JRA Craft event – Distinguished Artist Debora Moore at DC’s Hillwood Museum!

Glass artist Debora Moore was named one of the James Renwick Alliance (JRA) ‘Distinguished Artists’. ​Four times a year, the James Renwick Alliance for Craft brings notable American craft artists from around the country to Washington, DC in partnership with other organizations for the Distinguished Artist Series.

Debora Moore

Debora Moore is well known for her imagined glass orchids and organic forms. By combining new techniques with traditional glassblowing skills, and an attention to detail, Moore is able to achieve a unique depth of color and exquisitely crafted forms. In 2007 The Corning Museum of Glass awarded Moore their Rakow Commission and in 2020, she was featured in the “Renwick Invitational: Forces Of Nature” at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery. Currently, Moore has work on display at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in “Glass: Art. Beauty. Design.

JRACraft presents Distinguished Artist Series with Debora Moore

Online Artist Talk & In-Person Exhibition Visit

September  26 & 30, 2023

Artist Talk & Exhibition Visit (In person only)

Saturday, September 30  |  10am – 12pm

$50 JRACraft and Hillwood members | $60 non-members

​Hosted at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens​

Meet the artist at the stunning Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, DC. Here, she will give insights into her process with a presentation and a Q&A session followed by a visit with Hillwood’s Director of Horticulture to discuss Debora’s floral investigation and give a look into Hillwood’s extensive orchid collection. Also, tour Hillwood’s latest exhibition, “Glass: Art. Beauty. Design“, with the museum’s Chief Curator where we will view the artist’s work and other contemporary glass artists on display. Tickets for this event are on sale now!

Artist Talk (Online only)

Tuesday, September 26 | 1pm – 2pm ET

​Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom

Learn about Moore’s career and influences in this online program hosted in partnership with American University Katzen Arts Center.

Click on link HERE to jump to JRACraft registration.

About the Artist:

Debora Moore has been an instructor at Pilchuck, Pratt, and the Hilltop Artist-in-Residence Program in Tacoma, WA. In 1998, she was accepted as a member in the African American Design Archive at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. Her work was included in the Artistry of Orchids exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC in 2000. Her solo exhibition, Natural Reflections, opened in 2005 at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, followed by a residency at the Museum. In 2005, she was also awarded artist-in-residence at the Abate Zanetti School in Murano, Italy.

Debora was awarded the Rakow Commission in 2007, with inclusion in the permanent collection at the Corning Museum of Glass and participated in Corning’s Meet the Artist podcast series. In 2009 she was selected to exhibit at the 9th Northwest Biennial at the Tacoma Art Museum. She participated in a group show, Flora, at Glasmuseet Ebeltoft in Denmark, in 2010. Her work was exhibited in the group exhibition, Convergence Zone, at the Bellevue Art Museum in 2011. Debora installed a solo show, Collectanea Botanica – Orchidaceae, at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio, and exhibited at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. The April 2012 opening coincided with a residency awarded to her by the museum. This year the Northwest African American Museum opened a solo exhibition of Debora work in Seattle, Washington. In 2019, the Tacoma Art Museum feature, Debora Moore: Arboria, the artist’s new monumental sculptures exploring the beauty and awe of seasonal changes.

About JRACraft:

JRACraft is a vibrant group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft.  JRA members enjoy a diverse year-round schedule of programs including, social events, educational lectures and tours, and art-inspired excursions.

The JRACraft is committed to advancing scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art as well as promoting individual achievements of excellence and innovation in the craft field.  As an independent non-profit organization, the JRACraft has provided more than $3 million for acquisitions, exhibitions, public programs, and publications to Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery – our nation’s showcase of contemporary American craft.

Breaking Glass News! Tim Tate Named JRA Distinguished Artist!

How often has this blog posted about and singing the praises of the glass artist known as Tim Tate? Well, now we have confirmation of his status! 

tim.tate.authorThe James Renwick Alliance (JRA) is a vibrant group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft. The organization presents a diverse schedule of programs including, social events, educational lectures and tours, and art-inspired excursions. The JRA’s annual Distinguished Artist Series brings notable craft artists from around the country to provide insight into their work. Tim Tate is this year’s Distinguished Artist in Glass. 

