CMAG Officers
President: open
Vice-president: open
Secretary: Wayne Acton
Treasurer: Mandy Allen
Members at Large
Lisa Ciolli (Membership)
Linda Apodaca (Programs)
Barbara Covey
CMAG Board Meetings
Board meeting are generally
held the last Tuesday of
each month at 7:00pm.
Members are encouraged to
attend and contribute.
Contact Mandy for location.
How to Reach Us
Website:
www.cmaguild.org
Write:
Creative Metal Arts Guild
P. O. Box 8946
Portland OR 97207
Newsletter
Contributions, comments,
classified ads, display ads
metal_fx@comcast.netLyn Simon email
Membership
Please visit CMAG's website:
www.cmaguild.org
Annual membership dues are
$60; students $30
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Newsletter
The Creative Metal Arts Guild, a non-profit organization, exists to create a community for metalsmiths, jewelers and metal artists, by facilitating communication, providing information and benefits, promoting a positive image of the creative metal artist and increasing public awareness of the artist's contribution to the community.
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 Editor's Comments
The email version of this newsletter ran too long for Outlook Express' 28k character limit. This online version includes longer or additional articles in the announcements sections.
I'm turning the rest of this section over to Mandy this month. See below.
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*Ask not what your guild can do for you but what you can do for your
guild. A personal plea from Mandy Allen*
This is an exciting time of leadership change for our country and in
spite of the many challenges that obviously lay ahead I can’t help but
feel hopeful. In his inaugural speech, President Obama said, “What is
required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on
the part of every (CMAG Member), that we have duties to ourselves, our
(guild) and the world.” You didn’t hear that part? Oh he said it, so you
better answer his call. Levity aside, our guild’s foundation has been
faltering since the last “election” when so few people volunteered to
join the board. Those who are on it are burning out and if we don’t get
enough people to step up, especially for the positions of President and
Vice President, then I don’t think we will last into 2010. Spring Show
aside, we have been stagnant - no new projects, no ability to grow or
even maintain our current membership levels. We need new energy and it
must happen before the next election in June, the sooner the better.
What most members see are the newsletters, the general meetings and the
Spring Show, and we have been concentrating on those important things.
However, the business side of the guild, while somewhat thankless, is
absolutely essential. It’s not my strong point to ask people for help
and to demand it is even harder, but I am completely serious about how
dire the situation is. Personally, I intend to continue to serve CMAG in
the future but I need some time off.
I know that over the years CMAG has faced this challenge before but
members have always stepped up - for 33 years, someone has stepped up.
You will have help. There is a list of people who are ready and willing
to work on projects, they just need someone to take a leadership role.
If you are interested or want more information please contact me at
allenmetalarts@gmail.com or call
503-281-7820. I will be discussing this further at the February meeting.
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Report of CMAG General Meeting 13 January 2009
Linda Apodaca called the meeting to order and welcomed a full house back to a new year of general meetings after an extra long winter layoff.
Three guests introduced themselves including Mary Prichard whose metal interests include designing monograms for laser cutting, Heather McCoy (and husband David) who found her way to us via the Local 14 show and who has worked for former CMAGer Steve Dixon and Linda Bretana who is a SoCal bench tech transplant striking out on her own and who came on recommendation from the Jewelers Institute in SE Portland. Miel Parades also rose in introduction. She has been a member since last year’s show but teaches Tuesday evenings at OCAC and so this winter break is the first time she could attend. As ever, I apologize for probable misspellings.
Judy Acton reported for the Spring Show and, since so many guests and newer members were attending, summarized the annual affair. Our Jewelry and Metal Arts Exhibition and Sale is a CMAG tradition held in the spring and often concurrent with shows by the Oregon Potters’ Association and the Hand Weavers’ Guild, and lately other guilds. Recnt shows have been at the Oregon Convention Center. Booth fees are around $270 to $350 with a sliding commission (depending on volunteer hours) of 15% to 25%. Upcoming show is April 24, 25 and 26. Generally thirty to forty members exhibit and many non-exhibiting members participate at the guild education, member gallery and silent auction booths. Email guild@actonjewelry.com for info on exhibiting or volunteering.
