QUARTERLY SUMMER 2017 - James Renwick Alliance
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QUARTERLY James Renwick Alliance SUMMER 2017
DIRECTOR’S COLUMN
Dear Members and Friends,
What an exciting year it has been for the James
Renwick Alliance! I am incredibly proud of the stellar
programs we continue to offer to our members. In
May, we completed the final Distinguished Artist
Series workshop of the 2016-2017 season and plans
for the 2017-2018 DAS season are well underway.
See page 15 for more information.
The JRA launched a new program series of meetups
where members can get to know one another and
engage new members in a casual craft setting.
Groups have met at Pottery on the Hill, Baltimore
Clayworks, the National Museum of Women in the
Arts, Kaller Fine Arts, and the Textile Museum at the
George Washington University. We are working on a
slate of new meetups for the upcoming year and are
always looking for volunteers to help coordinate.
EDITOR & DESIGNER Jaimianne Amicucci
COPY EDITORS Diane Charnov, Geraldine Ostrove, Among the highlights of Spring Craft Weekend
Cicie Sattarnilasskorn, Jacqueline Urow in April, the JRA honored five Masters of the Media
for a celebration at the Washington National
The JRA Quarterly is published three times a year by the
James Renwick Alliance, an independent national nonprofit Cathedral. See page 6 for a review of Spring Craft
organization, created to recognize the achievements Weekend 2017. Thanks to the incredible generosity
of America’s craft artists and to foster scholarship, education
of our patrons and guests, $35,000 was raised during
and public appreciation of craft art. Founded in 1982, the Alliance
fulfills its mission through public programs, educational trips, the gala to support JRA Programs.
publications, recognition of craft artists, and financial support
of museums and other non-profit organizations, including the JRA trips continue to be a tremendous success and
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
we have exciting destinations planned. Be sure to
Although efforts have been made to eliminate errors of fact, check the website (www.jra.org) and sign up for
spelling and grammar, the editor apologizes in advance for any the weekly e-newsletter to get the most up-to-date
such errors that may remain.
information on our upcoming trips.
JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE OFFICERS
On a personal note, after six years with the JRA, I will be
PRESIDENT Jacqueline Urow
taking a sabbatical from July 1 through September 5.
VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAMS Ann Miller
Jaimianne Amicucci, who assisted me during Spring
VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT Geraldine Ostrove Craft Weekend, will cover the office in my absence.
TREASURER Lynn Chadwick Her office hours will be 11am to 5pm on Mondays,
SECRETARY Julianna Mahley Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Please note the JRA
office will be closed on Fridays during the summer. I
JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE STAFF hope you will extend Jaimianne the same warmth and
DIRECTOR Cicie Sattarnilasskorn graciousness you have always shown me.
PROGRAM MANAGER Jaimianne Amicucci
Thank you all for your ongoing support and
dedication to the James Renwick Alliance and a
JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE
4405 East West Highway, Suite 510, Bethesda MD 20814
special welcome to our newest members!
301.907.3888 | www.jra.org
Best wishes for a lovely summer,
Cover: Glasswork by 2017/18 Distinguished Artist Alex Bernstein
Back Cover: Tommy Simpson, Into the Woods, 2015
Table of Contents: Chris Gustin, Vessel with Fold #1204, 2012
Cicie Sattarnilasskorn
Director, James Renwick Alliance
CONTENTS 4 JRA NEWS 4 ACC Award of Excellence 5 FEATURED ARTICLES 5 Spring Craft Weekend in Review 8 VisArts 9 An Afternoon of Learning 10 Peter Voulkos 12 DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES 12 Helen Frederick 14 Foon Sham 15 2017/18 DAS Artists 16 MEMBER PROFILE 16 Jan Maddox 18 UPCOMING 18 JRA Trips
JRA NEWS
ACC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
By Rebecca Ravenal
In February 2017, the James Renwick Alliance (JRA)
presented its third annual Award of Excellence for
Innovation in Craft at the Baltimore American Craft
Council (ACC) show to Seung Jeon Paik.
