Frances Maude Senska

For a bit of time, I had the honor of assisting Frances and Jesse with housework in their home. The education they freely gave me, often without a word, on art, art history, the necessary character of a grounded artist with integrity, all made profound impressions.

I still own a cup of hers, a gift, which remains the very finest thrown ceramic object I've ever held. Earthenware but light, not one scratchy edge inside or out, unglazed, symmetrical, the handle fitting like a glove,...

Frances Senska and Jessie Wilber befriended three young MSU students in the fall of 1981 and through their generosity and curiosity of adventurous souls, agreed to allow an 18 foot, prairie style tipi camp to evolve on their property, among the cottonwood and quaking aspen along Sourdough Creek.

At the time, we did not fully appreciate these wonderful women's influences on the world of art. We did, however, understand and were eternally grateful for the kindness they bestowed...

Frances was a "grand dame" of Bozeman. Through her own art, her support of other artists and her appreciation of all cultural events, she lived a wonderful life. I first met her as a swimmer at the Bozeman Swim Center. Well into her seventies, Frances wore an orange bikini, and swam for a full hour. She was an inspiration to us all. Sarah Helfrich (Bozeman)

Frances was a "grand dame" of Bozeman. Through her own art, her support of other artists and her appreciation of all cultural events, she lived a wonderful life. I first met her as a swimmer at the Bozeman Swim Center. Well into her seventies, Frances wore an orange bikini, and swam for a full hour. She was an inspiration to us all. Sarah Helfrich (Bozeman)

Ya Ba Bo. (It will be nine=good luck.) Our food is served in her dishes; her hands bless our bread. In Syracuse, years ago, at a Masters of Ceramic Arts show, I was drawn her piece inscribed with YaBaBo. She wrote me, explaining YaBaBo just as I was reading Dante, who said ‘Beatrice is the number nine.’ When we came back to Bozeman, we organized a celebration for the total solar eclipse, and on our doorstep i found a beautiful covered jar –with YaBaBo and an eclipse in the clay. It's on my...

For a young graduate of the ceramics program at MSU in 1979, it was a kind of right of passage to be invited for tea with Francis and Jessie. I could never forget the first sight of the inside of her beautiful pottery studio, which has served well in the design of my own studio. Thank you Francis; I wish I could have been your student.

I took a design course from Francis Senska in the early 60's at, then, MSC, and she was a wonderful teacher and I've used elements of that course throughout my life. May she rest in artistic peace.

A "special" teacher and friend, and life time influence. I'll never forget her.
Thank you to those that have been close to her these last years as her friend, caregiver, advisor, and confidant.

As gracious as a winter night and a summer day are long, Frances was sincere, earnest, talented, artistic, nature-loving, fair-minded, and productive. I am lucky, and I am a better person, because she was my friend.