October 2009
CMAG Board
Bruce McKay
Barbara Covey
Lyn Simon
Earl Lovejoy
Susan Lovejoy
Wayne Acton
Ken Patton
Hobbs Wells
Maybe YOU?

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 Hobbs 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.net
Lyn Simon email

Membership
Please visit CMAG's website:
www.cmaguild.org
Annual membership dues are
$60; students $30

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.
Editor's Comments

Hope to see everyone at the meeting...

Please try to get current on your dues.



As always the newsletter(s) along with meeting pictures and so forth are available at our 'secret' archive
www.cmaguild.org/picts.html
Contents
Programs
Program Review
Meeting Report
Member News

Announcements
Calls for Entries
Web Stuff
Meeting Times
Programs Go back to contents
13 October 2009 - GENERAL MEETING PROGRAM
"Crocheted Chain"
By Judy and Wayne Acton

We make the crocheted chains as a collaboration; Judy does the weaving and I make the ends and put them on and the program will follow this schedule but backwards. I'll start out drawing the chain down and putting on the caps. I'll talk about making the catches and show off some of the home built tools I use. (That's mostly nails, in the common vernacular.)

Judy is going to try to get people actually started doing the weaving. The most important thing to bring for this is a gauge. The one she uses is a leather needle about 2.5 mm at the fat part. Needles are great because they're hard and polished and tapered, but anything the right diameter will do. I'll look around for some nails. The wire is 24 gauge sterling, however it comes from the mill, half-hard I guess. She has a couple ounces to bring so that's okay. Might cost a buck for a start. The only other tools are long nose flat pliers and flush cutters, but those can easily share. Old fogies should bring magnifiers.

November 10:
TOOLS - TOOLS - TOOLS

Come and share with fellow metalsmiths…

Your own tool inventions.
Your own tool modifications.
Your alternative uses for traditional tools.

We all develop innovative changes to our tools to better suit our needs. We reshape our pliers, invent new texturing tools, invent new implements to polish things, and we use items never meant to be used in a metals shop.
Have you invented new ways to use a rolling mill?
Are you always hunting for that certain yet-to-be-found tool to solve a certain problem?

We want to see your clever tool discoveries (or borrowed discoveries) that make your work easier. Plus, we love to see repeat sharing of your favorite tool tricks.Or if you do not have a tool to share, just come to the meeting to ready to be showered with ideas.


Program ReviewGo back to contents
Textile Techniques, September 2009
presented by Mandy Allen

Anyone at all around CMAG in recent years is familiar with Mandy Allen's infectiously personable nature and she brought this to bear on what your author believes is her first official presentation of a general meeting program. Mandy delineated the ins and outs of 'textile techniques in metal' which is incidentally the title of Arline Fisch's book on the subject, listed on Mandy's technical handout. I was impressed by the way she managed appropriate (i.e. miniscule) scale in this work and so is able to incorporate it into pieces like earrings. She's also one of these new age gals who won't go for tarnish and so uses a lot of fine silver for this work. We'd better get her back next year for another go round, personally I'm rooting for cold fastenings. Everyone loved her boxes for wire spools. Wayne

General Meeting ReportGo back to contents
Report of CMAG General Meeting 8 September 2009

Visiting the meeting were Lyndon who is apprenticing with Bruce McKay and Victor Guschov's daughter Emily, who's been studying in Germany. Also in attendance were Jesse Vasi and Lisa Ciolli who don't exactly qualify as visitors but it was nice to see them again anyway.

First business was the Community Showcase at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. This is a display of CMAG members' work in the Lab gallery there which runs October 12 to November 30. The deadline for submission was back in September. Don't know if there's any wiggle room left or not. There are also demonstrations scheduled on Saturdays during the exhibition. Beside Mandy Allen, Jesse and Carey Smith are running things on our end.