Lyn Simon reported on newsletter concerns. A volunteer is urgently needed to handle mailing the print edition. Contact her at metal_fx@comcast.net. All items from members are welcome, especially articles of interest. Writing up an account of that special commission or worst ever show or trip to Tuscan or New York or your presentation to SNAG is good practice presenting yourself and will keep your brain limber a bit longer. Lyn or Wayne will be happy to advise and consult. As always, announcements from members—items for sale, gallery exhibitions, class opportunities, sculpture installations—are gladly published.
Linda Apodaca outlined upcoming programs for next two meetings. In February, Daniel Baca will present a program on heat coloring and texture grinding assisted by Lyn
Simon and Joe Apodaca. Daniel creates sculpture and utilitarian items such as tables and backsplashes utilizing sheet steel, copper and other metal. For the program he will demonstrate on a small scale appropriate also for the jewelers among our members. Daniel became a CMAG member this past year. His work can be seen on the web at www.darchorseironworks.com. At the March meeting, long time CMAGer Kristan Shiga will offer her program, Inspired By Actual Events, which she presented for the Seattle Metal Symposium.
Linda, who also chairs the snack committee, needs some members to step forward and assist in this task. Call her to sign up for a few meetings, the more the merrier, and many hands make light work.
Mary Wong reiterated for the crowd the details of CMAG’s CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) necklace charity effort and reminded everybody to lend their creativity by making a metal bead one inch or less for inclusion on the donated pieces. Theme is Hearts, Children, Houses. Auctions happen frequently but pieces are needed now to assemble and display at the Spring Show. Contact Mary, mary@triosstudio.com.
Victor Gushov, handling library duties for the evening, displayed a huge donation of magazines which included issues of Schmuck, Metalsmith, Ornament, JCK, PJM, Colored Stone, American Style and AJM, probably others. If I’m not mistaken, they were contributed by Daniel VanRossen and Linda Mather who I saw carrying them in. These were retailed eight for two dollars to raise library funds and many members took advantage to find interesting reading material. There are generally some magazines for sale from library over stock each meeting.
An announcement was made that Local 14 had now joined the Zapplication parade … Linda A offered passes for the upcoming Gem Faire which had been mailed her in excess … tee shirts were offered for sale with no apparent takers. Come on folks, it’s time to close these out. (I’m wearing two right now as I sit composing this at the primitive campground with the frost disappearing quickly under incredible January sunshine.)
Linda Mather teased the aggregate genius inquiring about soldering a large layered pendant of silver and copper. This occasioned divergent and entertaining speculation. She has apparently only a micro torch and so will require additional heat. Joe A advocated utilizing kitchen appliances, enameling kiln style. If the shock to one’s sensibilities could be overcome a range burner, either gas or electric, might do the trick as adjunct. Yours truly sponsored a barbeque and blowpipe, which I’ve anciently resorted to for oversized brass buckles. Likely the simplest will be a hardware propane torch or two $14.95 at Home Depot or most any where. A bit of insulating brick (from ceramic kiln, available at, e.g., Georgie’s) might improvise a furnace to conserve heat.
The program (otherwise reviewed herein) dealt with the intricacies of the accounting program QuickBooks and was presented by Marie Escamilla.
Respectfully submitted
Wayne
21 January 2009
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MEMBER PROFILE : BARBARA COVEY
By Linda Apodaca
Barbara Covey is a lifelong Portlander. Growing up she always enjoyed doing crafts projects and selling them! The young entrepreneur thinks she got this business interest from her businessman father and the art/craft interest from her sign painter grandfather and her grandmother who crocheted, embroidered and did watercolor painting.
While attending Jefferson High School, she enrolled in Henry Sjoblom’s jewelry class in order to make a gold ring for herself. She became hooked and took more of his classes where she learned jewelry basics of fabrication, soldering and casting. She also learned photography. Next she attended Portland State University where she majored in ceramics and minored in jewelry with teacher Robert Morton & George Erickson.
