March/April 2011

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sthe SeattleMetals Guild

The Seattle Metals Guild is pleased to invite you to participate in the 2011 Biennial Exhibition. Every other year, SMG produces a grand exhibition open to participation from all SMG members. This year the show will coincide with the Society of North American Goldsmith’s conference (SNAG) in late May. The show will be held in the South Galleria of the Washington State Convention Center. The Galleria space is the central thoroughfare of the Convention Center, with nearly 20,000 visitors walking through daily. The 2011 Biennial Exhibition will be among the largest, if not the largest, exhibition of jewelry and metal art in the Pacific Northwest in 2011!

In an effort to build a stronger metals community throughout the Pacific Northwest, SMG has invited the Creative Metal Arts Guild of Portland, OR and the Spokane Jewelers’ Guild to participate in this year’s Biennial Exhibition. In addition, Passing the Torch, the annual exhibition of work created by Washington State High School metal arts students, will be shown simultaneously in the North Galleria. So much metal work, all in one place!

Passing The Torch 2011

9th Annual Passing the Torch Exhibition April 12 through May 30, 2011 Washington State Convention Center, North Galleria Awards Ceremony Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 2pm - 4pm. Keynote Speaker Nancy Worden

Read the details on page 5 and then head over to the Metals Guild website to read the recent Ornament Magazine article about Passing the Torch. (www.seattlemetalsguild.org)

Seattle Metals Guild 10th Biennial ExhibitionWashington State Convention Center, South GalleriaShow Dates: April 13 – July 10, 2011Reception: April 17, 2011, 2pm

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SMG EventsDate /Event Page

March 10: Rhinestone Rosie (jeweler/appraisor)

April 14: Bob Kramer (knifesmith)

April 11-May 30: Passing The Torch 2011. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

April 13-June 25: SMG 10th Biennial Exhibition . . . . . . . . 1

April 17: Biennial Reception WSCC

April 30: Passing the Torch Award Ceremony

May 24-25, 2011: Demo Days

May 26, 2011: Bruce Baker Workshop

ContentsPassing The Torch 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

SMG 10th Biennial Exhibition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Board News:

President’s Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SMG General Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2010 SMG Annual Treasurer’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Comparative Balance Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Income Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Net Cash Flows By Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Please Welcome our New Board Members! . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Grant Application Deadlines March 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Member News:

Marilyn Werby Rabinovitch Purchase Award Collection at BAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Indulge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Seymour Rabinovitch, Lifetime Achievement Awardee . . . 8

Events and Reviews:

Cynthia Eid Workshop Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Forging Ahead – Pat Maher Lecture Review . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Save the Date SYMPOSIUM 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Thumbnail Sketches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Membership Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Board News

President’s Letter March 2010Spring is just around the corner and SMG has some exciting events on the horizon. Aside from our regularly-scheduled Spring programs, such as the second half of the Lecture Series and Passing the Torch, we will also be unveiling our Biennial Exhibition in mid-April - just in time for SNAG. Every other year, SMG sponsors this non-juried exhibition open to all members. This year, The Biennial will be at the South Galleria of the Washington State Convention Center in Downtown Seattle. We anticipate this will be the largest metal and jewelry art exhibition in the Pacific Northwest during 2011.

Looking to share the SNAG spotlight, we have invited neighboring metals guilds to participate in our show this year and the response has been good. Members of both the Creative Metal Arts Guild of Portland and the Spokane Metals Guild will be involved. This wonderfully collaborative addition to the Biennial is certain to make for an exciting show and we hope it will contribute to building an even stronger metals community in our region.

The South Galleria is the central thoroughfare of the WSCC, with nearly 20,000 visitors walking through daily. The Galleria is grand but also has some limitations on the way it can be used. This has presented us with an opportunity to rethink the way we display our work and how we approach exhibitions in general. In the past, we’ve often been unable to use various venues due to lack of appropriate display cases. After searching high and low to borrow suitable cases for this year’s event, Molly Epstein (Exhibition Chair extraordinaire) proposed we design and build our own. After tons of research, Molly presented the Board with her plan and we voted unanimously to invest in our future and create the very first SMG display cases.

