Artisan Archives - CreativeSonoma.org

Spring Maxfield Artisan, Arts Administration, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Film Office, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Talent, Theatre, Visual Arts, Woodworking Spring Maxfield is the Founder and Executive Director of Santa Rosa Urban Arts Partnership in Northern California. She works to create space to provide relevant, community driven arts and cultural programming. Her engagement activities and curatorial work has taken place in public spaces, underground galleries, wineries throughout Sonoma County, and established art institutions. Spring has served as a longtime participant and on the production team of Maker Faires both in the Bay Area and NY. She also cofounded the wildly popular Great Handcar Regatta arts festival, which drew crowds of up to 25,000 to Santa Rosa between 2008 and 2011. She regularly serves on a number of grassroots, city government, and private art foundation committees, using these roles to support and cultivate artists, creative businesses, community groups, and arts programming. She holds Bachelors’ of Arts in Art History and Art Practice and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies. When not busy engaging her international arts community, Spring can be found in the garden at her urban homestead with two daughters, and her husband—artist Todd Barricklow.

Hannah Mayree Artisan, Audio, Composition, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Folk Art, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal, Woodworking Hannah Mayree (she/her/they/them) is a creative facilitator and musician who's work and art lends itself as a tool for redesigning and reconnecting to our roots as humans on this planet. A banjoist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist, Hannah shares original and traditional banjo compositions as well as harmonies through acoustic live vocal looping and reminds us of the power found in our relationship to the earth, music and community. They co-founded and creatively direct the Black Banjo Reclamation Project which is currently creating musical, cultural and land-based opportunities for Black, Afro-Diasporic communities around the world to work with the banjo as a tool for reclaiming ancestral wisdom & creating Afro-futures.

Jessy Mcgibbons Artisan, Jewelry, Other Hi I’m Jessica (Jessy) Creator of Rainbow Iris Designs. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, CA with 2 artistic parents who taught me to love the craft of making things. While in college, my passion for creating magical art led me to start a business in selling handmade crystal jewelry, accessories and home decor, along with unique crystals and fossils at local Sonoma County markets, as well as online. After receiving a Bachelor's in Sociology, I was able pursue my dream in turning my business into a full time job! It always makes me so happy to see the smile on someones face when they buy one of my creations, and I hope to spark joy to others through each piece I sell, as well as inspire people to always do what they love.

Christopher Mckee Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Furniture, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Woodworking more to come

Colton Measles Design, Functional Art, Interior Design, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Woodworking Colton Measles is a 30 year old artist and wood carver from Colorado and recently moved to Sonoma County in mid December of 2017 to pursue and further his work as a professional decorative woodworker. Coltons work has developed through the creation of stand alone visual art pieces crafted from wood such as scroll carvings, high and low bas-relief, engravings and fully relieved sculpture. Colton has studied extensively and has a close relationship with Craig Hone of Provo Utah, the only professional wood carver and artist to win both first and second place prizes in the Northern Nationals Carving Competition and also a two time winner of the Dixie Invitational as well as winner of the Carvers Cup Competition in Park City UT. (Craig's work can be seen at craighonestudio.com) Colton has also been instructed in the creation and application of custom wood stain glazing techniques for bas-relief and sculptural wood carving and fine wood finishing by Robin Coalson, another friend and teacher. (Robins work can be seen at robincoalsonstudio.com and some of her work is on display at the D'Artagnan Vineyards in Sacramento California.) Colton was born and raised in Durango Colorado, where he developed skills in wood carving and sculpture over the course of four years, having been a student of art and artists of other mediums since his youth. Immediately before moving to the Sonoma County area from Colorado he had been working as an artist and woodcarver full time for three years in a wood shop and studio attached to his former residence. Colton has a background in construction and loves applying his craft to interior, and, although less often, exterior architectural carving. He was at one time commissioned to create four separate stand-alone art pieces for the Durango Dharma Center; A nonprofit meditation community closely linked with the Spirit Rock Meditation and Retreat Center in Woodacre California, just north of San Rafael. One of these pieces was a high relief carving including highly relieved birds and lotus flowers in a wonderfully harmonious and flowing design layout and two were functional and decoratively carved wooden boxes for the collection of donations. The fourth was a decoratively carved stand for a Tibetan singing bowl. (These pieces are on constant display in their current location and can be seen on Colton's Instagram page @truenaturecarving) Colton's art is influenced by many traditional mediums. He has studied acanthus scroll and the systems of its design as well as Celtic knot work and depicting all ranges of natural vegetation with a focus on realism. Colton enjoys utilizing design themes from traditional oriental carpentry, in furniture as well as architecture, in his work and has dedicated much time to the study and creation of anatomically correct creatures of all sorts, including fish, birds, animals and insects. Colton is inspired by ideas of cooperative pursuits with other artists and crafters, and by benefit work and his door is open to all inquiries of the kind. His contact info is included in his profile here on creativesonoma.org