The annual Spring Show and Sale, held in conjunction with the Oregon Potters Association and other guilds, is scheduled for April 30, May 1 & 2, 2010 at the Oregon Convention Center, much as in recent years. Applications were mailed to the membership on September 10th. The steering committee reports increasing cooperation between the guilds at recent plenary meetings, a new, and in this writer's opinion, much needed, development. Some of the guilds are a little new to the notion that advertising and publicity require budgets. The show is open to all CMAG members. The basic booth fee is around $250 to $350 and a sales commission of 15% or 20% applies. The work exhibited must meet CMAG's established show criteria.

Our executive board is filling out somewhat. Bruce is taking on the president's duties for the time being but a Program Director is urgently required. This position needs a telephoning type person to keep things organized but plenty of help is available.

Respectfully submitted
Wayne
6 October 2009
Member NewsGo back to contents
Salmon Server
By Joe Apodaca

Here's a note from Joe Apodaca about a project recently finished. He's certainly correct, this is precisely the sort of material I like to include in the newsletter. It's also nice to see I'm not the only slowpoke in the bunch.

Wayne I just finished this sterling silver salmon server and thought you might like to run a picture of it in the newsletter. It was for my son's graduation from the Culinary Institute of America. I just gave it to him when we went to Detroit and it only took me 14 years to make it and give it to him.

The Salmon server is sterling silver, forged, fabricated, chased and set in the handle is a salmon colored Sunstone with Schiller found and cut by me.

Case for Sale
From Carey Smith

Hi Wayne,
Could you please place this ad in our next CMAG newsletter – many thanks.
FOR SALE:
LIKE NEW PORTABLE SHOWCASE BY ARIZONA CASE
WITH BUILT-IN LOCK, SIDE ANTI-THEFT GUARDS AND
BLACK VELVET PAD. $100 OBO
CAREY N. SMITH - 503-232-0057
Carey N. Smith
8217 SE 21st Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
505-232-0057

(Probably this picture isn't the case he's trying to sell.)
Membership Renewal
By Wayne

Membership dues are still only $60 per year and should be (have been) paid in June. Students and new members starting after January 1st are half except anyone doing the spring show needs to pay the full amount. Looking over the latest membership roster it seems a fairly large portion have yet to send in their renewal form and dues for 2009-10. If you're not sure please contact membership at: es@kickingbirdstudios.com

Download & print membership form here (.pdf).
Copper Etchings
From Lyn Simon

Belated congratulations to CMAGger Lyn Simon on this mark of distinction. Often it's hard to get things into a monthly publication in a timely way but maybe it's good to take retrospective note anyway.

Greetings Art Lovers!
I'm very excited to present my new Copper Etchings!
This next exhibit will be October 1-4, as a guest artist with Local 14 - at the World Forestry Center.
It's truly an honor to be juried into a show of this caliber...... a distinctive and unique gallery-style event
presented by an enthusiastic wealth of 95 local female talents. Details below. Don't miss it!


Calls For EntriesGo back to contents
Portland Open Studios

10th Anniversary
PORTLAND OPEN STUDIOS
Watch Artists at Work

WHEN: October 10, 11 & 17, 18
Many studios open both weekends
TIME: 10 am - 5 pm
WHERE: 100 locations all around Metro Portland
TICKETS: $15 for 2 adults, children free
CONTACT:
www.portlandopenstudios.com
info@portlandopenstudios.com
Bonnie 503-285-3131

WHAT & WHERE: annual self-directed tour of 100 artists' studios.
For ten years visitors to Portland Open Studios have been able to Watch Artists at Work during the self-directed tour of artists’ workplaces. This year, once again,visitors to the studios will be able to see a cross section of art being made in metro Portland. Look at molten glass turn into a vessel; puddles of watercolor become a landscape; a figure emerge from a block of wood; spun sugar harden into sculpture; threads interconnect into fabric; and more. On the tour art lovers can discover new materials, learn about ancient techniques and rediscover old “friends”. Not yet an art lover? Let Portland Open Studios artists be your guides to art in their friendly and informal environments.

