Joanne Sadimas Betcher developed the concept for Mad Fish Stix while she and her neighbor were removing an old fence that divided their properties. They noticed that one of the broken pieces of the fence looked like a fish. From there, the idea grew into a series of works using recycled weathered fence wood. The intention is to create high quality art in a form that preserves the environment and can be appreciated as art or home décor.

Betcher has a BA in Graphic Arts from the College of New Jersey. She worked as an executive in retail and wholesale for over 25 years. Betcher’s neighbor, Pat Kelly, sources recycled fencing for Betcher to use for her fish paintings. Both love the Connecticut Shoreline and Betcher often paints fish inspired by local towns. Commissions are available.