Encompassed in each of Paik's beautiful brooches
is a whole galaxy, the grand scheme held in the
palm of your hand. To form these wondrous
objects, he melds time-honored techniques of
metalsmithing with designs from cutting edge
computer imaging. It's the balance between
his use of technology and traditional handwork
to express his unique vision that captured our
attention.
Paik works out an initial design on the computer,
then hand-forms his pieces and applies delicate
wires and hundreds of tiny metal spheres to
suggest the cosmic phenomena mapped out in
his designs. His finished objects are exciting from
every angle, constantly offering new perspectives.
Equally exciting, is Paik's skill at blending old
and new processes to produce excellent and
innovative work.
The JRA partners with ACC to present this award
recognizing artists who use innovative techniques
or materials in their work. This year's jurors were
blacksmith and former JRA board member Chris
Shea; ceramic artist and former Corcoran College
of Arts and Design instructor Robert Devers; and
JRA board member and ceramic artist Rebecca
Ravenal. The award features a $500 prize,
guaranteed entry into the next ACC show, and a
special glass plaque made by JRA member artist
Sean Hennessey.
Unity, Sterling Silver, 18k gold, 2015, Photo by Rio-Grande
Award photo by J.G. Harrington.
The Wish, Sterling Silver, 24k and 18k Gold, 2015
4
FEATURE
SPRING CRAFT WEEKEND IN REVIEW
5
5
FEATURE
By Reba Immergut
2017 SCW Co-Chair
The weather was lovely and spring-like for the first
day of April and the beginning of the 2017 James
Renwick Alliance Spring Craft Weekend (SCW). For
the first time this year, the SCW Committee decided
to have three events instead of five, shortening
the weekend from three days to two. Members
appreciated having the extra time to enjoy one
event before preparing for the next.
The weekend commenced with the free Masters
Lecture on Saturday morning, held for the first time
at VisArts in Rockville, Maryland. VisArts provided
a spacious room which was filled to capacity for
the program featuring the five 2017 Masters of the
Media: Marilyn da Silva (Metal/Jewelry), Chris Gustin
(Ceramics), Gerhardt Knodel (Fiber), Tommy Simpson
(Wood/Furniture), and Toots Zynsky (Glass).
After brief introductions, each of the four Masters
spoke about his or her history, influences, mentors,
and the art of their respective craft, illustrated with
projected visual examples of their work. Marilyn da
Silva had last minute transportation problems and
former JRA president, Diane Grainer masterfully
rose to the occasion, delivering Marilyn’s
presentation on her behalf. Delicious refreshments
were available, as were visits with local artists who
had studios at VisArts. The program ended with
time for all to get ready for the Gala evening to
come.
The Saturday evening Gala was held inside the
spectacular Washington National Cathedral,
and for all who attended it was truly a magical
evening. The Gala committee created an awe-
inspiring interior design enhancing the majestic
beauty of the cathedral. The cocktail hour gave
everyone time to marvel at the magnificence as
well as an opportunity to sign up for local and
national craft adventure experiences.
Dinner was served in the main sanctuary of
the cathedral at three long “king’s tables,”
each covered with exquisite linens, dishes and
6 6 magnificent flower arrangements coordinating
with the space. All of the elements artfully
accented the vertical lines of the interior, with the
glorious stained glass windows above. It created a
breathtaking environment for the sumptuous dinner.
The program for the evening began with the 2017
Masters of the Media award ceremony, followed
by a live auction featuring one piece by each
of the Masters. The audience was enthusiastic,
bidding spirited, and the auction was a financial
success for the JRA. The auctioneer then led an
“Ask” to raise funds to support JRA educational
programs. Once again, this was successful
through the generous support of all who
attended the Gala.
On Sunday morning it was sunny and flowers
were just beginning to bloom outside the lovely
Somerset Club House in Chevy Chase, Maryland
where the traditional brunch for JRA Caucus
members and Weekend Patrons was held. The
large group enjoyed the food and celebratory
mood before heading off to the adjacent Parc
Somerset condominium to visit three private
craft collections and the studio of Carol Brown
Goldberg, a notable, multimedia artist with
a national and international following.
