THURSDAY, JUNE 2

Noon - 1.00 pm

“When Is A Collection More Than A Collection?”

Adams, Hank Murta Flagman, 1988 Cast glass, metal 32 x 22 x 10” Photo: David Behl

There is an ironic contradiction in defining what it means to collect: on one hand, the collector is assembling and preserving a body of works for posterity, yet the objects so gathered continue to evolve in their meanings over the lifetime of the collector and beyond. It might be suggested that collecting is a variant form of writing one’s autobiography. This talk will look at the layers of meaning embedded in any collection, with specific reference to the collection formed by Jerry and Simona Chazen. David Revere McFadden, chief curator, Museum of Arts & Design, NYC.
 

1.00 pm - 2.00 pm

“Readings from Rose Slivka’s Five Decades of Writings Instigating the Metamorphosis of Craft”

Voulkos, Peter Sevillanas, 1959 Bronze, AP3 57 x 27 x 19” Photo: Sam Jornlin Courtesy Artworks Foundry and courtesy LongHouse Reserve

From functional artisanry to personal art expression… In 1950 Peter Voulkos proclaimed, “Let us not make teacups! Rather, let us be studio artists!” More than anyone else, Rose made this happen. Come hear readings from her prophetic writings, as persuasive as when written. Moderated by Jack Lenor Larsen, president, LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton, NY. Readers: Jack Lenor Larsen, Richard Minsky, Paul Smith, Lois Newman, Eleanor Alper.
 

2.00 pm - 3.30 pm

“Vision & Voice: The Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project”

Antonio Prieto in his workshop, undated. Photo: Robert John Wright, Antonio Prieto papers, 1947- 1967

A panel discussion about the Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project for Craft and Decorative Arts at the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, a five-year project to produce 100 oral history interviews and to collect the papers of prominent artists in the United States working in clay, wood, fiber, metal, and glass.

Liza Kirwin, curator of manuscripts and Mija Riedel, west coast field researcher, Nanette L. Laitman Documentation Project, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution; Helen W. Drutt English, author, founder/director of Helen Drutt: Philadelphia, curatorial consultant; William P. Daley, ceramic artist and Professor Emeritus of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia; Tacey Rosolowski, writer and independent scholar; Robert Ebendorf, jeweler and Carole Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor, East Carolina University School of Art, Greenville, North Carolina.
 

3.30 pm - 4.30 pm

“Drawn to the Edge”

Minkowitz, Norma Inhale/Exhale, 2004 Mixed media 14 x 16 x 12.5" Bellas Artes/Thea Burger, Santa Fe, NM & New York, NY

Artist Norma Minkowitz will discuss her psychologically complex sculptures and how they evolved from the solid forms of the 1970’s, to the web-like structures of today. She will discuss her recent book, Portfolio Collection: Norma Minkowitz, and how the text brings new dimension to the interpretation of her work. Minkowitz is represented by Bellas Artes/Thea Burger, New York & Santa Fe.
 

10.15 am - Noon

“Calling It Craft”

Nakashima, George Conoid Chair, 1961 Wood 20 x 16 x 35.5" Photo: Michael J. Joniecy Moderne Gallery Philadelphia, PA

Design expert Lily Kane will examine how the current lexicon of art and craft in the United States has been shaped by the role of craft in the decorative arts of the 20^th century, and consider what “calling it craft” means in the 21^st century marketplace. Kane is gallery director at R 20^th Century in NYC. The introductory lecture is followed by a tour of selected objects on view at SOFA. This program has been organized by The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture to complement the exhibition Cherished Possessions: A New England Legacy.

Tickets for this program are: $35 general; $25 seniors and students, and include admission to SOFA NEW YORK 2005 and a show catalogue. For further information or to register, please call the Bard Graduate Center Public Programs Department at 212-501-3011 or e-mail programs@bgc.bard.edu.
 

