Past Exhibitions

2010 Exhibitions In Residence 2009 May 29 - July 24, 2010 In Residence 2009 celebrates the work of our 2009 Artists-in-Residence. Created during or inspired by the artists’ experiences at HCCC, the exhibition features works by Gabriel Craig & Amy Weiks, Kelley Eggert, Jeff Forster, Peter Masters, and Rebecca Roberds. To read more about HCCC’s Artist Residency program and our current artists-in-residence, click here. Above, clockwise, from top left: Peter Masters, Untitled (Detail), 2001. Sculpture made from porcelain, white earthenware, salt glazed, slumped glass. Photo courtesy of the artist. Gabriel Craig & Amy Weiks, Puffy Queen: Animal Tamer, 2009. Brooch made from sterling silver, shibuichi, brass, 14k gold, stainless steel, found and altered chain and coins. Photo by Gabriel Craig & Amy Weiks. Kelley Eggert, Superiority / Inferiority Complex, 2009. Sculpture made from stoneware, underglaze, luster, acrylic paint, dyed monofilament, polymer clay, horse hair. Photo by Kelley Eggert. Rebecca Roberds, Virus on Parade. Photo by Rebecca Roberds. Jeff Forster, Residual Glaze Catcher, 2010. Sculpture made of soda-fired stoneware. Photo by Jeff Forster. Michael Peterson: Evolution/Revolution March 27 - July 3, 2010 Following the unique trajectory of wood sculptor Michael Peterson over the past 20 years, Evolution/Revolution traces the evolution from the artist's early lathe-turned bowls to his current revolutionary sculptures, which are devoid of the lathe. Over 30 sculptures, inspired by the geographic environment of the Pacific Northwest, will be on view.  Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Peterson now resides on Lopez Island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington, where he draws heavily from the surrounding environment. Turning, carving, sandblasting, bleaching and pigmenting the burl portion of trees, such as madrone, maple, grass tree, elm and locust, Peterson creates sculptural works of sheer beauty and purity. He starts with multiple wet chunks of wood, which are carved and hollowed out using chainsaws. As the pieces dry, they shrink and warp in unpredictable ways that heighten their grain patterns and create rich textures. He then smoothes the edges, and sometimes bleaches the pieces prior to layering them with multiple, subtle coats of pigments. He often wipes away these pigments to create the illusion of depth--much the same way painters do to create chiaroscuro effects. Some of the sculptures are composed of individual hollowed-out units that, when stacked vertically, are reminiscent of how waves toss driftwood into unpredictable positions on the beach. Above, works by Michael Peterson: Coastal Stack III, 2007. Carved, sandblasted, bleached and pigmented madrone burl. Collection of Jon and Diana Sebaly. Photo by Rex Rystedt. "Teardrop" Landscape Series, 1987. Lathe-turned maple burl. Collection of Jane and Arthur Mason. Photo by Rex Rystedt. Bench, 2005. Carved, sandblasted, and pigmented madrone burl. Collection of the artist. Photo by Jean Peterson. Stretch: ClayHouston March 27 - May 23, 2010 Stretch is a juried exhibition of work by the local artist group, ClayHouston. The ceramic artists were challenged by our Curator of Fine Craft, Gwynne Rukenbrod, to “stretch” the medium and definition of clay. The resulting exhibition features beautiful pieces by 24 artists and showcases a range of ceramic processes. Stretch includes both functional pieces, such as vases, bowls, and teapots, and sculptural works. Although some of the works are traditional in appearance, many of them utilize complex glazing techniques, highlight new approaches to mark-making and experiment with the endless possibilities of clay. Above, from left to right: Jeff Forster, Receptacle II, 2009. Press molded and wood-fired stoneware with flashing slip. Photo by Jeff Forster.  Virginia Bally, Double Crain, 2009. Green celadon on porcelain, hand thrown. Photo by Andre C. Bally, Bally Studio. Eileen Braun, Untitled, 2010. Porcelain, electric multi-fired fired to cone 6. Wheel thrown, blown out, altered, carved, sprayed under glazed, and slip trailed. Photo by Eileen Braun. January 16 - May 16, 2010 Emergence by Colin McIntyre The 2,000-pound sculpture, called Emergence, is by Austin artist and blacksmith Colin McIntyre, who draws his inspiration from organic forms such as plants and marine life.  Emergence represents an extraordinary feat of blacksmithing and is the tallest single piece of artwork ever displayed at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Steel Flowers by Barbara Irwin Austin artist Barbara Irwin began creating unique welded-steel and found-object flowers just over two years ago, at Austin Community College, and hasn’t looked back since. Each flower is whimsical, combining welded steel and found metal objects like old car parts and household items. Above: Colin McIntyre installing his sculpture, Emergence. Photo by Matt Smith. Steel flowers by Barbara Irwin. Photo courtesy HCCC. IRON: Forged, Tempered, Quenched January 16 – May 16, 2010 Iron: Forged, Tempered, Quenched celebrates the rich history of American blacksmithing by bridging historical and contemporary works to illustrate the wide variety of techniques and processes currently practiced in the U.S. The exhibition, which opens January 16 and runs through May 16, is one of the most significant exhibitions of blacksmithed objects in decades. Iron features more than 40 pieces by 38 artists from across the U.S., including Elizabeth Brim, Frederic Crist, Carl Jennings, John Medwedeff, Noellyn Pepos, Lee Tribe and James Wallace. Local and regional artists in the show include Dave Koenig, founder of the Houston Area Blacksmiths’ Association (HABA), and members of the Austin Metal Authority. Images, top row, left to right: Stephen Yusko, Box Series, 2009. Boxes. Forged and Fabricated Steel. Photo by Jeff Bruce. Rebekah Frank, Raphide, 2007. Sculpture. Forged Steel and Copper. Photo by Brent Bates Onion Creek Studio.  