Growing up, my family liked to say that I had “golden hands.” Since the age of two, I’ve had a unique ability to draw and make things. In junior high school, a teacher encouraged me to do more with my art. This led me to take classes at the Arts and Crafts Society of Detroit, near the Art Museum and Art Institute.
About the Artist
A Love of Art
In high school, Sara enrolled in more after school art classes at Cranbrook, a graduate school for the arts. She went on to the University of Michigan, gaining experience in printmaking areas such as intaglio, relief, serigraphy, and lithography. Sara spent an extensive period studying with Emil Weddige, an artist and author as well as an expert in fine art restoration.
Harwin Studios Formed
Harwin Studios began in 1970 with Sara and Fred’s purchase of an antique Washington Proof press. By 1972, a Ratcliffe of Leeds transfer press expanded the shop, and by 1973 she was printing her own lithographs with her husband, Fred assisting.
Commissioned Work and More
During the 1980s, Sara’s practice grew to include liturgical and commissioned work. Her explorations in color, texture, and sacred symbolism deepened, laying the groundwork for later large-scale installations.
Visual Language and Sacred Geometry
In the 1990s, Sara’s work appeared in exhibitions across the country, as her visual language of sacred geometry, Hebrew lettering, and textile work continued to evolve and reach wider audiences.
Illuminated Letters Emerges
Illuminated Letters: Threads of Connection emerged from decades of study and studio practice, bringing together printmaking, textiles, calligraphy, and sacred geometry. Through this work, Sara translated ancient Hebrew roots and universal values into a contemporary visual language that invites viewers into an ongoing conversation.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMMISSIONS
Torah Mantles, Yom Chol/Yom Tov | Congregation Anshei Israel | Tucson, AZ |
Parochet, Amud, Yom Chol/Yom Tov | Congregation Shaarie Torah | Portland, OR |
Ark Doors (Parochet) | Congregation Ahavat Achim | Portland, OR |
Chuppah (Wedding Canopy) | Congregation Neveh Shalom | Portland, OR |
Torah Mantles (set of 6) | Congregation Neveh Shalom | Portland, OR |
Elijah’s Chair | Congregation Neveh Shalom | Portland, OR |
Torah Mantle | Congregation Anshe Emet | Chicago, IL |
Wedding Parochet | Temple Israel | Portsmouth, NH |
Torah Mantles | Temple Beth El | Chappaqua, NY |
Torah Mantles | Chayai Shalom Temple | North Easton, MA |
High Holiday Torah Mantles | Chayai Shalom Temple | North Easton, MA |
Honors
2001 | Image selected for Hallmark Cards Kansas City |
1995 | Honorable Mention, Liturgical Guild of Ohio, Biennial Exhibition |
1993 | National Calendar Competition (1/16 selected), United Synagogues of America |
1987 | National Calendar Competition (1/16 selected), United Synagogues of America |
1985 | Image selected for UNICEF cards |
Major Exhibitions
Year | Exhibition / Work | Venue / Location |
2019 | “Illuminated Letters”, Portland Winter Lights Festival window installation | OJMCHE, Portland, OR |
2018 | Peace and Justice: Three Lettering Traditions (joint show w/ Inga Dubay, Kanaan Kanaan) | Trinity Episcopal Church
Muslim Education Trust
Mittleman Jewish Community Center |
2014 | “Illuminated Letters: Threads of Connection”, Installation | Oregon Jewish Museum, Portland, OR |
2006 | “Threads of Connection”, joint show with Fred Harwin | Bonnie Kahn’s Gallery |
2001 | Works of Faith, National juried show | First Presbyterian Church, Portland, OR |
1995 | Liturgical Guild of Ohio, Biennial Exhibition | Capital University, OH |
1993 | “Contemporary Jewish Art by Jewish Artists” | Oregon Jewish Museum, Portland, OR |
1993 | Liturgical Guild of Ohio, Biennial Exhibition | Capital University, OH |
1991 | Liturgical Guild of Ohio, Biennial Exhibition | Capital University, OH |
1990 | Two person show (with Fred Harwin) | Artquake, Portland, OR |
1991 | Liturgical Guild of Ohio, Biennial Exhibition | Capital University, OH |
1989 | M Coe Gallery | Portland, OR |
1988 | Sun River Art Invitational | Sun River, OR |
1987 | Sun River Art Invitational | Sun River, OR |
1987 | Liturgical Guild of Ohio, Biennial Exhibition | Capital University, OH |
1986 | Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art, Architecture, National Competition/Awards Exhibit | Magnes Museum, Berkeley, CA |
1985 | One-woman show | Elizabeth S. Fine Museum, Temple Beth Israel, San Francisco, CA |
1983 | National Council / Art in Jewish Life, Juried show | American Jewish Congress, New York, NY |
1982 | Invitational Group Show | Boston College, Boston, MA |
1976 | “Rainbow Dancers”, One-woman show | Gallery West, Portland, OR |
1975 | Four-woman show | Judah L. Magnes Museum, Berkeley, CA |
1974 | “Oregon Artists Under 35”, Invitational Show | Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR |
1974 | One-woman show | White Bird Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR |
1974 | Annual Valley Exhibition, Juried Show | Corvallis Art Center, Corvallis, OR |
Let's Connect
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME FOR FUTURE WORK AND PARTNERSHIPS