Exhibition Dates: March 26-May 8, 2021
Virtual Opening Reception: March 26, 6 p.m.
Epicurean Delights is a juried exhibition showcasing 80 deliciously handmade fine craft objects by 32 artists that will delight the foodie in all. At the opening, the show’s judges Dr. Jennifer Hardin and Emmanuel Roux presented the awards and commented on the work.
“Greek philosopher Epicurus taught that the way to a happy life was about sensation – a communal way of getting together – dining and conviviality,” Dr. Hardin said. “The works in the exhibition deal with what you put on the table, what you have on the wall that relates to food, and friendship. Common meals were very important to Epicurus and I think we all look forward to dining with our friends in the very near future. Our criteria for the awards was originality and craftsmanship.”
The beautifully crafted blown-glass orange by Portland, Oregon artist Steve Hagan was awarded Best of Show. “This is such an exceptional piece,” said Emmanuel Roux, “and it is a symbol of Florida. The technique is stunning.”
Steve Hagan was an Artist in Residence at Duncan McClellan Gallery and created the orange using individual canes that he pulled 40-feet to create murrini to combine in the piece.
First Place went to Tampa-based ceramicist Kimberli Cummings for a beautifully painted majolica tureen featuring prancing roosters from Ybor City.
“Electric Tea Party Jacket” by Gulfport artist Elizabeth Neily won Second Place. The judges said that it was the kind of jacket that one would wear to a dinner party to be noticed, as if you were with Gertrude Stein.
Third Place was awarded to Eric Folsom of Gulfport for a hand-forged brass and copper serving set with a hanging bracket.
Honorable Mentions were given to Diana Hirschhorn (Lakewood Ranch) for a necklace “Sea Cabbage,” Nick Reale (St. Petersburg) for wooden “Dinner Seating for Two,” Jennifer Rosseter (St. Petersburg) for a ceramic plate “Coyote Woods,” Karyn Kozak (Gulfport) for “Wide Millefiori Teapot,” and Mei Ling St. Leger (Clearwater) for “Double Sided (Reversible) Stitched Shibori Table Runner.”
The creativity and imagination of Florida CraftArt artists is boundless. Palm Harbor artist, Joyce Curvin made an adorable papier-mâché marionette titled “Pepe’s Pasta Palace” stirring pasta in a kitchen with a dog anxiously anticipating a (hopefully) falling meatball. “Dinner for Two” is a pair of chairs created in rosewood and maple from Pinellas County downed trees. Nick Reale, whose woodworking shop is in downtown St. Petersburg, designed the chairs with geometric shapes that evolve as they are viewed from different angles. Bradenton jewelry artist Diana Hirschhorn was inspired by her vegetable garden to fashion a pendant from sterling silver, compressed heather and chrysoprase. Metal sculptor Eric Folsom cleverly forged serving utensils in the shape of musical symbols. Laurie Landry used mosaics of carrots and corn to piece together a kitchen or dining wall hanging. And, while plates are normally part of the dining experience, the ceramic plate of a moody coyote by Jennifer Rosseter is unnervingly eye catching.
Members of the Tampa Bay Surface Design Guild have stitched, painted and quilted abundant aprons, napkins, and fiber objects for sale in the gallery as a fundraiser for its scholarship program.
Widely renowned for its award-winning chocolate, William Dean Chocolate owner, chef and artist Bill Brown will lead a virtual taste-bud tour during the virtual chocolate tastings on April 27. From Madagascar chocolates to French gourmet blends, the chef will explain the wildly different flavors and origins.
The show runs through May 8 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented at the closing reception. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery and on Facebook.
Full Press Release available here
Epicurean Delights Programming:
Friday, March 26, 6 p.m. Virtual opening with artists and judge Dr. Jennifer Hardin (former MFA curator), along with Emmanuel Roux who will speak about his Urban Farm Tasting Tours. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82999722055
Tuesday, April 6, 6 p.m. “The Art of the Recipe,” Janet K. Keeler lectures on how mere words can create epicurean delights. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83952628619
Saturday, April 10, 5:30-9 p.m. Second Saturday ArtWalk – Visit ArtLofts on our second floor!
Tuesday, April 20, 6 p.m. Dali Curator of Education Peter Tush lecture: “Dining with Dali.” Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83641081277
Tuesday, April 27, 6 p.m. Chocolate tasting with William Dean Chocolates founder. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210456438
Prior to the event, purchase gourmet chocolate samples at Florida CraftArt or William Dean Chocolates, 2790 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, Florida. Visit WilliamDeanChocolates.com.
This exhibition is made possible in part with sponsorship from:
Mark Anderson and Keith Bucklew
Perry and Lisa Everett
William Dean Chocolates
Important Dates And Information
Submission period opens: December 7, 2020
Submission deadline (Early): January 31, 2021
EARLY entry fees are:
Florida CraftArt members: $25 for up to 5 works
Nonmembers: $40
Submission deadline (Late): March 7, 2021 (Deadline extended.)
LATE entry fees are:
Florida CraftArt members: $35 for up to 5 works
Nonmembers: $50
Notification of acceptance via email: Week of March 8
Selected artwork due at Florida CraftArt: March 16-19 by appointment with Liz Rogers
Opening reception and award announcements: March 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Closing reception and People’s Choice Award: May 8, 4-5:30 p.m.
Art Pick-up: May 9-11
Make an appointment with Liz Cooper.
For general exhibition information or questions related to the call to artists, contact: Florida CraftArt Gallery manager Liz Cooper at (727) 821-7391 or email Liz@FloridaCraftArt.org.