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.

Photos from the exhibition on facebook

PREVIEW RECEPTION:
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, 6-8pm

An exhibition focused on contemporary American and European metalsmiths whose work considers the body in relation to its physical and intellectual environment.

Artists include: Janine Antoni, Cornelia Parker, Gijs Bakker, Joan Parcher, Lauren Fensterstock, Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, Gerd Rothman, Otto Künzli and Melanie Bilenker.

Bay Area artists Nick Dong, Emiko Oye, and Christine Dhein have created interactive installations running concurrently providing an alternative experience for the viewer and DIY activities for visitors.

Co-Curators:
Kate Wagle: Chair, Art Department, University of Oregon
Anya Kivarkis: Visiting Professor, Metals & Jewelry, University of Oregon

Exhibition Design: Ted Cohen
Catalogue available in the SFMC+D Museum Store

PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Speaker Series Event:
Crafting Experience, Experiencing Craft Sat., Nov.1, 3:30-5:30pm at SFMC+D, then the Larkspur Hotel

Moderator: Susan Cummins, Director, Rotasa Foundation
Panelists: Kate Wagle, Anya Kivarkis and Frank Wilson, neurologist and author
[Free to members/$10 for non-members]

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
MakeArt Workshop: Accessorize with Small Toys!
Sat., Nov.15, 1-3:30pm
DIY workshop with jewelry artists Emiko Oye and Shana Astrachan
Free workshop
[To register, call 415.773.0303; Advance registration required]
Visit the MakeArt Gallery anytime to experience DIY jewelry!

Generous support from the San Francisco Grants for the Arts/Hotel Tax Fund, The Bernard Osher Foundation, COMERICA Palo Alto, Burr, Pilger & Mayer Foundation, Susan Beech, the Larkspur Hotel, and De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry.

San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design
550 Sutter St. San Francisco, California 94102
415.773.0303 Tues. thru Sat. – 10-5, Thurs. – 10-7, Sun. – 12-5