Clara Manheim of Scotch Plains, NJ studied art at University of Southern California, Rutgers University, Kean College and the Union County College Arts Students League.  She’s taught related arts throughout New Jersey, and has designed for the Time/Life International Arts and Crafts Encyclopedia.  Clara’s work can be seen around the country, including places such as the Wyckoff Gallery, the Time Life Building, Newark Museum, the Su-Su Gallery, and Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Clara’s inspiration:

I’m a beader, and wanted to work with beads, but also wanted to create something that would keep at the forefront the religious aspect of this piece of art.  It was the end of the year, and I saw Chanukah fabric that I thought was different and would work well with my beads.  I just started putting them together, and when I was done, this tzedakah box was the result.