Stephanie Distler received a recognition award on  April 29th during The Annual Pennsylvania Wilds briefing Luncheon, this year held at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Distler felt very honored to be in the company of so many other fabulous county commissioners, directors, artists, event planners, organizations, etc. who also received a 'Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds' award plaque created by Elkwood Arts.  Elkwood Arts is also a juried Pa. Wilds artist and trail stop located in Elk County, Ridgway.

'Champion' defined as an exemplary supporter.  Distler is the owner of the Flemish House Art Gallery in Johnsonburg, which features her own art work and that of other Pennsylvania Wilds Artisans.  She is also heavily involved in the preservation of the local community center, the founder and manager of the Johnsonburg Farmer's Market, a local bean-dinner fundraiser, and a host of other grassroots efforts aimed at revitalizing Johnsonburg's unique and historic sense of community character.  (this paragraph is taken directly from the event's program)


“This award was only given to a dozen recipients from the 1000s of people working and supporting the PA Wilds in a 12 county region. We are so proud of you! You are such a supporter and connector of all things wonderful--from art, bean dinners, farmer's market, ECCOTA and Johnsonburg promotion, hospitality house and activities and economic development. Well deserved, you go girl. I was thrilled to see you honored.“ (Quoted from Ruth Peterson director of planning and communications at Kane Community Hospital and Art on the Wilds planning committee.)


photo:  Stephanie Distler and Executive Director Elk County Council on the Arts   Abbi Peters

Sherri Haab is a best selling craft author with over 23 published books to her credit, with several selling over a million copies each. Award winning titles such as: The Incredible Clay Book (Klutz), The Art of Metal Clay, Metal Clay and Mixed Media Jewelry, The Art of Resin Jewelry, Beaded Macramé Jewelry and Designer Style Jewelry (Watson Guptill). Publishing honoraries include Craftrends 2006 & 2007 Best General Craft Book Award, Publisher's Weekly Cuffie Award, and Oppenheim's Toy Portfolio Gold Award. She has recently released how-to DVDs on Metal Clay and Resin Jewelry (CCP videos). Television appearances include: The Carol Duvall Show (HGTV), Jewelry Making (DIY), Good Things Utah (ABC) and Beads, Baubles and Jewels (PBS). Haab is a certified metal clay instructor, leading numerous craft and jewelry making workshops internationally. Sherri has been a pioneer in the American Metal Clay revolution since 1996 when it was first introduced in the US. She is known for tracking trends in the craft industry and then educating consumers about how to use new products and techniques. Her own product, "ITS", is one example of a new craft innovation. This product allows printed images to be applied to polymer, tile and metal clay. She now resides in Springville, Utah with her husband and three children.
www.sherrihaab.com