Judaica artist Sara Harwin plans Arts Week program for students
Portland Jewish Review, March 15, 1993

by: Anynomous

Portland Judaica artist Sara Harwin has organized a weeklong program intended to highlight hidur mitzvah for students at the Portland Jewish Academy during National Jewish Art Week March 14-20.

Hiddur mitzvah describes the Jewish practice of beautifying ritual objects and the Jewish home, and, according to Harwin, is the guiding principle behind her work.

A group of artists who work in Judaica, including Harwin, will demonstrate their practice of hiddur mitzvah for PJA students. Harwin said the goal of the program is to help the children integrate art into their daily lives in order that they may beautify their respective environments.

Joining Harwin in the effort will be artists Vicki Stone, who will discuss her ceramics; Paula Stewart, a weaver; Roberta Lampert, who, like Stone, works in ceramics; and Gary Pearlman, a calligrapher. Harwin will bring her ceremonial pieces used in services and demonstrate a method of construction that can be used by the student to create ritual items to enrich their sabbath experience.

Harwin, who is the Northwest regional representative for the American Guild of Judaic Art, in know internationally for her joyous dancing figures celebrating life cycles. She recently established Glorious Crowns, a company that makesUltrasuede kippot, traditionally worn by men and now increasingly also worn by women.

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