Justine Mendoza Graphic Design, Woodworking Justine Mendoza is a multi-skilled visual designer whose experience has ranged from nudging vector points and kerning at a digital type foundry to completely rebranding and directing the marketing strategy of a quickly growing eco-friendly company. Working for smaller businesses has brought a broad spectrum of skills to her fingertips ranging from social marketing and advertising to customizing and populating e-commerce platforms. She now student-teaching at ArtQuest while in the Art teaching credential program at SSU. In addition to the graphic design work mentioned above she also designs and laser cuts custom signage and decorative pieces, specializing in collaborations with fellow artists.

TumbleWeed Expressions Meryl Juniper Artisan, Ceramics, Holidays Shop Local, Mixed, Muralist, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts While following the seasons within her Expressive Arts Inspirations, Meryl intertwines over 4 decades of Multimedia Arts Educational Experiences and Community Arts Activism. Meryl ignites and delicately encourages artistic expression and a sense of humility and humanity, while inspiring hands-on, process based learning, along with a curriculum integrated focus. In this we weave a healthy approach, revealing and enlivening the naturally creative self. Simultaneously, Meryl thrives within her close to 5 decades of experience engaging a life within: Multimedia Visual Arts and the Performative realms of Nature Based and Street Performance Ritual, Improvisational Movement, Dance Theater, Improvisational Vocal Play, Song Writing, Movement Infused Personal Storytelling and Somatic Movement Practices. Moreover, Meryl commits, inspires and dedicates her artistic being to Community Arts Production, Process and Presentation. Lastly, Meryl’s instinctive devotion to the natural world and the offerings of Eco Somatic Engagement, allows her to share the wisdom gleaned and harvested from all her experiences living close and being inspired by the earth, while continuously extending a steadfast faithfulness to the practices of Expressive Arts, Natural Medicine Making, Farming, Holistic Nutrition and Parenting, while moving within a Heart Centered Living Folks Arts Tradition.

Meeshka - Michelle Vidro Artisan, Jewelry “Story” is the intent of my jewelry designs. Life’s events inspire me deeply. It is my gift to be able to tell stories uniquely through my artwork. The process includes drawings, lost wax casting & fabrication using precious metals and gemstones. The Mended Heart, Last Drop Of Water, 14 Cows, and Dust Off Your Peace Signs lines are best selling expressions of my story telling designs. Owners of Meeshka’s jewelry know they are supporting the artist, the arts, and important causes. Shop Meeshka Jewelry Designs

Susan Miron Artisan, Fiber Art, Glass, Other About Susan Miron Susan Miron has been a professional artist for more than 25 years. Her experience covers a wide variety of artistic media, ranging from oil and acrylic painting, to wood and metal sculpture. Over the years she has developed a special affinity for three-dimentional fiber art, focusing primarily on basketry. Her works have been exhibited in galleries across the United States, and have won numerous awards of excellence in juried exhibits. She has received several grants from the California Arts Council and the National Endowment For The Arts. Her work has been on exhibit at the Oakland (California) Museum and The California Museum of Art. All of her works are one-of-a-kind, and reflect her emphasis on the uniqueness of the idea which inspired it. Owing to the nature of her craft, much of her work shows the influence of Native American culture through the use of chosen materials and stylistic influence, but always, her works combine a variety of influences into a truly individual creation. Susan studied art at San Jose State University, Taos Art Institute, California State University Hayward, and various workshops and seminars. She is an active member of many art and basketry organizations. She has taught her craft extensively, at levels ranging from the most elementary to college level, and worked as Artist in Residence at Napa State Hospital (California) for many years, and curated numerous exhibits of work by her students.