The Distinguished Artist Series (DAS) offers a Saturday workshop from 9:30am-12:00pm (fee, registration required.) The artists demonstrate some of their unique techniques and discuss their work and the overall medium. Workshops may be hands-on or demonstration only. Workshop participants may attend a Saturday potluck dinner with the artists on a space available basis.

Upcoming JRA Distinguished artists 

Oct. 6-7, 2018 Tim Tate, Glass
Dec. 8-9, 2018 Bennet Bean, Ceramic & Craft Media
Mar. 9-10, 2019 Tim Harding, Fiber
May 4-5, 2019 Elizabeth Brim, Metal

Free Lecture:

Sunday, October 7  | 2pm – 3:30pm (After the Chrysalis Award)
American University Katzen Arts Center  |  4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC

Please note:  There will be a short presentation to JRA’s Chrysalis award winner before Tim’s lecture.  This special award will be given this year to an emerging artist in glass.

James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Artist: Chris Antemann

Chris Antemann, Covet, 2013

Chris Antemann, Covet, 2013

American ceramicist Chris Antemann was invited by the James Renwick Alliance (JRA) to be featured as part of the 2018 Distinguished Artist Series.  Join the JRA on March 10 & 11 for a lecture and workshop by Oregon-based sculptor Chris Antemann and find out more about her sexy and beautiful scenes in ceramics that depict the kind of parties that sadly, I’ll never be invited to. JRA.chris-antemann.renwick.katzen

 

 

Chris Antemann’s  figurative pieces offer a fascinating telescoping narrative — stories within stories, contemporary commentary layered onto 18th century pieces in traditional forms. Her collaboration with Meissen, the German porcelain factory, has produced a body of work with rich insight into our own culture, a vehicle for the artist’s “twisted tales” about domestic rites, social etiquette and taboos.

Artist Workshop:
Saturday, March 10  |  9:30am – 12:00pm
White Point Studio  |  3708 Wells Avenue, Mt. Rainer, MD
$50 members  |  $60 non members
$175 for all 4 workshops, members only

Chris Antemann will discuss her ceramic figures and her work with Meissen. The morning begins with a brief meet-and-greet with the artist over coffee and pastries. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to attend a potluck dinner with the artist on Saturday evening. Space may be limited.

Click HERE to jump to JRA online registration for the event.

Free Lecture:
Sunday, March 11  | 2pm – 3pm
American University Katzen Arts Center  |  4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC

Weekend with Bernstein! JRA Distinguished Artist Alex Bernstein

The James Renwick Alliance’s (JRA) annual Distinguished Artist Series (DAS) brings notable craft artists from around the country – and the season started off great with Alex Bernstein as the distinguished artist in Glass. 

DAS Alex Bernstein begins his workshop demo at the Washington Glass School. photo by Diane Charnov

DAS Alex Bernstein begins his workshop demo at the Washington Glass School. photo by Diane Charnov

Alex took the JRA workshop attendees along a journey from billet to awesome in about 3 hours! 

Alex outlined his process with copious notes on his process. photo Laurie Brown

Alex outlined his process with copious notes on his process. photo Laurie Brown

The JRA Distinguished Artist walked the audience thru his signature process of “Bernstein-ing” his work, and everyone loved it!

Alx Bernstein outlines his glass grinding process with notes about the grit sizes used. photo Diane Charnov

Alx Bernstein outlines his glass grinding process with notes about the grit sizes used. photo Diane Charnov

Alex carved fine slices into the glass slab, much like a stone carver would approach a marble block. photo by Diane Charnov

Alex carved fine slices into the glass slab, much like a stone carver would approach a marble block. photo by Diane Charnov

Alex then masks off the glass before he "Bernsteins" his glass. photo by Diane Charnov

Alex then masks off the glass before he “Bernsteins” his glass. photo by Diane Charnov

With great flourish -using a metal grinder and showering all in a hail of sparks - Alex fuses bits of steel into the exposed glass area and patina's the metal finish. photo by Diane Charnov

With great flourish -using a metal grinder and showering all in a hail of sparks – Alex fuses bits of steel into the exposed glass area and patina’s the metal finish. photo by Diane Charnov

Alex's finished demo piece, titled "Blue Mountain" was later auctioned off to support the DAS program.

