Art has always been an integral part of Evelyn Tosi’s life. Born into a musically and craft-oriented family, art projects from water colors to pottery and more were always part of her education and life. At age nine, Evy’s mother encouraged her to start dance lessons, an activity which, over the decades, led to a fun and successful career. Evy performed internationally and domestically in live theater and films, including principal dance roles in the movies A Chorus Line, Grease 2, and Freddie Mercury’s MTV video Body Language. As a massage therapist living in Florida, Evy continued her love affair with the arts, teaching dance and studying other art forms – which eventually led to basket-making. “My hands and I thrive with the work and love the exploration of design with its volumes of color and shape,” says Evy. “Nature is my muse.” Evy creates baskets by wrapping cotton piping with strips of colorful fabric, using a crochet hook to pull the fabric through the previously attached rows. Her business, Little Dancing Baskets Etc., had its debut at the prestigious, juried Florida “CraftArt” Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Arts Center’s Sunny Point Committee was excited to offer her the fall Artist in Residency for 2025.

Evy says she is excited and grateful to be selected for the residency. “I am looking forward to focusing my time making baskets, etc., with a bit of swimming in the lake (brr), reading and journaling, practicing my Irish Tin Whistle and making new friends. If you have a moment, come say hello and sign my guest book.”