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SOFA CHICAGO 2019: Programming
Image courtesy SOFA CHICAGO
Friday, November 1
Mosaic Demo, Hourly | Society of American Mosaic Artists
Continuous mosaic demonstrations throughout the day.
Glass Demo, Daily Schedule | Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Road Show
Friday Demo Schedule: 11:30am - Deborah Czeresko, New York, NY, Heller Gallery, 1:00pm - Dan Friday, Santa Fe, NM, Blue Rain Gallery, 3:00pm - Michael Schunke & Josie Gluck, Baltimore, MD, Rebecca Myers Collection, 5:00pm - Rob Stern, Hive Contemporary
Woodturning Demo, Daily Schedule | Chicago Wood Turners
Friday Demo Schedule:12:30pm - Al Miotke, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 1:45pm - Roberto Ferrer, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 3:00pm - Andy Kuby, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 4:15pm - Mark Jundanian, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 5:30pm - David Bertaud, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners
SNAG Emerging Artists 2019, 9:00 - 10:00 am
Three exceptional emerging jewelers, Jessica Anderson, Zachery Lechtenberg, and Aric Verrastro will discuss the evolution and development of their innovative work. Lechtenberg and Verrastro are showing with Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h and Anderson with Charon Kransen Arts. Sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
My Inner Narnia, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Swedish jewelry artist Märta Mattsson works in the borders between attraction and repulsion, transforming real insects and other materials from nature such as dried flowers, taxidermy, semiprecious stones and parchment, into objects of astonishment. She explores the power of her jewelry to conquer fears and phobias and to turn a dislike into something you might even dare to wear. Mattsson has exhibited her jewelry internationally since 2006 in over 20 solo exhibitions as well as many group exhibitions. She has given workshops and lectures in China, Belgium, Mexico, Thailand, USA, Sweden and Latvia and she is currently a part time lecturer at HDK – Academy of Design and Crafts in the department for jewelry art. Marta is represented at SOFA by Galerie Noel Guyomarc'h. Sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
Artist Talk With Metalsmith Komelia Okim, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Metalsmith Komelia Okim will discuss the development of her masterful hollowware, jewelry and sculptures as well as the new book she has written, Korean Metal Art: Techniques, Inspirations and Traditions, from Schiffer Publishing, that is the product of a Fulbright Grant and four years of research. Komelia Okim is a Professor Emerita at Montgomery College, where she taught for more than 40 years. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Racine Art Museum and many others. She is the recipient of three Fulbright Grants. Okim is represented at SOFA by Tong-in Gallery. Sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
Modern Fiber Arts: Collectibility, Feminism and Community with Female Design Council, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
With renewed interest in material production and collectibility of contemporary art, artists have amplified the visual conversation through fiber arts and textiles, and they are speaking loudly. Join FDC Founder Lora Appleton and a panel of renowned gallerists, curators and designers working in fiber arts for a textural conversation. Questions reveal the current textile landscape, curatorial endeavors in fiber arts as well as collectible trends, museum highlights and the importance of women in the arts landscape. Lecture hosted by the Female Design Council
Dual Bilateralism by Mike Renard, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Artist Mike Renard will discuss the history of Bronze Sculptures, followed by a sequence of processes that blossoms from a moment of inspiration, leading to his final bronze sculptures. “It is the second side that creates the mystery and intrigue that excites interest, and evokes the answer for what the sculptor wanted to say and express.” . To understand the idea and realize the deep meaning of the sculpture, the viewer will see the work from all sides with a 360 degree view. Renard loves to observe the viewers reaction and see delight, especially when they have an aha moment and understand or realize the true meaning of the sculpture. This always happens when the viewer switches to viewing the second side of the sculpture. It is the second side that creates the mystery and intrigue that excites interest, and evokes the answer to the question of what the sculptor wanted to say and express. The duality of the artwork enhances the viewer's impression, evoking emotional delight and clarity, which helps the viewer to remember the uniqueness of Mike Renard's sculptures. Mike Renard is represented at SOFA by Kessart
New Glass Now + Next, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
William Gibson once said, “the future is already here, it just is not evenly distributed.” What can we learn about the future of contemporary glass from the present? The exhibition New Glass Now at The Corning Museum of Glass is the most comprehensive exhibition of international contemporary glass in 40 years. What do these 100 artworks tell us about the concerns and interests of contemporary glass makers? What will the future(s) be? Join curator Susie J. Silbert for a lively investigation of the themes and works in New Glass Now. Sponsored by the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass.