Bottom row, left to right: Zack Noble, Dr. Suess Bloom (detail), 2005. Forged steel. Photo by Tom Mills Photography. Lu Heintz, Mama Turkey, 2009. Sculpture. Mild Steel, Wool, Turkey Feathers, Thread, Bone. Photo by Frank Gambino. eXtreme Tea January 16 - March 21, 2010 eXtreme Tea is a surprising exhibition of tea infusers and strainers—seemingly mundane household items that hold loose tea leaves for brewing in a pot or cup. However, because of the small scale and potential for minute decorative detail, these items present an exciting challenge for contemporary artists. The exhibition includes tea infusers made predominantly from metal, but also includes pieces made from glass, ceramic, fiber, plastic and combinations of mixed media. eXtreme Tea contrasts traditional tea infusers with inventive contemporary pieces that take these simple objects to extremes. Top row, left to right: Victoria Altepeter, Steeped in Tradition, 2009. Infuser made from silver, nickle, hand-forged mokume gane, and a marriage of metals. Photo by Victoria Altepeter. Olga Barmina, Bombyx Tea, 2009. Tea strainer made from sterling and fine silver and 18K gold. Photo by George Post. Bottom row, left to right: Victoria Lansford, Darling, lotus have some tea...(detail), 2009. Tea infuser, strainer, and drip stand. Sterling silver, fine silver, 22K/sterling bi-metal; Russian filigree, Eastern repoussé, chasing, chain making, and fabrication. Photo by Victoria Lansford. Dan Schatz, vT, 2009.Pierced silver tea infuser. Photo by Anne Wolf TRANSMUTATIONS: Material Reborn January 16 – March 21, 2010 Curated by celebrated jeweler, Susan Sloan, TRANSMUTATIONS: Material Reborn showcases 28 international jewelry artists who transform materials, such as resin, latex, rubber, vinyl, and thermoplastics, into outrageous jewelry and wearable art. The exhibition includes pieces meant for everyday adornment as well as those that make a larger-than-life statement—some of which are created in combination with more conventional materials, such as gold, silver, pearls, and gemstones. From left to right: Emiko Oye, Cartier Blanc, 2008. From My First Royal Jewels. Neckpiece made from repurposed LEGO®, rubber cording, and sterling silver. Photo by Christine Dhein. Rebecca Hannon, Bloom, 2008. Brooch made from plastics, horsehair, and silver. Photo by Rebecca Hannon. Emiko Oye, The Duchess, 2008. From My First Royal Jewels. Neckpiece made from repurposed LEGO® and rubber cording. Photo by Emiko Oye. 2009 Exhibitions rock, scissors, paper October 29, 2009 – January 10, 2010 rock, scissors, paper features the work of five artists (from the U.S., England, and Taiwan) who use commercially printed found paper in their work. From cutting to folding, stitching, layering and collage, Claire Brewster, Renata Lucia, Inca Pan, former HCCC resident artist Lisa Qualls, and Wonil Suh use found pages, scraps, and prints in their work—sometimes as the sole material and sometimes as an element. Using found papers as a visual element or a social commentary began in the early 20th Century and is used more and more often, as artists recycle and reuse cast-away papers from their environment. Come see how these artists have created installations, quilts, illustrations, and even clothing with paper. Clock wise above, from left: Claire Brewster, Oh the birds (detail), 2008. Cut world map, pins, direct installation onto wall. Photo by Paul Minyo. Inca Pan, Starry Night (detail). Image courtesy the artist. Renata Lucia, Cathedral Window (detail). Image courtesy the artist. Lisa Qualls, Dulia (detail), 2009. Found paper, pigment, encaustic, stitching. Photo courtesy the artist. Texas Masters Series: Rachelle Thiewes Celebrating Our Creative Spirit: Texas Federation of Fiber Artists October 3 – December 24, 2009 Texas Masters Series: Rachelle Thiewes (in the Small Gallery) Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is proud to present a solo exhibition of work by Rachelle Thiewes, a jeweler, metal artist and professor of metal arts at the University of Texas at El Paso. Recently named HCCC’s 2009 Texas Master, Thiewes has created several bodies of work that have made an instrumental difference to the field of art jewelry. Like no other artist working today, Thiewes takes into account the movement of the body and how a piece of jewelry might impact, or be impacted, by movement. Visitors will be wowed by the array of metal jewelry that ranges from stunning, kinetic earrings to multi-functional brooches and bold bracelets made from steel and color-shifting auto paint. Celebrating Our Creative Spirit: Texas Federation of Fiber Artists (in the Large Gallery) The Texas Federation of Fiber Artists invited all fiber and textile artists living in the state of Texas to apply to this exhibition, which was juried by celebrated textile artist Tim Harding. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exceptional fiber art—including quilts, embroidery, collage, tapestry, sculpture and much more. Over 90 pieces were selected from 225 submissions. The art works were judged on criteria such as craftsmanship; compelling visual quality; and unity of overall form among the different components, such as material, technique, scale, imagery, color, texture, and composition. Celebrating Our Creative Spirit was organized by the Texas Federation of Fiber Artists. Above: Laurie Brainerd, Be (detail), 2008. Machine pieced and quilted with cotton and polyester thread, stretched on a wood frame. Photo by Laurie Brainerd. Rachelle Thiewes, Heat, 2008. Steel bracelet painted with auto paints, including Kameleons (color-shifting paints). Photo by Rachelle Thiewes. Omar Angel Perez: Stilett”O”s August 29 – October 25, 2009 Stop by the Artist Hall to see the most fabulous stilett”O”s you’ve ever seen! Houston artist and woodworker, Omar Angel Perez, has created impossibly sexy, sky-high platform shoes from turned wood and accents such as band saw blades, snakeskin, leather, feathers and Swarovski crystals. His playful pieces explore the sadistic world of any fashionista’s shoe fetish. Perez says, “As an expression of appreciation, I offer my gratitude to all women who endure the torture of wearing such heels. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.” Shoe and woodworking lovers alike will swoon. Above: Omar Angel Perez: Emmanuelle, 2009. Ebony, cocobolo, zippers. 19"h x 9 1/2 "w x 5"d. Tashi, 2009. Rosewood, chopsticks, vine, paper, Chinese coin. 21"h x 10"w x 5"d. Serpentine Liaison, 2009. Ebony, snake skin, maple, band saw blades. 