TICKETS
The $15 Tour Guide comes with 2 tickets, maps, directions to the studios and pictures of artworks to help you decide where to go. It is also a 2010 wall calendar, organized by neighborhood, that is a useful memento of the event. Children under 18 are free. A whole family can have 4 days of entertainment and learning for only $15. Available at Art Media, New Seasons, and other stores listed.

TAKE THE TOUR
Use the Tour Guide to find the artists that you want ot visit; then drive, bike, walk or bus to the studios.
Or you can take the tour in EcoShuttle’s carbon-neurtal biodiesel tour vans. To find out more about the schedules and prices check www.ecoshuttle.net or call 503-548-4480 or 1-877-ECO-4PDX.

To give visitors and artists more scheduling flexibility most of the artists are open both weekends but be sure to check the open symbols on the map and in the Tour Guide to determine which artists studios are open only one weekend.

Bonnie Meltzer Portland Open Studios - Public Relations Coordinator
Lark Books

I didn't get far enough into this one to find what the payoff is but the links work. Wayne

Lark Books seeks images to publish in a juried collection of international studio jewelry. "500 Silver Jewelry Designs," juried by Talya Baharal, is a 420-page, full color survey of contemporary jewelers prominently featuring silver in their designs. This international collection will be beautifully presented and widely distributed throughout the world.

All jewelry forms, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches are welcome. Materials other than silver, such as stones, other metals, or alternative materials, may be included, but silver must be the focus and should occupy roughly 80% of the piece. All design styles are welcome.

Jewelers whose work is selected for inclusion will receive full acknowledgment within the book, a complimentary copy, and discounts on the future purchase of books. Artists retain copyright to their work. Lark accepts high-quality digital images, transparencies, and slides. No entry fee is required.

Submissions must be postmarked by December 4, 2009.

For more submission guidelines and entry forms, please visit:

www.larkbooks.com/submissions/artist-submissions

For more information on Lark Books and the 500 series, please visit:

www.larkbooks.com/catalog?section_key=2&limit=10

Thank you in advance for forwarding this message to the jewelers you represent and others who may be interested in participating in "500 Silver Jewelry Designs."

Marthe Le Van
Senior Editor, Jewelry & Metals
Lark Books
67 Broadway
Asheville, NC 28801 USA
828-253-0467 Ext. 749
828-253-7952 Fax
marthe@larkbooks.com
www.larkbooks.com
Jeweler Position

Margaret Halvorson from Maloy's recommended I contact your guild. I'm a designer starting a production line of custom jewelry, and I'm looking for a studio jeweler to do molding, casting, stone setting, and finish work. Work will primarily be in gold, and occasionally in platinum. I'm wondering if you could recommend a jeweler, or list of jewelers, that would potentially be a good fit.

Thanks in advance,
Kim Kovel
503-490-6789
METAL Inclinations2

This one's got a prize list and a link to last year's contest. And a nice picture. Also a pretty hefty entry fee. Wasn't that impressed with the entries. Was quite impressed with how many people they got to pony up forty bucks to enter. Wayne

Dear Guild Member,
The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths would like to invite the members of your guild to enter METAL Inclinations2 International Juried Online Jewelry Exhibition for 2010-11. SMM would appreciate if you could post this information or distribute the information to your members.

DEADLINE: June 30, 2010
METAL Inclinations2 will debut on the Internet October 31, 2010
and continue for one year until October 31, 2011

Go to: www.metalinclinations.org/enter.htm to download a prospectus

To see METAL Inclinations1, which will remain online until October 31, 2009, go to: www.metalinclinations.org

METAL Inclinations2 is sponsored by Hauser & Miller and produced and presented by The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths. SMM is a not-for-profit organization of volunteer metalsmiths. The Society's goal is to promote, develop, educate, and encourage individuals who are interested in metalsmithing.