To take advantage of the large wall spaces and limited floor space of the South Galleria, 18 of the new cases will be wall-mounted, ideal for displaying jewelry. Keeping an eye to the future, these cases are designed in such a way that they can also be laid on their backs and used as table top vitrines. Additionally we are building 10 smaller pedestal vitrines that are well suited to sculptural work. Finally, after 20 years, we will have our own display cases! This should open many new exhibition opportunities for the future. It will also add a huge SMG member benefit, as members may borrow these cases at no charge.

Molly Epstein and Geoffrey Barker (SMG member and “first man”) have taken it upon themselves to bring the cases to fruition. They have meticulously designed them specifically for the Seattle Metals Guild. Design criteria for the cases included durability, cost, storability and, of course, aesthetics. Our new cases will be constructed of birch ply, aluminum, plexiglass. They break down to store flat, are fully portable, secure, elegant in appearance and construction, and are extremely affordable. The affordability of these cases is due in no small part to Molly and Geoffrey donating countless hours to the project, in addition to other volunteers taking on various aspects of display and promotion. We have also secured a generous sponsorship from Westcoast Water Jet, which will help to offset some costs.

The blueprints are complete, the materials have been ordered, parts are being cut. Soon everything will be ready for assembly. This is huge undertaking and will require many more hands. Behind the scenes, a team of volunteers is being assembled by Molly. Sign up today to build SMG’s future. Email exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.org to volunteer!

Dana Cassara, President SMG

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Over 50 people attended the General Meeting held February 4, 2011 at North Seattle Community College. The atmosphere was festive and lively. Guild President, Dana Cassara, brought the meeting to order with an overview of the evening’s agenda. For those who couldn’t be there, here are the highlights.

SNAG ConferenceAndy Cooperman began with a reminder that Seattle is hosting the 2011 SNAG Conference at the Westin Hotel, May 27-29. Andy, who has been to several SNAG conferences, likened the experience to walking into the Apple Store and feeling you have found your people – everyone is there to meet other makers, gawk at tools, and forge relationships. He warned folks not to put off registration, as the conference will sell out. SMG members get a 15% discount when they register in groups of five or more.

State of SMG FinancesTreasurer Mary Dingacci reported on the Guild’s financial status, giving the good news that we have a positive net balance! Memberships, the annual Symposium, and workshops are SMG’s top revenue generators (in that order). As a result, the Board decided to invest in display cases, to be used for the 2011 Biennial Exhibition, future Guild events, and which will be available to members to borrow. The cases are being built by Molly Epstein and Geoffrey Barker.

2011 Biennial ExhibitionMolly Epstein updated the audience on the 2011 Biennial Exhibition at the Washington State Convention Center, April 12 – July 10, 2011. This year’s Biennial will also feature work from members of the Spokane Jewelers Guild and the Creative Metal Arts Guild. SMG members may submit up to three pieces and registration ends March 13 (digital photos required). For submission information, or to sign up to volunteer (volunteers are needed for building and installation), email exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.com, or contact Molly at 973-714-9916.

President’s AddressPresident Cassara delivered an upbeat address highlighting the fact the membership is way up. She made special note that the Guild is fueled entirely by volunteers, recognizing those in the room who have given above and beyond with their commitment as committee chairs. The Symposium Committee is already at work on the October 2011 event (the last to be held at MOHAI). A new and improved website for the Guild is in development. The Biennial Exhibition will be the largest show during the SNAG conference.

As an amenity for SNAG attendees, SMG will also host a hospitality suite during the entire conference – a room in the Westin Hotel with a view, a bar, couches and space to relax and socialize. Be sure to bring a SNAG visitor with you! There will be suite monitors who will ensure all goes smoothly.

Dana underscored the fact that Seattle has a reputation for hosting one of the most successful SNAG conferences in memory (1999), and the upcoming event is not to be missed!

Board News

SMG General MeetingBy Sylvia Kantor

The Seattle Metals Guild ended 2010 with a net surplus of $8,830.54. This is an increase of $1,761.87 over the net surplus from 2009. The total assets on 12/31/10 were $42,244.22. As with last year, the positive results of these key indicators point to the fact that SMG remains fiscally strong as we enter 2011. Once again, there was a record attendance at the annual Symposium, which brought in $3,871.82 more than last year. Additionally, our membership has grown since last year, with an increase of $1,200 in membership dues from 2009 to 2010. All in all, we had

another very successful year. Because of the increase in assets that the Guild has experienced, the SMG Board has decided to purchase several display cases to be used in the 2011 Biennial Exhibition, as well as future shows and exhibitions. We are all very excited about these new additions to our fixed assets.