Zyssa Morales Artisan, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed, Other, Painting, Visual Arts, Woodworking My name is Zyssa Morales and I am a craft artist. I was born in Ecuador but have been raised in the United States. I’m passionate about art and would love to use it to bring awareness to social and environmental issues.

Kalia Mussetter Artisan, Children's, Fiber Art, Literature, Mixed, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Poetry, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Visual Arts

Eileen Nagle Acting, Artisan, Children's, Choreography, Directing, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Improvisation, Jewelry, Literature, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Other, Other, Performance Art, Poetry, Puppetry, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre Eileen Nagle M.Ed is an elementary/ middle/ high school teacher who specializes in Children's Theatre. A native of West Sonoma County, Eileen writes and directs children's plays and teaches acting classes. Shakespeare for Children; Musical Theater, Improv and Playwriting all for children are at the center of her creativity. She would love to go to your space and direct during school, after school drama clubs, teach playwriting and work with the home school community, having homeschooled her own children. At the university level she taught teachers how to integrate the arts into their regular lesson plans; enhancing the enjoyment and retention of the core subjects. Eileen leads workshops for adults and older children to teach Script and Text Analysis based on Character Roles, a way to look at your own or other's work and evaluate how sound the structure of the story is. Playwriting/ Screenwriting At the University level Eileen taught Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication and Theater For Elementary Teachers courses. She was the Outreach and Workshop Coordinator for the Noorda Theater for Children and Youth. Eileen would love to partner with home school groups, afterschool programs; mixed adult children groups would be fun. She has worked in most locations so a 'stage' is not necessary. The time of day and week is workable.

Tove Norlander Artisan, Jewelry I was born and raised in Norway and have been designing jewelry in silver and gold for the last 40 years. My jewelry is made using the “lost wax method”. I first create the jewelry in wax, then it’s set in plaster and burned out in a kiln, eliminating the wax and leaving a cavity in the plaster in the shape of the finished product. Molten metal is then poured with centrifugal force into the cavity to form the jewelry. After the casting process comes the time consuming filing and the polishing. My designs have a simple, elegant and sculptural quality in which one can sense my Scandinavian background. I enjoy working directly with clients, creating jewelry to fit their individual style. Many pieces are created around natural stones which I select for their interesting colors and textures. I often mix silver and gold for a unique look. Custom wedding rings and special designs using precious stones are one of my specialties. My work can be seen in galleries in California and Sedona, Arizona. My work is also in a gallery in Norway and a museum in Stockholm, Sweden. I’ve had several exhibitions in the U.S., Norway, Sweden, Holland and Switzerland. My work has also been sold in Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Judy Pagnusat Artisan, Glass, Jewelry, Teacher/Instructor I am an artist who has always loved making jewelry. I make jewelry out of every medium I have ever worked in, be it crochet, paper, glass or metal. In recent years my favored materials have been glass and metal clay. My new passion is metal fabrication, enameling and up-cycled jewelry made from vintage flatware. I am available to teach fused glass, metal clay or metal fabrication at your location or my studio in Cotati, CA. My work is featured and for sale at "The Artisans Co-op Gallery" in Bodega, CA