37"h x 16"w x 9"d. Photos by Katharine Landmeier. Challenge VII: dysFUNctional Unknitting: Challenging Textile Traditions July 18 - September 13, 2009 Challenge VII: dysFUNctional showcases contemporary wood art, sculpture, photos, installation art, and videos and that subvert and satirize function. Artists from all over the world were asked to explore and interpret ideas of function and dysfunction in this dynamic juried show. The works presented evoke a sense of humor, fun, curiosity and suspicion—ranging from a prickly chair to a set of dinosaur-like spoons and many other imaginative creations. Unknitting: Challenging Textile Traditions highlights the work of four artists who are advancing and questioning established textile traditions: Adrian Esparza, from El Paso, Texas; Rachel Gomme, from London, England; Mark Newport, from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and Sandra Valenzuela, from New York City, New York.  By addressing stereotypes of gender and challenging the domestic-based, utilitarian objects that are typical of the knitted crafts, the work of these artists completely upends tradition. Above, Clockwise from top left: Jennifer Marsh, Blue Chair, 2005. Wood, paint. Photo by John Carlano. Michael de Forest, This is My Handle, This is My Spout, 2008. Bent wood, sticks, milk paint. Photo by John Carlano. Jerry Bennett, D'Canter, Can't, 2007. Mahogany, maple, brass. Photo by John Carlano. From the Collection of Deena & Jerome Kaplan. Mark Newport, Raw Hide Kid, 2005. Acrylic yarn. Photo by Marty Snortum. Sandra Valenzuela, Media Noche, 2007. Lamda metallic print. Photo by Sandra Valenzuela. In Residence 2008 June 25 - August 22, 2009 Curated by Gwynne Rukenbrod, HCCC Curator of Fine Craft, In Residence 2008 showcases new and recent works in a variety of media by Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s 2008 Artist-in-Residence. Featured artists include Jay Calder, Barbara Kile, Hyo-in Kim, Kim Ritter, John Paul Van Domelen, Laura Viada, and Lynn Williams. The show will be on view June 25 – August 22, 2009 (opening reception takes place at the AIR Summer Celebration). Above, from left to right: John Paul Van Domelen, Druid Box #3, “Soul Trap,” 2009. Unknown FOG wood, mahogany, dyed Spanish moss, Springbok horns, quartz sphere, India ink, gold paint, rare earth magnets. Turned, burnt, carved and ebonized. Image courtesy the artist. Barbara Kile, Allie, 2009. Felt. Photo by Rick Wells. Jay Calder, Diagonal Vase, ceramic. Photo by Emy Johnson. Literally Figurative April 4 – July 3, 2009 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft presented its first curated invitational exhibition, Literally Figurative, on view April 4 – July 3, 2009.  Literally Figurative focuses on the many aspects of the human figure—complex, beautiful, humorous, and quirky—as depicted by several craft artists through works made from ceramic, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or mixed media.   These whimsical and offbeat objects are sure to delight the viewer, while they demonstrate the conceptual and non-functional side of contemporary craft.     The artists featured in Literally Figurative included Jennifer Barnds, a Houston-based glass artist; Beth Beede, a felt maker from Northampton, Massachusetts; Juliellen Byrne, a ceramist from Columbus, Ohio; Tod Pardon, an enamellist and mixed-media artist from Saratoga Springs, New York; Marlene Rose, a glass sculpture artist from Clearwater, Florida; Susan Shie, a quilter from Wooster, Ohio; Christina Smith, a silversmith from Fullerton, California; Blanka Sperkova, a sculptor and jeweler who works with knitted wire, from the Czech Republic; and Joël Urruty, who creates figurative sculpture and furniture from wood and bronze, from Hickory, North Carolina.   Top left to bottom right: Juliellen Byrne, Choosing Sides, 2007. Photo by Elaine Shay. Beth Beede, Our Family Coat of Arms, 1998. Photo by John Polak.  Susan Shie, The Power Out, 2006. Photo by Susan Shie. Joël Urruty, Spiral Lady, 2006. Photo by Rob Storm.    Wendy Wagner Whimsies April 24 – June 21, 2009 Wendy Wagner is a Houston artist who has recently garnered several awards (including the prestigious 2008 Hunting Prize of Art) for her whimsical and surreal works in a variety of media—including paintings, ceramic sculpture, soft toys and animation. Known for her out-of-this-world pastel color palette and quirky characters, Wendy says, “As with all of my work, there is a lighthearted curiosity and silliness. I am rewarded, however, and amazed by how my subconscious mind continually communicates through the process of creating art.” On view in the Artist Hall were a number of Wendy’s latest ceramic pieces, as well as paintings, drawings and her soft toys. To learn more about Wendy Wagner, visit www.wendywagner.com. Above: Wendy Wagner, Frogee’s Makeup Collection, 2009. Image courtesy the artist. a Texas Turned:  Gulf Coast Woodturners February 26 – April 17, 2009 Texas Turned featured a fine display of turned wood pieces created by members of the Gulf Coast Woodturners Association (GCWA).  All pieces were selected by HCCC Curator of Fine Craft, Gwynne Rukenbrod.   Members of the GCWA include hobbyists, amateurs, craftsmen and professionals in the Houston area who exchange knowledge, information, assistance and encouragement in developing and refining their woodturning skills. The organization is an affiliate of the American Association of Woodturners, the largest organization in the world dedicated to the advancement of woodturning.   For more info on GCWA, visit http://gulfcoastwoodturners.org/index.html.  Above: Sunnyside Up, Suspended square box by John Van Domelem.  Zebrawood, redheart and maple.  Image courtesy the artist. Hot Glass, Cool Collections / Environments = Form + Space December 13, 2008 – March 15, 2009 Hot Glass, Cool Collections offered a glimpse inside 12 of Houston’s best private glass collections.  The exquisite works on view represent the many styles and techniques of the Studio Glass Movement—including hand-blown, kiln-worked, torch-worked and cold-worked glass.  