Upon graduating in 1978 she was confronted with the age-old question…What now???! Several things were going for her…She liked the concept of having her own business and she always liked to make things to sell. She had two jewelry lines, one of silver and the other of porcelain. And Portland Saturday Market was available to her as her selling venue. So she set up her booth there, sales were very good, and she has been selling her work there ever since. She supplements this by doing a few favorite art fairs but does not sell in galleries.
Although she does a variety of kinds of jewelry (see website www.barbaracovey.com ), 75% of her business comes from selling her wide assortment of (wedding) band rings. She makes them from 14kt yellow and rose gold, silver, and 14kt white gold, her favorite because of its hardness which allows crisp lines. Although she has a “line” of rings, each is made from scratch with variations to suit the clients. Most of her rings are cast. She is always busy filling orders.
Designing comes easily to her with recurring themes of the moon, mountains, trees and flowers. As a child she loved to doodle doing repeat textures and repeat designs. She uses a lot of textures and repeated designs in her rings as well.
To add to her skills, she took a three month diamond setting class from Larry Winner. Besides learning to set stones, she learned many useful graver techniques.
When she bought her house near Ladd’s Addition in the 1990’s, she converted the garage into her studio. There she does all of her own work including all her casting. She would like to get a programmed kiln to make life easier. She plans to keep developing her evolving line of rings. Attending CMAG meetings gives her many helpful technical ideas.
Travel is a big part of her life. She has a trip to Scotland planned for this year. In 2007 destinations were Bangkok, Paris, Ireland and Scotland. Photography is one of her activities, both from her travels and of our CMAG meetings among other topics.
I think Barbara should be an inspiration to many of us showing a way to earn a living as a full-time craftsperson. She is very focused, dedicated and successful.
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Speedy Recovery
We are glad to hear that Nancy Myers is recovering nicely after suffering a heart attack and emergency surgery on December 8. She and Tom are our longtime CMAG members and they are still hoping to be in our Spring Show.
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CASA Beads
Now is the time to start thinking about a very important subject: What bead
will you make this year for our CASA neckpieces? Our theme remains Hearts,
Homes and Kids.
In addition to the support we give to this local charity, our neckpieces
serve to get CMAG noticed by the community. There are donors who go to
these events specifically to see the new CMAG pieces. These people are
collectors; there have been actual bidding wars! Everyone who sees our
pieces recognizes our name, CMAG, and they usually turn up at our Spring
Show to purchase work by the people who made the beads.
MAKE THOSE BEADS!
REMEMBER: Beads must be smaller than 1" cubic, and they must have a hole at
least 3mm in diameter. NO BEAD IS TOO SMALL!
If you have a bead or if you have questions, please call Mary Wong at 503
452 1939. Thank You!.
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Workshops Needed
This from Alma Rands- Workshop coordinator.
I have agreed to continue to be the workshop coordinator for CMAG. In order to effectively perform this responsibility I need the following input from the members.
1. What workshops do you want? What new techniques do you want to learn?
2. Workshop presenters are desperately needed. Would you be willing to put on a workshop?
In the past, Mary Wong and Bruce McKay have given workshops in wax carving, and Carey Smith gave one on making a wax pen. I gave workshops in enameling and photo etching using Ferric Chloride. (messy, but lots of fun, and a most valuable technique to know).
I will be glad to give additional workshops in enameling, as well as Photo etching using Ferric Chloride, if there is sufficient interest. If anyone wants to learn how to do cuttlebone castings, I will be happy to give a workshop in that.
I am more than willing to do this, but really would appreciate it if some of you who are experts in some special techniques would also be willing to give a workshop.
If a place to conduct it is a problem, I might be able to help in that area.
Please let me know what is of interest to you. Email me at arands@comcast.net, or phone me (503)6441286.
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Spring Show Meeting
To all first-time CMAG Spring Show participants:
Join your seasoned CMAG artists for helpful tips and moral support to insure a successful show.
We are gathering prior to the March 10th meeting at 6:30pm outside room 34 at the Multnomah Art Center.
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Metal Clay Workshop
Bronze Clay Workshop by Debra Carus
Come explore this exciting new metal clay just hitting the marketplace!