Please see the following three statements for more detail. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions: treasurer@seattlemetalsguild.org.

2010 Seattle Metals Guild Annual Treasurer’s ReportPresented at the SMG General Meeting, February 4, 2011

by Mary Dingacci, Treasurer, Seattle Metals Guild

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Seattle Metals Guild COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET

2008, 2009, and 2010

12/31/2008 12/31/2009 12/31/2010ASSETS

B of A Money Market 1633 0 0 12,519.10

Bank of America Chking 6806 4,727.72 13,829.23 29,669.48

BofA Security Chking 5507 14 14 0

Geo McLean Specific Project Grant 2471 1,000.00 500 0

Kris Williams Continued Education 2463 138 138 0

Ramona Solberg Travel Grant 2489 500 0 0

Ruth Pennington Teaching Grant 2455 1,000.00 1,000.00 0

Sharon Boardway Matriculated Stud 2447 1,500.00 1,300.00 0

WaMu CD 0638 @4% 12,250.50 12,503.72 0

WaMu Chking 9522 3,448.39 3,448.39 0

PayPal merchant 1,766.40 680.34 55.64

TOTAL ASSETS 26,345.01 33,413.68 42,244.22

LIABILITIES 0 0 0

OVERALL TOTAL 26,345.01 33,413.68 42,244.22

NET CHANGE YEAR TO YEAR: 7068.67 8830.54

Board NewsSeattle Metals Guild

NET CASH FLOwS BY CATEGORIES 2010

Interest Income 15.38

Membership 9,325.30

Symposium 5,334.81

Womens Shelter 1,086.31

Workshops 4,514.35

Biennial Exhibition -40.00

Lecture Series -525.92

Passing The Torch -1,932.39

Special Events -209.40

Snag -799.14

Board -895.39

Business License -180.00

Dues And Subscriptions -79.00

Insurance -1,365.00

Newsletter -1,078.33

Postage -250.00

Professional Services -655.34

Scholarship -2,049.83

Supplies -74.39

Website -1,311.48

Net Surplus 8,830.54

Seattle Metals Guild INCOME STATEMENT

For the Year Ending December 31, 2010

Income

Biennial Exhibition 160.00

Interest Income 15.38

Lecture Series 65.00

Membership 9,415.00

Symposium 15,686.82

Womens Shelter 1,100.00

Workshops 9,440.00

Total Cash Inflows 35,882.20

Expenses

Biennial Exhibition 200.00

Lecture Series 590.92

Membership 89.70

Passing The Torch 1,932.39

Picnic 209.40

Snag 799.14

Expenses (cont.)

Symposium 10,352.01

Womens Shelter 13.69

Workshops 4,925.65

Board 895.39

Business Licenses 180.00

Dues And Subscriptions 79.00

Insurance 1,365.00

Newsletter 1,078.33

Postage 250.00

Professional Services 655.34

Scholarship 2,049.83

Suplies 74.39

Website 1,311.48

Total Cash Outflows 27,051.66

Net Surplus Or Deficit 8,830.54

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Board News

Barbara KnuthBarbara received a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and is currently finishing an MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from San Diego State University. She has given lectures at the Art Institute of Chicago, Arizona State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Recent exhibitions include Fix, Dirt Gallery, Chicago, IL; No Boundaries: SNAG Student Exhibition, and National Group, SNAG, Houston, TX. Recent publications include The Pewter Studio, Lark Books, 2010, and 500 Pendants and Lockets, Lark Books, 2008. Barbara is currently living and working in Seattle, Washington and excited to be actively involved with the Seattle Metals Guild.

Lynn VernonLynne Vernon has always had a love for art and has studied many different mediums through workshops, college courses, and individual training with artists. Five years ago, she discovered metals and has never looked back. At that time, she joined SMG, SNAG, GANOKSIN, and SAS. She reads voraciously about metalsmithing and loves every minute of the uphill climb to learn more. She served on the SMG Workshop Committee through-out 2010 and is excited to continue working for SMG as a board member.

