Brighton-Area Artist Spotlight: Susan A. Fox

Artist Susan A. Fox, 61, lives in Fraser - almost 50 miles from Brighton - but the distance didn't stop her from joining the (BAG).

“I was always impressed by how professional and well managed they are,” Fox said of the group. “Joining confirmed what I thought. It's full of involved and terrific people.”

Fox, who is currently serving as membership chair, joined the guild five years ago after attending several BAG events with guild member . The women have been friends since meeting in the 1960s at Eastern Michigan University, where they both studied art.

“We're godparents to each other's children, and it was Pam's husband who suggested I go to law school to support my family after I became a single mother,” Fox said.

After earning her law degree, Fox worked in child support enforcement for 20 years. She retired six years ago and has since focused on art.

“I'm happier - I feel more of sense of ease and direction,” Fox said. “I feel art is what keeps us sane, and it's also what defines a culture.”

Fox, who studied life drawing and metalwork in college, broadened her interests after retirement. She now works primarily with glass, creating flame-worked beads that become the centerpieces of bracelets and necklaces.

Fox's beads are also featured in many of . In return, Day makes ceramic heads and hands for Fox's art dolls.

Several of Fox's pieces are currently on display at the . In addition to jewelry, the show includes art boxes and art books, revealing Fox's newly discovered interest in containers.

“Books are containers for words and ideas,” Fox said.

Some of the pieces that look like books are actually sculptures, and some of the pieces that look like sculptures are actually books, Fox said. Many incorporate fabric, a medium Fox became interested in thanks to her involvement with the Detroit Opera House's costume shop, where she has worked part-time since retiring.

One of Fox's art books, titled “Stupid Weeds,” features photo transfer, drawing and an autobiographical narrative that tells the story of Fox's relationship with her mother, who died when Fox was 15.

“She loved gardening, and I hated it - until I turned the age she was when she died,” Fox said, adding that her entire backyard is full of perennials. “Gardening is painting with plants. It's all texture and color and even line.”

Fox's beads, books and boxes will remain on display at library through early November.