The show includes over 60 pieces by such masters as Dale Chihuly, Harvey Littleton, Dante Marioni, Richard Marquis, William Morris, Michael Schunke, Preston Singletary, Paul Stankard, Lino Tagliapietra, Toots Zynsky and many more. Environments = Form + Space features imaginative installations by three emerging glass artists, Matthew Eskuche, Amy Rueffert, and Pablo Soto, who present new and expansive ways to define the discipline of glass.  Emphasizing the importance of form over function and the relationship between objects and the spaces they occupy, the show explored the unique environments created by nontraditional glass forms, while pushing the boundary between contemporary art and craft.       20 Years of Bellaire HS Jewelry December 26 - February 15, 2009 Jewelry artist Mary Rogers has been teaching the jewelry program at Bellaire High School for 20 years.  Stop by to see this beautiful selection of works by nearly 30 students who have studied with Mary over the years—ranging from current students to some who are now pursuing jewelry in college or as a career.     Image of student work courtesy Mary Rogers.  Unifying Threads showcases beautiful art quilts by the contemporary art-quilt group, Beyond the Borders.  The Houston-area group has been meeting for over nine years on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Quilt ‘N’ Sew in Katy, Texas. Their goal is to embrace creativity, while coloring outside the lines of traditional quilting.  Juried by HCCC’s Curator of Fine Craft, Gwynne Rukenbrod, the show includes 24 pieces, ranging from large-scale traditional-style quilts to postcard-sized quilt collages that demonstrate a wide variety of themes and techniques.   Above, clockwise from top left:  After the Harvest (detail) by Fahrion; The Links (detail) by Minton; Crossroads (detail) by Byrne; and Black Beauties by Dickey.  Images courtesy Beyond the Borders.   2008 Exhibitions Unifying Threads: Art Quilts by Beyond the Borders October 24 – December 21, 2008 Unifying Threads showcases beautiful art quilts by the contemporary art-quilt group, Beyond the Borders.  The Houston-area group has been meeting for over nine years on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Quilt ‘N’ Sew in Katy, Texas. Their goal is to embrace creativity, while coloring outside the lines of traditional quilting.  Juried by HCCC’s Curator of Fine Craft, Gwynne Rukenbrod, the show includes 24 pieces, ranging from large-scale traditional-style quilts to postcard-sized quilt collages that demonstrate a wide variety of themes and techniques.   Above, clockwise from top left:  After the Harvest (detail) by Fahrion; The Links (detail) by Minton; Crossroads (detail) by Byrne; and Black Beauties by Dickey.  Images courtesy Beyond the Borders.   Warren MacKenzie:  Legacy of an American Potter and Inspired: Students of Warren MacKenzie August 30 – November 30, 2008 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is pleased to celebrate ceramics and functional pottery with: Warren MacKenzie: Legacy of an American Potter (in the Large Gallery) and Inspired: Students of Warren MacKenzie (in the Small Gallery).   Warren MacKenzie: Legacy of an American Potter presented a comprehensive retrospective of seminal works by Warren MacKenzie, a true master of 20th Century ceramic art.  Representing various styles, forms and approaches to the art of clay, the exhibition sheds new light on the life and work of one of America’s foremost studio potters.   Inspired: Students of Warren MacKenzie showcases the work of seven contemporary artists who have studied with, and been inspired by, master ceramist Warren MacKenzie.  Over 35 pots, vases, bowls and teapots by artists Wayne Branum, Tim Crane, Jan McKeachie Johnston, Randy Johnston, Mark Pharis, Michael Simon and Sandy Simon reveal contemporary functional pottery at its best.      Warren MacKenzie: Legacy of an American Potter was organized by The Rochester Art Center in Rochester, Minnesota.  Inspired:  Students of Warren MacKenzie was organized by HCCC in conjunction with Randy Johnston.   Above:  Warren MacKenzie working in his studio, Stillwater, MN, 2007. Photo by Scott Stulen. Warren MacKenzie, Fluted Green Jar w/ Lid, Fluted Shino Jar w/Lid, Fluted Jar w/ Lid, and Faceted Tenmoku Vase w/ Lid. Photo by Peter Lee. Warren MacKenzie, Yunomi, Stoneware.  Warren & Alex MacKenzie, Small Bowl. Photo by Peter Lee.   Out of the Box: Pushing the Boundaries of the Glass Bead  September 25 – October 26, 2008 Stop by the Artist Hall to see the latest traveling exhibition from the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.  Twenty-nine works produced by 26 artists were selected for this juried show.  The artists were challenged to “think outside the box” and create a glass bead montage to fit within a 6 x 6 x 6 inch cube.  The resulting works are breathtaking in their range of creativity, color, technique, and subject matter and demonstrate the diversity of glass beads as a creative medium. Images courtesy the International Society of Glass Beadmakers.   In Residence: Works by 2007 Artists-in-Residence July 11 – September 14, 2008 In Residence included new and recent works by 2007 Artists-in-Residence Tara Conley, Jessica Jacobi, Deborah Kirkpatrick, Lauren McEntire, Greg Rubio, Carole Smith, Colleen Toledano and Lotus Witt.   Clockwise, from top:  Tara Conley, Come to the Edge, 2008.  Bronze.  Photo by Kara Duval.  Ceramic bowls by Carole Smith.  Photo courtesy the artist.  Greg Rubio, Archery Target, 2008.  Rifle case, bed sheets, thread, and marker.  Photo by Christopher Zaleski.     CraftTexas 2008 May 24 - August 17 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is proud to have presented one of its most popular shows, CraftTexas 2008, the fifth in a series of juried exhibitions showcasing the best in Texas-made contemporary craft. Eighty-four objects made from clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood or found/recycled materials were selected from a pool of over 370 submissions (the largest number received in the show’s history).  Works range in style from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary and were judged on criteria such as technical proficiency, creative and inventive use of medium and innovation in style and/or concept.  