Michael Palace Artisan, Woodworking My art is an homage to our connection with nature. I make alters to the natural world. It is a way to acknowledge our life and the planet into which we are inextricably woven. We tend to view ourselves as separate, so we don't hold the earth as something loved, something sacred to us. My art is so that we have a place to honor our lives and that which connects us to the awe all around us. My art uses recognizable forms and icons, like the tree. Trees are a symbol of life, an emissary of nature, and a material of construction. I create using trees that have been killed and cast aside as firewood and landfill. I believe that there is always more than one point of view on any given object, and that those views may be both opposing and correct. This is the basis of the concept of a paradox. I see my art this way: the wood is medium and messenger, a victim and a champion, alive and dead. When a piece has been created, the wood has also been transformed from “garbage” to art. The judgment of what is valuable has been altered. The trees body has become a shrine and is integrated back into life as a reality and a symbol

Satri Pencak Artisan Satri Pencak has an M.A. in Art History and is an independent curator, writer, speaker, and consultant. As an Independent Curator Satri has recently organized several notable exhibitions, including Cast Forged & Welded: MetalWorks, Petaluma Arts Center; Symbiosis: Art & Science Intersect, Santa Rosa Junior College; Form & Finish: Sculptures by Michael Cooper & John de Marchi, Petaluma Arts Center; and Bob Nugent: Dialogues with Nature, Art Works Downtown, San Rafael. She writes art reviews and art commentary for two websites, www.satripencak.com, and www.sonomacounty.com. Previously, Satri served as Director of Exhibitions at Sebastopol Center for the Arts from 2000 to 2011. Satri travels throughout the Bay Area, and beyond, visiting museums, galleries, and artist’s studios gathering ideas and information for exhibitions she organizes or writes about.

Karen Pierce Gonzalez Artisan, Fiber Art, Fiction, Literature, Mixed, Non-Fiction, Other, Poetry I have been writing since I discovered paper and pen. My love of words led me to write fiction, non-fiction, and poetry which appears in many publications including Big Blend Magazine, Lagom Journal, Postcard Poems and Prose, Potato Soup Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Tiny Thimble Magazine, Twist in Time, Voice of Eve and other publications. My work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and has received several state and local awards. I have facilitated creative writing workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area (Napa Community College, Santa Rosa Junior College Extension, local community centers, etc.). I am also a mixed-media artist. I work intuitively with tree bark, chalk/oil pastels, fibers, fabrics and, when lucky, salmon leather. I am also folklorist and am publisher of FolkHeart Press which has produced Write Your Own Family Folktales, Love Potions, Lotions, and Lore, Spanish Cuisine: One Region at a Time, and more. Literary Projects includes development of Mystery Writers in the Mausoleum, and memberships include California Association of Storytellers, North Bay Poetics, Santa Rosa Art Center, Sonoma County Folk Society, and Western Folklore Society.

Karen Pierce Gonzalez Fiction, Folk Art, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Other, Photography, Poetry, Sculpture, Video, Visual Arts

My literary credits include 4 published poetry collections: Coyote in the Basket of My Ribs (Kelsay Books), True North and Sightings From a Star Wheel (Origami Poems Project), Down River with Li Po (Black Cat Poetry Press. Numerous stories, essays, and poems in several anthologies, podcasts, and publications including Eat the Storms III, Four Feathers Press, Golden Walkman Magazine, IceFloe Press, Nightingale and Sparrow, San Francisco Magazine, Supernatural Park, Tiny Thimble Magazine, Twist in Time, Voice of Eve.

Several plays have been staged through Fringe of Marin Short Play Festivals (2022, 2023).

I am also a former journalist (San Francisco Chronicle, Marin Independent Journal, etc.) and folklore columnist. I have written family folktale e-guides and publish quarterly 'Get Ekphrastic with Folk Art' blogs . I also create the hybrid folklore/art video series "as the story goes' and have also facilitated a range of creative writing and folktale writing workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area.

As a visual artist, I work intuitively with found and recycled element. More than 30 images have appeared in literary arts journals, including 3 cover images (Chestnut Review, Feral Journal of Poetry and Art, Nightingale and Sparrow). My art has been exhibited at Santa Rosa Arts Center, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Truckenbrod Gallery (Oregon), and Virtual Art in the Park (Petaluma).

