http://www.hairworksociety.org/

Hairwork jewelry exhibition in Texas
http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/fashion/jewelry-fashion-reports/e3i75b1b29eacd3861bbdf49abd02fb01f2

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.

Velvet da Vinci Gallery in San Francisco presents “Michael Brennand-Wood: Vase Attacks” and “Maybe Just One More” by Lynn Christiansen. This exhibition opens March 11, with an artists’ reception on Friday, March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a gallery talk by Michael Brennand-Wood at 6:30.

Michael Brennand-Wood: Vase Attacks

UK-based fiber artist Michael Brennand-Wood was inspired by 1950s science fiction movie posters for his new installation, Vase Attacks. Bouquets of machine embroidered flowers and cross-culturally based designs form the vases that explode from the wall more with exuberance than violence. The patterns of color, form and dimension are very decorative but also thought provoking such as where fighter bomber butterflies swarm around a mushroom cloud of plastic toy army men. Combining fiber, plastic, metal, and wood Brennand-Wood pushes the boundaries of contemporary fiber art.

Michael Brennand-Wood exhibits internationally and his work is featured in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Vase Attacks is the largest installation of his work in the US. Brennand-Wood will give a talk about his work at the opening reception.

Lynn Christiansen: Maybe Just One More

Local jeweler Lynn Christiansen has recently assembled a mouth-watering menu of wearable food.

Statement: “Food is my obsession. My heart races, all senses heightened as I stand in a bakery or chocolate shop enveloped by the sublime smells, the exquisite beauty of assorted truffles and pastries, the anticipation of the perfect cupcake. Pure joy!

Food is my obsession. My earliest and my most vivid memories are centered on food. A dropped ice cream cone, a butterscotch candy pulled from my grandfather’s pocket, the ultimate warm cinnamon bun. First comes the memory I can taste… the perfect chocolate cake … then comes the who, where and when.

Food is my obsession. Just one more … one too many.

Food is my obsession. I wear what I eat … both in my body and on my body. To be surrounded by truffles, pastries, ice cream … pure joy!”

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”

Inform Contemporary Jewellery
158 High St
Christchurch, New Zealand
Until Dec 13th, 2008

This year, for the very first time, the group of jewellers working at the Pieces of Eight studio have been exhibiting together. The exhibition was recently held at Sturt Gallery in Mittagong, NSW and has now travelled to Inform Contemporary Jewellery, Christchurch New Zealand where it will open this coming Tues 25th Nov from 5pm. The exhibition comprises various works made by the workshop residents at Melbourne’s Pieces of Eight Gallery; Nina Ellis, Lucy Folk, Rachel Gorman, Melanie Katsalidis, Krista McRae and Suzi Zutic.

The individual methodology of each artist reveals the diversity of their approaches. For Ellis, it is related to the hardy weeds of the Australian landscape; manifested in blackened steel, silver and sprays of colour. Folk, immerses herself in the colour and pleasures that food inspires, creating a range of delights in joyful ways.

Both Gorman and Katsalidis utilise materials in unconventional ways. Gorman employs ceramic, metal and paint to re-create versions of costume jewellery; playful and colourful. While Katsalidis turns to the beautiful nature of organic pearls, particularly black pearls to assert a contemporary vision of modern day glamour.

In the work of McRae and Zutic, a certain romance exists. McRae draws on the sublimeness of shapes; oxidised silver, set with tiny dark blue sapphires that sparkle like stars. Zutic’s ring series (modelled in wax and set with petite gems) have a timeless quality, like they could have been exposed in the uncovering of an ancient roman dig.

Inform gallery hours: Mon to Fri, 10.30 – 5pm and Sat 10.30 – 4pm. Ph +64 3 366 3893

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.

Pansy Brooch by René Lalique ca. 1903
gold, plique-à-jour enamel, glass, sapphire
Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

The Walters is one of the few museums worldwide that can provide an array of exquisite jewelry from 5,000 years of world history and a vast spectrum of cultures. It is the most wide-ranging collection of jewelry assembled by a private collector in the United States. Through the connoisseurship of founder Henry Walters, this renowned collection contains beautiful examples of craftsmanship, ranging from about 3000 B.C. to the early 20th century. With over 200 objects from the Walters’ collection-many never before exhibited-Bedazzled will present the evolution of jewelry-making techniques and materials throughout the ages as well as demonstrate the significance of jewelry as an expression of creativity and often wealth and position. A special section will be devoted to rings, the only type of jewelry worn continuously through the ages. Bedazzled traveled to The Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville from Sept. 16, 2006-Jan. 14, 2007 and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Fla. from Feb. 3-May 27, 2007.