Please welcome our new board members!Grant Application

Deadlines March 15th

Three of the Grants offered by the Metals Guild have March 15th deadlines for application:

• The Ramona Solberg Travel Grant to study regional metalwork

• The Kris Williams Continuing Education Scholarship

• The Ruth Pennington Grant for a Professional Educator to create a special class or educational experience.

Up to $500 may be awarded for each grant. Details, Application Forms, and Instructions are on

our web site at:

www.seattlemetalsguild.org/scholarships

The Marilyn werby Rabinovitch Purchase Award Collection will be shown at the Bellevue Arts Museum, in the Community Education Gallery, April 29- July 10, 2011. The collection is comprised of work by BFA students from the now defunct University of Washington Metals Program. Seymour Rabinovitch established the Marilyn Werby Rabinovitch Endowment to the UW Metals Program in 1996 to honor his late wife. The endowment allowed professors of the program to acquire one or two pieces per year until the department closed in 2008, after a 94-year history.

Member Newscontinued from page 1

Passing The Torch 2011We are very pleased to announce that the 9th Annual Passing the Torch Exhibition will be held April 12 through May 30, 2011 in the North Galleria of the Washington State Convention Center. Coinciding with the SMG Biennial, this annual high school metal arts exhibition will feature the work of

select students from thirteen high schools throughout Washington State. Each school may submit up to six entries, one entry per student. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Jewelry, Metal Sculpture/Holloware, and this year’s special category, Recycled/Found Object. Judges for the 2011 competition are Jim Tuttle and Ron Ho.

The awards ceremony for Passing the Torch will take place in the North Galleria on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 2pm – 4pm. We are honored to have Nancy Worden as guest speaker for this inspiring and moving event. Come see the show and enjoy the ceremony - to see students recognized for their creative accomplishments is fantastic!

Sponsored by the Seattle Metals Guild, Passing the Torch promotes and furthers metals and jewelry arts education in the State of Washington. The event is orchestrated by a handful of SMG members committed to the cause. For more information, or to learn how you can volunteer for Passing the Torch, please email: passingthetorch@seattlemetalsguild.org.

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Member News

IndulgeSusan Phinney

Mark your 2012 calendars now! Bellevue Arts Museum’s “Indulge” jewelry marketplace was such a roaring success for the second year in a row, they’re planning it for next Febuary, sometime before Valentine’s Day.

Erin Ashley, BAM’s organizer of the event, said both the original 2010 show and the 2011 show which ran February 4 - 6, each attracted about 1,000 visitors and sales this year were better than 2010.

One participating artist sold $4,000 in one day, and most made $2,500 or more. 

“We want to build this show so it’s on everyone’s radar for February,” Ashley said, a place for collectors to visit, meet new artists and, hopefully, add to their collections.

Indulge was loaded with temptations and new faces. Penny and Tania Gleave, sisters from Vancouver B.C., who do business as “Lemon Park” (Tania is the creative side of the team and Penny manages) had one of the most varied displays. This artist works in everything from resin – bold cuffs in orange, for example, to brown pearls attached to a vertical gold bars for earrings.

Pearls were a recurring theme this year, but it was the wire works that seemed to stand out more than almost anything else. 

 Jeong Ju Lee of Rochester, NY, used wires as anchors for her one of a kind pieces, or spun wires together to form large, airy necklaces that were more like collars. 

Nicky Falkenhayn of Portland, crochets and knits wires into bands to adorn throats and wrists. Tia Kramer, Seattle, used paper and wire to create three-dimensional earrings, for example. She won an award of excellence for these designs. Kathy Frey of Nevada City, CA, used gold wire to form airy cannisters, or perhaps they were lantern earrings.

Sarah Fox of Hood River, Oregon also won an award of excellence for her silver pieces adorned with felt. The contast between colorful felt pods against silver is stunning. Shapes range from whimsical – rings that apear to have multi-colored mushrooms rising out of them, to bracelets framing bands of bold colors.

Kathleen Dustin, a New Hampshire artist, had a crowd around her display on Saturday afternoon. Dustin works in polymer clay to recreate forms and patterns inspired by the landscape around her home. Her “lichen” earrings at first glance resembled a cross section of a small tree trunk, or perhaps a fungus found on a plant. The irregular circles were enhanced with some small beads at the centers. Other larger forms looked like beach finds. But all were feather light and in earthy tones.