The image above is a brooch by Gillian Hillerud that was selected to be included in METAL Inclinations1.
On the WebGo back to contents
Guild Council

The Guild Council Program, formerly the Guild Circle, is an outreach from the Museum of Contemporary Craft to craft guilds in the area. For a while lately, during their integration with the Pacific Northwest College of Art, the program was somewhat in abeyance but it has now taken up again. Our current Showcase at the Museum is a Council activity. There is an annual council participation fee of $350 which I am presuming CMAG has agreed to pay at the September board meeting but I didn't attend and haven't heard. The following letter from MCC outlines the program. I have posted the fancier description (pdf) in the archive and it can be read at: 2009 MCC Guild Council Program_Opportunities Sheet. I personally find myself supporting the notion of such a council and hoping that this will develop into something providing our members benefit. Wayne

September 11, 2009

Dear Board of Directors,

Museum of Contemporary Craft is excited to announce our integration with the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for the Museum, the College and the city. Please see the Museum website [editor: www.museumofcontemporarycraft.org, August 20, 2009 under information/press center] for the most recent press release.

This integration brings some changes to the Museum and College program, including the opportunity to solidify the Guild Council Program (GCP) as we move into the stages of stability, strengthening and growth over the next 3 years. Together with your Guild Council Program participation, we can create new models for active and collaborative exchange between the regional guilds, Museum, College and the local community.

In a July 6th meeting of the Guild Council Program committee, which includes representatives from most of the currently participating guilds, we collectively determined that the main objectives of the GCP would be: education, outreach, advocacy and collaboration. Based on this discussion, the Museum is revising the program to better serve educational needs – for guild members, college students, and the general public.

Specifically, you will notice in the enclosed updated Program opportunities sheet, that most of the main elements to the program thus far will stay the same, such as the Community Showcases and artist demos. Additionally, the Museum, College and Guild Council Program representatives are excited by several new ideas and opportunities; for example, the initiation of a mentorship program between the guilds and PNCA, which will directly connect guild artists to the students.

We understand that use of The Lab was important to the guilds, and we are available to discuss potential collaborative programming. However, the Museum staff situation is quite limited, leaving the Museum unable to continue hosting private “rental” events. [editor: bummer] On the plus side, we have the opportunity to re-think how to actively collaborate with artists and non-profit groups in other ways, to use The Lab as an innovative, educational space. Additionally, the integration with PNCA brings potential alternate locations for programs, and many more potential connections with college faculty. We can now focus on strengthening other benefits, such as networking and professional opportunities. Plans are underway to bring guest speakers and workshops of special interest to guild members. The upcoming event with Etsy’s Matt Stinchcomb, on October 6th will kick off this series. We hope to see your membership there.

The Guild Council Program committee will meet 4 times per year to work together to improve the Program. It is important for your Board to appoint a representative to this group who can commit to two years of creative thinking, problem-solving and strong collaboration. This will help us develop a stronger vision through continuity and collective conversation. The proposed 2010 schedule of Guild Council Program events includes these four meetings, ongoing Community Showcases and artist demos, and several workshops and/or guest speakers.

The GCP representatives all agreed that an increase of the participation fee to $350 per year requires your Board approval. We want to ensure that the connection between your guild, the Museum and College, visiting audiences and students continues; please find enclosed the new participation form.

Thank you again for your ongoing support. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. We look forward to working together to build a new kind of Guild Council Program, an innovative collaboration that can set new models for other craft communities across the region and nation.


Best regards,

Kat Perez
Exhibition Coordinator
Museum of Contemporary Craft

Namita Wiggers, Curator, Museum of Contemporary Craft
Ann Hudner, VP Communications + Public Programs, PNCAarticle
Meeting AnnouncementsGo back to contents

MONTHLY MEETINGS & PROGRAMS


WHEN: General CMAG member meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month. Door opens at 6:45pm, meetings begin at 7:15pm, and adjourn by 9:15pm.

WHERE: Room 34 at the Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Highway Portland 97219.

WHAT: Meetings consist of a general business and a short break with refreshments, followed by a program which may be a demonstration of a technique or tool, a slide presentation, a panel discussion, or other presentation of interest to CMAG members. The CMAG Library is open before the meeting and during the break for checking out books and magazines.

WHO: Meetings are open to CMAG members and their guests.

CMAG Webpage