SEATTLE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR ANN COPPEL
TO PREMIERE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT TEXTILE ARTIST
WHO SPARKED THE MACRAME CRAZE
AND HELPED NASA

Seattle, Washington, May 20, 2002 – Award-winning, Seattle area Producer/Director Ann Coppel’s documentary "Virginia Harvey – A Legacy in Fiber Arts" is scheduled to premiere at the Seattle Asian Art Museum on Sunday, June 9th at 5:30 PM. Sponsored by Northwest Designer Craftsmen, this documentary is part of the "Living Treasures" video portrait series, which documents the work, philosophy, and achievements of the Northwest’s most influential senior craftsmen.

The "Virginia Harvey – A Legacy in Fiber Arts" program is the fifth in the "Living Treasures" series, all produced by Ann Coppel Productions, LLC. This program documents the life and work of this multi-talented researcher, writer, mentor, and entrepreneur who affected generations of artists, and craftsman, both professional and amateur. Among many contributions, Ms. Harvey is credited with sparking the Macramé craze that swept the country in the 1960’s. She also was hired by a NASA sub-contractor to invent a super-strong, braided tether for use in outer space. "During pre-production, I asked Virginia how she thought of herself, and she said as an ‘inventor.’ The fact that she had so many different talents, and had made so many contributions in different areas, made her story a real challenge to tell. I think however, we were successful, " says Ms. Coppel.

The fourth program in the "Living Treasures" series, "Harold Balazs – Creating Wonder," which premiered in June, 2001, recently won a Platinum Award at the Houston WorldFest, an international film festival. All together the series has won fourteen awards for excellence in video production including Gold Awards of Excellence from the Seattle Emerald City video awards; a Telly Award; a Cine Golden Eagle Award; and New York Festivals Finalist Awards.

Sadly, Virginia Harvey passed away before production on the documentary was completed. "It made me very aware of the significance of this project - how critical it is to document the lives of these unique and incredibly talented Northwest artists and craftsmen, so their legacy will never be lost," says Ms. Coppel. "I feel honored to be able to participate in this important project."

Tickets for the premiere of "Virginia Harvey – A Legacy in Fiber Arts," and the catered reception are $25.00 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased by calling Susan Purves at (206) 324-3719. Seating is limited.

Funding for the "Living Treasures" project has been provided by The Allen Foundation for the Arts, King County Arts Commission, Seattle Arts Commission, Seattle Weavers Guild, Washington State Arts Commission and many other generous organizations and individuals. To arrange screenings or purchases of finished videos, or make donations to "Living Treasures," contact Susan Purves at (206) 324-3719.About Northwest Designer Craftsmen

Northwest Designer Craftsmen, a non-profit organization founded in 1955, endeavors to establish high standards of design, workmanship and business practice among regional artisans, promote public interest in the crafts, and provide a voice for craftsmen in the five state Northwest region. The Living Treasures series also includes documentaries on Robert Sperry, Ramona Solberg, Russell Day, and Harold Balazs.

About Ann Coppel Productions, LLC
Ann Coppel Productions, LLC is a full service film and video production company, owned and operated by award-winning Writer, Producer, Director, Ann Coppel. Located in Seattle, Washington, Ann Coppel Productions, LLC has been producing programs that inform, motivate and inspire, for over twenty-five years. Ann Coppel’s work includes Soul Queens, a short documentary produced for the Experience Music Project Museum (2000); the independent feature length film, Crocodile Tears (1997, Director); and the PBS documentary, Speaking for Ourselves (1994).

For information about Ann Coppel Productions LLC, please call 206-282-7720, or send email to ann@anncoppelproductions.com. Visit the website at http://www.anncoppelproductions.com.
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