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.

PBS TV Show “If You Lived Here” @ Washington Glass School

If You Lived Here episode 11

DC’s PBS Station – WETA /via Leapfrog Productions – filmed an episode of their popular TV show “If You Lived Here” in Mount Rainier, MD. The episode, which airs Monday, March 20th at 9 pm, focuses on houses in Mt Rainier, and what makes the area noteworthy, for this area, the art spaces and artists were the focus. Filming took place at Washington Glass School and some additional footage included the James Renwick Alliance Block Party held in September.

Glass artist Michael Janis talks to WETA TV crew at the Washington Glass School.
WGS Co-Director Michael Janis outlines the importance of arts in the community.
Leapfrog Productions video crew finds interesting angles to cover for the show.
WGS Contemporary art gallery
Views of the Washington Glass School (WGS Contemporary) Gallery.


Viewing information:
Season 3 – Episode 11: Mt. Rainier, MD
weta.org/ifyoulivedhere
Monday, March 20th at 9 pm on WETA PBS (Channel 26 in the DMV). Monday, March 20th at 8 pm on WETA Metro: weta.org/watch/metro/livestream
Full episode at weta.org/watch/shows/if-you-lived-here

JRA CRAFT WEEKEND – ALL VIRTUAL

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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.

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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

ARTOMATIC 2.0 & James Renwick Alliance: ZOOM!

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.

DC’s Multi-media Arts Festival – Artomatic – is HERE!

ARTOMATIC 2.0: A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE . Since we can't gather physically, for now,  the 20th anniversary celebration is online - July 20 - August 20, 2020

ARTOMATIC 2.0: A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE . Since we can’t gather physically, for now, the 20th anniversary celebration is online – July 20 – August 20, 2020

If you have been around the DC area for a while, you have probably experienced Artomatic in some form, either as a participant or visitor. Please consider showing your artwork this year. There is a suggested $20 entry fee. For that, you’ll receive your own page with 5 images, your bio, a paragraph about your work, and links to whatever you want. The James Renwick Alliance – a group of collectors, artists, educators, gallery and museum professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft will be giving out awards to media specific work again this year & we hope to see your work among the pieces for consideration. Artomatic is such a great community building event and we would love you to be a part of our special family.

Artists! Sign-up online – click here to jump to Artomatic artist page!

If you register for Artomatic 2.0, be sure to share on social media.  Tag @jracraft and #jracraft so they can see you!

Application For Artists to Exhibit on JRA Day – show date: December 7, 2019

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12th Annual JRA Day – Saturday, December 7, 2019

The James Renwick Alliance invites media based artists to submit an application to participate in the 12th Annual JRA Day, a one-day showcase for artists in the craft media. The JRA Day Artist Contract — Space Reservation Application can be found online at www.jraday.org/apply.html.

jra.craft.day.renwick.alliance

JRA Day is sponsored by the James Renwick Alliance, an independent national nonprofit organization that celebrates the achievements of America’s craft artists and fosters scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art. The JRA was founded in 1982 and fulfills its mission through public programs, publications, recognition of craft artists, and financial support, including contributions to the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. For more information on the JRA, go to www.jra.org.

Last year’s JRA Day was a great success. The JRA plans to offer free admission and expand our efforts to promote the show. In 2018 most artists sold individual works at prices ranging from below $25 to as much as $600, and they expect a similar group of buyers this year.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The web site for the event is www.jraday.org.

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JRA Day is open to all craft artists who are members of the James Renwick Alliance. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are not a JRA member, you may apply for the show, but participants must hold a paid membership in the organization within a month of acceptance in the event and on JRA Day.

Memberships for professional craft artists start at the ART level (Alliance for Renwick Tomorrow) at $80 per year. For additional information on JRA membership go to www.jra.org/levels-benefits, call 301.907.3888, or email admin@jra.org.

A few changes in timing!

— Artist set up will take place from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

— The show will begin an hour earlier and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

— Take down will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Panels are no longer available!

— Booth space that accommodates panels is limited.