All who participated seemed to agree, it was a
remarkable Spring Craft Weekend. Thank you to
our Weekend Patrons, our honorees and guests,
those who organized and coordinated craft
adventures, the JRA staff, and a special thanks
goes to my co-chair Norman Mitchell and to the
many volunteer chairs and committee members
who worked tirelessly to create a wonderful 2017
Spring Craft Weekend.
Page 5:
Top: Masters of the Medium Chris Gustin, Toots Zynsky, Gerhardt Knodel,
Marilyn da Silva and Tommy Simpson. Photo by Andrea Uravitch.
Bottom: Bidding at the JRA SCW Gala by Seth Mann.
Left: JRA SCW National Cathedral by Seth Mann
Right (Top to Bottom):
1. Elmerina and Paul Parkman at the SCW Masters’ Lecture. Photo by
Andrea Uravitch.
2. Tour of a Somerset Collection
3. Aletta Schaap and Alan Osterholm viewing Master of the Medium
Artwork. Photo by Seth Mann. 7
7
4. Master Artist Toots Zynsky talking to guests at Somerset brunch.
VISARTS
A host of JRA members including Fleur
Bresler, Sharon and Bob Buchanan, Deena
and Jerry Kaplan, and Shirley Jacobs
were instrumental in funding the VisArts
VisArts in Rockville, Maryland serves as a beacon $3,000,000 capital campaign in 2007
for visual arts and contemporary craft. In May, the when the organization moved to its current
organization hosted the James Renwick Alliance location which features four contemporary
Spring Craft Weekend Masters Lecture for the art galleries, artist studios, classrooms, and
first time, attracting over two hundred guests for special-event spaces. “VisArts is grateful to
informative presentations by leading craft artists. the many members of the James Renwick
(See article on Page 6.) Alliance who have been extremely supportive
of our work over the years,” says, Alice Nappy,
director since 2011. “We would not be in our
beautiful facility without their generosity and
commitment to the arts”.
As patrons of the center, Bob and Sharon
Buchanan showcased an exhibition featuring
part of their collection titled With These Hands
in late 2013. Among the works on view were
Satellite by Rudy Autio, Twin Trellis by Warren
Seelig, Montana #13 by Olga de Amaral and
other significant pieces. Other craft exhibitions
in the last several years have been devoted
Photo provided to Tim Tate, Robert Devers, Joyce Michaud,
by VisArts Margaret Boozer, Dalya Luttwak, Barbara
Allen and Komelia Okim. Group shows have
included the National Enamelist Guild, the
Washington Guild of Goldsmiths, and the
Complex Weavers.
Guests of the Masters Lecture were able to
view the current exhibitions and visit with
some of the artists-in-residence who work on
site. VisArts’ continued support of American
Craft made the organization an ideal setting
for the 2017 Masters Lecture with both JRA
members and VisArts guests in attendance.
8
Lecture by Chris Gustin. Photo by Andrea Uravitch.
Photo of the Introduction
at the Buchanan home.
AN AFTERNOON OF LEARNING
At the home of Sharon and Bob Buchanan, amidst that followed, led Thomas to consider what an
their stunning craft collection, the JRA Afternoon Objects:USA exhibit would look like now. It would
of Learning took place on June 4. JRA Caucus include artworks that push boundaries with new
Members were invited to consider the fifty year spheres of making, while other objects would
anniversary of 1969 exhibition Objects:USA with pay homage to the history of the field. Some of
Robyn Kennedy, Cheif Administrator, and Abraham these topics brought up conversation about the
Thomas, The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in- upcoming Burning Man exhibition at the Renwick
Charge of the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery. Gallery titled No Spectators: The Art of Burning
Man, which will highlight the annual Burning Man
The afternoon began with a tour of the Buchanans’ festival that takes place in Blackrock City, Nevada.
collection featuring artworks by distinguished The audience seemed particularly interested in this
craft artists such as Peter Voulkos, Rudy Autio, and exhibition, while others needed definition of the
Toshiko Takaezu. Every room housed exquisite counter culture festival.
