JRA Day is a one-day showcase for artists who are members of the James Renwick Alliance. This event gives the public an opportunity to see and purchase work by nearly 40 artists in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood and other media. It’s great for holiday
shopping, and admission is free. Organized by J.G. Harrington and Jere Gibber.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
11am – 5pm
The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase
7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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!
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. 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
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.
2018 Focus: Glass
Recognizing that emerging artists represent the future of the craft field, the James Renwick Alliance (JRA) sponsors an award recognizing an emerging craft artist showing merit, skill and innovation in their work. The awardee will receive a $5,000 award and a complimentary membership to the JRA for one year. The finalist will have an opportunity to give a brief presentation about their work during an award presentation in October 2018. Finalists may be recognized with an Honorable Mention, and a 1-year JRA membership.
The JRA Chrysalis 2018 award will focus on emerging artists working in the glass arts. The JRA is soliciting nominates broadly for consideration. Nominees will be screened for eligibility, with an independent panel of jurors invited to recommend which of the nominees should receive the award.
2018 Award Eligibility
The applicant must be working in the glass arts and show merit, skill, and innovation in their work. The artist must have completed a four-year academic program or equivalent training within the past 5 years. Applicants may not have had a solo commercial exhibition or be exclusively represented by a gallery or commercial entity. The applicant must have residency in North America. Applicants are asked to supply up to five images of work completed in the past three years and answer all application questions.
Application fee: $30
Application deadline: August 1, 2018
More information and online application – click HERE to jump to JRA Chrysalis Award page.
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. 
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
This coming Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 11a.m. to 5p.m. is JRA Day – the James Renwick Alliance’s 10th annual craft show, held at the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase. The JRA Day show features work by 40 different artists in the craft media. Admission is free, and so is the parking!
JRA Day is sponsored by the James Renwick Alliance, an independent national nonprofit organization that celebrates the achievements of America’s craft artists.
JRA Day Raffle
In honor of the 10th Anniversary of JRA Day, the James Renwick Alliance will offer three prizes in this year’s JRA Day raffle – vase form piece by Michael Janis,
Michael Janis, “Crossing Paths” , fused and hotworked glass, 14″H x 8″ Dia.
a slab-built ceramic vase by Janet Larson, and a mixed-media teapot by David Peters. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. The drawing will take place at 4:30 p.m. on JRA Day.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase
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. Members of the JRA enjoy a diverse year round schedule of programs including, social events, educational lectures and tours, and art-inspired excursions – one of which comes up soon! – 
On October 3rd, the JRA presents one of this year’s featured events : A Private Dinner at the Lane Collection.
This is a unique opportunity to dine with collectors Leslie and Bruce Lane. They recently transformed their French country-style home into a exceptional showcase of contemporary craft. Highlights of their museum-quality collection include works by Lino Tagliapietra, Dan Dailey, Michael Janis, Dante Marioni, Dale Chihuly and Therman Statom as well as pieces by emerging artists.
Michael Janis, “Finding My Soul A Home”, 2015, fused and cast glass, glass powder imagery, steel
Lean more – click HERE
After registering, further details including an address will be emailed.
Cost: $250 for members | $400 for non-members
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
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
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
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
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 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!
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.
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 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.
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
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
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.
The James Renwick Alliance hosts artist
Helen Frederick at the Museum
Sunday, May 21, 2:00-3:00 pm
Helen 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.
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.
For more information on Foon’s work: www.foonsham.com
Workshop Venue: On the campus of University of Maryland
(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
The 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.