Juror Jane Sauer described the entries for CraftTexas 2008 as “the strongest body of work that I have ever seen in a regional show—truly amazing and outstanding.” CraftTexas 2008 was juried by a talented and nationally recognized panel of jurors:  Kate Bonansinga, Director of the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts and Assistant Professor of Art at the University of Texas at El Paso; Harlan Butt, metalsmith and Regents Professor of Art at the University of North Texas; and Jane Sauer, fiber artist, sculptor and owner of Jane Sauer Gallery (formerly Thirteen Moons Gallery) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Above: Gregory Story, ColorWallBalls, 2008. Clay.  Photo courtesy the artist; Peter Norris, Nkisi Box, 2008. Oak, iron and copper nails, wax.  Photo by Jack Zilker; Omar Perez, My Shoes Are Killing Me, 2008. Ebony, sapele, pommele, band saw blades, laquer. Photo by Katharine Landmeier; Joan Son, Weeping, 2007.  Paper, acrylic, bamboo.  Photo courtesy the artist. Craft in America—Expanding Traditions February 23, 2008- May 4, 2008 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is honored to present Craft in America: Expanding Traditions, a multi-faceted journey into the origin and continuation of craft traditions.  Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, this ground-breaking exhibition explores the many cultures and movements that have contributed to the development and refinement of American craft during the last two centuries.  Integrating the various media of handcrafted furniture, ceramics, fiber and textiles, basketry, glass, wood, jewelry and metal, the exhibition represents a broad base of craft makers, including traditional craft makers, designer craftsmen of the Arts & Crafts Movement, the artists of the Work Progress Administration programs of the 1930s, post-World-War-II studio-craft pioneers and contemporary studio-craft artists.  Craft in America: Expanding Traditions celebrates these skilled artists and recognizes their works as important pieces of history linking us to the very soul and essence of American culture. Comprising a three-part PBS television series (airing January 17, 24 and 31 at 10:30 PM on HoustonPBS Channel 8), a touring museum exhibition, an illustrated book and a a comprehensive Web site, Craft in America:  Expanding Traditions is a national phenomenon.  HCCC is proud to be one of only seven U.S. venues chosen to host this landmark exhibition. Image:  Collage of images from Craft inAmerica by Bobbie Hazeltine.  Image courtesy HCCC. Women's Tales: Four Leading Israeli Jewelers October 13, 2007-January 20, 2008 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft was honored to present Women's Tales:  Four Leading Israeli Jewelers, the first comprehensive study of Israeli contemporary jewelry to focus on the careers of four of its leading women jewelers:  Bianca Eshel-Gershuni, Vered Kaminski, Esther Knobel and Deganit Stern Schocken.  Consisting of approximately 130 pieces of jewelry and vessels, the show was unique in its presentation of mini-retrospectives of the artists, each of whom has played a critical role in forging an Israeli identity in the contemporary jewelry movement.  Their work is uniquely autobiographical, reflecting the reality that all are women, wives, and mothers who are living in Israel and are strongly impacted by its culture.  HCCC has been selected as one of only three venues on the U.S. tour of this stunning exhibition. Above images from left to right:  Eshel-Gershuni, Brooch, 1991. Esther Knobel, Daisy Wire, 1993.  Deganit Stern Schocken, Body Piece (City), 1993.  Vered Kaminski, Necklace, 1991.  All photos by Michael Tropea, Chicago.   Flights of Fancy January 2 - 26, 2008   Flights of Fancy is a collection of imaginative art dolls from the minds and hands of the Texas Association of Original Doll Artists.  Each piece is a one-of-a-kind costumed sculpture, designed and created by an individual artist.  Some art dolls are made entirely of cloth, but many are mixed media, created from almost any combination of polymer or air-dry clay, porcelain, wood, fiber or natural materials.  Individual styles range from realistic to abstract.     Image:  A Mime is a Terrible Thing to Waste by Neva Waldt. Photo by Jud Haggard. 2007 Exhibitions Fresh Metal October 6 - November 16, 2007 Fresh Metal, a stunning exhibit of work by the Houston Metal Arts Guild (HMAG), is the perfect complement to the Women's Tales exhibition, demonstrating the skill of our fine local metal artists.  Juried by Clint Willour, Curator of the Galveston Arts Center and HCCC Board Member, the show features metal jewelry and sculpture made from materials such as fine silver, sterling, copper and gold.  Above images: Jan Arthur Harrell, Entropy Houses.  Copper, enamel, birds nest, lint, nails and mirrors resting on a Plexiglas base.  46" x 9" x 8".  Photo by Jack Zilker; Kathy Goswick, Words That Kill/Words That Heal (detail).  Companion bracelets made from fine silver and lab-created stones.  Photo by Jack Zilker. Intertwined:  Contemporary Baskets from the Sara and David Lieberman Collection June 30 - September 23, 2007 Intertwined, with its emphasis on highly textural, colorful and bold sculptural forms, gives viewers the opportunity to challenge their perceptions about the art of contemporary basket-making.  More than 70 works by regional, national and international artists show the breadth of the art form, with traditional and functional works exhibited along with mixed-media sculptures. The artists have manipulated a range of materials such as grasses, fish skins, porcupine quills, grocery bags and postcards to create intriguing objects that push the boundaries of basket-making. Sara and David Lieberman have assembled one of the best collections of contemporary baskets in the country.  The more than 150 baskets in their collection were first collected for their function, appeal and roots in ancient traditions, but their selections soon included new works of great vitality that were more about expression and communication rather than function.  The exhibition features the work of more than 40 artists, including early innovators, traditional artists and experimenters in the art of basket-making.  