pieces for viewers to enjoy. In the entryway,
Mr.Buchanan explained how living in Japan The scheduled program was followed by a surprise
influenced the couple’s aesthetic and their interest visit to the colorful collection of Jane and Dick
in craft as he showed a wonderful trompe l'oeil Stoker, next-door neighbors of the Buchanans.
wood piece by John Cederquist that had a number Their living room featured bright Washington
of functional, yet hidden, compartments. Color School paintings complemented with an
Alexander Calder mobile hanging from the two-
Following the tour, Thomas facilitated a story ceiling. The dining room displayed a set
conversation noting “as we approach the 50th of screenprint Flowers by Andy Warhol and in
anniversary of this landmark exhibition, which the whimsical kitchen, a John Baldessari artwork
established a new platform for discussion of was mounted to the ceiling. One highlight of the
American craft, it seems an opportune time to tour was their newest addition, by Kohei Nawa,
consider what an Objects:USA exhibition might featuring a taxidermy deer covered in glass
look like today.” Objects: USA, arguably the most spheres, called “PixCells” by the artist.
significant exhibition in the craft field, popularized
the studio craft movement with an internationally The day was one of note for all types of art
traveling exhibition. A number of the audience enthusiasts. One attendee said her favorite part
members at the Buchanans indicated they had the was “the unexpected opportunity to see the
privilege of seeing the exhibit in person when it collection of the Buchanans’ neighbors in addition
debuted at the Renwick Gallery in 1969. to the collection of the Buchanan's and to interact
with each of the collectors.” The informative
A myriad of questions were brought up as a result presentations by distinguished Renwick Gallery
of this dialogue. What of the increasingly growing guests , the gracious welcome extended by
size of craft and installation artwork? What about the hosts, their remarkable collection and the
the idea of works outside the museum and cross- unexpected visit to the Stokers’ art collection
disciplinary pieces, including performance? truly made for a wonderful Afternoon of
What about the object-based works we already Learning. 9
love? These questions and the brief discussion
SPOTLIGHT ON THE
RENWICK EXHIBITION
PETER VOULKOS:
THE BREAKTHROUGH YEARS
By Diane Charnov
On May 19, 2017, Glenn Adamson, co-curator Everson Museum at Syracuse, New York, Glenn
of Voulkos: The Breakthrough Years and senior confessed to the curator, Tom Piché that he was
scholar at the Yale Center for British Art appeared “bewildered” by twentieth-century ceramics and
before an enthusiastic audience of JRA members asked, “Can you explain modern ceramics to me?”
and the public in the Rubenstein Grand Salon. The reply that set the show in motion was, “The
first person you need to understand is Voulkos…
Adamson shed light on the innovative methods the guy who changed everything.”
and groundbreaking work of Peter Voulkos,
a towering presence in the world of ceramics Adamson was the second of three lecturers
whose radical ideas and works continue to loom over the course of the show to help the public
large today. Adamson’s presentation delved better understand this seminal figure. The
deeply into this creative giant and his larger- first presentation occurred on April 19, 2017
than-life works, some weighing one ton before when Robyn Kennedy, chief administrator of
the water evaporated and others requiring the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art
modified wheels with accelerated horsepower Museum (SAAM) led a dynamic and engaging
and industrial humidifiers from the orange grove walking tour of the exhibit. She moved from
industry to dry. Adamson described how Voulkos’ Voulkos’ lidded figures that demonstrated his
life as the son of Greek immigrants and his service profound craftsmanship to his large-scale abstract
in WWII as a nose gunner in the Pacific set the assemblages and expertly fielded questions from
stage for a radical departure and entirely new local JRA members as well as visitors from as far
approach in art. as San Diego.