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Volunteers are Needed!Display Case Assembly Parties: March 12 and March 20. Molly Epstein’s studio, North Seattle (please email exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.org for the address)

Our new display cases are a huge undertaking that will benefit SMG for years to come! We need HANDY volunteers to help assemble our new cases.

Prop-making Parties: March 20 and March 27. Danaca Design Studio, 10am-5pm.

Exhibition installation: April 11 and April 12. Washington State Convention Center.

For more volunteer information, please email: exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.org

Online Registration Form: Work cannot be accepted without completion of our online registration form. The online form can not be saved - be sure to have your brief artist statement and work specs saved BEFORE filling out the form. Please be sure to print your receipt.

Techno-timid? Don’t fear – we’re here to help! Email exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.org for help or questions with the form.

Work Drop-Off and/or Shipment InformationDrop-offs for work are March 5th and March 13th, 1-6pm at Danaca Design Studio: 5619 University Way North, Seattle, WA 98105. We will also accept work by mail to this address. If you need to mail your work, it MUST be shipped with a printed receipt. Your piece must be fully insured. You are responsible for providing a return address label with postage for return after the show. It will be returned in the same box it was sent in.

The last day we can accept work for the Biennial is March 13th.

Please remember that all Guild members may submit up to 3 pieces for this show and are guaranteed at least 1 piece. Additional pieces will be shown as space allows.

Large WorksWe will be able to accommodate several pieces up to 18”x18”x18” and a few pieces up to 18”x32”x18”. There is a limited amount of space for large work. We urge anyone who needs the extra room to register early – space is given on a first-come-first-serve basis.

All members may submit up to 3 items for the Biennial. We strongly recommend that anyone submitting large work also consider submitting smaller works as well, to ensure you are represented.

If you have any questions about size limitations, please email: exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.org

Wall PiecesThe Convention Center is also great for wall pieces. Anything displayed directly on a wall will have its own security alarm.

Work Pick-UpPick up- July 24th 1PM – 6PM at Danaca Design, 5619 University Way North, Seattle, WA 98105. To make alternate pick-up arrangements, please email: exhibitions@seattlemetalsguild.org.

You may allow someone else to pick up you pieces; that person must have your registration receipt in hand.

Please note that any work not picked up by August 15 will be donated to the 2011 Symposium auction.

TO REGISTER FOR THE BIENNIAL, PLEASE VISIT: http://registration.seattlemetalsguild.org/

Member Newscontinued from page 1

Seattle Metals Guild 10th Biennial Exhibition

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I had the opportunity to take Cynthia Eid’s Hydraulic Press (Bonnie Doon) Workshop at North Seattle Community College, January 21-23. This event was part of the Seattle Metals Guild workshop series, and was attended by Guild members, as well as people from Oregon, Alaska, and Canada. It was an amazing & inspiring experience.

Learning began with Cynthia’s Friday evening slide show presentation, during which she shared photos of her work as well as important aspects of her inspirations and her life.

Saturday, Cynthia began the workshop by asking us what we wanted to learn about the hydraulic press. She demonstrated the use of urethane and how the different durometers impact metal. She then shared samples of her embossing and taught us how to emboss using the press. We also had demonstrations of the Bonny Doon Precision Die Forming System, followed by time to work with the tools. There were 4 presses available during the class, including an electric press, and all students had ample time to experiment and play.

Next, Cynthia shared bracelet samples and demonstrated the use of restraining rings in the hydraulic press to form bracelets. We used our embossed metal and the new Bonny Doon synclastic formers, and the anti-clastic forming system, in the press to form bracelets. It was a treat to watch everyone’s work take shape.

Perhaps the high point of the class for many of the students was learning how to use the press to do 3” deep drawing and viewing samples, after seeing Cynthia’s own deep drawing pieces - incredible works of art!

Cynthia stressed the importance of caring for the expensive tools and was very generous sharing their use with us. I felt honored to be a student in her class. This class provided us with the opportunity to use a wide range of the Bonnie Doon tools we’ve seen in the catalog but wouldn’t have known how to use without hands-on experience and Cynthia’s demos.

