Mary Hilgendorf

I was born and raised in Sandpoint, ID, with three energetic brothers. I loved the outdoors and was blessed to swim in lake Pond Oreille, live with generous families and work on their ranches, trim trees at a local tree farm and even fish with an amazing family on their commercial fishing boat one summer. My mother loved art and instilled in me a love for art also. In High School I won first prize at local art contest for an ink drawing. I attended one year of college studying art and education and then married at the age of 20. We have been blessed with 6 beautiful children and are celebrating 30 years of marriage this May 29th, 2011! Needless to say my family has kept me very busy over the years. Jewelry making is something that I am excited about and enjoy doing. Working with natural stone is especially beautiful and rewarding. I would like to express my thanks to Paulette Smith for her encouragement to start creating art again.