War shaped Voulkos’ fearless psyche informs his Art historian Jenni Sorkin’s July 28 presentation
imagery and his technical craft training can be on Peter Voulkos and June Schwarcz (innovative
traced to his shipbuilding experiences. Sabers, enamel artist) at the Renwick Gallery’s Rubenstein
gashes, slashes, and surface ruptures not only Grand Salon will cap off the exhibition. Sorkin
referenced his past, but also became a point of will explore commonalities between two artists
departure for his breakthroughs. He radically who pushed the boundaries of their mediums
changed the world of clay for the maker and for and impacted their fields in different but equally
the viewer, as skepticism of his abstract, sculptural important ways. These in-depth dialogues allow
works gave way to reverence for them today. the public to gain valuable insights and meet
curators Nora Atkinson, the Lloyd Herman Curator
Adamson also described the genesis of Craft and Thomas Abraham, the Bresler
10 of the show. As a young intern at Curator-in-Charge, both of whom as Adamsonnoted, are significant individuals who play a major
role in shaping the Renwick’s future.
In conjunction with the Voulkos show (co-curated
by Andrew Perchuk, deputy director of the
Getty Research Institute), the accompanying
catalogue “Voulkos: The Breakthrough Years”
(Museum of Art and Design and London’s Black
Dog Publishing) includes numerous insightful
contributions, from Voulkos’ “Juror’s Statement”
and Jenni Sorkin’s contribution on “Gender
and Rupture” to photographs that convey the
monumentality of the pieces and his life. It also
provides images of Voulkos’ famed “Rocking
Pot” deemed, “…his single best-known work
partly by virtue of its prominence in the Renwick
Gallery Collection” and the advertisement for
Objects USA, which as Barbara Paris Gifford of
MAD notes was, “…the most acclaimed craft
exhibition of its day.”
As Adamson’s laser pointer lingered over a
powerpoint slide of a pot assemblage with an
“up arrow” gouged into the surface, he remarked
how Voulkos had “literally turned ceramics upside
down and inside out.” Whether it was his satirical
commentary in “Rocker” since functional ceramics
was not supposed to rock, or work at “war with
itself” and made up entirely of “traditional
elements” that included “not one but four
spouts” – this show and Adamson’s lecture were
revelatory.
Aptly titled, The Breakthrough Years, the
exhibition runs through August 20, 2017 and
features thirty-one artworks and covers the 15-
year period of 1953-1968 from his early work,
most of which have not been exhibited on the
East Coast for four decades. The lecture series
reveals its own breakthroughs that dig far
beneath the surface of the pieces and extend
beyond the medium of clay. For an artist who was
“not understood in his time,” the Renwick lectures
go far to ensure that Voulkos’ works will be better
appreciated and understood in the 21st century.
Page 10: Voulkous Exhibition. Photo by Diane Charnov.
Left: Peter Voulkos, Cross, 1959. Photo by Diane Charnov.
Above: Peter Voulkos, Rocking Pot, 1956. Smithsonian American
Art Museum, gift of the James Renwick Alliance and various
donors and museum purchase, 1983.
11DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES
HELEN FREDERICK:
LOCAL TREASURE WITH A
GLOBAL PRESENCE
By Diane Charnov
Renowned papermaker, book artist, community
collaborator and activist Helen Frederick drew
the 2017 Distinguished Artist Series to a close on
an inspiring note. She engaged James Renwick
Alliance (JRA) members and non-member art
enthusiasts alike with her hands-on workshop
at her Silver Spring, Maryland studio on May 20
and her presentation on May 21 at American
University’s Katzen Arts Center. Her words took
the audience on a profoundly moving global tour
of her life in art.
Helen’s impressive credentials as an alumni of
12 Rhode Island School of Design (B.F.A. and M.F.A.),
Fulbright Scholar (Norway), founder of PyramidAtlantic, George Mason University professor, through Escape by Foon Sham’s (another JRA
and her work in over 100 private collections 2017 Distinguished Artist).