Alex’s finished demo piece, titled “Blue Mountain” was later auctioned off to support the  JRA DAS program.

The next day, Alex Bernstein presented a talk at the American University Museum Katzen Arts Center, where he talked more about his work, history and how he balanced his concepts, process, career and family. An incredible story! 

bernstein.jra.katzen.DAS_talk

Alex connected with the audience on a personal level.

 

Smithsonian Curator Abraham Thomas talks with Judith Schaechter about her influences, including high culture,  pop culture... and the Ramones.

Smithsonian Curator Abraham Thomas talks with Judith Schaechter about her influences, including high culture, pop culture… and the Ramones.

The glass weekend kept going strong – later in the day, at the Smithsonian Renwick Museum, glass artist Judith Schaechter talked about her work and influences.

The Smithsonian also honored the JRA’s Paul & Elmerina Parkman for their years of service to the glass art world as they prepare to move to their home in New York.

SAAM Director Stephanie Stebich honors the Parkmens.

SAAM Director Stephanie Stebich honored the Parkmens.

This weekend will take while to assimilate all the information and craft exuberance that took place! Alex did achieve the Awesomeness promised.

The JRA mission is to advance scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art as well as promoting individual achievements of excellence and innovation in the craft field.  The JRA is made from a vibrant group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft.  For more info – click HERE to jump to the JRA site.

WGS Hosts James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Artist Alex Bernstein Workshop

Alex Bernstein, Morning Balance - 26x26x5" - Cast and cut glass, fused steel

Alex Bernstein, Morning Balance – 26x26x5″ – Cast and cut glass, fused steel

The James Renwick Alliance’s annual Distinguished Artist Series brings notable craft artists from around the country to provide insight into their work. Each Distinguished Artist weekend includes a Saturday workshop and free Sunday public lecture at which the artist will discuss their technique, background, artistic influences, and career. 

Alex Bernstein

Alex Bernstein

The JRA named Alex Bernstein as one of this year’s Distinguished Artist and he will be at the Washington Glass School for a demo workshop on Saturday, September 23rd, 2017 from 9:30am-12:30pm where Alex will discuss the making of his artwork and demonstrate some of his cold-working techniques. Participants in the workshop will participate in the design the sculpture Alex will make at the studio. The morning begins with a brief meet-and-greet with the artist over coffee and pastries. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to attend a potluck dinner with the artist on Saturday evening. On Sunday, September 24th, 2017, the JRA will provide a free public lecture by the artist at American University’s Katzen Arts Center from 10 AM – 11AM.

Alex Bernstein, "Black Mountain 2", Cast & cut glass, fused steel

Alex Bernstein, “Black Mountain 2”, Cast & cut glass, fused steel

Award winning artist Alex Gabriel Bernstein grew up in a creative environment with access to many of the artists of the American studio glass movement. As the child of two established glass artists, William and Katherine Bernstein (Billy is one of the founding members of the Glass Art Society), the beautiful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina where they lived played almost as much of a part in his inspired upbringing as did the breadth of teachers around him.

Alex will talk about his family’s influence, how he pushed the boundaries in glass sculpture technique and how he found his voice.

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) is a vibrant group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft.  JRA members enjoy a diverse year-round schedule of programs including, social events, educational lectures and tours, and art-inspired excursions.

The JRA is committed to advancing scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art as well as promoting individual achievements of excellence and innovation in the craft field.  As an independent non-profit organization, the JRA has provided more than $3 million for acquisitions, exhibitions, public programs, and publications to Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery – our nation’s showcase of contemporary American craft.

Alex Bernstein Distinguished Artist Workshop:
Saturday, September 23  |  9:30am – 12:30pm
Washington Glass School  |  3700 Otis St, Mt Rainier, MD 20712
$50 members  |  $60 non members

To register for Alex Bernstein workshop at the Washington Glass School – click HERE.

James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Artist Series Features Helen Frederick

The James Renwick Alliance hosts artist
Helen Frederick at the Museum

Sunday, May 21, 2:00-3:00 pm

jra.helen.frederickHelen Frederick’s artwork explores the use of language and media in creating pulp prints, artists books and paintings.

