Each year, a unique team of local, working artists brings their expertise to the Garden of Fire. Together, we create programming and projects that overlap themes of science, technology, nature and nutrition with art and design.
Tony Moretti & Gwen Quigley
Tony and Gwen are multi-disciplinary artists with a passion for creating artwork out of natural and found materials, both decorative and functional. From large-scale temporary mandalas made from flower petals and corncobs to 10-foot sunflowers crafted from metal and glass, this team of artists will take on any challenge with enthusiasm and creativity. They also work with students to master basic hand tools with safety, honing all types of skill sets from a young age.
Local artist Tony Moretti focuses on sand-cast bronze, ceramics as well as structural and ornamental work. He has studied at Alfred University, Mendocino Arts Center, and Artwork Foundry in Berkeley, CA, where he assisted with well-known sculptures. He has shown at San Francisco and Santa Fe galleries. He and his wife Gwen now work together to transform recycled steel and natural materials through forging and fabrication to create a variety of works.
After graduating from University of Michigan, Gwen Quigley attended classes at the College of Redwoods, CA, focusing on the creation of art from natural and found materials. She and her husband Tony came to the area 11 years ago where they now teach and work collaboratively doing many public and private commissions and providing a variety of educational programs.
Susan Spencer
Susan Spencer is a local professional musician and percussionist specializing in West African djembe. Susan’s business “Make a Joyful Noise” provides educational programs and fun for groups of all ages in the area by using a variety of drums and percussion instruments. She also instructs groups on how to make percussion instruments from household materials, and plays with the group Ironwood of Ithaca, NY.
Garden of Fire 