and museums from the Smithsonian American
Art Museum (SAAM) to the Whitney Museum Helen traced her roots from childhood days
of American Art provide the barest of outlines involved with the harvesting cycle to her political
of her remarkable life. As Rebecca Ravenal, activism partly inspired by the proximity of her
Chair of the Distinguished Artist Series stated, birth shortly after the “first” (as she stressed) use
“We are exceedingly fortunate to have such an of the atom bomb. She also spoke movingly of
outstanding maker, with an illustrious and global her philosophy of labor as articulated by social
presence as one of our local treasures.” theorist Hannah Arendt and the influences of
generations of makers around the world. Her
Helen’s love of paper and community came stunning images of people and communities with
to life when nearly 20 eager participants and whom she has collaborated, from Ahmedabad,
her helpful assistants gathered for a morning India to Sichuan, China to San Pablito, Mexico
of papermaking. Her view, “I believe we can further entranced the audience.
accomplish more in a group” took shape as JRA
members teamed up and rolled up their sleeves Helen’s admiration for community and cultures
to experience the pulp pounding of kozo and was evident as she highlighted work from South
cotton fibers. They immersed themselves in the African-born artist Elsabe Dixon who uses
process of papermaking and the joy of creating Bombyx Mori (silkworms) and sericulture (silk
handmade pages for their own books. JRA Board farming) to artist Selin Balci and biologist Yilmaz
Member and workshop participant Toni Alaimo Balci whose work involves microbes and fungal
reflected, “It was Zen-like…relaxing, being with art. Her reverence for materiality, humanity,
friends, meeting new art patrons and artists, and the hand as well as the “power of paper to
and hearing Helen’s soft voice tell papermaking convey culture, change and communication”
stories and instructing us.” came through with each slide in her powerpoint.
Whether showcasing collaborators and artists she
When not submerging hands in papermaking, admires or sharing thoughts and images of from
members lingered over Helen’s artistic creations her recent show at the Phillips Collection, Acts
displayed on tables, studio walls and hanging in of Silence, the group was riveted by her multi-
her home. The space was filled with spirit kites, dimensional talents.
words and work inspired from her global travels
and involvement in political and environmental In powerful concluding remarks, Helen sounded
activism. As the workshop ended, outdoor tables themes of activism and the role of artists. First,
were filled with participants’ newly made paper she observed that artists are “…detonators of
books drying in the sun, replete with poetry and action and should take that role seriously.” At the
typeface, leaves and cicada wings. These objects same time, she stressed that “creative awareness
that personalized each page will undoubtedly be is central to life…and we have a short time to live
treasured memories of a day spent making with a and better make use of it.” Lastly, in circling back
master. to her opening remarks, she noted a widespread
concern – the Fear Of Missing Out - FOMO. All
Thanks to Jack Rasmussen, Director and Curator who attended had clearly not missed out on a
of the American University Museum at the Katzen creative experience and encountered an inspired
Arts Center, who graciously partnered with the weekend with a profoundly articulate and
JRA to provide lecture space, Helen’s lecture talented artist on a local and global scale.
had a perfect setting. Jack’s innovative curatorial
eye and the vibrant museum space provided a
fitting backdrop to Helen’s presentation. It was a
spectacular venue for members to view following Top left: Helen Frederick with Shanti Norris and Toni Ailamo.
the presentation, with a chance to wander Bottom left: Dennis McCloud making paper at the workshop. 13
Photos by Diane CharnovFOON SHAM:
INTRICATE AND
MONUMENTAL
By Rebecca Ravenal
Foon Sham, wood artist and professor at the
University of Maryland, College Park provided a
workshop and lecture on April 22 and 23 as part
of the JRA's Distinguished Artist Series (DAS). This
year, we highlighted "local treasures" featuring
four talented area artists throughout our DAS
season.
Sham's main focus is on wood in its many stacked vase or chimney shapes loom above.
forms. Using smaller bits, he creates large-scale Other pieces snake across the landscape or
vessels which take on shapes like tornadoes or direct the viewer to march through them, evoking
mountains, baskets, or even a giant vase-like something spiritual like being in a cathedral
piece which viewers can sit inside. His works or painful like making a difficult journey. JRA
explore the intersection of natural vs. manmade, member Diane Charnov describes his show,
permanence vs. instability, geometric vs. organic. Escape at American University, as “featuring
monumental wood sculptural work which
The sculptures installed at the American vertically ascends floors inside the museum
University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, and tunnels horizontal passages in the outdoor
the Kreeger Museum and downtown at 19th sculpture garden.”