Intertwined: Contemporary Baskets from the Sara and David Lieberman Collection was organized by the Arizona State University Art Museum, Tempe, Arizona, and curated by Senior Curator Heather Sealy Lineberry and Jane Sauer, fiber artist and scholar. Above image:  Structure #5 "Celebration" by Jeanette Ahlgren, 2001.  Glass beads, brass wire, leather.  Photo by Bruce Peterson.   Richard Black:  The Art of Cue June 30 - August 26, 2007 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is pleased to present Richard Black:  The Art of Cue, a fantastic showcase of hand-crafted custom pool cues by Humble, Texas, artist Richard Black.  Drawing inspiration from sources as eclectic as Gauguin, Picasso, Fabergé eggs and Parker pens, Black has gone where few cue-makers have in terms of design. He incorporates exotic woods and materials such as rosewood, birdseye, snakewood, ebony, pink ivory wood, ivory inlay, mother of pearl, silver and ivory engravings to create some of the most remarkable pool cues you'll ever see! Richard Black: The Art of Cue was organized by the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont, Texas, and supported by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts.  Above image:  Custom cues by Richard Black (from left to right): Tiffany's Garden, Carousel, Black Tie Affair and Bamboo.  Photos courtesy the artist. Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Objects March 31 – June 17, 2007 Transformation 5: Contemporary Works in Found Materials is a juried exhibition of more than 30 national artists who competed for the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize, a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in the field of contemporary craft, in 2005.  Organized by the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the show highlights amazing examples of the innovative ways in which artists are transforming found materials into contemporary art.  Jurors selected finalists based on innovation, technique, high-quality execution, and above all, the degree to which their work challenged and moved viewers beyond their own frames of reference in terms of found materials.  Texas Master: Cindy Hickok March 31 – June 17, 2007 In the Texas Masters Series exhibition, Cindy Hickok ingeniously borrows from the “Old Masters” to guide viewers through an amusing and delightful tour of art history.  The focus of the show is the Culinary Art Series, which Hickok describes as “an imaginary museum visit at lunchtime, when works of art inspire thoughts of food.”  Hickok works entirely at a freehand sewing machine, stitching detailed works that draw the viewer in for closer examination.  She renders incredibly precise images using her needle as a paintbrush and thread as paint.  Each figure in her pieces takes between two and four hours to complete. Hickok’s career began in mosaic, where she learned to place two colors next to each other to allow the viewer’s eye to blend them.  In fiber art, she continues this practice by using many colors of thread, adjusting the lightness or darkness by using contrasting bobbin colors.    KICKIN' IT with Joyce J. Scott January 27 through March 18, 2007 Kickin' It with Joyce J. Scott is a thirty-year survey of works created between 1970 and 2003 by this multi-faceted artist. She creates objects with exceptional skill while offering her own distinctive commentary on social issues such as stereotyping, violence, family heritage and prejudice. The visual allure of Scott's art is gracefully but poignantly contrasted with its provocative subject matter, which Scott draws from historic events of various cultures as well as from her personal experiences and beliefs. A comprehensive overview of Scott's varied and potent artistic career, Kickin' It with Joyce J. Scott comprises 60 works in diverse media including sculpture, jewelry, prints and textiles, as well as videos and photographs of Scott performance and installation art. The exhibition is a visually dazzling and intellectually challenging display of work by an important American artist.   2006 Exhibitions   FINDING BALANCE: Reconciling the Masculine / Feminine in Contemporary Art and Culture October 14, 2006 through January 14, 2007 Curator James Surls presented an expansive look at the complicated yet powerful relationship between males and females. Finding Balance drew upon the works of eleven internationally acclaimed artists: Jim Baker, Robert Brinker, Monica Chau, Linda Girvin, Jody Guralnick, Pamela Joseph, Charmaine Locke, Brad Miller, Brian Reid, Barbara Sorensen and James Surls. The 26 works of art ranged from traditional ceramics to lenticular photography.     CRAFTHOUSTON2006: Texas July 15 through October 1, 2006 Juried by Suzanne Ramljak, Editor of Metalsmith Magazine, CraftHouston is HCCC’s signature exhibition.  The CraftHouston series is a bi-annual all-Texas survey, juried by some of the most respected names in the field of contemporary craft: Kenneth R. Trapp, curator in charge of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution (2002), Lloyd Hermann of Seattle, independent craft scholar and founding director of the Renwick (2003), and Larry Rinder, Contemporary Arts Curator Whitney Museum of American Art.  Click here for a slideshow of pieces in this exhibition !   CONTEMPORARY KILN-GLASS : A Survey of works from the Bullseye Collection, 1980 to the present April 8 through July 2, 2006 Predating the fiery glamour of glassblowing by 2,000 years, a quieter but more versatile method of glassforming is today enjoying a dramatic revival. Contemporary Kiln-Glass surveyed recent history, method and themes in this lesser known but highly innovative sector of the glass art world at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. www.bullseyeglass.com   COWBOY: Craft of the American West December 10, 2005 - March 26, 2006 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft brought the grit and glamour of the open range to the Museum District with COWBOY: Craft of the American West, an exhibition of artist-made cowboy gear and trappings. COWBOY featured masterful works of art that are also useful tools for modern ranch life made by 60 artists from 14 states throughout the West.COWBOY was curated especially for HCCC by Linda Stedman, Director of the Dry Creek Arts Fellowship, in Flagstaff, Arizona.   