In Memory of ACC Fellow Arline Fisch

We are deeply grateful to ACC Fellow Eugene (Gene) Pijanowski for his generous gift in memory of the late Arline Fisch, who passed away in August, one day before her 94th birthday. Named a Living Treasure of California in 1985 for her contributions to craft, Arline combined elements of weaving and metalwork in her art. She founded the jewelry and metalsmithing program at San Diego State University, where she worked for nearly 40 years. Arline was inducted into ACC’s College of Fellows in 1979 and received our highest honor, the Gold Medal for Consummate Craftsmanship, in 2001. Arline made a lasting impact on Gene and on Hiroko Sato, his partner in life and craft through 2008. Gene and Hiroko were jointly inducted into ACC’s College of Fellows in 2000. Decades before that, Gene taught alongside Arline at SDSU in 1972. In a recent note, he described her as a “godsend” and the reason he is “a gold metalist.” Gene hopes that his gift to ACC will inspire others to make contributions in memory of Arline and her legacy.

To join Gene or to make a gift in memory or honor of another craft community member, please visit craftcouncil.org/support or call Development Manager Rachel Kollar at 612-206-3129.