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Riffe Gallery Presents Educators/Educated: Jewelry & Metals in Ohio
by Shane Cartmill
 The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery will present an exhibition focusing on the rich legacy of metals programs at Ohio’s colleges and universities November 18, 2004 – January 23, 2005. Educators/Educated: Jewelry & Metals in Ohio is a vibrant introduction to work created between 1955 and 2004 by current and former faculty as well as selected alumni from six highly regarded, degree-granting jewelry and metals programs in the state.
Educators/Educated is a focused investigation of the Ohio metals community’s vital artists, seminal objects and processes. The exhibition includes a breadth of creative ideas and highly personal forms ranging from elegant to quirky and historic to contemporary. The strengths of Ohio metals and jewelry artists reaffirm the heritage and ongoing creative vitality of the craft. In addition, it illustrates the academic institutions’ emphasis on the individual’s development as an artist and as a craftsperson.
Included in Educators/Educated is groundbreaking studio work by artists and educators from Bowling Green University, Cleveland Institute of Art, Kent State University, Miami University, Ohio Wesleyan and University of Akron. Historically important artists included in the exhibition are Kenneth Bates, Harold Hasselschwert, Betty Heald, Fredrick Miller, John Paul Miller, Mary Ann Scherr, Mel Someroski, Edward Winter and Helen Worrall.
Educators/Educated is comprised of a variety of styles and mediums, including: jewelry (brooches, tiaras, bracelets); domestic objects (teapots, vases, bowls); metal sculpture; and enamels. More than 140 objects will be on display as part of the exhibition curated by Gail M. Brown, curator of contemporary craft.
On Thursday, November 18, 2004, from 5 – 7 p.m., the Riffe Gallery will host a free public opening reception.
A free exhibition tour with curator Gail M. Brown will be offered on Friday, November 19, 2004, from 12 - 1 p.m. She will highlight the significant contributions made by Ohio's metalsmiths and jewelers as she leads a tour of the exhibition. Brown will discuss the creative process behind the work chosen for this celebration of the state's vibrant metals community.
A hands-on workshop for adults will be offered on Thursday, December 2, 2004, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Participants will explore the art of chain link bracelets with Educator/Educated artist Kelly Malec-Kosak. Beginners and more experienced jewelry makers will create their own bracelet in sterling silver. The materials fee for the workshop is $10. Space is limited to 15 participants. Call 614/728-2239 for reservations.
The Riffe Gallery will offer a copper etching workshop for young people with Columbus artist Stephanie Sypsa on Sunday, December 12, 2004, from 2 - 4 p.m. Sypsa will share her skills and knowledge of the historic tradition of metal engraving while helping participants create a one of a kind piece of copper jewelry incorporating their own concept, design and assembly. The workshop is free and open to children age 10 and older with an adult companion. Materials are provided.
The Riffe Gallery will offer free group tours Tuesday through Friday throughout the run of the exhibition. To schedule a group tour contact Riffe Gallery Director Mary Gray at mary.gray@oac.state.oh.us or 614/728-2239.
Following the Riffe Gallery exhibition, Educators/Educated travels to the Butler Institute of American Art - Trumbull Branch (February 19 - May 29, 2005) and the Cleveland Institute of Art (June 24 - July 25, 2005).
The Riffe Gallery is supported by Ohio Building Authority. Media sponsors include Alive, CityScene, Ohio Magazine and Time Warner.
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio's artists and curators, exhibitions produced by the Ohio Arts Council’s International Program and the collections of the region’s museums and galleries. The Riffe Gallery’s Education Program seeks to increase public appreciation and understanding of those exhibitions.
The gallery is in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, State and High Streets, Columbus, OH. Gallery hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 12-8 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Closed Monday and state holidays. Admission is free. For information, call the Riffe Gallery at 614/644-9624 or visit us on the web at www.riffegallery.org.
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.
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