FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2008

CONTACT; Martha Ehringer, 619-239-0003, x 113 or prdir@mingei.org

 

ARTISTS’ PRESENTATIONS EXPLORE WOOD AND FIBER EXHIBITION

 

Participating artists will offer opportunities to explore in depth Mingei International Museum’s upcoming exhibition FORMS IN WOOD AND FIBER — Southern California New Work. The exhibition, at the Museum’s Balboa Park location, opens Sunday, June 8 and continues through Sunday, January 4, 2009.  The exhibition features contemporary work by distinguished wood and fiber artists.

 

A panel of five artists from California Fibers will present “Contemporary California Fiber Art,” on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Michael Rohde, weaver; Carrie Ann Burckle, mixed media artist; Polly Jacobs Giacchina, sculptural basket maker; Christie Dunning, mixed media artist and Charlotte Bird, quilter, will give short, illustrated presentations of their work, discussing its evolution and inspiration. A question and answer period will follow. The evening begins with light refreshments.

 

Patrick Edwards, master of marquetry, whose exquisite wood inlays are featured in FORMS IN WOOD AND FIBER, will demonstrate his techniques and discuss the development of this craft from Renaissance through the Industrial Revolution on Wednesday, July 2 from 1 to 3 pm. 

 

Children seven years old and above and their families are invited to attend “Picture This: A Weaving Workshop for Children” on Thursday, August 7 from 10 am until noon.

Artist Christie Dunning will teach participants how to make a complete woven picture.

 

Information and reservations for all these events are available at 619-239-0003, extension 405.

 

FORMS IN WOOD AND FIBER – Southern California New Work features the work of six distinguished San Diego wood artists and California Fibers – an exemplary group of artist craftsmen from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Recognizing the rich diversity of excellent wood and fiber artist craftsmen in this region, the exhibition is conceived as a lively conversation among peers and between two artistic media. Both fresh perspectives on traditional forms and cutting-edge contemporary expressions are included in works of superior design and craftsmanship.

 

Woodworkers in the exhibition are Professor Wendy Maruyama, internationally recognized Program Head of the Woodworking and Furniture Design Program at San Diego State University; Russ Filbeck, highly respected Associate Professor in the Cabinet and Furniture Technology Division at Palomar College in San Marcos; Patrick Edwards, renowned practitioner and teacher of traditional European marquetry (wood inlay); Del Cover, specialist in chair building with current work featuring architectural elements; Brett Hesser, youngest graduate of Leeds Design Workshops who concentrates on the application of fine wood veneers; and Dr. Gene Blickenstaff, admired for his innovative, translucent turned bowls of Norfolk Island Pine.

 

California Fibers was founded in 1970 in San Diego with the purpose of providing professional advancement for contemporary fiber artists. The creative imagination and excellent craftsmanship exhibited by the members place them in the highest echelon of contemporary fiber artists. The group has an extensive exhibition history in the USA and abroad, and some of its members are recipients of prestigious awards from around the world. Their creative expression includes weaving, basketry, sculpture, surface design, wearables and mixed media. Members whose work will be included in the exhibition are: Charlotte Bird, Ashley V. Blalock, Carrie Ann Burckle, Marilyn McKenzie Chaffee, Doshi, Jacy Diggins, Christie L. Dunning, Gail Fraser, Polly Jacobs Giacchina, Susan Hart Henegar, Carol E. Lang, Cheryl Lommatsch, Carol Mckie Manning, Kathy Miller, Ellen Phillips, Michael Rohde, Carol Shaw-Sutton, Valentyna Roenko Simpson, Cameron Taylor-Brown, David Weidig and Peggy Wiedemann.

 

Located at 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, and closed on Mondays and national holidays.  Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for students and active military with ID.  For information, call 619-239-0003 or visit www.mingei.org.

 

Mingei International Museum exhibits folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world. Its two museums – in Balboa Park and downtown Escondido – feature Southern California’s largest and richest collection of mingei – art of the people.

 

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