Artwork by Kathy Frey

Separate art shows give art lovers a chance to meet the artists. They include: A trunk show by California-based artist Kathy Frey Friday and Saturday at Poppy, 920 E. Broadway. From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday she will discuss her work and reveal her new linear wire jewelry designs. The Larson Gallery presents “Social Sacrifice,” an MFA thesis exhibition for Kim Watson with a closing reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday on the Columbia College campus. Perlow-Stevens Gallery, 812 E. Broadway, hosts a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday for “Art for Autism” with artwork created by children affiliated with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders through June 26 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The Larson Gallery presents “Social Sacrifice,” an MFA thesis exhibition for Kim Watson with a closing reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday on the Columbia College campus.....

SOURCE _  http://www.columbiatribune.com/events/2010/jun/04/4167/

When you take a close look at a beer can, you may notice that they have a really nice arc to them. Artist Paul Villinski has taken that same arc and turned it into butterflies in flight.  Rescuing crushed beer cans from the streets of New York City, Williams carefully cuts each can and creates a marvelous fluttering array. He states that similar to the life of a butterfly, his process is representative of a cultural conversion all its own exploring “themes of transformation and recovery through metamorphosis.”

+ Paul Villinski

+ Superuse

Florida, NY, May 04, 2010 -- Fold forming is a new approach to metalworking which uses the metal’s plasticity and ductility to make complex forms resembling chased, constructed and soldered shapes from single sheets of metal. Radical changes in cross section are possible in as little as 3-5 minutes.

In this workshop we will work hands-on with the torch, hammer and anvil to learn a series of fold-forming techniques. The results are quick and gratifying, and lead readily to new design ideas. This workshop is for artisans and the general public; no prior experience is necessary.

The class will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM at the Center for Metal Arts, 44 Jayne St. Florida NY 10921. Registration with $45 deposit will hold a seat; anyone on the waiting list will have their deposit refunded, and will also have first chance at a place in the next class. Call (888) 862-9577 or email info (at) centerformetalarts.com with any questions. For more information and easy course registration, see the Center for Metal Art's new website at www.centerformetalarts.com.

###

The Center for Metal Arts holds blacksmithing and other metal arts workshops for artisans, designers and the public. Located one hour north of New York City, The Center for Metal Arts offers an opportunity to work hot metal at the forge and anvil.

Lansing, MI, May 01, 2010 -- Delphi, the source for art glass supplies, and ArtFire, the premier marketplace for handmade crafts, announce a new online art contest. The Ring of Fire Artist Challenge™ is open to all artisans. Entries are being accepted now at DelphiGlass.com/RingOfFire. Contest ends June 30 and winners announced July 9, 2010.

Following its annual festivities for National Art Glass Month, Delphi has organized another online event with the help of its partner ArtFire. The first annual Ring of Fire Artist Challenge is designed for all artisans of all crafts and abilities, inviting them to use common art supplies in new and creative ways.

Artisans are asked to choose one or more items from the 10 products that make up the Ring of Fire. These items range from patterned dichroic glass and fine silver wire to mosaic tiles made entirely from recycled glass. Winners are chosen by popular vote and jury based on technical skill and creativity. A beginner’s category is also available. Grand prize includes a Delphi EZ-Pro Deluxe Kiln by Jen-Ken Kilns, which fires both glass and ceramics. Winners also receive many prizes from Delphi, ArtFire and all sponsoring companies.

“We created the Ring of Fire contest to support the handmade arts, to inspire creativity and to unite artists across all crafts,” said Dan Daniels, president of Delphi.

About ArtFire.com
ArtFire.com was launched in 2008 by president John Jacobs and his team of young, creative talent. The website attracts over a 1.5 million of visitors each month, including a growing number of glass and jewelry artisans.

About Delphi
Founded in 1972, Delphi Glass Corp. offers an extensive selection of craft tools and supplies. Delphi sponsors a variety of events and classes including its annual Art Glass Festival. With over 30,000 specialty products including supplies for stained glass, fusing and bead making, Delphi is dedicated to serving the entire art community.

To enter or learn more about The Ring of Fire Artist Challenge visit www.DelphiGlass.com/RingOfFire or contact Delphi at 800-248-2048.

Small and minority-owned businesses have a chance to expand product sales through a partnership with Overstock.com, the Salt Lake City-based online discount retailer.

Dubbed the "Main Street Revolution Initiative," the effort is designed to increase the visibility of small businesses that lack exposure to national markets, said Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne.

"By joining our network small-business owners can reduce their supply chain costs and expand the awareness of their products among a much bigger audience," Byrne said. "

Initially the products that those businesses will offer for sale will be listed in their appropriate shopping categories on Overstock.com, he said. But once a critical mass of partners is reached, their products will be consolidated into a "Main Street" store on the company's website.

Christina Johnson, whose two-year-old start-up business AyAyAy International sells a line of active wear and fitness clothing, said she is optimistic about the new marketing opportunity.

