New directions in Fine-Craft Lighting
Curated by Mary Anna Murphy and Catherine Woods. This exhibition was made possible with a grant from Duke Energy.
February 10 – March 24, 2018
Closing Reception Saturday, March 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
20 fine craft lighting artists from America, Denmark, Mexico and Tasmania light up Florida CraftArt
Florida CraftArt presents “LightHeaded: New Directions in Fine Craft Lighting” in its exhibition gallery from February 10 to March 24. More than 60 pieces of light art will be featured with a dramatic gallery redesign, crafted to show the art in the best light.
Awards Announced
Renowned interior designer and recent St. Petersburg resident Keith Bucklew reviewed the art and made the following selections. He awarded St. Petersburg artist Donald Gialanella best of show for “Enlightened Man,” – an astonishing full-sized sculpture of a man whose body is welded from gears, wheels, has bright lights placed where the heart would be. “This piece walks away with the top award for both originality and the intricate work involved in its fabrication,” said Mr. Bucklew.
He awarded first place for “SMASH Artisan Subway Series Lights” by Brooklyn-based artist Liz Bellovin in which she and Beth Costello created a series of miniature, lighted sheet-metal subway cars painted by well-known graffiti artists. Said Mr. Bucklew, I think these subway trains are a delightful and whimsical. I want one! They are quite a collaborative effort.”
Denmark artist Birgit Østergaard won second place for her white, airy lights. The juror feels that they would be a great piece to use in a commercial space if not a contemporary home. Third Place went to Peter Antor from Chicago, Ill. “The light’s architectural aspects are reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work,” stated the juror. Honorable mention was awarded to Colorado-based artist Mary Hoffman whose stainless-steel lamps incorporated themed 35mm color slides. All three of her lamps sold at the opening.
The striking show was curated by Mary Anna Murphy, a museum exhibition designer, and Catherine Woods, a nationally renowned glass and public art artist. “Lightheaded” was made possible by a grant from Duke Energy. Artists from across the globe responded to the call to artists. Ms. Murphy commented, “Denmark artist Birgit Østergaard sent pieces that seem to defy gravity.” The United States is represented by artists from eight states, including Hawaii.
“Perhaps the most unusual lights are those by Duncan Meerding, a legally-blind artist from Tasmania. He creates his found log lights by feel; they radiate dramatic shafts of light.” said Ms. Murphy. “Denmark artist Birgit Østergaard sent pieces that seem to defy gravity; and Sergio Olivares flew from Mexico City to personally deliver his exuberantly fabulous mid-Modern interpretations.”
Read the full Awards Release here
The United States is represented by artists from eight states, including Hawaii. St. Petersburg artist, Don Gialanella has the largest piece – an astonishing full-sized sculpture of a man whose body is welded from gears, wheels, with bright lights placed where the heart would be.
An artist-team from Brooklyn are presenting miniature, lighted sheet-metal subway cars painted by well-known graffiti artists. At the opening, guests will have the opportunity to meet the subway car artist, Liz Belloivn.
“There’s even art to wear,” commented Ms. Woods. “A San Diego artist Rachel Merrill and her computer-programmer son Devon created a vest whose 96 bright lights are programmable.”
The closing reception is on Saturday, March 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. During the exhibition, docent-guided gallery tours are held on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. and are free to the public.
Sponsored in part by:
IMPORTANT DATES and LINKS:
Opening reception and award announcements: Saturday, February 10, 2018, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Closing reception and People’s Choice Award: Saturday, March 24, 2018, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Pickup of work: Saturday, March 24, 2018, 7:35 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2018, 1-4 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018 11a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For general exhibition information or questions related to the call to artists, contact us at:MaryAnna@mamexhibitdesign.com or call the gallery manager Liz Rogers at (727) 821-7391.