Florida CraftArt Members’ Show 2021 - Press Release

For Immediate Release January 20, 2021

Florida CraftArt presents:
Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest
Exhibition Dates: January 29 to March 20, 2021
Virtual Opening Reception: January 29, 6 p.m.

Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest is a juried exhibition of original art showcasing the best of handcrafted work by Florida CraftArt members. Forty-six artists created 79 pieces from intricate jewelry to glass sculptures. Visitors will have the opportunity to virtually meet the artists and the show’s judge Susana Weymouth at the virtual opening reception on Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82206474125

Gallery Manager Liz Rogers highlights some pieces from the show: “The Members’ Show has a fascinating array of extraordinary fine craft. An interesting portrait of Salvador Dali was created by Gulfport artist Dawn Waters with a felting technique from wool. “

Look into the blue eyes of a soulful sculpture titled “Hidden Message.” What is this 20-inch-tall ceramic sculpture endowed with red hearts trying to tell us? To create it, Pembrooke Pines artist Diane Lublinski first threw clay on the wheel and then altered and embellished it.

Panama City jewelry artist Emilie Pritchard creates engineered structures such as “Three Diamond Necklace,” an 11-inch-long necklace fashioned from oxidized sterling silver, 14-karat-gold-filled tubes and thread. Her technique produces pieces that hold their shape, but because they are not soldered into a single unit, they are not entirely rigid and can move with the body. The mathematical basis of the work provides clarity within complex designs and allows the artist to create pieces that enclose a large volume of space while remaining open and minimalist.

Award-winning Boca Raton artist Nadine Saitlin creates continuous abstract paintings on natural gourds in a colorful palette. She says, “As the piece is rotated there are variations of images so the owner can choose the composition to be displayed and therefore becomes part of the creative process.”

“The first Members’ Show was held in 1951,” says Florida CraftArt’s Board President Tyler Jones. “As a statewide, member-supported organization, we display outstanding handmade objects, made by some of the best craftspeople in the country. Half of our gallery on Central Avenue features only Florida artists while the exhibition gallery, as well as our annual CraftArt Festival in November, showcases fine craft artists from around the country.”

The exhibition will be judged by Susana Weymouth, who is the Chief Development Officer for The Florida Orchestra. Previously she served for six years as the Executive Director of Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts. She and her husband, Yann Weymouth, have long been involved with international education, culture and the arts. She will present the awards at the virtual reception. On Tuesday, February 9 at 5 p.m. the artists will be talking about their work on Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81389878999.

The show runs through March 20 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.

Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 and headquartered in St. Petersburg. Its mission is to grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in its 2,500-square-foot retail gallery and curated exhibitions are featured in its adjacent exhibition gallery. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work.

Contact:
Katie Deits, Executive Director

Florida CraftArt
501 Central Ave.,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-7391
FloridaCraftArt.org

CUTLINES (More images of work available on request.)

FCA Dawn Waters-Artist with Distracting Mustache.jpg
“Artist with Distracting Mustache” is a 32”x26” felted wool portrait created by Gulfport artist Dawn Waters.

FCA Diane Lublinski-Hidden Message.jpg
“Hidden Message” is a wheel-thrown and altered ceramic sculpture by Pembroke Pines artist Diane Lublinski.

FCA Emilie_Pritchard_Three diamonds_full
Panama City artist Emilie Pritchard creates engineered structures such as “Three Diamonds Necklace,” a 10-inch-long necklace fashioned from oxidized sterling silver, 14-karat-gold-filled tubes and thread.

FCA Nadine Saitlin_Improv B_Full_2021.Jpg

Boca Raton artist Nadine Saitlin used a natural gourd as her canvas for abstract piece.