Don’t miss your chance to see these exclusive exhibits at SFMC+D!
Silver of the Stars, a glamorous exhibition, unites ten world-renowned Scottish celebrities from film, fashion, theatre and music with ten of Scotland’s finest contemporary metalsmiths. Each artist has designed and created innovative drinking vessels chosen by their partnered celebrity based on the theme “A Drink with a Close Friend.”

Participating celebrities include: Nicola Benedetti, Robbie Coltrane, Billy Connolly, Sir Sean Connery, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Ewan McGregor, Alexander McQueen, Ian Ranking and Sharleen Spiteri.

The Millennium Collection for Bute House features an eclectic collection of contemporary silver created by fifteen of Scotland’s top silversmiths. Originally commissioned to celebrate the founding of the Scottish Parliament, these works are now the official collection of state silver used at the Edinburgh residence of the First Minister of Scotland. Outstanding design and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the individuality of each participating artist.

Fred Ball Enamels is a retrospective of one of the most innovative artists working in the enameling field in the 20th-century, Fred Uhl Ball (1945 – 1985). Viewed as highly unorthodox at the time, his experimental techniques – which include torch firing, metal collage, conscious exploration of fire scale, and use of liquid enamel materials – are admired today by many of the foremost leaders in the field. He is one of the artists credited with transforming enameling from its traditional association with small size and preciousness, to a grand scale consistent with Postwar painting and sculpture.

Edge of the Sublime represents the first-ever retrospective of works by one of the most important enamelists working today. This exhibition explores the artist’s creative use and development of a variety of enameling and metalworking techniques to produce highly color-saturated imagery on signature brooches, necklaces and pendants. Curated by Jeannine Falino, former Carolyn and Peter Lynch Curator of Decorative Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Edge of the Sublime debuted at Fuller Craft Museum in Massachusetts before traveling to the SDMA and museums nationwide through 2010.

This exhibition will continue to travel to:
Arkansas Art Center – AR Dec.19, 2008 – Feb.22, 2009
Racine Art Museum – WI
Bellevue Arts Museum – WA

An exhibition catalog is available:
Edge of the Sublime: Enamels by Jamie Bennett by Jeannine Falino 2008
A beautifully illustrated catalogue of over 100 color plates, it addresses artist’s lifework who first established his international reputation in 1986 when he produced enameled jewelry using unique, electroformed shapes. Jeannine Falino is an independent curator who formerly curated at the MFA in Boston.