Cynthia Eid Workshop ReviewBy Jules Mcleland

Member News

Seymour Rabinovitch, Lifetime Achievement AwardeeSylvia Kantor

The Seattle Metals Guild bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Benton Seymour Rabinovitch on February 4, 2011 at the General Meeting. Beloved among metalsmiths and chemists alike, Seymour will add this honor to his long list of accomplishments. With six University of Washington endowments established on behalf of or by Rabinovitch, the man is no

stranger to being recognized for his contributions. His work in the field of molecular dynamics (processes by which molecules collide and rearrange) is standard content in physical chemistry textbooks. Yet Seymour is also an accomplished collector, maker, and author, with three titles to his name on his favorite topic - slices (antique fish, pudding, and cake servers).

A life devoted to excelling in science left little time for Rabinovitch to absorb much about history and art. He decided one way to learn more was by collecting silver: silver slices, in particular, which he defines as a flat blade with a sharp edge. What started as a quest for a wedding gift for his brother and

sister-in-law became an obsession, by his own admission. His collection includes the second oldest fish slice he knows of, dated to 1723. Naturally, collecting led to curiosity about how slices were made and course in silversmithing in London.

Having spent some time at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Rabinovitch observed that contemporary metalsmiths appeared to be very underrepresented by the institution. He decided to commission contemporary slices from artists in the United States, England, and Canada as a way to carry his interest forward and because, “metalsmiths can always do with another order.” All in all, he commissioned 103 pieces, 98 of which went into the final collection. Many of Seattle’s own (Florence Baker-Wood, Phil Baldwin, Candace Beardslee, Flora Book, Andy Cooperman, David Gackenbach, Roger Horner, John Marshall, Maria Phillips, Heikki Seppa, and Kiff Slemmons) are included in this collection, which now resides at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (visit http://collections.vam.ac.uk/ and search for ‘Rabinovitch’ to view the collection). Seymour Rabinovitch is truly a treasure among us, and well deserving of recognition by the Seattle Metals Guild.

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Deep in the heart of Ballard, Pat Maher is creating modern sculptures using

ancient techniques. On February 10, he treated a full house of Seattle Metals Guild lecture series attendees at SPU’s Otto Miller Hall to the story of how he came to this work and what inspires him to create it.

Originally from the Boston area, Maher received his BFA from the Art Institute of Boston before coming to

Seattle to attend Cornish College of the Arts. It was at Cornish where he had his first exposure to metals and was introduced to a local blacksmith. Maher said he was immediately drawn to the sense of history present in metal forging techniques, feeling that the medium could serve him both architecturally and functionally.

While working at area forges, Maher began drawing in charcoal – Escher-like architectural images that gave him a good foundation in proportion and shape. Some of these he turned into etchings, but decided to move on to a 3-dimensional work in metal.

After learning and experimenting, and starting out with a plasma cutter, Maher began forging, incorporating traditional joinery techniques, such as rivets and hammered seams, into his pieces. His first work using these techniques was a series of shipwrecks made from copper and old boiler plates. His long-standing fascination with water towers (first appearing in his drawings and etchings) also brought to life a forged series of those structures.

Maher’s next bodies of work included miniature wardrobes and spooky houses. He told us he particularly enjoys forging objects with an interior to, “create

stage sets inside.” The wardrobes and houses have doors that open to room scenes, many becoming smaller toward the back as they disappear into a vanishing point. He has also built a steel-plated igloo, Trojan horse, and pyramid, all with interior scenes, because, he said, he’d never seen steel-plated versions of any of these and thought it would be fun to build them.

Maher is also known for his egg sculptures. The shape is one of his favorites, offering many options for creative interiors. While many of the eggs are steel-plated, Maher also likes the shape

because it lends it self well to many metals.

While the egg sculpture shape is elegant in its simplicity, crafting it takes precision. Maher first cuts out his pieces of shell and matches them together to form half the shape. He TIG welds and rivets these together, then joins the two halves such that they line up without distorting the ovular shape, making it harder and harder to get to the interior of the piece and work the rivets. The final sculpture is heated to tighten all the rivets and keep all shell sections together.

Today, Maher has Red Door Studio in Ballard, where he brings his various creations to life. He takes commissions from businesses and individuals (including stunning gates, banisters, and elegant door hardware). He told us that he tries to maintain bread-and-butter production lines along with his sculptures and commission work. Lately, however, his goal is to make art more of a priority over architecture,

balancing commissions with his own creative expression.