and L Streets have an enchanted feel, as if the
observers have suddenly shrunk in size as these Creating such colossal objects is an intricate and
difficult endeavor. Having the grand vision is just
the beginning. Actually making the sculptures is
an adventure with many possible detours. Sham
begins with smaller pieces and aggregates,
stacks, carves, curves, laminates, lacquers, burns
and otherwise manipulates the materials. The
pieces appear totally organic, the larger ones
masking substantial substructures required to
hold them up and make them safe for public
areas. Pieces that appear to have sprung out of
the ground or rolled effortlessly down the hill
are painstakingly crafted on site or craned and
anchored in place.
Sham also works in other media, such as cast
metal and paper. All of his work packs a powerful
punch, a visceral reaction to the aesthetics and
scale and meaning.
“Escape” at Katzen Arts Center. Photo by Rebecca Ravenal
14 Top: Photo by Diane Charnov2017/18 DAS The James Renwick Alliance's annual Distinguished Artist Series (DAS) brings notable
craft artists from around the country to provide workshops and free public lectures.
ARTISTS
Each Distinguished Artist will present a Saturday Workshop and Free Sunday Lecture.
We are pleased to announce that for the second year in a row, our Sunday Lectures
will take place at the American University Museum at the Katzen Art Center.
REGISTER ONLINE AT JRA.ORG
ALEX BERNSTEIN | SEPT. 23-24
Alex’s work combines intoxicating colors,
engaging textures and enticing shapes.
Through a series of hot and cold processes,
he hews each piece into a form which is solid
yet ethereal at the same time, such as bright
plumes rising from a craggy base, or elegant
spires counterbalanced against dark daggers
of glass.
SONIA KING | NOV. 18-19
Sonia highlights the beauty and uniqueness of
each tiny piece of stone or glass in her mosaics.
Placing purposefully a multitude of these
"tesserae" together to build larger artworks
with rhythm, texture and emotion. Mining the
relationship of each small piece to the one next
to it and the space in between affords endless
opportunities to create her flowing organic
CHRIS ANTEMANN | MAR. 10-11
Chris's figurative pieces offer a fascinating
telescoping narrative. 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.
SHARON CHURCH | APR. 21-22
Sharon aims to "gird" the wearers with her
jewelry, to empower them with both the
beauty of the piece and its "mysterious
underpinnings." Inspired by nature, and using
natural materials in their construction, Sharon's
jewelry has a presence and potency
beyond mere ornamentation.
15MEMBER PROFILE
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Lincoln Nebraska and spent my
JAN MADDOX
childhood going to the football games and
Saturday morning art classes at the university now
known as University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The
U of N had a wonderful museum of fossils and
Jan Maddox is a long time JRA member, rocks and animal displays and a world class art
jewelry artist, co-founder of the collection of American art which is now displayed
in a great Phillip Johnson building. Many of our
Washington Goldsmiths Guild, Professor- JRA members visited there on a trip to Omaha
Emeritus at Montgomery College and last fall.
an early partner in VO Galerie. She
exhibits around the region and her What influenced you to get involved with
metalwork and jewelry making?
work can be found in Waverly Street
A jewelry class at U of N and then more in
Gallery in Bethesda. In this interview, we graduate school with Alma Eikerman at Indiana
learn more about her background and introduced me to the medium. Although my
involvement with the James Renwick MFA was in painting and ceramics, I could not
Alliance. afford a separate studio but could make jewelry
in my kitchen. In the 60’s I was included in several
notable New England crafts shows as well as the
Young Americans 1962 show at the Museum of
Contemporary Crafts in New York. The art world
was full of painters and potters but jewelry was
just opening up as a new art form. Seven years of
moving from Bloomington to Boston to New Paltz
to Lincoln to Bethesda with two small sons made
jewelry my best choice as a creative artist.
You taught at Montgomery College for
many years can you tell us about your
experience teaching?
I taught almost continuously since graduate
school and, after we moved to Bethesda, was
very lucky to find a job at Montgomery College.
