Category Archives: american craft

The Future of Art: Glass Art Fair 2020

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Many art fairs have been moved online due to the global pandemic. Now, as a way to provide access to the best of art glass – Glass Art Fair has been formed. This new online art fair provides a unique opportunity with virtual experience – where all are invited to learn and explore each artist featured and share on their personal social media. The future has “arrived so much sooner,” said the creator of Glass Art Fair,  “If galleries and fairs are closed, how can we sell art? Creating an online art fair platform is something we envisioned as an important part of what we do.”

glass.art.fair.2020.tim.tate.sculpture.contemporary.art.modern.usa.craft

artist: Tim Tate. Image courtesy Habatat Galleries.

New for 2020, the Glass Art Fair online art fair features over 60 artists creating using glass as their art medium, opening online to the public on Sunday, November 1st, 2020. This art fair will be online the same time as the Sofa Chicago art fair (rebranded Intersect Art Fair).

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artist: Michael Janis. Image courtesy Habatat Galleries.


Glass Art Fair hopes collectors on their laptops and iPads will take more time with the work than those darting through a Navy Pier or a Miami beachfront tent. “We have the ability to have multiple images and detail shots – When people are visiting the online platform, they aren’t walking through for 45 seconds. You’re going to have their attention for so much longer.”

GlassArtFair2020.wilfried.grootens

artist: Wilfried Grootens. Image courtesy Habatat Galleries.

This online presentation will continue for the month of November with more presentations as works become available. Each artist has the availability to edit and add artwork throughout the month so please check back in for updates often. The works on the site are available for purchase.

GlassArtFair2020.christina bothwell

artist: Christina Bothwell. Image courtesy Habatat Galleries.

Expect more of what you love at the Glass Art Fair.

artists: Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty. Image courtesy Habatat Galleries.

artists:
Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty. Image courtesy Habatat Galleries.

Posted in 2020, american craft, american glass, art, art fair, art glass, art world, chicago, contemporary art glass, contemporary artwork, contemporary craft, cool glass, covid, glass art, intersect art fair, intersect.chicago, intersectchicago, online art fair, online glass, sofa chicago, sofa expo, studio glass, twenty first century glass, стекло искусство новое, アメリカのガラス芸術, 美国玻璃艺术家 | Tagged , , ,

JRA CRAFT WEEKEND – ALL VIRTUAL

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james.renwick.alliance.michael_monroe.craft.weekend.jra.carnival.magic.art.new.dc.washington.support.smithsonian

Join the James Renwick Alliance this weekend –  October 24 and 25 for the JRA Craft Weekend in their first-ever digital Craft Weekend!  Come one, come all, to the most fabulous Craft Weekend of them all. The Weekend will feature the Carnival of Craft, hosted by Michael Monroe, taking place this Saturday at 7pm ET. Craft fortunes, magic, and more. This is bound to be one of the most fun craft events of quarantine.

The Craft Mediums will entertain with good fortunes and predictions that will astound and amaze. Get ready for many OMG moments!

The Craft Mediums will entertain with good fortunes and predictions that will astound and amaze. Get ready for many OMG moments!

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) invites all to a lively weekend of 3 events in 2 days, celebrating American Craft and the 2020 Distinguished Educators. 

Events include: DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR SYMPOSIUM

Join the 2020 James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Educator Symposium online, featuring Syd Carpenter, Warren Seelig, Sondra Sherman and Carol Savion on behalf of Craft in America. The Distinguished Educators, will speak about their experiences and inspiration, sharing student work, and discussing the field of craft education. The conversation will be moderated by Leila Cartier, Executive Director of CraftNOW Philadelphia.

jra.craft.symposium

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As part of the night’s entertainment – you won’t want to miss what The Washington Post calls everyone’s “favorite mad-genius magician,” David London! He will be joining the event on Saturday, October 24 where he will encourage us to explore our creativity and sense of wonder. David is a magician, storyteller and experience designer based in Baltimore, MD, who creates and presents original interactive magical experiences. As a 20-plus-year practitioner, student and writer on the art of illusion, London’s created a series of dazzlingly original stage productions and appeared at over 30 magic events throughout the country. His specialty is an engaging blend of illusion, storytelling, comedy, and even some sly surrealism.