As part of their Distinguished Artist Series, the JRA hosts artist Helen Frederick for a lecture in the Abramson Recital Hall (across from the AU Museum) on Sunday, May 21 from 2-3 pm. The lecture is free and open to the public. No registration required. Frederick will lead a workshop on paper-making the day before, Saturday May 20 from 9:30 am – 12 pm. Advanced registration required. The JRA welcomes AU Museum Associate Level Members to register at their Member’s price.

Register Now or Learn More about the JRA series.

James Renwick Alliance ‎Foon Sham Lecture – Distinguished Artist Series

Foon Sham, Escape I, Tunnel, 2016. Pine, 14 x 62 x 5 ft.

Foon Sham, Escape I, Tunnel, 2016. Pine, 14 x 62 x 5 ft.

Artist Foon Sham’s focus is on wood in its many forms.  Using small bits, he creates large scale vessels which take on  shapes like tornados or mountains, baskets, or even a giant vase-like piece which viewers can sit inside.  His smaller works echo these larger structures, exploring the intersection of natural vs. manmade, permanence vs. instability, geometric vs. organic. Foon is a professor at University of Maryland, and exhibits nationally and internationally.

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) presents the annual Distinguished Artist Series with “local treasures” featuring craft artists who contribute significantly to the richness of the artistic environment in our area. Foon Sham will discuss his international background and experience and his body of work in wood and other media. Foon’s workshop will highlight some techniques for creating his wood pieces. 

The lecture will focus on his international background and experience and his body of work in wood and other media.

Foon Sham, Escape I, Tunnel, 2016. Pine, 14 x 62 x 5 ft.

Foon Sham, Escape I, Tunnel, 2016. Pine, 14 x 62 x 5 ft.

For more information on Foon’s work: www.foonsham.com

The Where & When


Workshop Venue: On the campus of University of Maryland

Foon Sham workshop map(free parking available)
Parren J Mitchell Art/Sociology Building ( BLDG #146),
College Park, MD
Rm 1311, wood shop

Price:
JRA Member $50
Non-Member $60

Lecture Date: Sunday, April 23, 2017
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Lecture Venue: American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center

jra-logoThe James Renwick Alliance 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. 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. 

James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Artist: Donald Friedlich

Don Friedlich, "Navel Orange Brooch" cast glass

Don Friedlich, “Navel Orange Brooch” cast glass

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) is committed to advancing scholarship, education and an appreciation of craft art as well as promoting individual achievements of excellence and innovation in craft. The JRA’s mission is to promote education, support and appreciation of craft. Each year, the JRA sponsors its Distinguished Artist Series, where craft artists prominent in their fields conduct workshops and give lectures. Each of the “Distinguished Artist” weekends include a workshop and the artist presents their work in the newly renovated Grand Salon at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery.

On June 4th & 5th, Donald Friedlich will present and talk about his innovative contemporary jewelry that incorporates cast glass.

Donald Friedlich has been an innovative jeweler for over 40 years. Lauded for his stark, designerly forms and, most recently, for his luminous jewelry pieces in glass and gold, his work can be found in the collections of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Corning Museum of Glass. 

Don’s work involves a wide array of techniques in this new jewelry – including artwork inspired by food, which combines four of his passions: food, humor, glass and jewelry. He literally is doing “lost celery casting” and “lost asparagus casting”. By casting these mundane materials in glass Don hopes that the viewer will see them in a new light and realize what beautiful forms they are. 

Don Friedlich, "Asparagus Brooches" cast glass

Don Friedlich, “Asparagus Brooches” cast glass

Some of the other designs are press molded and are in line with his recent series inspired by water and geometry. 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The JRA Distinguished Artist Workshop will take place on Saturday, June 4th from 9:30am to 12:00. There are still some spaces in the Donald Friedlich workshop on June 4. He will be demonstrating press molding hot glass, creating molds and cold-working techniques. For more information, go to the linkhttps://www.jra.org/events/donald-friedlich

Location of workshop: DC Glassworks

5346 46th Avenue
Hyattsville MD 20781

The Sunday, June 5th lecture is free and open to the public and will take place from 2:00pm – 3:00pm in the newly renovated Grand Salon at the Renwick Gallery.