2005 Exhibitions   OF TIME AND PLACE: Contemporary Layered and Stitched Textiles September 10 - November 27, 2005 This exhibition offered an in-depth look at the work and inspiration of eight internationally recognized textile artists: Ilze Aviks, Elizabeth Brimelow, Dorothy Caldwell, Nancy Crow, Patricia Mink, Emily Richardson, Joan Schulze and Fran Skiles.   SOUL OF A BOWL September 10 - November 13, 2005 Traveling from China to Korea and Japan, eventually reaching Western countries, the tea bowl has influenced ceramists across continents and generations. This exhibition, organized by the Contemporary Craft Museum & Gallery in Portland, Oregon, considers the works of Frank Boyden, Elaine Coleman, Tom Coleman, Jenny Lind and Don Reitz and their interpretation of the tea bowl.     CURV-ITURE June 17 - September 4, 2005 Curv-iture is a juried exhibition of furniture sponsored by The Furniture Society. It opened on June 23rd, 2004, in the Red Gallery at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA, in conjunction with the 8th annual Furniture Society.     TEXAS MASTERS: HARLAN BUTT June 17 - September 4, 2005 Texas Master Metalsmith Harlan Butt has exhibited his enamelwork both nationally and internationally for over twenty-five years. He is internationally known for his enameled vessels - writing boxes, vases, tea caddies, chalices - all of which reflect his awareness of the Zen Buddhist concept of emptiness.     MARY SHAFFER: Reflected Light April 2 - June 12, 2005 Master glass artist Mary Shaffer combines two contrasting materials (metal and glass), resulting in a fluidity of the materials. Generously underwritten in part by a grant from The Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. For more information, please visit www.maryshaffer.com   JUNCTURE: Jewelry Media Connections January 15 - March 20, 2005 A thought-provoking showcase of contemporary artist-made jewelry that explores the messages inherent in adornment and how those messages are conveyed by the union of metals and non-traditional materials. Curated by Sandra Zilker. Exhibition coordination by Edward Lane McCartney.   METAPHOR & MAGNITUDE: Kendall Buster & Donald Fortescue January 15 - March 20, 2005 Kendall Buster creates monumental sculptures in metal and fabric, whose sleek forms suggest natural things, such as enormous seeds or pods. Her precisely articulated forms also suggest probing and receiving, exterior parts and interior spaces. Donald Forescue's current work focuses on both functional design and formal sculpture which are executed mostly in wood. The most recent body of work is purely sculptural, but draws strongly on design and craft. He maintains the designer's focus on the relationship of the finished object to the human user/observer. Most pieces are human or slightly larger than human scale, referencing the human form while setting up a visual and visceral dialogue with the audience. 2004 Exhibitions   BILL DENNARD: Retrospective September 24 - November 14, 2004 Bill Dennard was a man of many facets. He was dedicated, loyal and creative in the true sense of the word. He applied his dedication and creativity to his art, his students and his family and friends. Although he was humorous and light hearted on the surface there was deep passion and thought just below the surface. He continued to pursue his art work and teach his students at Glassell until shortly before his death.   CRAFTHOUSTON 2004: TEXAS June 18 - September 12, 2004 Juried by Larry Rinder, Contemporary Arts Curator Whitney Museum of American Art, CraftHouston is HCCC's signature exhibition, alternating annually between an all-Texas show and a national survey, juried by some of the most respected names in the field of contemporary craft: Kenneth R. Trapp, curator in charge of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution (2002) and Lloyd Hermann of Seattle, independent craft scholar and founding director of the Renwick (2003). Participating artists included Ellen Abbott, Janet Rushing Alexander, Liz Axford, Julienne Ballantyne, Jeff Ballard, Deborah Dinell Berry, Susan Budge, Danville Chadbourne, Barbara Chadwick-Bland, Allison Dick, Nancy Rose Elliot, Saida Fagala, Herman Guetersloh, Terry Hagiwara, Mark Herndon, Thomas Irven, Judy Jensen, Pat Johnson, Masumi Kataoka, Nadia Khan, Myrna Khan, Jim Keller, Lonny Kelley, Tina Kotrla, Lebeth Lammers, Catherine Leachman, Marc Leva, Heather Logan, Jonathan Macrae, Daryl McCracken, Ashley Nichols, Mary Novak, Mari Omori, Indrani Parker, Lenise Perez, Anita Powell, Ingrid Psuty, Burton Reckles, Steve Reynolds, Jennifer Sholtis, Mary Ruth Smith, Juka Smits, Joan Son, Gregory Story, Corkey Stuckenbruck, Georgia Tambasis, Caprice Pierrucci Taniguchi, Kathleen Thorman, Kathleen Trenchard, Todd Van Duren, Debbie Wetmore, June Woest, C.J. Wood, Bonnie Yetter and Sandra Zilker.     CABINETS OF CURIOSITIES April 9 - June 6, 2004 Co-organized by the Furniture Society and the Wood Turning Center, Cabinets of Curiosities is a juried exhibition that received 57 entries submitted by more than two hundred artists from around the world. The final presentation, selected by a panel of five distinguished jurors/curators, showcases 14 cabinets of extraordinary diversity and intrigue created by 50 interdisciplinary artists.   PLAYING AROUND: Toys Designed by Artists April 9 - June 6, 2004 Featuring 50 imaginative toys that recall a time before plastic and mass production , when all toys were handmade. These toys were designed to engage the mind and imagination of users. Complete with interactive toys in the Artists' Hall.   HOMELAND: Artists. Immigration & Identity January 16 - March 28, 2004 The immigrant experience and point of view seen through the work of 14 contemporary craft artists who have shaped a new identity through the experience of separation, transition, and incorporation into a new country. Forty works will address the experience of making art in a new cultural context and the effect it has had on these artists' work.   