Pat Maher’s work deftly incorporates modern aesthetics with traditional techniques. To see his pieces and hear him talk about metalsmithing and

his ideas, I so clearly get the sense he absolutely loves what he does from both a creative and technical standpoint. He drew a rapt audience of both jewelers and blacksmiths for his talk, all inspired by his work and his energy. Thanks to Pat Maher for the great lecture, and to Aaron Barr for bringing him to the line up.

Events and Reviews

Forging Ahead – Pat Maher Lecture ReviewBy Tegan Wallace

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Lend Us a Hand!We are looking for a Seattle artist who works with their hands as a subject for the Vincent Laforet weekend. Metal, Clay, Woodworking, etc.

We want to film someone making their art, and then record some interviews to edit together a short video project. For more information, please visit http://creativeLIVE.com

Save the Arts!Last week, 165 members of Congress representing the Republican Study Committee called for termination of the National Endowment for the Arts and key arts education programs. Please send a message now to your member of Congress in support of the NEA. Tell your friends and take action!

Call for Artists 4 Culture Individual Artist Projects

Deadline: March 9, 2011

4Culture’s Individual Artist Projects program provides artists who reside in

King County with critical project support. Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Eligible projects may be at any stage of development including initial planning, in-process and final production.

For more info, visit: http://www.4culture.org/arts/projects/index.htm

Art Works - Business of CraftsArtWorks is pleased to present this comprehensive fun two-day workshop for artists and craftspeople new to selling their work, or who have been selling on a small scale and are ready to take their business to the next level. The workshop runs March 12 and 13, from 8am – 8pm; registration is $195. For more information, please visit: http://www.businessofcrafts.com

Gap Grant WebinarArtist Trust is offering a free one-hour webinar that will offer general information on applying for Artist Trust’s 2011 Grants for Artist Projects (GAP), Saturday, March 26, 2-4pm. The Webinar

is free, but registration is required. For more information, please visit: http://artisttrust.org/index.php/events/event/artist_trust_webinar_applying_for_2011_grants_for_artist_projects_gap

6th Annual BizArts Conference - Register Now!The 6th Annual BizArts Conference is almost here! Held March 25 and 26 at Edmonds Community College, this event features workshops on the business of being an artist, offering real-world advice and practical tips. For more information, and to register, plase visit: http://www.bizartinfo.com/

I’m an Artist! – Artist Trust WorkshopLearn how to present, promote, and sustain your work during this two-day, intensive weekend symposium. Jumpstart or refresh your creative career with essential resources, funding opportunities, peer-to-peer evaluation, networking and hands-on feedback. For more information, and to register, please visit: http://artisttrust.org/index.php/events/event/artist_trust_workshop_i_am_an_artist

To network more information and future entries for this column, please contact newsletter@seattlemetalsguild.org

metals events & information

Events and Reviews

The Place: The Museum of History and Industry, Seattle.

The Event: The 16th Annual Northwest Jewelry & Metals Symposium

The Date: October 15, 2011 from 9:00am-5:30pm.

SNAG may be here this Spring, but this Fall there is one gem of a Symposium! Hosted, as always, by the Seattle Metals Guild, doors open at 8:00 am for coffee and late registration. Hobnob with friends, colleagues, collectors, and fellow travelers. Network, forge new relationships and expand your horizons while experiencing five riveting presentations from an international slate of speakers.

This year’s presenters are: Kristin Beeler, Julie Blyfield, Helen Carnac, Sergey Jivetin and Charon Kransen.As always, the day-of presentations will be accompanied by a dynamite silent auction and the tome-laden tables of Charon Kransen’s book sale (this year, Charon will even be there

himself!). And don’t forget these added bonuses: •Resource Table: Information from suppliers, organizations,

schools and art centers, special programs (such as Passing the Torch), -- anything in line with regional jewelry and metalsmithing interests-- including SMG members’ business, show cards, announcements and promotional materials. Be sure to bring enough printed material to share with attendees.

•High school teachers’ “Meet & Greet”: From 8am to 9am, this is an opportunity for high school instructors to get to know each other and discover more about what each of their jewelry, metals and art programs have to offer. High school instructors can receive clock hours for their attendance at the Symposium.

Watch for detailed Symposium information in the coming months on the Seattle Metals Guild website: www.seattlemetalsguild.org and future Guild newsletters.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity. It only happens once a year so mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you!

