Annie Alexander, Artist, and Ashley Wade, Global Executive Director, Gallery Beyond Words
Q: How did you become interested in working together in art?
Ashley: I had just closed my cookie company in L.A. I realized I could be of service here in Prescott and use what I learned in the art world. I like a challenge.
Annie: I saw reopening Beyond Words as a way to get 20 years of work out of the warehouse. It seemed like the next right thing to do.
Q: What is the biggest challenge of your work, working together?
Ashley: Working with my mom ha ha ha. It’s THE challenge. It’s a huge learning curve. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity.
Annie: My art is extremely physical. It’s very challenging at my age. It’s challenging to work peacefully through the disagreements. Turning it all over. Letting go of control.
Q: What is the greatest reward of your work?
Ashley: Working with my mom. I feel very fortunate to learn from her. And to be able to see how much her work encourages others. It definitely inspires me on a daily basis.
Annie: When people are inspired by what they see. Some even start doing art. It’s very rewarding.
Q: Where would you like to vacation next, why?
Ashley: China. Despite the politics, I’d love to help my mom fulfill her dream of studying papermaking there. I used to live in Taiwan; I studied Mandarin for two years.
Annie: I’d love to go to China; the countryside. It would be a mega vacation to visit the birthplace of papermaking.
Q: What is the last book you read; what did you enjoy about it most?
Ashley: The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter. The author is a brilliant storyteller, and the way it grips your gut and paints incredible imagery. It’s a story of true human connection.
Annie: I just started reading that after Ashley. I love the awareness of the land. It’s a beautiful story.
Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?
Ashley: Between yoga, art and hiking. All of them allow me to meet extraordinary people. I didn’t move here for Prescott, the town, but I’ve fallen in love with it. And that’s a happy surprise!
Annie: Walking the Granite Creek trail. It has been my true companion, through the seasons, for the last 30 years.
