Phoenix Handcraft

I just heard from an old friend from undergrad who has started his own business since I last heard from him. Kyle Lucia and Johannah Willsey's Richmond, Virginia based, Phoenix Handcraft, a company creating custom furniture, gates, railings and mosaics. Kyle and I were often in metals and furniture classes together, and it looks like he has really soared since I spoke with him last. Kyle was known as the guy that always put in the extra time, always went the extra mile and made sure seams were perfect and the fit was always tight! The gallery of work being produced by the duo looks incredible. My favorite is definitely the pineapple arbor followed closely by a floor mosaic and fireplace screen. However, it doesn't stop there. These two could do just about anything. There is an incredible collection of hand made furniture and it looks like they are currently working on a mosaic at a local elementary school, and plenty of current projects on their facebook page. Congrats you two. Congrats, congrats, congrats. Looks like you are staying busy doing what you love.

Society for Contemporary Craft's Rapheal Founder's Prize

The Society for Contemporary Craft is hosting its bi-annual Raphael Founder's Prize and this year the category is for small metals and addresses the theme of "transformation."

The selection review committee for the 2011 prize will include guest jurors Bruce W. Pepich, Executive Director and Curator of Collections at the Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI, internationally known jeweler Natalya Pinchuk, Pittsburgh, PA; Alexandra Raphael, enamel artist, London, England; Catherine Raphael, metalsmith and storyteller, Pittsburgh, PA, Margaret Raphael, filmmaker, Hunker, PA and Kate Lydon, director of exhibitions, society of contemporary craft.

I am really excited about this prize and recommend all that can to apply! Here is a link to the prospectus. Applications due June 3rd, 2011!

Susie Ganch visits the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Last week Susie Ganch came to UWM and spent the whole day with the Jewelry and Metalsmithing students. I was lucky enough to show Susie my MFA thesis show in the morning then Susie went right into demo-ing cold connections and a group critique in the afternoon leading up to her artist lecture. Susie talked about her traveling art project, Radical Jewelry Makeover and their latest installment in Santa Fe. We topped the evening off with a party at Yevgeniya's house. What a lovely treat at the end of my MFA experience. Thanks again Susie for making it out here!