— Artists may apply for a booth space and provide their own panel(s)

(for further details, see the application).

— Panels can be found online in searches for freestanding display panels

Additional notes (see the application for further details):

— The initial application deadline is June 30, 2019, and during this period preference will be given to artists who participated in last year’s show

— At least three reproducible 300 dpi JPEG images are required by July 15, 2019; photographs must reflect current work and be different from those previously used by JRA Day.

— The JRA will receive 40 percent of all proceeds from the artist’s sales.

— Advance promotion of JRA Day is done through postcards, the web site, social media, listserv notices, and press releases.

Please contact the JRA Co-Chairs if you have any questions.

Looking forward to a wonderful event on December 7!

Jere Gibber & J.G. Harrington

JRA Day Co-chairs

jgibber@aol.com

CALL FOR ARTISTS

CALL FOR ARTISTS
THE JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE CHRYSALIS AWARD FOR EMERGING CRAFT ARTISTS
2019 Focus: Mixed Media

The Chrysalis Award was created by the ​James Renwick Alliance ​to encourage and assist emerging American visual artists. The awardee will receive all of the following: a $5,000 unrestricted award, an opportunity to meet with other artists, collectors, and JRA members in the Washington, DC area, and to give a formal presentation about their work at an important JRA event in November 2019.

Emerging is defined as someone early in their artistic career, without regard to age, who demonstrates excellence in their work and a commitment to developing in unique and dynamic ways, but without major gallery representation or significant exhibition history.

Our 2019 award will focus on emerging artists working in the ​MIXED MEDIA craft field. In future years we will solicit nominees in other media. The awardee will be selected by an independent panel of jurors.

CHRYSALIS_AWARD_2019.mixed.media.call

2019 Award
Application fee: $20
Application deadline: August 28, 2019
Notification of Award: September 13, 2019
Awardee Presentation in Washington, DC: November 17, 2019

Eligibility

The applicant must be working in the mixed media craft field and show merit, skill, and innovation in their work. Craft is the creation of original objects through the skillful manipulation of materials. These materials were traditionally considered to be clay, fiber, metal, wood, or glass. Today’s artists working in a craft discipline may also employ concrete, plastic, synthetic fibers, recycled materials and other non-traditional materials.

The artist must have completed a four-year academic program or self-directed equivalent training within the past 5 years. Residencies, workshops, and/or a dedicated practice qualify as equivalent training. 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 America. Applicants are asked to supply five images of work completed in the past three years and answer all application questions.

Merit, skill, and innovation are the judging criteria for submitted work. Qualities that contribute to the success of a craft object include the skill of the maker, the use of the material, the refinement of the design, the originality of expression, and/or its cultural significance.

How to Apply
Please go to the JRA website at ​www.JRA.org/chrysalis-award​ for the artist application and instructions. Applications and all supporting material must be received by August 28, 2019 to be considered.

About the James Renwick Alliance

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.

James Renwick Alliance Spring Craft Weekend Honors Therman Statom!

You are cordially invited to The James Renwick Alliance (JRA) Spring Craft Weekend on April 26-28, 2019 in Washington, DC.jra.renwick.alliance.spring.craft.weekend.master.glass.therman.statom.dc.washington.art

This year, the JRA honors Michael Sherrill (ceramic), Nancy Crow (fiber), Myra Mimlitsch-Gray (metal), Michael Hurwitz (wood), and Therman Statom (glass), as the 2019 Masters of the Medium @ Spring Craft Weekend

Therman Statom leading a JRA workshop at the Washington Glass School in 2006.

Therman Statom leading a JRA workshop at the Washington Glass School in 2006.

Therman Statom is a sculptor, glass artist, and painter. Born in Florida, Thermon grew up in Washington, D.C. His interest in the arts grew from a fondness of painting and he began to investigate ceramics at RISD. However, after an experimental glass blowing session with Dale Chihuly, he was soon hooked on the spontaneity of glass and its limitless possibilities. He is most notably known as a pioneer of the contemporary glass movement for his life-size glass ladders, chairs, tables, constructed box-like paintings, and small-scale houses; all created through the technique of gluing glass plate together.