Bronze metal clay has been available since July 2008, and it adds an
intriguing new dimension to sculptural forms in metal. The bronze particles
are mixed with an organic binder and objects are formed like hand-built
clay. These pieces are then kiln fired in activated carbon, which prevents
oxidation under firing. An amazing feature of the bronze is the patination
that occurs during the cooling phase under exposure to oxygen. Beautiful
patinas can be achieved right out of the kiln. The finished objects can be
combined with other metals and used in forged or fabricated designs as well
as in silver clay. Inclusions such as glass and gemstones can also be
incorporated.
This workshop is February 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Debra Carus'
Portland studio. Class cost is $75 which includes materials and the use of
metal clay tools. Participants will shape and kiln fire one or two pieces
during class.
Debra is a Senior Instructor for Art Clay World, one of two worldwide
manufacturers of precious metal silver and gold. She teaches regular
workshops in her studio in S.E. Portland. For more details and registration,
see her website at www.elentari-handverk.com.
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For Sale
Three free-standing used wooden display cases and a directors chair $75 for all display pieces. The cases need a bit of loving care but are still very usable.
We also have a circa 1970's burn-out oven that needs new brick $100, a plating rectifier $250, a hand engraving machine $300, and a Kerr melting furnace $350.
Please contact us if you have any interest in these items.
503-358-9252 Mattie or Greg Villalobos. Thanks!! Mattie
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Auction Result
CMAG's recent auction of the Rhino 3D Modeling tool for designers, including the Flamingo modeling plugin as well as Level 1 training - was a resounding success. The winner (Bruce McKay) was happy with such a great deal - and CMAG got a boost to our spring show sponsorship! The only thing that could have been better would have been more bidders! Next time CMAG offers an auction, be sure to bid!
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MCC:PNCA To Integrate
The Museum of Contemporary Craft and The Pacific Northwest College of Art, institutions familiar to many members, announced their integration in a general letter. We have received the following.
January 22, 2009
To Our Friends in the Community,
We are writing to inform you of an extraordinary opportunity that presented itself in mid-November, when the Museum of Contemporary Craft approached PNCA to discuss the possibility of integrating the two institutions. As you may be aware, the Museum has experienced financial difficulties that resulted in paring down its staff functions and reducing its operating budget. This, unfortunately, is a common occurrence for many non-profits throughout our country as the economy has faltered and funding opportunities have become scarce.
The Museum's decision to approach PNCA is a testament to the College's vision for quality education, programming, fiscal strength and civic imagination. And while the College is working on many dynamic projects, the PNCA Board of Governors believed this to be such a unique opportunity to broaden and enhance the quality of a PNCA education and the College's public programs that the proposal should be given serious consideration. A fundamental provision was that the Museum embrace an expansion of its mission to include the concept of design-which was readily agreed to-including evolving the mission to become the Museum of Contemporary Craft and Design.
Chairman Al Solheim appointed a board task force to work with senior staff and Museum representatives to conduct an extensive analysis of this opportunity measured against the College's meta goals, long-term strategic goals, and the PNCA+FIVE initiative. The task force was asked to return with a recommendation on whether the proposal should move forward, and if so, how to proceed. Together they explored the missions, integration, governance, its financials, programming, and the capacity for PNCA to maintain the momentum of current programs and projects. The task force concluded that:
• PNCA's missions are synergistic and supported by the Museum's complementary educational and public programming;
• integration of curatorial and educational programming would add depth and vibrancy to PNCA's current vision; and
• cost efficiencies could be gained by integrating staff functions that would create a stronger blended team and further our reputations and scholarship.
They also noted integration would:
• preserve the region's tradition and history as a center for craft, and provide a platform upon which to creatively explore the future of contemporary art, craft and design and to support the existing artist community;
• accelerate implementation of previously anticipated academic and Continuing Education programming goals;
• strengthen the financial capacity and stability of both; and
• support the region's growing role as a mecca for creative services and design.