I was hired full time in 1971 to set up the Art
Appreciation classes and oversee the general
crafts program. Within a few years we added
jewelry and enameling classes and I was able
to focus on design and crafts classes. We
had students from many different countries,
cultures, abilities and ages in our classes. These
interactions made the classes more interesting for
both the faculty and the students.
16 Photos provided by Jan Maddoxfor several years. I served on the board from
1999 to 2005 and spent two years as secretary. I
have been on many committees over the years,
including Distinguished Educators, Masters of
the Medium, Symposium, Distinguished Artist
Workshops, and Trips. Primarily, I now help long-
time member Judy Weisman with setting up the
auctions for the Galas.
Can you share a memorable experience that
you have had with the JRA?
I can’t think of only one memorable experience.
To me, the JRA is people: collectors, artists,
Renwick staff. A lot of my favorite friendships have
resulted from having worked on various projects
together and it has become a significant part of
my personal and professional life. The people
who make up the JRA are truly amazing.
What was your involvement with the VO
Galerie which is now Jewelers’Werk?
In 1984 Joke van Ommen, a well-known Dutch
jeweler and I decided to open a gallery featuring
all the new, innovative and exciting work being
done in Europe and only available at Helen
Drutt’s in Philadelphia. Joke knew all the Dutch
jewelers as well as many of the others involved
in the European movement. She chose the work
and designed the galerie while I was the junior
partner and spent three years of summers and
Saturdays at the space on 2000 Pennsylvania in
DC. It was an amazing experience and although
it was so tragic when Joke died as a result of a
traumatic car accident, I am sure she would have
been happy to have Ellen Reiben continuing
to show unique work at Jewelers’Werk in
Georgetown.
How did you get involved in the JRA and
how long have you been involved?
I think I joined the JRA sometime in the early
90’s. Joan Wessel asked me to help select jewelry
for the Spring Gala and then Jerry and I helped 17
Michael Monroe on silent auction installationsUPCOMING
PHILADELPHIA
JRA TRIPS NOV 10 - 12, 2017
This trip is timed to coincide with the Philadelphia
SEATTLE Craft Show, the 20th anniversary celebration
of the Center for Wood Art, and Craft Now. In
JULY 13 - 16, 2017 addition to attending these wonderful events, the
Lloyd Herman, the Renwick Gallery’s founding trip will visit a number of private venues.
director, and Michael Monroe, its first curator-in-
charge, have combined their nearly 40 years of TUCSON
Renwick Gallery and American craft experience to
produce a dazzling tour of the Pacific Northwest’s FEB 15 - 18, 2018
famed glass art community. Tucson’s natural beauty attracts numerous artists
from across the world. This trip will include private
Monroe and Herman will share their exclusive studios visits, including those of Eleanor Moty
access to the Pacific Northwest glass scene. They (metal), Hiro Tashima (clay), Claire Campbell Park
will guide JRA members through artists’ studios, (fiber) and Carrie Seid (mixed media). We will
museums, collectors’ homes, the renowned also enjoy seeing diverse private collections and
Pilchuck Glass School, Dale Chihuly’s Boathouse, special gallery exhibits - including Philabaum
his hot shop and the must-see newly opened and Glass, the historic Rancho Linda Vista artist
acclaimed Chihuly Garden and Glass. community and more.
Photo of Tacoma Museum of Glass
18LANE
COLLECTION
DINNER
OCT 3, 2017
Ten people will have the 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.
Photos provided by Leslie Lane
19SAVE THE DATE
JULY 2017
13 - 16 Seattle Trip
SEPTEMBER 2017
23 - 24 Distinguished Artist Series
Alex Bernstein (Glass)
OCTOBER 2017
3 Lane Collection Dinner
29 Pottery on the Hill Meet-Up
NOVEMBER 2017
10 - 12 Philadelphia Trip
18 - 19 Distinguished Artist Series
Sonia King (Mosaics)
DECEMBER 2017
2 10th Annual JRA Day
FEBRUARY 2018
15 - 18 Tucson Trip
LEARN MORE:
20
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