Sandy is a self-taught basketmaker working in her studio in Jericho Center, Vermont. Her fascination with the Southwestern United States, the shapes and colors of the landscape and the people who live & have lived there, led to careers in anthropology, obstetrical nursing, and finally to basketry and studio art. Sandy grew up in New Mexico surrounded by incredibly varied cultures and landforms, and this is often reflected in her work.
Professional memberships include Handweavers Guild of America, National Basketry Organization, Northeast Basketmakers Guild, Vermont Hand Crafters, Vermont Crafts Council, and American Crafts Council. Workshops with well-known artists/basketmakers Mary Merkel-Hess, Jerry Bleem, Jill Nordfors Clark, Carol Eckert, and Mary Hettmansperger have provided additional inspiration.
Sandy was born and raised in northwestern New Mexico. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. In 1982 she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Vermont, with a focus on maternal-child nursing. In 1997 she started her basketmaking business, expanding into a new studio in 2004.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS
2007
Maps and Journeys, Studio Place Arts Gallery, Barre, Vermont.
Basketry as an Art Form, Bascom-Louise Gallery at the Fine Art Center, Highlands, North Carolina.
2006
Smaller Than A Breadbox, Shelburne Art Center, Shelburne, Vermont.
Fine Art of Craft, Studio Place Arts, Barre, Vermont.
Palettes of Vermont, Vermont Arts Council, selected exhibition, Montpelier, Vermont.
2005
Landscapes, Art on Main, Bristol, Vermont. Featured artist.
2002
It's Alive!, Shullenberger Gallery, Jericho, Vermont.
Tour de Vermont, Shullenberger Gallery, Jericho, Vermont.
Vermont Arts & Fine Craft Festival, Stratton Mountain, Vermont; "Best in Class" award.
2001-2002
It Must Be The Water, Shullenberger Gallery, Jericho, Vermont.
PUBLICATIONS
1994
Leff, Ellen W. , Sandra C. Jefferis, and Margaret P. Gagne. "The development of the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale," Journal of Human Lactation 10: 105-111.
1994
Leff, Ellen W., Margaret P. Gagne, and Sandra C. Jefferis. "Maternal perceptions of successful breastfeeding" Journal of Human Lactation, 10(2): 99-104.
1992
Gagne, M.P., E.W. Leff and S.C. Jefferis. "Diabetes and breastfeeding: an exploratory approach." Health Care of Women International, July-September.
1991
Leff, E.W., M.P. Gagne and S.C. Jefferis. "Promoting successful interdependence: type I diabetes in pregnancy." MCN, March/April.
1991
Jefferis., S.C., M.P. Gagne, and E.W. Leff. "Breastfeeding and diabetes: making it work for you." Diabetes Forecast, August.