MACA is thoroughly pleased to introduce our first Featured Artist and President of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists, sculptor Pat Moody.

Pat’s sculptures are an extremely textural translation of Mother Nature’s creations. Ranging from serene nature settings with stately trees (which could be her trademark) to playful interactions with nature by human and animal forms, she transforms cold hard steel into warm and comforting universal scenes.

As a 10-year veteran of TACA, Pat has been extremely active in the organization, being a Chapter Representative to the TACA Board for four years, then spending two years as the TACA Vice President. She is currently serving her second year as the President of TACA. She has also served on the MACA/CBU Fine Crafts Show committee for the past three years. Before joining, “I saw one of MACA’s Juried shows and was very impressed with the quality of the craft and wanted to belong to a group with such fine craft artists.”

Pat earned her Bachelor of Science degree in History with a minor in Art from Memphis State University. She was introduced to welding in classes taught by Harriss Sorrelle and immediately loved it. After a busy career in retailing, Pat took early retirement eleven years ago and began to focus on her welding. Mr. Sorrelle remains as one of the greatest influences on her work, along with Mother Nature.

Pat has also worked with woodcarving since childhood and dabbled with clay in college. “I would like to learn how to successfully turn a non lopsided clay bowl on a wheel. I was never successful in college.”

Her work has been shown in MACA Juried shows, the Jewish Community Center, Playhouse on the Square, CBU Ross Gallery, and the MACA/CBU Fine Craft Fair, as well as other places from time to time. The best place to see her work year round is by appointment in her home, which is decorated with many of her creations.

About her involvement in MACA, Pat says “I enjoy being with creative and talented people. Also I think it is important through MACA to show Memphis what is Fine Craft.” Though, “I wish more members would “step up” to be involved in the planning and production of MACA events.”

Along with her busy schedule with both MACA and TACA, Pat is also a volunteer member of the Girl Scouts Heart of the South Council’s Community Advisory Board and Property Committee: Corresponding Secretary of the Old Kia Kima Youth Camp; and the National Kidney Foundation annual 5K Walk Registration Committee Chair.

In essence, Pat is one very extremely active and talented lady.