Therman Statom creates one of his glass houses at the Washington Glass School in 2006.

Therman Statom creates one of his signature glass houses at the Washington Glass School in 2006.

Therman includes among his honors an Outstanding Achievement Award presented in 2008 by UrbanGlass, and a Distinguished Artist Award presented in 2006 by the James Renwick Alliance. Therman was awarded fellowship grants by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1988 and 1982 and he was the recipient of a Ford Foundation Artists Grant in 1997. Therman was made a Fellow of the American Craft Council in 1999. In November, 2015, he was named a United States Artists Fellow.

The JRA has named Therman to be one of this year’s “Master of the Medium” and will be one of the artists honored at the Spring Craft Weekend (April 26-28, 2019) – with a weekend filled with fun and adventure! Join the Masters in the Saturday Symposium as they share illustrative images of their work and discuss their notable craft journeys that frame their careers in the field. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails with the Masters just blocks away from the Renwick Gallery and bid on one of the ten auction items offered by the JRA at the Evening Soirée & Auction. Enjoy brunch and a celebration of American craft as the Masters of the Medium are honored at the historic and elegant Cosmos Club.

Click HERE for more info on the JRA Spring Craft Weekend.

The JRA is made from collectors, artists, educators, gallery and museum professionals and others who share a passion for contemporary American craft.

A Visit With Mel & Nancy

Nancy Callan and Mel Douglas talk about collaboration in their newest glass artwork.

Nancy Callan and Mel Douglas talk about collaboration in their newest glass artwork.

Superstar glass artists Mel Douglas and Nancy Callan were recently in Norfolk, working on a residency at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio. The James Renwick Alliance  and American University/Katzen Center invited the artists up to DC for a presentation and visit.
It was wonderful to have the chance to spend time with both of them while they were here. Some photos of the recent visit by these incredible artists!:

Mel &Nancy working at the Chrysler Museum Glass Center.

Mel &Nancy working at the Chrysler Museum Glass Center.

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Collaborative work by Nancy Callan and Mel Douglas on exhibit at American University Museum.

American University Museum was host for the JRA artist talk by Mel Douglas and Nancy Callan.

American University Museum was host for the JRA artist talk by Mel Douglas and Nancy Callan.

Nancy Callan & Mel Douglas with WGS Co-Director, Michael Janis.

Nancy Callan & Mel Douglas with WGS Co-Director, Michael Janis.

Save the Date! JRA Spring Craft Weekend April 26-28, 2019!


All are cordially invited to the James Renwick Alliance (JRA) Spring Craft Weekend, April 26-28, 2019 in Washington DC. Celebrate the accomplishments of artists Nancy Crow (fiber), Michael Hurwitz (wood), Myra Mimlitch-Gray (metal), Michael Sherrill (ceramic), and Therman Statom (glass) as they receive the 2019 James Renwick Alliance Master of the Medium awards during the Craft Weekend celebrations.

Tentative Spring Craft Weekend Schedule:

Tour private collections Friday afternoon, April 26 for JRA Caucus and Patrons Program. Join this exclusive event at the private home collections of two area residents including Marc and Diane Grainer and another, yet to be announced.

Learn at the Saturday morning Symposium, April 27, at the Ring Auditorium at Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenThe symposium will feature the five 2019 JRA Masters of the Medium, who will share their work and discuss their experience in the field. 

Bid Saturday, April 27, at the Evening Soirée where exquisite work by the Masters of the Medium will be available for auction, along with the 2018/19 Distinguished Artist Series Artists and the 2019 Chrysalis Awardee. The Cocktail party will include hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to mingle with the guests of honor. This event will be at the Council on Foreign Relations historic venue at 1777 F Street, NW, Washington, DC.

Brunch on Sunday, April 28 at the Cosmos Club and celebrate the Masters of the Medium as they receive their awards. 

Click HERE for more info!