Also -CAUCUS DAY: CRAFT COLLECTIONS TOUR

jra.craft.tourIn this fun exclusive social event we will see the collection of Sharon Karmazin, Judith & Martin Schwartz, and Fred & Susan Sanders. Each collection, stunning on its own, creates a unique opportunity to see some of these top collections all in one afternoon with fellow JRA donors and friends. ​

Click HERE to find out more about Craft Weekend and to online links to register !

The James Renwick Alliance is made up of collectors, artists, educators, gallery and museum professionals and others who share a passion for contemporary American craft. For more information – click HERE

Posted in 2020, american craft, arts and crafts, james renwick alliance, JRA, online art fair, online glass, online registration

ARTOMATIC 2.0 & James Renwick Alliance: ZOOM!

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The HUGE DMV art fair Artomatic has gone virtual for 2020!  The 20th anniversary of Artomatic will be celebrated online with virtual artist profiles, live opportunities for performing artists, enriching workshops, and more!  

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) is hosting a number of events during the Artomatic 2.0  – the zoom events below start tomorrow!

Register online : https://www.jra.org/artomatic.html

artomatic-logoFriday, July 24th @ 7pm

JRA Awards Presentation

The James Renwick Alliance has selected to highlight  10 artists from Artomatic 2.0 for their excellence in the craft field. Awards will not be announced ahead of time, so tune in to find out who won!

 

 

 

Wednesday, July 29th @ 7pm jra.artomatic.2.0.2020

The History of Craft in Washington, DC

The JRA presents an online ZOOM discussion on the history of art and craft in Washington DC by some of the leading experts on the subject: Brett L. Abrams, Rebecca Cross, Jaimianne Jacobin and Jack Rasmussen.

 

 

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Wednesday, August 5th @ 7pm

What Makes a Piece of Craft Exceptional?

The JRA will moderate an online ZOOM panel conversation on how craft collectors decide what makes a piece of art exceptional enough to add to their collection. The Conversation will have artists Rebecca Ravenal, Chris Shea, and Tim Tate, arts collectors Jere Gibber and J.G. Harrington and Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein and Dr. Judy Chernoff. This event will be moderated by arts supporter Chris Rifkin. Chris currently serves on the board of The South Shore Art Center and the Fuller Craft Museum, and is a Founding Chair of CraftBoston, a juried biennial exhibition of well-known and emerging artists in the United States.

 Register for these events online : https://www.jra.org/artomatic.html

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) is an independent national non-profit organization that celebrates the achievements of America’s craft artists and fosters scholarship, education, connoisseurship and public appreciation of craft art. The JRA is made up of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft. Founded in 1982, the Alliance fulfills its mission through public programs, educational trips, publications, recognition of craft artists, and financial support of museums and other non-profit organizations, including the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Posted in american craft, artomatic, james renwick alliance, JRA

“How We Take Care of Each Other” Artwork in the Time of Corona – Installation by Michael Janis

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We are social creatures. Every relationship has been built and held together by complicated nonverbal language, beginning with parent and child. It’s part of our social fabric. Individual, family, and interpersonal relationships have all changed as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. What is the characteristic of a pandemic? Emptiness. The unusual quiet in what was normally noisy, bustling neighborhood. Silence – where the silence isn’t merely the absence of noise. It’s judgement, longing and paranoia.The fear the we may be ourselves a transmitter of the virus as we seek the comfort of others.

How people are psychologically affected by and coping with the COVID-19 emergency is the basis of the installation of kiln cast glass by WGS artist Michael Janis. Over 20 individual glass panels make up the large wall-mounted work.

Janis’ signature “sgraffito” imagery – where he manipulates fine crushed glass powder  into highly detailed imagery and portraiture, fires the images into layers of colored glass is used to strong effect in this new work. Images of that convey the sense of how we are connected and yet are contained into separate worlds is the essence of the work. Working in the isolation of the lock downed studio, Janis says he will continue to add to the installation as the virus continues to work thru the world. “Working on artwork keeps me sane” says the artist.

Partial view of Michael Janis’ “How We Take Care Of Each Other” glass art installation. Kilnformed glass; glass powder imagery; varying dimensions; 2020.

Partial view of Michael Janis’ “How We Take Care Of Each Other” glass art installation. Kilnformed glass; glass powder imagery; varying dimensions; 2020.

 

Michael Janis covid theme artwork installation

Partial view of Michael Janis’ “How We Take Care Of Each Other” glass art installation. Larger panels approx. 18″ (45cm) dia.

glass craft art made during coronavirus 2020

Detail of one of the fused glass panels in Michael Janis’ installation. Imagery made from glass powder in Janis’ signature sgraffito technique.

