Bobbi Tardif of Perry, has always had a deep connection to the physicality of land and the important role of family. In November of 2020, Bobbi and her family moved back to her hometown of Perry in Washington County. One of her fondest childhood memories was spent playing in the spring fed stream behind her house. That is where she discovered glacial clay. She dug the clay up with her hands, formed it, molded it, squished it between her fingers, and became completely fascinated. It was the bond between material, manipulation, and self that led Bobbi to pursue being an artist.

Bobbi is an arts educator who is devoted to growing visual arts programming in public education within her community. Her positive outlook, spirited energy, and genuine care for others provides her students and community with opportunities to explore art in a variety of ways, helping them see the artist within.

”Continuous Learning allows me to analyze and think about my artwork in new ways, but teaching allows me to share what I have learned and who I am as an artist with others,” says Bobbi.

Knowing first hand what strong arts programming can have on a rural community and individually, Bobbi began the construction of her studio in 2021. The studio will allow her to pursue her own artwork and offer valued art programming including ceramics. Being in Perry and examining the geology of the streams, the ecology of the woods, the oceanography of the water, and forming new discoveries with this place is pure joy. The Belvedere Fellowship will bring me one step closer to making my dream a reality with the purchase of needed equipment for the studio, and I am blessed and honored to be chosen for this award.

With the support of her husband and children, Bobbi aims to improve the accessibility of art and craft experiences in her area.

This is where the love of clay began and the understanding that my personal identity and artistic voice is shaped by the ruggedness of Downeast Maine.

In November of 2020, Bobbi and her family moved back to her hometown of Perry in Washington County. The deep profound connection to family, land, ocean, and community is what motivates and inspires her personal artwork. Knowing first hand what strong arts programming can have on a rural community and individually, Bobbi began the construction of her studio in 2021. The studio will allow her to pursue her own artwork and offer valued art programming including ceramics. With the support of her husband and children, Bobbi aims to improve the accessibility of art and craft experiences in her area.

Maine Arts Education Association honored Bobbi Tardif with the Outstanding Service Through the Profession Award in 2018 and the following year she was awarded the 2019 Piscataquis Teacher of the Year by the Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine. At the University of Presque Isle, Bobbi earned her BFA and BS of Educational Studies with magna cum laude honors. She continues to attend yearly studio courses to learn contemporary techniques and methods to develop the most unique authentic learning experiences. ”Continuous Learning allows me to analyze and think about my artwork in new ways, but teaching allows me to share what I have learned and who I am as an artist with others”, says Bobbi.

Her positive outlook, spirited energy, and genuine care for others are evident as she provides her students and community with opportunities to explore art in a variety of ways, helping them see the artist within.

Artist Statement:

My connection to Washington County is deeply rooted in the physicality of the land and the important role of family. During my childhood, I walked the forest full of wonder exploring its characteristics and ecology. I became deeply connected to the ocean, embracing the scent of the sea, and harvesting local blueberries. One of my fondest childhood memories was spent playing in the spring fed stream behind our house. That is where I discovered glacial clay. I dug the clay up with my hands, formed it, molded it, squished it between my fingers, and became completely fascinated. It was the bond between material, manipulation, and self that led me to pursue being an artist. This is where the love of clay began and the understanding that my personal identity and artistic voice is shaped by the ruggedness of Downeast Maine. As an artist, the constant re-discovery, inspiration, and appreciation of the world around me is what motivates my work.

In 2020, my family and I moved to Perry, my childhood home, after 23 years. Our new homestead, which has been in my family for generations, is where I am rediscovering “home” and fulfilling a dream to build my own art studio. The studio will be my place to create and appreciate the transformative power of nature in addition to connecting with my community. Being in Perry and examining the geology of the streams, the ecology of the woods, the oceanography of the water, and forming new discoveries with this place is pure joy. The Belvedere Fellowship will bring me one step closer to making my dream a reality with the purchase of needed equipment for the studio, and I am blessed and honored to be chosen for this award.

Artist Image Gallery:

Title: Nature's Fragments
Medium: Ceramic Sculpture

Title: Woven Pine Needle Covered Bowl

Title: Glacial Clay