Save the Date SYMPOSIUM 2011

11 www.seattlemetalsguild.org

Today’s Date ❑ New Member ❑ Renewing Member ❑ Check if contact info has changed

Name Organization (If applicable)

Address

City State Zip Country

Home Phone Cell Phone Work Phone

Email Fax

Check if you do NOT want your ❑ address or ❑ phone published in the SMG directory

❑If you would like to receive a paper copy of the newsletter in the mail, in addition to the emailed electronic version, check the box and include an extra $5.00 for your membership fee.

Enclosed is: ❑ $45 ($50 with paper newsletter) Individual membership ❑ $20 ($25 with paper newsletter) Student w/copy of student ID

❑ $60 ($65 with paper newsletter) Household membership (for any number of adults at the same address) Memberships paid on or after September 15, 2010 will be valid through 12/31/11.

I can help with: ❑ Newsletter ❑ Mailings ❑ Bead Necklace ❑ Exhibits ❑ Workshops and Events ❑ Symposium

❑ Educational Outreach ❑ Misc. – Call me for specific tasks as needed

Other skills I can offer to the SMG:

Please make checks payable to: SMG, PO Box 70407, Seattle, WA 98127

Please allow up to four weeks for processing of your membership. If you have not received confirmation within four weeks, please contact membership@seattlemetalsguild.org.

MEMBERSHIP FORM

NEW

Eventscontinued from page 3

SMG General MeetingLifetime Achievement Award The General Meeting concluded with the presentation of the SMG Lifetime Achievement Award to Seymour Rabinovitch. Mr. Rabinovitch received his award from Nancy Megan Corwin, then gave a delightful talk about his life and collections (see review on p. 8).

The meeting was followed by time for socializing and door prizes! In this relaxed, warm atmosphere, everyone enjoyed refreshments and conversation with old and new friends. Thanks to Lynne Hull for arranging the space for this social event. The SMG General Meeting is a social gathering we can look forward to next year!

P O Box 70407Seattle, WA 98127

March/April 2011

www.seattlemetalsguild.org

The Seattle Metals Guild is a non-profit organization made up of people with vary-ing interests and involvement in traditional and contemporary jewelry and metal arts.The Guild was founded in 1989 to provide for the exchange of ideas and information, as well as to offer affordable educational oppor-tunities to its members and the public.Our activities include: a web site, bimonthly newsletter, exhibitions and a series of aes-thetic, technical and business workshops and lectures.The skills, energy and enthusiasm of the Se-attle Metals Guild members promote and sustain its successful programs.We welcome new members and encourage participation by everyone.

The Seattle Metals Guild Newsletter is published bimonthly. Comments, announcements and ads are welcome from all SMG members.

Please contribute to your NewsletterWe encourage participation and welcome information about upcoming shows and events, articles about safety and bench tips you would like to share. If you have comments or something to contribute, please submit your information, generated in a word processing program, via e-mail.

Include photos or logo artwork in JPEG format, if available. Remember to provide who, what, when, where, why and how.Tegan Wallace: newsletter@seattlemetalsguild.org

Deadline for May/June issue is April 10. Articles received after that date may be published in the following newsletter.

2010-2011 SMG Board of DirectorsAll addresses are suffixed with “@seattlemetalsguild.org”

President . . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Cassara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . president@Past President . . . . . . . . John Caster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pastpresident@Vice President . . . . . . . . Tegan Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vicepresident@Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . Suz O’Dell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . secretary@Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Dingacci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . treasurer@Membership Chair . . . . Peg Gyldenege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . membership@Outreach Chair . . . . . . . Reed Schilbach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . outreach@Education Chair. . . . . . . Megan Corwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . education@General Board . . . . . . . . Lynn Vernon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . board2@General Board . . . . . . . . Barbara Knuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . board4@General Board . . . . . . . . Kiraya Kestin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . board6@

SMG ServicesNewsletter Editor . . . . . . . . . Tegan Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . newsletter@Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bon Vernarelli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . librarian@Symposium Coordinator . . . . Candace Beardslee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . symposium@Workshop Coordinator . . . . . Megan Corwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . workshop@Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peg Gyldenege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . membership@

The Seattle Metals Guild is an Associated Program of Shunpike.