Brenda Urquhart
The polymer clay world lost one of their most unique and enthusiastic polymer clay artists when Brenda Urquhart lost her life in an auto accident in early July 2017.
Brenda first came across polymer clay while browsing in the Shepardess Bead Shop in Old Town, San Diego California, United States. She spotted a polymer clay necklace made by Jamey Allen and was immediately entranced with the medium. She then signed up for classes taught by Z. Kripke and Sarajane Helms and never stopped loving this new medium.
Brenda was extraordinary in her love for the arts, encouraging new artists, and thinking outside the box. She dreamed of incorporating polymer clay and textiles, and that dream was reflected in her amazing personal fashion style. She supported artists by purchasing and then promoting them at guild meetings and posting on social media. Brenda was a member of both San Diego and Orange County guilds, attended both meetings (over two hours apart in terms of driving distance), and organized swaps building relationships between the two. She enjoyed participating and supporting the international swaps and shared all her treasures. Whether it was a texture sheet made from bottoms of shoes, or a polymer clay piece made from a found object...she was creative and an ambassador to things not ordinary and she reeled us all into that extraordinary world. Although her sharing was on "Brenda Time", it was always well worth the wait. A plethora of thrift shop finds, mostly polymer clay, was a delight to witness.
Most recently, she was excited to be elected to serve on the Regional Board for the International Polymer Clay Association as the VP for Education (Americas). She loved to demo at Sandy Camp, a Polymer Clay retreat in San Diego celebrating its 19th year, which she never missed. Brenda was also seeking out other African Americans to share this art form, traveling cross country to engage and learn with them.
In memory of Brenda, this 2017 Annual Sandy Camp will be dedicated to her. She will be greatly missed by all and we are all richer for knowing her.
Registration is now open for the 