July 16, 2004/Tamuz 27 5764, Vol. 56, No. 43
Bountiful boutiqueArtists contribute to Hadassah convention
HANK NEYER
|
 Larry Bisman, co-owner of TallisMan Creations, shows a tallit to Susan Elefant, a Hadassah delegate from New York City. Photo by Hank Neyer |
Lee Levine, local convention chairwoman and immediate past president of the Hadassah Valley of the Sun Chapter, says 33 vendors were on hand during the four-day convention which was held July 11-14 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Levine, assisted by co-chairwomen Thea Friedman, Judy Silberman and Ellen Blum and members of the Hadassah Associates - the men's adjunct to the Zionist women's organization - says the vendors represented Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson and Israel.
The potpourri of merchandise included children's clothing, jewelry, tallitot, kippot, artwork, fused glass and metal work.
Scottsdale artist Carolyn Golden presented a piece that was reminiscent of the tale of Jacob's ladder.
TallisMan Creations, owned by Larry Bisman and Rick Rigdon of Scottsdale, featured a variety of tallit, one of which was purchased by delegate Susan Elefant of New York City.
One of the most unusual displays was presented by Brayton Rogers Designs of Scottsdale: hand-painted cigar boxes that double as chic ladies' handbags. Each handbag is made from a recycled cigar box that is first cleaned, then sprayed with polyurethane and outfitted with brass hinges, latches and other hardware. New and antique beads are used to fashion a one-of-a-kind handle that coordinates with the color palate of the box and preselected lining.
Tables covered with an assortment of jewelry stretched almost the length of the ballroom where the boutique was located. At one end of the room, a table of cashiers - members of the local chapter of the Associates, led by Howard Treshansky - assisted the delegates.
The boutique benefited the Hadassah Valley of the Sun Chapter, host of the convention, says Levine. Funds raised help pay for expenses related to the convention, including security, hospitality and entertainment. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the sales benefited Hadassah.