Michael Janis covid coronavirus art craft glass artwork 2020

Detail of Michael Janis’ glass art installation “How We Take Care Of Each Other”

Detail of works by Michael Janis.

Detail of works by Michael Janis. The translucent glass panels are mounted off the wall in varying dimensions, with light and shadow highlighting each panel edge.

glass craft american art fused kilnformed covid coronavirus 2020

Detail of one of Michael Janis’ kilnformed works. COVID-19 cases are heavily concentrated in the African American population.

covid.19.usa.art.glass.new.corona virus

The fabric of society is held together by even the smallest physical contact. Touch is as important a social condition as anything. It reduces stress. It makes people trust one another. It allows for cooperation. When you look at people in solitary confinement suffering from touch deprivation, you see that people lose a sense that someone’s got their back, that they’re part of a community and connected to others.

Posted in american craft, american glass, coronavirus, covid, covid-19, michael janis, mike janis, narrative, narrative glass

Top 10 Tips to Get Noticed by American Craft Magazine Editor. Was surprised at the first one!

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american.craft.michael_janis.artist.glass.sgraffito.imagery.narrative.frit.powderAmerican Craft Magazine Editor-in-Chief Monica Moses published an article “Get Your Work Noticed: 10 Tips for Artists” that outlines what, as a busy editor, makes an artist and their work stand out from the crowd of websites, emails and social media posts.

WGS artist Michael Janis was covered as a result of his "subtle and compelling" glass artwork.

WGS artist Michael Janis was covered as a result of his “subtle and compelling” glass artwork.

An artist contacting directly a magazine editor is fine, but as the editor has thousands of emails a week, Ms Moses pleads for the artist to make it easy – or at least not a difficult exercise. One of her must-haves is an updated website.

Have a read of American Craft’s tips for artists – click HERE to jump to the article online!

Example of what not to do.

Example of what not to do.

Posted in american craft, american craft council, american craft magazine, michael janis, mike janis, monica moses

American Craft Magazine Profiles WGS’ Tim Tate

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WGS Co-Director Tim Tate is featured in the American Craft Dec/Jan 2018 magazine with an article by William Warmus.

WGS Co-Director Tim Tate is featured in the American Craft Dec/Jan 2018 magazine with an 8-page article by William Warmus. Photos by Pete Duvall.

The American Craft Council (ACC) is the leading arts nonprofit cultivating a culture of making. The ACC’s award-winning magazine seeks to “inspire, telling the behind-the-scenes stories of artists and designer-makers, while exploring the multifaceted benefits of creative living”.

A humorous take on what the ACC magazine cover should have looked like. (Note: this is not the real issue cover!)

A humorous take on what the ACC magazine cover should have looked like. (Note: this is not the real issue cover!)

As such, the December/January 2018 issue of the magazine features a story by author/critic William Warmus that delves deep into Tim’s softer side. Exploring Tim’s history in the glass world, William writes about the what drives his work, and about the development of the Facebook “Glass Secessionism” page and the backlash created by the online conversation. 

Dec/Jan 2018 American Craft magazine cover (the real one).

Dec/Jan 2018 American Craft magazine cover (the real one).

 

Posted in american craft, american craft council, american craft magazine, Tim Tate, william warmus

Washington Glass School Dances In the New Year!

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Dance With Us The rhythm of the cosmos Is a waltz In three steps Dream Create Sustain

Dance With Us
The rhythm of the cosmos
Is a waltz
In three steps
Dream
Create
Sustain

The crew at Washington Glass School wish all a joyful, bright, healthy, prosperous and happiest new year ahead! May this new year bring all the crazy colors and fun in life!

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” — Albert Einstein 

Posted in american craft, audrey wilson, erwin timmers, fused, GAS, glass art, michael janis, new year, new year cheer, Tim Tate, warm glass, washington, washington glass school

Last Minute Prep for International Glass + Clay Show – Panic?

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We are bracing for a new British Invasion! The Brits are arriving to set-up the collaborative arts exhibition at Pepco’s Edison Gallery. Arrangements are now being mad for workshops talks and demos to be part of the exhibit, organized by Artomatic and the DC Sister City – part of Washington DC’s Office of the Secretary.

