Trygstad named Treasure Artist

Thena Trygstad has been named the 2014 Treasure Artist of the Year by Sonoma’s Cultural and Fine Arts Commission has named

The multi-media artist is the president of the Arts Guild of Sonoma, which often shows her work. She co-founded ArtEscape. She also is an instructor at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

“We had a number of gifted artists to consider,” said Lisa Carlsson, chair of the CFAC, “but after considerable discussion, voted to select Ms. Trygstad in recognition of both her talent and her contributions to the Sonoma art community.”

It was retirement, Trygstad explained, that “after a 38-year career in the left-brained, analytical world, provided the opportunity to discover the other side of my brain.”

She started with gourds using a mini jigsaw, a wood burning tool, glue, paper clay, dyes and acrylic paints, then reassembled them into “something out of the ordinary.”

In the last several years, she discovered that salvage yards and second hand stores provide a wonderful treasure trove of materials. “I am now predominately using found objects, rather than gourds, although the end results still tend to be whimsical.”

In her letter of nomination, Barbara Jacobson, the 2012 Treasure Artist, wrote: “She is a fine artist, teacher and craftswoman. I can think of no one more qualified.”

Previous honorees include: David Aguilar, 2013; Jacobson, 2012; Dennis Ziemienski, 2011; Gayle Manfre, 2010; Lin Lipetz, 2009; Linda Rawls, 2008; and Lia Transue, 2007.

The commission will host a reception in Trygstad’s honor in the near future. Details of the reception will be announced soon.