Oral Examination Device by Lucy Rowlands

Equilibrium: Body as Site
Curated by Kate Bonansinga and Rachelle Thiewes
Jan. 22 – March 21, 2009 at Rubin and L Galleries
Equilibrium was curated for Metalsmith Magazine’s 2008 annual “Exhibition in Print”

Revolutionary: Maximizing the Online Revolution: Websites and Beyond

Topics to be covered this year include:
-Improving Website Performance & Design
-Using Social Networking and Virtual Communities to Drive Business
-The Evolving Role of the Gallery in a Virtual World of Commerce

WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 TIME: 2-6 pm
WHERE: The Loews Philadelphia Hotel Commonwealth Rooms C & D 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
COST: $10 pre-registration for the entire afternoon; $15 at the door

Pre-REGISTER online starting January 15:
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/image/homepage/signup/.docs/pg/10034
Scroll down the page to the line that says:
* Pre-Conference Professional Development Seminar
To read about the entire program go here:
http://www.harriete-estel-berman.info/profguidelines/PDS.html

DEADLINE: All entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2008
FULL PROSPECTUS

THE EXHIBITION:
“Bend, Mold, Cut, Join: Small Works in Metal” is a national juried exhibition with a concentration on pioneering art jewelry and small scale functional metalwork, such as vessels and implements that combine traditional metalsmithing techniques with a vision representative of the field of contemporary metalsmithing.

Hosted by the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (DCCA) and juried by Ellen Lupton, “Bend, Mold, Cut, Join: Small Works in Metal” is shown in conjunction with the Society of North American Goldsmith’s (SNAG) annual conference Revolution in Philadelphia, PA, on May 20-23, 2009. Works should demonstrate the use of one or more traditional metalsmithing techniques and be wearable and/or functional. There are no restrictions on inspiration, format, or additional materials employed. Artists are encouraged to interpret this broad theme with original and innovative contemporary designs.

This exhibition will be held in the main atrium of the DCCA and in the Alternatives Museum Shop, an elegant retail gallery featuring exquisite handmade wearable and functional crafts by artists from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. All metal objects accepted to “Bend, Mold, Cut, Join: Small Works in Metal” must be available for purchase.

Phillip Fike

born July 17, 1927 – died Dec. 8, 1997

Wow ! Has it really been ten years since my good friend Phillip Fike left this planet? I feel his presence around me all the time and it makes me think he’s still here.

We met at my first SNAG conference in the 80’s. I remember being in a dark bar surrounded by a sea of people and being told these amazing stories of past escapades. I wish I had taped them because I can no longer remember the exact details but I will always remember them with a smile.

For those too young to have met him, Phillip was a founding member of SNAG and the person who came up with the acronym SNAG (the Society of North American Goldsmiths).

He would make fabulous fibulae which is an ancient form of a brooch. The types that the Romans and Greeks would use to fasten their garments. He was an expert with Niello. He was a professor at Wayne State University in Michigan from 1953-1997.

When I told him that I was running for the SNAG Board, he grabbed my hand strongly, would not let go, then thanked me and told me that I understood and represented the spirit of the original Society of North American Goldsmiths. Michael Good told me the same at Tavern on the Green in NY at WJA. I was honored that they felt that way about me. I won the election and served on it from 1994-1998.

It saddens me to know that a new generation of metalsmiths will never have the chance to experience firsthand the great man Phillip Fike.

I do have a page in progress.  I need to add a few photos and more information. Just have not been able to scan them yet. If people have info and stories I would love to hear from them.

Susan Sarantos

The 2008 conference features presenters such as: internationally acclaimed fiber artist and keynote speaker Sheila Hicks, studio jeweler Bruce Metcalf and editor Andrew Wagner, German artist Iris Eichenberg, Australian artist Carlier Makigawa, British jeweler Norman Cherry, artist Deb Todd Wheeler and designer Richard Nelipovich.

The 37th annual SNAG conference is open for registration.

Register by January 30, 2008 to take advantage of the lowest rates available

Volunteered to help SNAG with their booth (deja vu for me) and handed out free copies of Metalsmith to attendees and vendors.  They only had the recent Exhibition in Print issue available so I had to explain that it was the special issue. I wish I had a copy of the regular version of the magazine to show people too.

It was not very busy that day which made me sad because I could see such a huge potential for this show. Most of the people that were there had also attended the previous day so I was left with more than a few magazines  & brochures which I happily handed off to Metalwerx and other school people at the end of the day. I’m sure they will find good homes with their students.
It was nice catching up with people and meeting new ones. Ended the day having a nice dinner with Reactive Metals Studio. Thanks Bill!

I was thinking of ways to increase attendance. Here are my thoughts:

1. Plan the show to coincide with other events. Coordinate exhibitions with the local galleries and museums featuring JEWELRY. The Providence Jewelry Museum and the RISD Museum come to mind. Set up a gallery night with the trolley.

2. Network with schools. RISD is practically across the street from the conference center. It would be the perfect place to hold a symposium about contemporary jewelry. Panel discussions and workshops that could possibly be funded by grants from RISCA or the NEA. Sponsor international artists to participate.

3. Include a weekend for the show instead of having it only during the week while most people are at work or school. Weds/Thursday was tough for many people.

4. Work with the Chamber of Commerce in Providence and RIEDC. Emphasize the convenience of trains to reach the city. Possible special Waterfire event?

5. Display the MJSA Vision Award pieces at the show. (I didn’t see them if they were.)

I’m sure I have more ideas floating around but those are enough to start.
It’s time for me to get back to my bench and start working now that I have new gemstones and inspirations.

S.E. Sarantos

June 13-16, 2007 Memphis TN

Hosted by The Metal Museum