JRA Distinguished Artist Sibylle Peretti Workshop and Lecture @ Smithsonian Renwick Gallery

Sibylle Peretti; “Siblings”; glass; 15″ x 22″ x 10″, 2005. What stands out in artist Sibylle Peretti’s artwork are the intense images of children in nature – part dream and part fairy tale.

As part of the James Renwick Alliance “Distinguished Artist” series – glass artist Sibylle Peretti was in Washington, DC for a workshop and presentation at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery.

#RENWICKGALLERY

Artist Sibylle Peretti demonstrates her techniques at the JRA Distinguished Artist workshop held at Weisser Studio.

The JRA gets to pull their thumb out!

The JRA gets to pull their finger out!

Sibylle’s workshop – held at Weisser Studio was great fun, the attendees were able to see how Sibylle creates the molds and forms for her enigmatic artwork. 

The JRA held dinners in her honor  – and many were able to talk with the artist about her inspirations, process and history. 

Michael Janis introduces JRA Distinguished Artist Sibylle Peretti

Michael Janis introduces JRA Distinguished Artist Sibylle Peretti

On Sunday, May 22, Sibylle Peretti presented her works to the audience that gathered at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery. The Renwick Gallery has had such a tremendous upturn in attendance with the “Wonder” exhibit – that even with the constant rain, a sizable crowd listened in rapt attention.

The JRA has had so many great artist presentations – we can’t wait for the next one! Click HERE to jump to the James Renwick Alliance Distinguished Artist Series page.

#RENWICKGALLERY

Sibylle Peretti talking about her work at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery

James Renwick Alliance Presents Artist Sibylle Peretti @ Smithsonian Renwick Gallery

Sibylle Peretti; "Land Mine"; slumped, engraved, painted and silvered glass, paper; 60" x 80" x 0.5"; 2015

Sibylle Peretti; “Land Mine”; slumped, engraved, painted and silvered glass, paper; 60″ x 80″ x 0.5″; 2015

The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) was created as an independent national nonprofit organization to celebrate the achievements of America’s craft artists and to foster scholarship, education and public appreciation of their art.  Founded in 1982, the Alliance helps support our nation’s showcase of 20th century American craft, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC. 

 figurative glass art, feminist art

Sibylle Peretti; “Twins” cast glass, 18″ x 24″ x 10″; 2010

As part of the JRA Distinguished Artist Series, on  the JRA will welcomes glass sculptor Sibylle Peretti to speak about her work and inspirations at the Renwick Gallery – home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection of contemporary craft and decorative art.

Sibylle Peretti at work.

Sibylle Peretti at work.

Sibylle Peretti is an artist who grew up surrounded by traditional glassmaking. Trained as a glass designer at the State School for Glass Making in Zwiesel Germany, she learned techniques of enameling, engraving, cutting and designing glass. She expanded the range of her artistic voice as she received an MFA from the Academy of Fine Art in Cologne and was trained as a Glass Designer at the School for Glassmaking in Zwiesel, Germany. Sibylle Peretti lives and works in both New Orleans, LA and Cologne, Germany. Sibylle often works collaboratively with her husband – artist Stephen Paul Day

Sibylle Peretti; "To Know A Hawk" cast glass, 16" x 17" x 13", 2013

Sibylle Peretti; “To Know A Hawk” cast glass, 16″ x 17″ x 13″, 2013

Her work has won numerous awards and endorsements, including grants from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and the Joan Mitchell Foundation as well as the 2013 United States Artist Fellowship for her glass sculptures and multimedia collages, which combine photography & drawing with surface interventions such as engraving, mirroring and glass slumping. Children and nature, as symbols of innocence and promise, are the central themes in Sibylle’s work.

Her work is included in the permanent collections of the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY; Carnegie Museum of Art (Pittsburgh, PA), Museum of American Glass (Milleville, NJ), Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Canada), Museum für Kunsthandwerk (Frankfurt, Germany), Hunter Museum (Chattanooga TN), Speed Museum (Louisville,KY), and 21c Museum (Louisville, KY).

The JRA invites the public to join Sibylle Peretti at the newly renovated Smithsonian Renwick Gallery as she talks about her work and career.

Lecture Date: Sunday, May 22, 2016
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Lecture Venue: Grand Salon, Renwick Gallery

The JRA’s mission is to promote education, support and appreciation of craft. If you’d like to learn more about the group, please see the JRA website.