Judi Holdorf
Jeff Wilson
Judi (Jude) Holdorf moved from Muscatine in eastern Iowa to PebbleCreek with her husband, Dennis, one month after retiring from a 34-year career in the field of nonprofit work. Jude says, “Arizona was on our shortlist when we were looking for an active retirement community. We visited numerous communities throughout southern Arizona, but chose PebbleCreek after meeting so many friendly residents and seeing all the amenities that are offered. However, it was the Cultural Arts Center that sealed the deal for me.” She quickly became involved in some of the clubs, like the Pottery and Sculpture Club, Wine Club, and Putters Club, and joined in on many of the resort’s activities like golf, bocce, and Wii bowling.
Before coming to PebbleCreek, Jude’s career experiences were always aimed at helping others. She was a top administrator with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. While there, she also led the college foundation, which funded scholarships, educational programs, and building projects. She most recently served as executive director of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, helping donors make the biggest impact with their gifts, while helping people in need, especially during natural disasters. But it was her 12 years as executive director of Quad City Arts where she worked with performing, visual, and literary arts and artists that she vowed someday she’d take time to make her own art.
Well, that day arrived once she moved to PebbleCreek in 2018. She signed up for a pottery class soon after the move. Jude says, “It was great to learn through a hands-on approach while having instruction from seasoned artists. There is a great deal of talent and expertise in the Pottery Club, and the more experienced potters are willing to share ideas and information. It’s a very supportive environment. Much of the pottery I’ve made so far has been for functional purposes from a doorbell cover and silverware caddy to trays, bowls, and vases.” She explains that creating something herself makes everyday objects that much more enjoyable to use.
Jude’s experience and abilities have expanded over the years. Last year, she shared a technique for making tripod, or three-legged, vessels with fellow club members and will be teaching a class for intermediate potters this fall.
While she is enjoying making art during retirement, making the arts accessible to others is still important to Jude. She recently joined the board of Triad Performing Arts of Arizona.
This charitable organization was created to bring the arts to the West Valley, something that Jude says is really needed as our community grows. She is especially excited that Triad Performing Arts will perform the Nutcracker Fantasy at the PebbleCreek theater this December.