Both Boards weighed carefully the recommendation to proceed, endorsing moving forward over the coming weeks to develop an integration plan and business strategy that creates conditions for fiscal and programmatic viability. A major focus of this will include developing awareness and support within the larger community and engaging the constituents of each institution. Of critical importance to PNCA is that we develop a model that successfully preserves the vital programming of both institutions. If successful, the Museum would become a formal part of the PNCA community, continuing to present dynamic exhibitions, and sharing of its strong curatorial voice to enhance many of our current educational programs and future aspirations.
This is not only an extraordinary opportunity for the College and the Museum, but for Portland and the state's cultural community as well. As an integrated educational and cultural institution, we will have the capacity not only to strengthen our educational mission, but also to further our commitment to be a catalyst for international conversations on art, design, craft, and education. We will also seek to collaborate with other institutions that contribute to these fields.
We look forward to engaging you in this conversation over the coming weeks and months. The support of the broader community will be critical to ensuring a successful integration, to bring fiscal stability to the museum, to maintain a strong membership and visitor experience, at the same time enhancing the programs and mission of PNCA.
Sincerely,
Tom Manley President, Pacific Northwest College of Art
Kathy J. Abraham, President, Board of Directors, Museum of Contemporary Craft
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RAGS
I have a long press release from the RAGS benefit up in Tacoma area which I've had to severely truncate to fit here. This is an interesting event to me and a trip to their website is worthwhile. They send this release long after entry is closed though....Wayne
RAGS Wearable Art Show to Benefit
YWCA Pierce County’s Domestic Violence Programs
Tacoma, Wash.—The 15th annual RAGS wearable art sale and gallery competition will take place March 12-15, 2009, at Larson’s Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma in Fife. Creative clothing, fashion accessories, and unusual jewelry from more than 50 artists of local, regional, and national acclaim will be for sale at the boutique-style show. Having raised more than $650,000 since its inception in 1994, RAGS is YWCA Pierce County’s largest private funding source. A portion of all sales benefits the YWCA’s domestic violence prevention and intervention programs.
(sic)
The RAGS show offers something in every price range, Gledhill says, from unique, affordable beaded bracelets and hand-stamped T-shirts to luxurious silk wraps and posh gold pendants. Besides its boutique-style “Marketplace” sale, RAGS also features a gallery-style competition of one-of-a-kind garments, accessories, and jewelry. Judged by well-known names in the arts community, the winners in several categories, including best in show, earn cash awards. Some of these special works are for sale, giving shoppers the opportunity to own an award-winning piece of wearable art.
The RAGS show is open to the public at no charge at Larson’s Mercedes-Benz of Tacoma, 4001 20th St. East, just off Interstate 5 in Fife, Wash. The weekend begins with a benefit gala preview on Thursday, March 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. Shoppers that evening will enjoy musical entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and shopping before the sale officially opens to the public. Gala reservations are $70 per person and may be made by calling the RAGS hotline at 253-272-4181, ext. 352.
Show hours are Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about the 15th annual RAGS Wearable Art Show, or about YWCA Pierce County’s domestic violence prevention and intervention programs, visit www.YWCApiercecounty.org and click on RAGS, or call the RAGS hotline at 253-272-4181, ext. 352.
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West Linn
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WEST LINN ARTS FESTIVAL
Join us for our 10th annual festival
Willamette Park in West Linn, Oregon
CALL TO ARTISTS
The 2009 application is now on line
Riverfront venue at the Willamette Park in West Linn
Featuring 90 premier Northwest artists
Official host of the West Linn High School Art Exhibit & Show
Application and jury fee deadline is March 31, 2009
For more information & to download an application form
www.westlinnartsfestival.com
Lis Dymond
Dymond Graphics
www.dymondgraphics.com
503-655-5851
Co-Chairperson
West Linn Arts Festival
www.westlinnartsfestival |
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More From Bend
A batch of shows in Bend from c3events. visit their website www.3cevents.com or email artists@c3events.com for info....Wayne
Bend Summer Festival July 11, 12, 2009 Downtown Bend
(sic) Bend summer tradition for 19 years. SummerFest enjoys a central location in charming downtown Bend, one block from Drake Park and the Deschutes River. COST: Bend Summer Festival; Jury Fee; $20; booth: $125 by March 16, 2009 (after that date add $25) plus 10% on-site sales commission.