Julia Pozsgai Artisan, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Mixed, Painting, Visual Arts I have autism and express myself in shapes and colors. Through art I am able to connect to the world. Art is a core part of who I am. I create acrylic paintings, fiber arts, and precious metal clay jewelry. Art for sale includes: paintings, prints, greeting cards, metal sculptures, jewelry, and purses made from upholstery samples. This year I have created some new art products which include Eco-friendly Utensil Packets sewn with hand-dyed fabrics and multi-metal jewelry. I also make Fiber Arts Wabi-Sabi dolls (perfectly imperfect) and wishing ukulele pillows. Over the last 7 years, I have grown my own company called “Pansy Creations”. I present my work at multiple venues throughout Sonoma County including the Arts Guild of Sonoma and Fine Line Art Supplies in Sonoma, MadeLocal Marketplace, Museums of Sonoma County Gift Shop, and Rileystreet Art Supply in Santa Rosa, Hopscotch Gifts and Gallery in Healdsburg, Sebastopol Center for the Arts in Sebastopol, Stones Throw in Cotati, and the Petaluma Art Center in Petaluma. In addition I sell my work directly and online. I also do commissioned paintings or prints for customers. I have been juried into multiple Call-to-Artists shows. Most recent shows include: the Arts Guild “The Place I Live”, the Art Ambassador’s “Love is a Rebellious Bird” exhibit at Mantra Winery in Novato, Arts Guild of Sonoma’s National Juried Competition entitled “Alchemy” in which two of my art works were chosen, and Sonoma Community Center’s “Valley of Talent” show. Over the past several years I have been accepted into Holiday shows including: the Sonoma Community Center’s Holiday Art and Craft Sale in which I was one of the top selling artists for the weekend, and the Healdsburg Center for the Arts Holiday Gift Gallery. My Trashion Fashion “Geyser Gown” tied for third place in 2018, and my “Planetarium” gown won the “Out of this World” award in 2019 at the Sonoma Community Center’s annual event. I was invited to model and display the gowns this year at the Daily Acts Climate Concert/SOMO event center, Rohnert Park, CA and at the Petaluma Village Network talk about Recycling. I do a one-woman show every year. This year was called “Nature’s Magic takes Wing” held in August of 2019 at the Petaluma Arts Center. I did record sales in just 3 weeks with a $1000 painting selling before we had barely opened the show. I presented a two month Geyser show at Old Faithful of California in Calistoga in 2018. I have participated in many first Thursday ArtWalks in the town of Sonoma over the last two years exhibiting at Sotheby’s on the Plaza of Sonoma, Jeff Cohn Cellars for a two month exhibit, a one night presentation at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and this year at HomeBridge Mortgage. These opportunities to meet more of my community and new fans has been great. I love to participate every year at the Wine County Nature and Optics Festival and also at the G3 Marketplace in Sonoma. I annually have painted a wooden wine box award which is given to an award- winning filmmaker at the Sonoma International Film Festival. I have a new series of paintings in the works, new ways to create with fabric, a new Trashion Fashion design (temporarily on hold) and am busily sewing masks. I have lots of enthusiasm and energy to create! I hope to inspire others. If you are thinking about creating, I would say…“How about now?!”

Nick Robles Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Visual Arts Originally from Southern California, I first found myself in Sonoma Country to attend Sonoma State University and am excited to have recently relocated to Petaluma. Taking inspiration from my Hispanic roots, playful spirit, and a modern aesthetic I use bold colors, organic forms, and an appreciation for imperfection to create a cohesive body while creating both functional and fine art. With the addition of functional ceramics and textiles I founded, Technicolor Dino. After years of dedicating both time and effort to starting a small business, I plan to use the funds from Sonoma Creative to have a space dedicated to fine art. A place devoted to drawing and painting so I can leave the worries and to-do lists of running a small business at the door to focus on creating.