Noon - 1.00 pm

“Once upon a Teapot”

Sandlin, Red Weldon Miss Etteaquette Ceramic Courtesy Ferrin Gallery, Lenox, MA

In her illustrated lecture, artist Red Weldon Sandlin presents a mid-career survey of her figural works in ceramics, autobiographical narratives combined with tales from children’s literature in a sculptural framework referencing the teapot form. Weldon Sandlin is represented by Ferrin Gallery, Lenox MA.
 

1.00 pm - 2.00 pm

“Building a Collection”

Chang, Peter; British, born 1944 Bracelet, 1991 Acrylic, gold leaf, resin, and PVC Photo: Thomas R. DuBrock The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Helen Williams Drutt Collection

The Helen Williams Drutt Collection of modern and contemporary jewelry has been part of the permanent holdings of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston since 2002. Its formation during the mid-1960’s and its transition from the private sector to a public institution will be explored by its eponymous originator. Helen W. Drutt English, founder/director, Helen Drutt: Philadelphia and curatorial consultant.
 

2.00 pm - 3.00 pm

“Noam Elyashiv: The Harmony of Line”

Elyashiv, Noam ME neckpiece, 2004 18k gold Photo: Kevin Sprague Courtesy Sienna Gallery, Lenox, MA

Israeli-American artist Noam Elyashiv will speak about her seductive and minimalist work in metal from the past ten years, focusing on her recent series, Portraits. Elyashiv is represented by Sienna Gallery, Lenox MA. Presented by the Art Jewelry Forum.
 

3.00 pm - 4.00 pm

“Zen and the Art of Wood Construction”

Rose, John Ring, 2005 Poplar wood 18 x 17” Courtesy Bentley Projects, Phoenix, AZ

Move from England to Hong Kong. Absorption of Asian culture. Move to USA. Development of work into 3-D. Realization of Zen in my wood constructions. Influence of scientific material. Artist/speaker John Rose is represented by Bentley Projects, Phoenix.
 

4.00 pm - 5.00 pm

“Czech Glass 2005: Trends and Events”

Cigler, Václav Cone, 1998 Flat glass, laminated and polished 14 x 10” Courtesy Galerie Pokorna, Prague, Czech Republic

An illustrated outline of topical trends and events in the Czech studio glass scene, including new, unknown masterpieces and emerging artists. Dr. Sylva Petrova, Professor in Glass, University of Sunderland, U.K. Presented by the Czech Center New York.

There will also be a post-lecture reception at Galerie Pokorna, Booth #104. The reception is public and starts at 5:00pm immediately following this lecture presentation.
 

11.00 am - Noon

“Echoes of the Ocean: The Ceramic Art of Sakiyama Takayuki”

Sakiyama, Takayuki (b. 1958) Globular vase with spiraling design sand and orange glaze, 2004 Stoneware 13 x 16.5” Joan B. Mirviss, Ltd., New York, NY

Through slides of his work, the artist will discuss how his forms are influenced by his natural surroundings in Izu, Japan. Sakiyama Takayuki was just awarded the prestigious Emperor's Cup (top award) at the 2005 Nihon Togei Ten (2005 Japan Ceramics Exhibition). He is represented by Joan B. Mirviss Ltd., NYC.
 

1.00 pm - 2.00 pm

“Collecting Craft: A New Vision at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston”

Paley, Albert "Double Fibula" Brooch, 1968 Gold, silver, bronze, pearls, moonstone, Madagascar labradorite Photo: Thomas R. DuBrock The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Helen Williams Drutt Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr., by exchange

An illustrated discussion of the development of the craft collections at the MFAH, speaking about criteria and the museum’s commitment to placing the work in context with other media, while celebrating its roots. Cindi Strauss, curator, modern & contemporary decorative arts & design, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
 

2.30 pm - 3.30 pm

“Aesthetics of Silver Thread”

Hong, Jung Sil Deep Spring of Subconsciousness, 2003 9.4 × 12.2" Gold, Silver, Copper, Steel, Korean Lacquer

Artist Jung Sil Hong discusses jjoum-ipsa: the traditional Korean damascene technique of inlaying metal in steel, as utilized in her works of art. Hong is a professor at Wonkwang University in South Korea and is represented by Gallery Gainro, Seoul. Presented by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.