Bend Fall Festival October 3, 4, 2009 Downtown Bend
(sic) Enjoy Oompah music, German beers, pumpkin patches, and hay rides. Traditional festivities include live music, restaurants, art, spirits, and children’s activities. COST: Bend Fall Festival; Jury Fee; $20; booth: $100 by March 16, 2009 (after that date add $25) plus 10% on-site sales commission
New! NorthWest Crossing Hullabaloo June 26 & 27, 2009
New! NorthWest Crossing Harvest Fest October 17, 2009 (tentative)
Munch & Music Free Concerts in the Park July 9 to August 13, 2008, Thursday Nights, Drake Park, Bend
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Deadlines Coming
A couple deadlines:
Information about the Salem Art Fair & Festival , July 17-19 is at www.SalemArt.org, or at 503-581-2228.
February 15 is application deadline via zapplication.
Art In The Pearl is accepting applications until March 16, 2009. www.artinthepearl.com
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Gem Deposits
Barbara Covey sends this. I went to the site and got the video started but haven't watched it through yet. Ran okay on my clunky Verizon DSL....Wayne
Hi
This link might be worth putting in some future newsletter. A very good lecture on :Gemstone Deposits of the United States.
http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/2008/dec08.html
• Title: Gemstone Deposits of the United States
• Subtitle: Commercial production - localities visited by mineral collectors
• Speaker: Pete Modreski, USGS Gemstone Specialist
• Moderator: Leslie Gordon, USGS
• Date Recorded: December 18, 2008
• Length: 1 hour 21 Minutes
barbara
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Revere Academy
Revere Academy sends two glamorous press releases this month one about graduation and another their "Green Jewelry." Some excerpts:
Due to the positive response from both students and industry, Revere will offer Green Jewelry again in the Spring of 2009. In just six hours, participants learn where metals and gemstones come from, about green suppliers and what they can do to promote healthy mining practices. This class offers jewelers the information they need to respond to customers’ questions about the sourcing and sustainability of materials. The class also covers gold testing, ingot making, safe and eco-friendly studio practices, future green business certification, and more. The cost of the class is only $129 with $50 of the fee going to Ethical Metalsmiths (ethicalmetalsmiths.org). Green Jewelry will be held March 7, 2009, from 9 am to 4 pm. To register, visit www.revereacademy.com.
Each semester the JT Intensive concludes with a juried competition. Students work on an independent design project for Revere’s classic Box Ring, from his book, Professional Goldsmithing. The assignment combines students’ creative talents along with the technical skills they learned in the JT Intensive. Students and faculty voted to select winners in a number of categories. All the work was painstaking made and displayed excellent technical mastery. [work pictured Best Engraving: Ibtsam Ali and Best Design: Justine Collins]
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MCC
The Museum of Contemporary Craft sends out a nice newsletter, which always arrives too late for our deadline, so this is a review rather than an announcement. It's probably easy to get on their list. Their website is www.contemporarycrafts.org.
GALLERY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Sarah Fox
Local artist Sarah Fox creates irreverent and elegant jewelry by combining sterling silver and felted merino wool. Born and raised in Oregon, she learned the basics of metalsmithing from her mother. Sarah has since developed unique processes to maintain sharp control of the colored designs in the soft felt, while creating durable three-dimensional shapes. The resulting creations are vibrant, modern and an equally rich experience for both the viewer and the wearer.
Sarah told us, "Long before I was a working artist, I believed in the importance of handmade art; its intrinsic value is increasingly fleeting in our daily commodities. I am so grateful for the professionalism of the staff and management at The Gallery. I know I can pick up the phone, send an email, or stop by and I'll be met by knowledgeable, caring people who understand and value fine art and craft like I do."
Sarah was selected by the American Craft Council as one of 20 searchlight artists of 2008. The Gallery at Museum of Contemporary Craft is the only ongoing location where her works are available for purchase.
Read more about Sarah at sarahfoxdesign.com.
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Far Left: Daniel with a custom stainless steel backsplash.
Left: Re-arrangable 'Fracture' Sculpture copper and steel.
Right: No caption yet. ... Pictures from Daniel's website 