The Documenta Project Presents: EXPOSED!, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
As the DOCUMENTA PROJECT celebrates 3 years of photographing the community of the global Studio Glass Movement, it has become an important historical archive of portraits documenting artists, collectors, gallery owners and curators. Come see the "out takes" and behind the scenes action of the Photo Shoots that help make the portraits so engaging, and enjoy an informal visual historical narrative. After all, LAUGHING MATTERS! Lecture hosted by Mary Van Cline with the DOCUMENTA PROJECT
DIY ( do-it-yourself ) HAPPINESS, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Réka Lőrincz likes being ambiguous: she prefers making objects rather than giving talks about them. Today will be an exception. Let it be flea market finds or gemstones, she transforms unusual materials into one of a kind art pieces. In her art, she does not mind making fun of society or even herself, meanwhile reflecting on nowadays most important issues and dilemmas such as the role of women, or the value of things. The main sources of inspiration are her grandpa who actually hates contemporary art, dark humor, and the combination of these two things. Réka Lőrincz is represented at SOFA by Charon Kransen Arts.
The B Team: Punk, Performance and Experimental Glass Practice in the 90s, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Susie J. Silbert, The Corning Museum of Glass Curator of Modern and Contemporary Glass will be in conversation with experimental performance art group founders Jeff Zimmerman and Zesty Meyers about their work to expand the language of glass and the materiality of performance through communal glass blowing and choreography in the 1990s. Lecture hosted by The Corning Museum of Glass
Art History Babes Live Podcast Discussing Female Gallery Owners, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
What is it like to be a female gallery owner and the unique challenges that are faced?
Saturday, November 2
Mosaic Demo, Hourly | Society of American Mosaic Artists
Continuous mosaic demonstrations throughout the day.
Glass DemoDaily Schedule | Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Road Show
Saturday Demo Schedule: 9:00am - DONOR BREAKFAST, Davide Salvadore, Royal Oak, MI, Habatat, 11:00am - Laura Donefer, Royal Oak, MI, Habatat, 1:00pm - Zesty Meyer & Jeff Zimmerman, R & Company, 3:00pm - Micha Karlslund, New York, NY, Heller Gallery, 5:00pm - John Miller, Hive Contemporary
Woodturning Demo, Daily Schedule | Chicago Wood Turners
Saturday Demo Schedule:12:30pm - Jason Clark, Illinois, Windy City Woodturners, 1:45pm - Marie Anderson, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 3:00pm - Jeff Hornung, Missouri, Walnut Log Studios, 4:15pm - Clint Stevens, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 5:30pm - Marie Anderson, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners
Process of Creating Art: A Journey into artist’s mind, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Artist Priya Janghu will discuss her journey as an artist, and the inspiration and processes behind her work at SOFA. Born in India, a country know for its rich culture, history and art - Priya has been surrounded and influenced by this environment since the age of 6. Today, we see the result of beautiful art, but will learn the story and influences behind the artist. Priya Janghu is represented at SOFA by The Nandibull Gallery.
Andy Warhol’s House, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Carefully composed and impeccably executed, David Gamble’s images provide a rare opportunity to piece together fragments of Warhol’s notoriously reserved persona. From the more intimate objects like his watch and wig, and the best-kept secrets neatly lined up in his bathroom cabinet, to the boldly colored Fiesta dishware, Gamble’s outstanding photographs capture Warhol’s personality as seen through the everyday objects that so profoundly inspired his work. David Gamble is represented at SOFA by Hilton | Asmus Contemporary.
OCEAN, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Artist and global advocate Arica Hilton will discuss her experience as the artist on board a scientific expedition sponsored by Ocean Geographic Magazine to the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Elysium – Artists for the Coral Triangle Expedition engaged artists, National Geographic photographers, scientists, musicians and writers to document threats to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Coral Triangle. Hilton will show a short film from the expedition and discuss unsustainable fishing practices and the overwhelming issues of plastic pollution. In her most recent work, Hilton infuses ground plastic bottles into her paintings to highlight the insidious assimilation of microplastics into food as the particles travel up the food chain from the oceans. Arica Hilton is represented at SOFA by Arica Hilton International.