Alex Ross Artisan, Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Other, Painting, Visual Arts I was born with a passion to be creative. Drawing, painting with a variety of mediums just makes me feel alive. I've been a graphic designer for a big chunk of my working life. Advertising, publication design, illustration; pet portraits, (lots of cats, humorous & realistic) still life, floral, landscape, product design, some photography and collage. I've found that experimenting with all these different forms of creating art is not only challenging to me, but extremely satisfying. Due to several surgeries and broken wrist on my left hand (being left handed) has left me with the opportunity to express myself in new ways. It's been a slow & painful road, although being an artist is just who I am. So I'm on a new path of adventure. My website is www.alexrossdesigns.net. I have original artwork and prints for sale. Also I have 2 shops on www.Zazzle.com/aleecatcreations & www.Zazzle.com/alexrossdesigns. My artwork is on a variety of products. Please visit these stores to view my work & purchase some products. It gives me great pleasure to put a smile on people's faces when they enjoy my art. It is absolutely nourishing & healing to my soul. Thank you for your interest. Alex

Gloria E. Rubio Verduzco Artisan, Arts Administration, Choreography, Dance, Design, Film Office, Graphic Design, Jewelry, Latin, Modern, Other, Performance Art, Professional Performance, Talent, Teacher/Instructor

Gloria E. Rubio Verduzco is a creative professional offering services in arts business/nonprofit development and creative skills services.

Gloria has an extensive background in professional and organizational development for art organizations and nonprofits and is available for contract and short-term projects in:

Event Planning & Coordination
Grantwriting
Marketing
Volunteer Management
Social Media Management
Website Management
And more...

Additionally, Gloria teaches creative classes and workshops for individuals and groups in dance and fine crafts, including:

Latin Dance
Contemporary Dance
Jazz Dance
Embodied Movement
Jewelry-Making
Beadwork
Expressive Arts
And more...

To contact Gloria to see how she can support you and your organization, email: gloriarubioverduzco@gmail.com See Gloria's retail webpage here: https://morninglorias.com/ Biography

Born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico, Gloria came to the U.S. as a little girl and grew up in the agricultural Central Valley of California. At an early age, Gloria developed a love for humanities and the arts, and as a first generation college student, she went on to complete a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Theater Arts (Dance) from Sonoma State University in 2011. She has directed, choreographed, and performed dance throughout the Bay Area, is a certified labyrinth walk facilitator, a handmade beadwork artist, and teaches children's dance and jewelry-making classes. In her professional life, Gloria has been heavily involved in arts nonprofits and organizations, most notably in managing fundraisers and events, outreach and communications, grants management, social media management, and overall business and professional development. Gloria is passionate about combining the use of arts and creativity, somatic awareness and expression, and inner and external understanding for individual and community healing. Her passion has developed into board participation and arts administration for a variety of local non-profits, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Expressive Arts in a conjunction program between Tamalpa Institute and Meridian University.

Liz Russell Artisan, Ceramics I am a functional potter and beekeeper in Forestville. When I'm not out capturing swarms or extracting hives from unwanted locations, I make tiles, mugs, bowls, platters, light fixtures and more. I use the sgraffito technique of carving through black slip to make a wood block-like effect. Themes I explore in my work include pollinators, marine life (in particular the deep sea), mushrooms and local, endangered and bizarre creatures of every sort. I live and work to explore curiosity. I am a Sonoma County native, but I have spent an educational exchange in Ghana, studied beekeeping with Peace Corps in Paraguay, taught English in Chile and love to travel and examine the unknown.

Adam Sharron Architecture, Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Visual Arts, Woodworking I am a designer who seeks to create spaces and objects that add interest and serendipity to our built and lived environments. Spolia Design/Build is a landscape architecture practice, based in Santa Rosa, that focuses on cultivating, planning, and building beautiful spaces and objects.

Larry Sheradon Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Jewelry, Multi-Media, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Woodworking Larry has recently been manifesting a long dream of creating whimsical CNC light sculptures and functional festival deco. With experience in 3D algorithmic design, illustration, woodwork, programming, electronics and altar creation, he draws on inspiring plant forms and the radiant spirit of nature in his designs. He currently lives in the redwoods of Northern California.

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