TRUE WORDS January 16 - March 28, 2004 True Words is an exhibition of wood sculpture reliefs from True Word Art Studio, where a small group of deaf and mute artists live and work together near the northeast coast of China. In this remote province, they have created a variety of chiseling techniques and texturing strokes so rich and mature in vocabulary that they could write a dictionary of woodcarving techniques. 2003 Exhibitions Schedule   FRASER SMITH: Carved Quilts October 25, 2003- January 4, 2004 Fraser Smith: Carved Quilts is an exhibition of sculpted basswood trompe l'oeil quilts. Fraser Smith has been creating whimsical and thought provoking wooden sculptures of quilts and clothing since 1987. Although his wok is represented in more than fifteen major public and private collections, and he is the recipient of various awards and fellowships, his only solo exhibitions thus far have included no more than six objects. The exhibition at HCCC will include at least a dozen of his super realistic carved wooden quilts, caps and other articles of clothing, as well as carved Honduras mahogany jackets.   RISD ON THE ROAD: Jewelry November 30, 2003 - January 4, 2004 Exuberant, skilled and engaging, RISD on the Road: Jewelry celebrates the achievements of 25 alumni of the Rhode Island School of Design's jewelry and metalsmithing program. Featuring 92 works of exceptional design, this exhibition of jewelry and light metals showcases the creative excellence of these individual artists, as well as the prominence of the college's jewelry department in the discipline. Professional and established jewelers will be shown alongside recent graduates.   ALTERNATIVE QUILTS October 25, 2003 - January 4, 2004 Alternative Quilts showcases the creative possibilities that emerge when unexpected methods and materials intersect the familiar patterns and principles of quiltmaking. Six established and emerging artists invent a new quiltmaking vocabulary, pieced together (in the best quiltmaking tradition!) from odd bits of this and that - ceramics and wire, t-shirts and twist ties, money, sheet metal and more. Fifteen works in all are featured by artists John Garrett, Earline Green, Daniela Koontz, John Lefelhocz, Amy Orr and Suzanne Pacheco. Collectively, their diverse perspectives and techniques extend strong historical threads into highly contemporary expressions of the quiltmaker's art. The result is a collection of alternative quilts that punch through the fabric of conventional quiltmaking to reveal what is possible when time-honored traditions are passed through the artist's hands.   SMALL EXPRESSIONS October 25 - November 16, 2003 Small Expressions , juried by Melissa Leventon, formerly Curator-in-Charge of Textiles at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, is an international exhibition featuring high quality, contemporary small-scale fiber works. The exhibition is a venue established to expand public awareness and to foster an environment where fiber art can flourish.   CRAFTHOUSTON 2003: NATIONAL August 8 - October 12, 2003 CraftHouston 2003: NATIONAL - the second in an annual series of juried exhibitions sponsored by the Craft Center - showcases the best of fine craft being created in America today. Curated by Lloyd Herman, the founding director of the Smithsonian Institution's Renwick Gallery, CraftHouston 2003: NATIONAL is a stunning testament to the power inherent in every pair of human hands.   FIGURE FICTION July 4 - July 27, 2003 Innovative media explorations and manifestations of the human form by emerging artists Mindy Hawkins, Sondra Schwetman and Shizuko Kimura.   THE RIGHT STUFF May 17 - June 29, 2003 Organized by the Furniture Society, The Right Stuff is an invitational and juried exhibition featuring 27 artists from the U.S. and Canada. Garry Knox Bennett, Timothy Philbrick, Rosanne Somerson and Alphonse Mattia were invited to participate. This exhibition was juried by Jack Lenor Larson, Toni Sikes, head of Guild.com and John Dunnigan, whose work is featured in major museum collections as well as private collections.   POETICS OF CLAY: An International Perspective February 15 - May 4, 2003 Selected ceramic works by internationally recognized artists surveys the diversity of style in the field of twentieth century ceramic art post World War II. Conceived and organized by Helen W. Drutt English under the auspices of The Philadelphia Art Alliance. 2002 Exhibitions Schedule   CHALLENGE VI - ROOTS: Insights & Inspirations in Contemporary Turned Objects November 16, 2002 - February 2, 2003 Organized by The Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia, PA. Showcases lathe-turned objects that reflect the cutting-edge of the field.   CRAFTHOUSTON 2002: TEXAS September 14 - November 3, 2002 Featuring the best contemporary craft in Texas. The juror, Kenneth R. Trapp, is the Curator-in-Charge of the Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Underwritten in part by Fleury Gallery and Goldman Sachs.   WILLIAM MORRIS: Myth, Object & the Animal April 20 - July 14, 2002 One of the most significant bodies of work to emerge from the studio glass movement, Morris explores the question of the relationship between humankind and nature.   FOTOFEST 2002 - GIJS BAKKER: Selected Retrospective March 1 - April 7, 2002 In cooperation with Helen Drutt, Philadelphia. A selection of brooches and other jewelry incorporating photo imagery, precious metals and gemstones by world renowned designer, Gijs Bakker.   KATHERINE COBEY: Fiber Sculpture January 18 - April 7, 2002 Cobey's knitted sculptures include a range of media such as hand spun mohair, plastic garbage bags, and metal wire demonstrating her skill and creativity as a fiber artist.   JUDY JENSEN - FEVERISH January 18 - February 24, 2002 Through the time-honored tradition of reverse painting on glass, Jensen creates richly composed narratives of intense color and detail. 2001 Exhibitions Schedule   DEFINING CRAFT 1: Collecting for the New Millennium September 22 - December 31, 2001 This exhibition marked the Grand Opening of HCCC, coming from the collection of the American Craft Museum in New York.   Gallery Hours Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM - 5PM Sunday, 12PM -5PM    For more information, contact the Exhibition Coordinator at 713.529.4848, ext 104 or Email grukenbrod@crafthouston.org.   Current Exhibitions Upcoming Exhibitions