Fine Family Art Gallery Presents “2008 Craft Show & Sale”
(ATLANTA, GA) On Monday, November 3, 2008, the Fine Family Art Gallery of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) will open its newest exhibition, the 2008 Craft Show and Sale. This show presents the innovative craftsmanship of five regional artists - Maury Fradkin (fiber), David Goldhagen (glass), Amy Leff (metal and beads), Barbara Rucket (ceramic and beads) and Marsha Vrono (jewelry). The exhibition is curated by Susanne Katz and will be on display through December 31, 2008.
About the Artists:
Maury Fradkin is a retired physician who has lived in Atlanta most of his adult life. He has studied color theory, oil and water color painting, drawing and other artistic mediums. While studying painting Fradkin was fascinated not only by color, but also by the texture of the surface which added interest to the painting. He began designing and knitting scarves five years ago. His work has been represented in four local galleries, as well as one in Denver, Colorado.
Fradkin says, “Much of my work is inspired by the environment. My scarves are fashioned using predominately natural fibers. I enjoy the feel and texture of these, but have also come to enjoy working with synthetic blends which add another level of texture to my work.
David Goldhagen's sculptural forms and massive handblown glass platters are distinguished by his unique style. His painterly approach to “art glass” combines bold colors with brilliant, clear crystal in a clean, modern style. Using traditional glassblowing methods, Goldhagen creates each piece individually, working with molten glass at temperatures in excess of 2000°F. His work encompasses sculptural art glass, as well as other functional pieces, including tables, candlesticks, perfume bottles, menorahs, and ornaments.
Goldenhagen's work may be found in the permanent collections of numerous corporations, museums and foundations, including: Coca-Cola; Merrill Lynch; The Cerebral Palsy Foundation; Walt Disney; The North Carolina Museum of History; NC State University; City of Winter Park Public Library; Asheville Art Museum; Tucson Museum of Art; Albany Museum of Art; and Philips Arena, Atlanta.
Amy Leff began Throwing Stars Jewelry by making jewelry with beads and selling at farmers markets in Vail, Colorado. Her love of beading quickly evolved into a love of metalsmithing. Her current jewelry designs include mostly silver and gold-filled wire with accents of semi-precious stones. She is exploring the fun of copper and quickly adding it to her line. What began as a hobby at her dining room table, Throwing Stars Jewelry has become a mainstay at local, Atlanta boutiques.
Leff says, “Throwing Stars Jewelry is a reflection of where I am in my life. I am a working mom, so when it comes to wearing jewelry I want something that's fun, lightweight and easy to wear, yet sophisticated and makes an artistic statement at the same time. My jewelry includes a lot of hammering so it reflects light, while it also has an organic and hand-made feel.
Barbara Rucket's work with beads varies from combining metal, precious stones and lampworked beads into bracelets and necklaces; to using small seed beads to embellish mixed media pieces; to creating jewelry and articles for the home. Depending on the type of project, different sized beads may be crocheted or sewn together one by one using a variety of stitches. In beadwork, the colors of the beads and the choices of thread and fabric work together to create the desired effect.
Rucket says, “As a fiber artist I create in various other mixed media including weaving, knitting, needlework, and art quilts. I have stitched mixed media pieces based on Jewish themes, needlepointed tallit bags and kippot, woven tallism, and beaded mezuzahs, mizrachs, tzedakah boxes and chamsas.”
Marsha Vrono is the founder of Ida's Charms Jewelry Designs. Vrono says, “Ida was the greatest charm of all, my mother, who lost her battle to lung cancer in 1995. Therefore, the name ‘Ida's Charms' just seemed to fit.” Vrono adds, “I don't like following the rules and rather like creating new ones that work for me. I like using materials that add surprise to one another. I use crystals in every piece. Also, I believe in wearing an all crystal necklace with a pair of jeans and perhaps wearing the same necklace with a cocktail dress. A treat for me is finding an antique piece of crystal or stone to work around.”
Vrono's jewelry is being sold at several boutiques and galleries in Atlanta and around the south. She also sells independently and makes custom jewelry for many of her clients. Vrono says, “The uniqueness of my jewelry is what becomes the specialty.”
Curator Susanne Katz explains, “While these artists may employ traditional materials, their exploration of these materials is far beyond pure form and function. The works included in this show explore the use of new techniques, experiment with abstract forms and incorporate history and memory. There is something here for everyone.”
The entire community is invited to a Meet the Artists Reception & Sale on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:00 pm. The artists will be on hand to personally walk you through their collections. Wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
The Fine Family Art Gallery is located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Gallery hours: Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 1–9 pm; Sun. 1–6 pm. Admission is Free.
For more information, call Kim Goodfriend, MJCCA's Arts & Culture Director at 678.812.4071, kim.goodfriend@atlantajcc.org. For media inquiries, call Lora Sommer, MJCCA's Arts & Culture PR Manager at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org
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