Emerging Artists 2006

Brooke Marks-Swanson, Natalya Pinchuk and Hye-young Suh, all recent MFA graduates from the jewelry and metalsmithing program at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, speak about the development of their jewelry and objects. Presented by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

Divergent Directions in Fiber Part I

Artists JoAnne Russo, Ruth McCorrison, Beth Nobles, Ayelet Lindenstrauss Larsen, Dorothy Caldwell and Jackie Abrams discuss the material differences in their work. Presented by Friends of Fiber Art International.

Pratt Fine Arts Center: A Resource for Artists

The nurturing, multi-disciplinary environment of Pratt, in Seattle, WA, has shaped the work of many established artists since its founding in 1976. Jenny Pohlman and Sabrina Knowles, artists and faculty.

The Presence of Absence: The Artist’s Perspective

Special exhibit curator Hal Nelson, director, Long Beach Museum of Art, CA discusses negative space & the influence of Asian aesthetics with artists Mark Lindquist, Gyongy Laky and William Hunter. Presented by Collectors of Wood Art.

Divergent Directions in Fiber Part II

Artists David Chatt, Judy Mulford, Tom Lundberg, Carol Eckert and Leslie Pontz further explore the material differences in their work, methods and modes. Presented by Friends of Fiber Art International.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center: The Road Less Traveled

A dynamic overview of the Arts Center in Sheybogan, WI, followed by a discussion of its collection of art by vernacular environment builders. Kohler Director Ruth DeYoung Kohler and Leslie Umberger, senior curator of exhibitions and collections.

Pala / Palova – Two Individuals, One Team

An important retrospective exhibition is planned for 2007 in Prague, celebrating the partnership of husband and wife glass artists Stepan Pala and Zora Palova. Dan Klein, art historian & curator, London.

For Love or Money - Women and Ceramics in Wales

Based on a current research project, the talk will consider contemporary issues, key artists and different ways that makers draw on a rich cultural heritage. Moira Vincentelli, senior lecturer in art history & curator of ceramics, University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Twenty Years of Glass in a Changing World

Japanese artist Naomi Shioya discusses the evolution of her work in glass from colorful, mosaic-like pieces to cast monochromatic sculptures.

Tangling Classic Lines

Studio jeweler Mary Preston embraces traditional forms of ornamentation in her work, drawing on the decorative arts to expand the lexicon of contemporary jewelry. Presented by Art Jewelry Forum.

Quality Critical Writing on Craft – Who Benefits?

Bruce Metcalf, co-author, 20th Century American Studio Craft; Andrew Glasgow, director, Furniture Society; Jim Romberg, director, Eagleheart Center for Art and Inquiry, CO; moderated by Jean McLaughlin, director, Penland School of Crafts. Presented by the UNC Center for Craft, Creativity & Design.

Line, Form, Shadow

Artist Daniel Clayman discusses the ideas which led to his recent installation at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA.

Transforming Vision: William Hunter Retrospective

An exploration of the nationally touring exhibition Transforming Vision: William Hunter, 1970 – 2005, from three perspectives: William Hunter, artist, Kevin Wallace, curator, and Hal Nelson, director, Long Beach Museum of Art, CA. Presented by Collectors of Wood Art.

The Everyday and the Faraway

Bettina Speckner discusses the relationship between her art and travel, and how the use of photography in her jewellery allows her to connect and contradict the intimacy of jewellery. Presented by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

Where the Rainbow Ends

Artists Steve Klein, Silvia Levenson, Catharine Newell and Ted Sawyer discuss their experiences at North Lands Creative Glass in the Scottish Highlands, and its impact on their work; with Rose Watban, curator, National Museums of Scotland; and art historian / moderator Dan Klein.

New Digs!

In 2009/2010, the Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, NC, will relocate to a new building. Come see the museum’s new digs and learn how the museum will showcase its world class collection. Mark Leach, chief curator, Mint Museum of Craft + Design.

Music Through the Loom

Artist and technician Bahram Shabahang explores the technique and artistry of contemporary Persian carpets.

Art of Steel

Artist Jim Rose transforms colorful found steel into functional furniture, inspired by Shaker design.

Fired with Passion-Contemporary Japanese Ceramics

Co-authors Samuel J. Lurie, collector of Japanese ceramics for over 20 years and Beatrice Chang, director, Dai Ichi Arts, NY, discuss their recently-published book.

Hollowware: Inspired by Natural Elements

A survey by metalsmith Sue Amendolara of traditional metalsmithing processes and their use in the creation of natural forms in hollowware. Presented by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

Surface Diversity: Directions in Fiber

Artists Cindy Hickok, Michael Rohde and Barbara Lee Smith discuss their inspiration, process, and current work. Presented by the Surface Design Association.

Contemporary Korean Ceramics and the World Ceramic Exposition Foundation: The Total Ceramic Experience

An overview of contemporary Korean ceramics and the multi-complex of facilities that constitute the backdrop for the Korean Biennale—an international competition for ceramics. Dr. Judith Schwartz, NYU department of art and art professions, New York, NY.

Forty Shades of Green: A Convergence of Irish Art and Craft

Curator Brian Kennedy looks at the contemporary craft scene in Ireland, and the first-ever special exhibit presented at SOFA by the Irish Crafts Council.

Sergei Isupov: My American Life
1996 – 2006

Isupov presents images from the decade following his debut at SOFA CHICAGO in 1996.

Commercial Value vs. Content: Is there a Survivable Balance

A discussion of ethical questions about visual art, the acceptable reasons for making art …and who really cares. Artist Michael E. Taylor, professor, New University of Lisbon, College of Science and Technology, Portugal.

The Art of Collecting Fiber: Four Perspectives

Curator Polly Ullrich, collectors Sharon Hoogendoorn and Cathy Wice, and Jane Sauer, owner/director, Jane Sauer Thirteen Moons Gallery, discuss the who, why, and how of collecting fiber art. Presented by Fiberarts magazine.

Contemporary Ceramic Works from the Aboriginal Lands of Australia's Western Desert: a Historical Perspective

The development of the ceramics movement in the Pitjatjantjara/ Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Lands of Australia's remote Western Desert, and its contemporary practice. Dr. Christine Nicholls, senior lecturer, Australian Studies, Flinders University, South Australia.

A William Carlson Career Perspective

Carlson holds the Endowed Chair in the Arts at the University of Miami, and is the recipient of Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass’ annual award to a program or institution that has significantly furthered the studio-glass movement. Presented by AACG.

Shaping the Future

Renowned fiber artist Warren Seelig, professor, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and a guest explore how new artists self identify, and the ways in which artists and galleries are expanding and redefining traditional parameters. Presented by the American Craft Council.

Contemporary Chinese Sculpture in Glass

An overview of the contemporary scene in China with artists Wang Qin and Lam Laam Jaffa, with art historian and curator Susanne Frantz.

Basketry as Sculpture:  When Form Leaves Function Behind

"Form ever follows function" according to architect Louis Sullivan (1856-1924). What changes as basket forms leave function behind? Jerry Bleem, adjunct assistant professor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Presented by the National Basketry Organization.