"I'm in the process of joining now," Johnson said, adding that she believes the new initiative will, for the first time, give her business the opportunity to market its products to a national audience.....

Read more at  -  http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_14984961

Small Size : £375 €431 (approx) $577 (approx)

Choose designs by Lotus Arts de Vivre to project exquisite beauty and timeless artistry. Inspired by the treasures and cultures of south-east Asia, each artifact is fashioned in a remote sub-continental village, by craftsmen commanding skills indigenous to the region. Created in rare and prized materials, every piece is as unique as the discerning buyer who chooses to own it. Adorning the surfaces of this gorgeously tactile handbag are sections of cowrie shells – for millennia, a symbol of womanhood, fertility, birth and wealth. Polished to a porcelain-like gloss, these beautifully dappled sea jewels are fixed in star formations with an iridescent pearly globe at each centre and point. Coated bamboo construction maintains the bag's stiffened shape; slide open the lid to access the effects you've sequestered in the velvety main interior and side compartments. Measures 19 x 14.5 cm and is packaged in a Lotus Arts De Vivre quilted cotton bag.

SOURCE  _  http://www.couturelab.com/products/Bamboo_handbag-5312-c20.html?utm_source=estyle&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=27april

Maria Serafin with some of the handmade eggs that she makes. Photo by Gregory Shaver

by LEE B. ROBERTS

Even in winter's deep freeze, a breath of spring can be found inside Maria Serafin's curio cabinet. It comes from a rainbow of beautifully adorned eggs of various sizes, each of which have been decorated with great care and skill by Serafin.

Her intricately designed eggs may bring thoughts of Easter, but Serafin's dedication to her art is not confined to one season. Egg decorating is a year-round hobby that the 87-year-old has enjoyed for many years.

Starting with a hollowed-out egg - either from a chicken, an ostrich or an emu - she plans her design and then chooses the materials to best express it. Some eggs are painted, while others feature cut-outs and a variety of added materials. And whether she is arranging tiny, colorful beads or measuring and cutting silk fabric and velvet ribbons to fit the curves of an egg, decorating the smooth and surprisingly strong shells is a task Serafin finds very relaxing.

"It is my hobby, that's all," she said humbly. "I like to make eggs.".....

Read more at  -   http://www.journaltimes.com/lifestyles/senior_news/article_554072c8-3c4e-11df-9dad-001cc4c002e0.html

Chris Dalrymple - Lampwork Beads and Jewelry - Memphis Association of Craft Artists

Christian Brothers University (CBU) and the Memphis Association of Craft Artists (MACA) announce their second annual Fine Crafts Fair.

The Fair will be held on Friday, March 26 through Sunday, March 28 in the Canale Arena on the CBU campus.

In conjunction with CBU and MACA, 15 Memphis City School Art departments will participate in this year’s program. These MCS students will exhibit their work and compete for cash prizes. In addition, the winners of this competition will each spend a day in the studio with one of MACA’s talented award winning artists.

A silent auction with pieces donated by all participating MACA artists will be held. CBU students will assist with the silent auction during the Friday and Saturday show hours. The proceeds of this auction will be donated to the new CBU Art department scholarship fund.

MACA, a non-profit organization formed in 1966, is the Memphis chapter of the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists. MACA's mission is to promote and nurture fine craft artists in Memphis. MACA is open to everyone interested in fine craft from the beginner to the most accomplished artist in Shelby, Fayette, Lauderdale and Tipton counties. MACA promotes member communication and education through meetings, workshops, community activities, exhibitions and marketplaces. MACA also encourages persons interested in the arts to join “Friends of MACA” and become involved.

An Opening Reception will be held Friday, March 26, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. All artist work will be on display and for sale during the Reception. Hours for the Fair are Saturday, March 27, 10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 28, 11:00-5:00 p.m. Entrance to the show is through the parking lot on Central Avenue. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information on the Fine Crafts Fair contact Gail Grice at gailgrice@comcast.com or (901) 218-5392. To learn more about MACA, visit http://www.memphiscrafts.org/

SOURCE  _  http://www.commercialappeal.com/events/2010/mar/26/3838/

BLACK MOUNTAIN

The show is sponsored by the Old Depot Association and Gallery. Approximately 65 booths are available. Exhibitors are expected to include woodworking, pottery, jewelry, painting, stained glass, fiber art, paper mache and handcrafted musical instruments.For an application, contact the Old Depot Association at 669-4563 or the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce at 800-669-2301. Visit www.OldDepot.org for more information.

SOURCE  _   http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100319/LIVING/303190036/1250

Sixteen makers will be juried into this section, which celebrates the innovative techniques and materials of the burgeoning handmade movement.

Applicants are eligible only if they have NOT shown in an American Craft Council show previously. Embellished commercially-bought objects (e.g., tee shirts, note cards, etc.) are not eligible.

Send submissions and inquiries to Erika at altcraft@craftcouncil.org.

Finalists will be announced in May.

SOURCE  _  http://www.jckonline.com/article/453147-American_Craft_Council_Accepting_AltCraft_Applications.php