Butter Extravaganza, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Butter Extravaganza is an in depth, yet light-hearted presentation about butter history and its related dining paraphernalia. After all, can we ever have too much butter in our lives? The International Museum of Dinnerware Design (IMoDD) presented an invitational, juried, and historical exhibition titled "Butter" in 2019, so be prepared to explore contemporary artists' butter dishes and butter-related sculpture, as well as manufactured butter dishes from the Mid-Century. And don't be surprised if you seen a butter sculpture from a state fair, hear a song about butter, and witness a record breaking event. Lecture hosted by Director and Curator, Dr. Margaret Carney with The International Museum of Dinnerware Design
Gems and Minerals in Interiors - A Brief History and Thoughts Toward the Future, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Studio Greytak takes you on a journey through the use of gems and minerals in interiors from ancient totems to modern object d'art. How have their uses changed? How have they endured? The timeless beauty of the mineral world meets the creative minds of humanity. The result has been magical throughout the ages and continues to charm its way into collector's interiors and hearts. Lecture Hosted by Renee Brown, Studio Greytak Lead Designer
Collaborative Practice on Two Continents, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Over a decade ago two artists from opposite sides of the earth discovered they shared influences and art practices that experimented in combining ceramics, mosaics and drawing. Australian artist Pamela Irving and American artist Karen Ami have travelled parallel paths in their exploration of mosaics within a contemporary context. They met at an international symposium on contemporary mosaics and immediately connected with each others’ work. At that time, Pamela Irving was the chair of the Australian Mosaic Arts organization and Karen Ami was the president of the Mosaic Arts organization. Both were leaders in a growing movement to move practice. They visited each others studios over the years and found common ground in their use of materials and subject matter, they were enthusiastic to work together on ideas and projects focusing on specific ritualistic objects that had influenced their work. Using the internet to collaborate on their work, their process of creating ideas from each others drawings and objects of influence (ie: african fetish masks, meso-american fertility figures) lead to mosaic sculptures and drawings of different styles but a shared aesthetic. These artists will discuss how their unique approach to interpretation and reinvention has culminated in two exhibitions as collaboration this far, in addition to other works created in their individual practices. Lecture hosted by The Gallery for Contemporary Mosaics.
Collecting American Studio Furniture, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
James Zemaitis, the Director of Museum Relations for R & Company and a former auction executive at Sotheby's and Phillips, takes a deep dive into the complex market history of Wendell Castle's “wandering forms;” George Nakashima and the “soul of the tree;” Wharton Esherick; Sam Maloof; and other legendary American woodworkers of the 1950s- 1980s. Lecture hosted by R & Company
Sculpture in Sculpture, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Margie Criner is a Chicago artist hiding miniature narrative sculpture inside abstract sculpture. Criner discusses her intention to engage the curiosity in all of us, to celebrate what we have in common, to remind us that we are all in this together, and if you look further during those everyday moments in life, you may find something that surprises you. Margie Criner is represented at SOFA by The Red Arrow Gallery.
Art History Babes Live Podcast Discussing Women Artists, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
A panel of a variety of women artists discuss how far the art world has come and how far we need to go.
Sunday, November 3
Mosaic Demo, Hourly | Society of American Mosaic Artists
Continuous mosaic demonstrations throughout the day.
Glass Demo, Daily Schedule | Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Road Show
Sunday Demo Schedule:12:30pm - Jen Violette, Royal Oak, MI, Habatat Gallery, 2:30pm - Jeff Mack, Corning Museum of Glass, 4:30pm - Catherine Ayers, Corning Museum of Glass
Woodturning Demo, Daily Schedule | Chicago Wood Turners
Sunday Demo Schedule:12:30pm - Greg Galegos, Michigan, Natural Selection Studios, 1:45pm - Jeff Hornung, Missouri, Walnut Log Studios, 3:00pm - Andy Kuby, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners, 4:15pm - Al Miotke, Illinois, Chicago Woodturners
Still Counting…, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
We hear about gender inequity but it is very different to experience it first hand. Highly accomplished women in diverse industries share their personal stories illustrating how they have had to address sexism and micro-aggressions in the workplace. Further exploring tools and creative strategies used to overcome such challenges while ways to unify efforts as we are... still counting. Lecture hosted by Inspired Interiors.
CONNECT Panel Discussion, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Discussion with the faculty advisors, and one student representative, from the chosen CONNECT 2019 schools: Columbus College of Art & Design, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and University of Iowa. Tasked to design an installation incorporating seating, lighting, and staging - the advisors and students will discuss the inspirations and processes behind their concepts for this annual design competition. Moderating the panel will be Lela Hersh. Lela Hersh is the President of Museum of Fine Arts Consulting, LLC. She is an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers. Hersh is a Senior Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute, Chicago in the graduate department of the Arts Administration & Policy program. She is also a twenty-year veteran of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago where she served as their Director of Collections & Exhibitions and a past board member of the American Association of Museums. Hersh is the former the International Chair of the Personal Property Discipline and President of the Chicago Chapter of ASA. She is currently an ASA Governor for the Personal Property and on their Board of Examiners.
Art History Babes Live Podcast Highlighting SOFA’s Special Exhibits, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Representatives from SOFA’s female focused Special Exhibits speak about their experiences navigating their respective industry.