“Harmony,” one of several textile pieces by new HQ Gallery artist Jan Radesky.(Quilt by Jan Radesky)

By Tibby Lerner
Special to the Herald

The HQ Gallery at 333 First St. is pleased to announce that fiber artist Jan Radesky has become one of their newest  members.
Radeskydoes creative wall hangings, using fabric, Chinese brush painting and other materials like threads, beads, exotic yarns and whatever else she finds!
Radesky has exhibited her work extensively throughout the Bay Area in galleries and shows including Benicia, Vallejo, Davis, Fairfield, Suisun Valley and Napa. She has had many years of experience in drawing, watercolor, silk painting, collage and Chinese brush painting. She also has a BA in English and art and an MA in education and communication.
Her early inspiration as a child was finding a bag in the attic containing an uncompleted  “flying geese” quilt started by her great aunt. She finished it, and has been quilting ever since. Her inspiration comes from fabric, books, quotes, people, and thoughtful observations.
Along with doing her own creative work, Radesky loves to teach others. She taught English in the public school system for 32 years. She used art in the classroom to help her students express their ideas.
“One of the most important things I taught my students was to focus,” Radesky said. “Then the art world opens up to you and lets your mind be free to think in a different way.”
When Radesky speaks about teaching, you can feel her passion about helping people to find and express their individuality. She recently taught  adults at Touro University, about how to teach others. She also helps high school students express their ideas about social justice through a sewing program at SF Bay Quilts in El Cerrito.
Radesky volunteers at the Benicia Library. She organizes the health and safety section down in the basement. She enjoys making it very easy for people to find what the need.  Radesky also serves on the Benicia Public Art Committee and helped to launch the public art project to beautify 11 traffic boxes and create other art installations, such as a student project on display at 10th Street and Military.
Radesky will debut her artwork at the HQ Gallery starting with the “Art is Blooming” spring show, which opens Thursday, March 8 with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 10.

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