Gothic style bracelet ca. 1870
gold, carnelian, malachite, moss agate, amethysts, aquamarines, rubies
Gift in memory of Paul Esmerian, 1972
Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

The exhibition includes many spectacular pieces from the renowned collection of Benjamin Zucker (New York), which are on loan to the Walters. Bedazzled is presented by The Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Museum with lead support from Betty Cooke, Bill Steinmetz, and The Store Ltd.; Richard S. and Rosalee C. Davison; The Eliasberg Family Foundation; and The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. Additional support is provided by Bob and Jackie Smelkinson.

The Walters Art Museum presents fun-filled programming relating to the fall exhibition Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry. With more than 200 pieces from numerous cultures and over five millennia, Bedazzled will showcase some of the Walters’ greatest masterpieces as well as many hidden treasures on view for the first time.

Bedazzled: 5000 Years of Jewelry

Schedule of events:

First Fridays at the Walters: Bedazzled – Friday, Nov. 7, 5-9 pm
Price: free; Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry will be free during First Fridays
Mix and mingle at Baltimore’s newest cocktail party! Enjoy a delicious signature cocktail while listening to music and enjoying free admission to the special exhibition Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry. You’ll also enjoy live performances, tours of the exhibition and other special events! Promotional support provided by STYLE Magazine.

Brownie & Junior Girl Scout Museum Day-Beadazzled & Bejeweled – Saturday, Nov. 8, 1-3 pm
Brownie Museum Day-Beadazzled & Bejeweled – Saturday, Nov. 15, 1-3 pm

Price: $10 per scout The Walters invites scouts to learn about art, especially pieces in the Bedazzled exhibition, while earning merit badges and pins. This program includes a guided tour of selected artworks, an art activity based on specific badge and belt loop guidelines and a specially designed Walters’ participatory patch. Pre-registration is required, and a fee is due at the time of registration. To register or for more information, visit http://www.thewalters.org or call 410-547-9000, ext. 373.

Basic sketching, rendering & jewelry design – Wednesdays, Nov. 12 & 19, 6:30-9 pm
Price: members $50; non-members $100, pre-registration required
Location: Studio B
Elissa O’Loughlin, Senior Paper Conservator This class will begin with a brief illustrated talk on the history of jewelry renderings, beginning from medieval time to modern day, while focusing on Fabergé, Boucheron, Cartier, George Jensen and Buccelati. Paper, colored pencils, markers and technical drawing tools will be used to help participants learn to sketch a brooch, a necklace and a bracelet.

College Night: Bling! Bling! Bling! – Thursday, Nov. 13, 6-9 pm
Price: free; Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry will be free during College Night, pre-registration recommended. Open to college and university students and faculty with valid college/university identification.
The evening will offer college and university faculty and students an opportunity to interact with Walters staff and local artists. With a unique infusion of hip-hop music and a dialogue about “Bling” and its culture, the Walters will engage students in a fun approach to the history of jewels and gems. College Night will include hip-hop performances, local DJs, free refreshments, gallery conversations led by curators and presentations by conservation staff.

Jewelry Fair at the Walters – Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 20-23
Price: $10 entry fee; programs vary in price.
The Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Museum is proud to announce the Jewelry Fair at the Walters. Twenty-one jewelry artisans will offer exquisite handmade wares, fashioned from copper, clay, Lucite, silver and gold. The four-day event begins with the preview party First Look, and the weekend will include jewelry making workshops for children, a panel discussion with local designers as well as interpretative jewelry and fashion designs by MICA students. For more information, call 410-547-9000, ext. 305, or visit http://www.thewalters.org or http://www.wamwc.org

Bead Making for Kids – Saturday, Nov. 22, 1-4:30 pm
Price: members $25 per child; non-members $35 per child, pre-registration required. Ages 7-10
A special guest educator will lead kids in creating wacky, fun and beautiful types of beads. While the children experiment with a range of materials to make one-of-a-kind wearable pieces, parents can indulge in the Walters’ Jewelry Fair and special exhibition Bedazzled.

Drop-in Art Activities for kids – Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Price: free, no registration required. Museum educators help families create artful projects related to Bedazzled.
November You’re a Gem! Families will discover and create treasures inspired by the gold, gems and jewels found in the exhibition Bedazzled. Kids of all ages can go home with new adornment, jeweled paintings and sacred amulets.

Walk, Wonder, & Create Family Tour – third Saturdays, 11 am
Price: Free, pre-registration required; meet in the Centre Street Lobby Recommended for ages 6-8; one guardian per two children required, other family members welcome This 45-minute experience allows visitors of all ages to enjoy an interactive, discovery tour of the Walters’ collection, and then create an artwork that relates to the gallery objects. November 15 Treasure Hunt Visitors can solve mysteries about ancient treasures’ origins and uses while making their own jewels.

