Born in Norwalk, California, Donna Yutzy reluctantly moved to rural Oregon with her parents and two older brothers when she was 16 years old. She attended a Mennonite school with strict rules and regulations, which were not always a good fit for her restless adolescence. After graduating, Donna held a series of odd jobs, including working in food service, as a bank teller, and cleaning at an assisted living center. In 1990, Donna and one of her brothers opened a store in Salem, Oregon specializing in Southwestern-style beads used in Native American arts and crafts. While there, she ended up joining forces with a customer to create a business featuring beaded jewelry. By chance, she took a metal clay class and found that she enjoyed the freedom in, and the challenge presented by, the medium. Donna is certified in a variety of art clay techniques and teaches about two-dozen classes per year, mostly in Eugene where she lives with her husband, Gordon. In addition, she exhibits and offers her jewelry for sale at galleries and art shows throughout Oregon. |