International Glass + Clay
March 1 through March 22, 2013
Opening Reception is Friday, March 1, 2013, 6-8 PM
Edison Place Gallery
702 Eighth Street (between G and H Street)
Washington, DC

To bring an exhibit of this size to the US Capitol, there are a number of sponsors and partners for the International Show:

Posted in 2013, american craft, artomatic, british, contemporary craft, international glass and clay, sister city, sunderland, UK glass artists

Special Glass Exhibit at 25th Washington Craft Show

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>A highlight every fall, the 25th Annual Washington Craft Show comes to Washington, D.C.‘s Convention Center November 16-18.

Washington DC Convention Center

This premier showcase of contemporary craft in Americais nationally recognized for presenting masterful work, designed and made in artists’ studios across America. If you’re an avid collector, or you simply appreciate quality and beauty, this is your chance to view and purchase the latest works by nearly 200 of the nation’s top contemporary craft artists. Come meet the people who create the art and hear their stories of inspiration. All weekend there will be additional happenings to enjoy; special exhibitions, artist’s talks and fashion shows. Included with admission to the show:


SPECIAL GLASS EXHIBIT

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of studio art glass, the Washington Craft Show has provided the Maurine Littleton Gallery with an 800 square-foot space to illustrate the history of glass. The exhibit will feature work from Harvey K. Littleton, the founder of the American glass movement, and next generation artists Dale Chihuly, Fritz Dreisbach, Michael Janis, Allegra Marquart, Joel Myers, Ginny Ruffner, Therman Statom, Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, Sean Hennessey and more. Maurine Littleton is the daughter of Harvey K. Littleton.

“A Life In Glass”

MEET THE AUTHOR

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 5PM- 8PM & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 NOON-3PM

Book signings by art professor and author Joan Falconer Byrd: Harvey K. Littleton: A Life in Glass (Rizzoli, 2012). A member of Harvey Littleton’s first glassblowing class at the University of Wisconsin in 1962, Byrd is the author of numerous essays and articles on glass and ceramics.

On Saturday, Professor Byrd will sign copies of her book following a joint lecture with Maurine Littleton (start time 11a.m.). Book signings both days will take place in the Maurine Littleton Special Exhibit space.

DAILY SCREENINGS OF “A NOT SO STILL LIFE” THE GINNY RUFFNER STORY

Recipient of Golden Space Needle as the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary, Seattle International Film Festival. Seattle artist Ginny Ruffner is best known for a pair of remarkable accomplishments: her well-regarded body of “lampworking” glass art and her miraculous, self-willed recovery from a near-fatal car crash that rendered her unable to walk or talk. These stories and dozens of others are illuminated from the inside in Karen Stanton’s moving and inspiring documentary.

FRIDAY, NOV. 16 – 5PM • SATURDAY, NOV.17 – 5PM • SUNDAY, NOV. 18 – 10 AM

“There’s more to Ruffner’s story than art, glorious as it is: “A Not So Still Life” is also an inspiring tale of rehabilitation and recovery.” ~ Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times. Run time 84 minutes.

WEEKEND LECTURE SERIES

Our Weekend Lecture Series provides unique opportunities for show visitors to hear from leaders in the field of Fine Craft. The lectures are educational, informative and interactive. This year’s lineup includes a gallery owner, author, museum curator, and an artist.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 11 AM

“Contemporary Textile Art – Past, Present, and Future”

Rebecca A.T. Stevens, Consulting Curator, Contemporary Textiles, The Textile Museum

Katy Clune, Communications Manager, The Textile Museum

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 11 AM

“The Life and Work of Harvey K. Littleton”

Maureen Littleton and Joan Falconer Byrd: Moderator: Elizabeth Blair, senior producer NPR (Morning Edition, All Things Considered)

Sean Hennessey “That Worlds Unseen Surround the World We Know“

IF YOU GO

Friday, November 16 • 10am-8pm

Saturday, November 17 • 10am-6pm

Sunday, November 18 • 11am-5pm (note: Screening of “A Not So Still Life” will begin at 10am in a room adjacent to the show floor. See box office attendant.)

Tickets $15 / seniors $14 / under 12 free with paid adult

Group discounts for 10 or more: $10 ea.

Friday after 6pm: $6


Washington Convention Center

801 Mt. Vernon Place NW

Washington, DC 20001

Posted in "maurine littleton", american craft, dale chihuly, harvey littleton, therman statom, washington convention center, washington craft show