A Mysterious Wedding Ring: Tracing Personal Jewelry Histories – Sunday, Nov. 23, 2 pm
Price: free, pre-registration highly recommended
Location: Graham Auditorium
Benjamin Zucker, Collector and President of the Precious Stones Company in New York
Benjamin Zucker has built an impressive jewelry collection, dating from about 600 B.C. to present, which focuses on finger rings but also includes bracelets, earrings and pendants. He will share stories about his collection, which supplement the Bedazzled exhibition, and offer insights into the role gems and rings have played throughout the history of jewelry design. A book signing will follow the lecture.

Bedazzled Walk-in Gallery Tours:
Sat., Nov. 8, 11 am
Sun., Nov. 16, 11 am
Sat., Nov. 22, 11 am
Sat., Dec. 6, 11 am
Sun., Dec. 7, 11 am
Sat., Dec. 13, 11 am
Sat., Dec. 20, 11 am
Sat., Dec. 27, 11 am
Sun., Dec. 28, 11 am
Price: free with Bedazzled admission; meet in the Centre Street Lobby

Please note: all programs are subject to change. Please consult the museum’s web site at http://www.thewalters.org prior to the date of the program to confirm.

Stacey Webber- “Society for Midwest Metalsmiths First Place Award”

Vina Rust- “Hauser and Miller Second Place Award”

Helen Carnac- “Rio Grande Third Place Award”

Miel-Margarita Paredes- “Pasternak Award of Merit”

Namu Cho- “Pasternak Award of Merit”

Molly Epstein- “Pasternak Award of Merit”

Jillian Moore- “Pasternak Award of Merit”

Fifty images including 7 award winners have been selected for the exhibition by jurors Michael Monroe, Marilyn da Silva and Susie Ganch. The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths 2008-09 METAL Inclinations exhibition includes selections of the most exemplary fine metal art created by metalsmiths, silversmiths, goldsmiths and jewelers from all over the world. The exhibition will remain online for one year.

Christmas Showcase – Gifts of Wearable Art Exhibition
at Studio 20/17, Dank Street Galleries, Waterloo
Nov.15-Dec.20 2008
Opening drinks: Sat. Nov.15, 2008 4-6pm

Sometimes the best way to show your love is to give the gift of hand crafted. Designed for gifting to the one you love, the seductive contemporary wearable art pieces will be available at Studio 20/17 Sydney’s premiere art space, within the renowned Danks Street galleries.

The festive season for 2008 is about a return to the hand crafted, the beauty of well made design and above all individuality and personality. Through their Christmas showcase, Studio 20/17 gives you the opportunity to give a gift this year that reaches above the everyday, merging design, art and craft.

The creative haven of Studio 20/17 is run by two of Sydney’s contemporary jewellery and object makers – Bridget Kennedy and Melanie Ihnen.
Their tiny blended studio gallery and workshop pays homage to the Waterloo postcode in which it’s situated.

17 artists have been selected to display their works in this exhibition of gifts of wearable art. The artists are based in Sydney, Melbourne and Japan, and include:

Bridie Lander
Jeweller and designer whose organic forms are made using silver with semi precious crushed stones applied to the surface. The works reflect her ongoing interest in biological molecular science.

Yuji Kono
Creator of intricate, highly crafted enamel and gemstone work.

Sian Edwards
Designer of baked enamel mild steel pieces whose stories are based about the tale of Leda and the Swan.

Kimberly Williams
Her pendants, earrings and bangles reinterpret the intricate history of woven hair.

Danielle Butters
A jeweller who brings to the Studio a colourful and playful ‘lapidary club series’.

 
Bridget Kennedy
Bridget has recently completed an advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design at The Design Centre where she was awarded the College Achievement Award and the Jewellery and Object Design Award (access residency). She was a finalist in the 2006 Hobart Art Prize. Bridget was most recently the winner of the Emerging Artist Category in JMGA’s Profile Exhibition.

 
Melanie Ihnen
While undertaking her Advanced Diploma in Jewellery & Object Design at the Design Centre, Enmore Melanie was awarded a Foundation for young Australian Scholarship and in 2002 she was awarded the college achievement award. Melanie has completed a residency at Pyrmont jewellery studios and received a Craft in-site grant to exhibit. Her work is placed in galleries throughout Australia and she continues to exhibit widely.

Ross Buchanan
Ross Buchanan is a photographer who tries to find via his photographs the calmness that eludes him in his full-time career as a lawyer.