Members Show & Sale 2017 Press Release

For Immediate Release August 17, 2017

Contemporary Craft at its Finest

August 25 to October 21, 2017

Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest is a national juried exhibition showcasing original art that showcases the best of handcrafted work by Florida CraftArt members. From across America, 41 artists created 89 pieces from delicate ceramic hummingbirds to metal sculptures made from racing car parts to intricately beaded statement necklaces. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists at the opening reception on Friday, August 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Gallery Manager Liz Rogers grouped five ceramic sculptures by St. Petersburg artists Rebecca Zweibel and Alan Johnson along with a wall hanging by fiber artist Sarah Butz creating a pleasing color harmony. The cactus-like pieces by Johnson are contrasted with the petite and charming sculptures in three different color palettes of hummingbirds by Alicia Diem who has a studio at the Morean Center for Clay.

“It Wasn’t My Fault,” by Palm Beach Gardens artist and nuclear physicist Harold Flescher has its own story: “I’ve spent much of my recreational life racing sports cars. These parts broke through no fault of my own. The sculpture has the personality of a long-term racer.”

“The first Members’ Show was held in 1952,” says Florida CraftArt’s Executive Director Katie Deits. “As a statewide organization, also with national members, 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 world.”

Winter Haven artist Marilyn Rackleman won first place in FCA’s summer exhibition. Her entries into the Members’ Show are equally imaginative. “We all have stories to tell,” says Rackleman. “I tell mine through sculptures of clay, wood, copper and found materials. My ‘creatures’ are mergings of wildlife and plant forms that I find fascinating in my home state of Florida.”

An awards ceremony will be held on September 30 at the Annual Members’ Meeting and reception. The show runs through October 21 at Florida CraftArt located at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For more information, visit FloridaCraftArt.org or call (727) 821-7391. The gallery and exhibition admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

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 the 2,500-square-foot retail gallery and a large gallery features curated exhibitions. ArtLofts is on the second floor and features 19 working artists’ studios. Florida CraftArt is the only statewide organization offering artists a platform to show and sell their work.

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CUTLINES

(More images of work available on request. Photo and video opportunities available.)

FCA-Members-Zweigel, Butz, Johnson
Sculptures by Rebecca Zweigel and Alan Johnson with wall hangings by fiber artist Sarah Butz.

FCA-Flescher-ItWasn’tMyFault
“It Wasn’t My Fault” is a sculpture made from race cars by Harold Flescher.

FCA-Eakin Vineyard Dreams full
“Vineyard Dreams” is an amethyst, peridot, Swarovski crystals and glass beads necklace by Jamie Cloud Eakin from Modesto, California.

FCA-Rackleman_Artemis
“Artemis” is a ceramic sculpture by Marilyn Rackleman of Winter Haven, Florida.

FCA-Diem_FlyingJewelBlue
Alicia Diem created “Flying Jewel” hummingbird from clay, rock and wire.