is a current resident of Salem, MA, and is an art teacher at Masconomet Regional School in Boxford, MA. Ursina is a past recipient of the Massachusetts Arts Education Association "Outstanding Arts Educator" Award and a past "Apple Award" winner (Beverly Hills Unified School District in California).

Ursina literally grew up with the Festival! Attending events and exhibits throughout her youth are highlights of a happy childhood spent growing up in Marblehead. Ursina was awarded the Festival’s Art Scholarship when she graduated from Marblehead High School and has since served on the Festival’s Scholarship Committee. She has also served as a judge in the Crafts exhibit and, over the years, has received more than 20 Festival awards in multiple exhibits, including two "Best of Show" awards in Crafts and Sculpture. Ursina is proud to have been asked to participate in this unique and historic fundraiser.

Hosting Business:  "Pop Cod" is on display at Chet’s Video, 1 Essex St., Marblehead, MA.