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.

All jewelry forms, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches are welcome. Materials other than silver, such as stones, other metals, or alternative materials, may be included, but silver must be the focus and should occupy roughly 80% of the piece. All design styles are welcome.

Jewelers whose work is selected for inclusion will receive full acknowledgment within the book, a complimentary copy, and discounts on the future purchase of books. Artists retain copyright to their work. Lark accepts high-quality transparencies, slides, and digital images. No entry fee is required.

Submissions must be postmarked by December 4, 2009.

Exhibition of Silver Jewelry Designed by Legendary Modernist Jeweler Art Smith

This exhibit will honor the gift of twenty pieces of silver and gold jewelry created by the Brooklyn-born modernist jeweler Arthur Smith (1917–1982), primarily from Charles Russell, Smith’s companion and heir.

The presentation of Art Smith jewelry will be enhanced by archival material from the artist’s estate, including his working tools, the original shop sign designed by Smith, period photographs of models wearing his jewelry, preparatory sketches, and account books. Presented along with Smith’s work are twenty-three pieces of modernist jewelry from the permanent collection by such artists as Elsa Freund, William Spratling, Frank Rebajes, Eva Eisler, Ed Weiner, Claire Falkenstein, Jung-Hoo Kim, and others. Inspired by surrealism, biomorphicism, and primitivism, Art Smith’s jewelry is dynamic in its size and form. Although sometimes massive in scale, his jewelry remains lightweight and wearable due to his awareness of the female form. The jewelry dates from the late 1940s to the 1970s and includes his most famous pieces, such as a "Patina" necklace inspired by the mobiles of Alexander Calder; a "Lava" bracelet, or cuff, that extends over the entire lower arm in undulating and overlapping forms; and a massive ring with three semiprecious stones that stretches over three fingers.

Trained at Cooper Union, Art Smith, an African American, opened his first shop on Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village in 1946. He later moved the business to 140 West Fourth Street, where it remained throughout his career. Not only one of the leading modernist jewelers of the mid-twentieth century, Smith was also an active supporter of black and gay civil rights, an avid jazz enthusiast, and a supporter of early black modern dance groups.

This exhibition is organized by Barry Harwood, Curator of Decorative Arts, Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition is supported by the Harold S. Keller Fund with additional support from the Donald and Mary Oenslager Fund.