Starting November 2-4, SOFA Chicago takes place at Navy Pier. In addition to 1300+ artists shown by a hundred exhibitors from 18 countries, the exposition is fast becoming known for offering a superlative lecture series. It speaks well about the growing appreciation for the field of art jewelry that there are 8 separate lectures on this topic in 2007.
In particular, we hope you will join us on Friday, November 2 at 11 a.m. for Gerd Rothman. The Art Jewelry Forum is sponsoring this presentation as part of our ongoing efforts to bring varied artists’ perspectives to our members and others interested in the field. We will also be officially announcing the winner of the AJF 2007 Emerging Artist competition: Andrea Janosik.
Here’s the lineup for jewelry lectures:
Friday, November 2
9 to 10 a.m. Emerging Artists 2007—Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) presents Anya Kivarkis, Sayumi Yokouchi, and Susie Ganch. Both Anya and Sayumi received MFAs from SUNY New Paltz and Susie graduated from U. of Wisconsin Madison.
10 to 11 a.m. La Gemetra dell’oro (Geometry in Gold)—Graziano Visintin, an Italian jeweler of the Padua school, describes his work. Visintin’s work is characterized by simplicity of form, frugality of interventions, sensitivity to the specific characteristics of the material and constructive allusions.
11 to Noon. The Space Between Thumb and Forefinger—Art Jewelry Forum presents Dutch artist Gerd Rothmann, who will discuss his jewelry, bowls, and vessels of silver.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Process: Documented—Jewelers Tod Pardon, Melissa Huff, and Bernd Munsteiner describe the forces that inform and drive their work.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Studio 206: The Jewelry of Terhi Tolvanen and Evert Nijland—these two Dutch artists discuss their work.
Saturday, November 3
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Residences: Creative Crucibles—Jeweler Angela Bubash participates in a panel discussion about the residence programs at Penland School of Craft, NC.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Framing: The Art of Jewelry—Metalsmith editor Suzanne Ramljak talks about the magazine’s “Exhibition in Print 2007” issue, also on view at SOFA.
1 to 2 p.m. Jewelry Without Bounds—SNAG presents artist Marjorie Schick, who describes her large-scale jewelry and sculpture to wear.
Finally, knowing that many AJF members attend SOFA Chicago, we are planning an opportunity to get together on Friday afternoon for a wine reception from 4:30 – 6 p.m. An email on this topic will be going out shortly to AJF member. They and their guests are invited to attend.