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 Bruce 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
guild@actonjewelry.comWayne Acton 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
Happy New Year everybody. Hope you've enjoyed the Holiday Season. I seem to have suddenly a plethora of contributions for the newsletter. Don't know if it's the time of year, or the layoff or perhaps the cumulative effect of my plodding editorship. Mandy and Barbara have been sniffing around the internet and came up with some interesting bits, Mandy also reports on the Showcase. Alma announces a workshop and Madeline is published (again, IIRC.) And Mona sends a book review. Also lots of show, workshop, conference and class announcements for the coming year arriving at the inbox. Hope I can get it all put together: but not complaining. … Wayne
As always the newsletter(s) along with meeting pictures and so forth are available at our 'secret' archive
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January 12, 2010 - GENERAL MEETING PROGRAM
"Copper & Brass Metal Clay"
By Debra Carus
 
"Bronze and copper metal clays are the newest innovation in the United States. Invented by the husband of an artist in the midwest who was looking to incorporate bronze with silver metal clay, this is a great new way to make hand-built metal forms. Shortly after bronze clay hit the market last July, copper clay also became available. Both forms of these new metal clays are worked with hand tools, and after firing, can be incorporated into other metal work, whether jewelry, decorative objects or small sculptures. The metal clays are an exciting way to make mixed media pieces, using other materials such as fabricated metals, ceramics or glass.
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Come get your hands on these new metals in our January program. Debra Carus will demonstrate basic handbuilding, and discuss potential uses, firing and finishing techniques, and trouble shooting. Pieces made by participants during the evening will be fired and returned during the February meeting." Debra
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February 9 A quick-moving overview of ways to maximize your time and maximize your dollar in running your business and accepting payments from your customers. Covering a wide array of topics including - a graphical comparison of what it really costs you to accept payment by cash, check, PIN debit, gift card, paper check, e-check, direct debit (ACH), credit card (swiped) and credit card (online). Guaranteed to be an eye-opener! Daryl Grove is part owner in MLS Direct Network, an independent payments co-op with 80 offices around the country. "This will NOT be a sales presentation, but simply a practical and enlightening time with Q&A opportunity for your specific challenges afterward."
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Report of CMAG General Meeting November 2009
Sorry to say I'm finding sparse notes and a sparser memory to put together a meeting report. Should'a got to it sooner maybe, cause naturally I've got nothing else to do in the weeks before the holidays. For visitors it says here that Glory Redfern (sp?) announced she's became a member since her visit in October and Beverly, who's studying metal there at MAC, attended.
We had a discussion about publishing the member guide, which is expensive to print and problematic to know who to include since getting CMAGgers to renew on time is like herding cats. For present, it looks like a emailed version will be substituted, which is pretty easy to gleam from the membership spread sheet.
Daniel asked about the show application deadline, which then was not yet reached. Judy said he could still enter and that really the deadline was pretty soft; not that it wouldn't be nice if it could be hard and fast, but she had to be realistic. Carey advocated more rigidity, saying not enforcing it looked amateurish, which probably it does, but Judy isn't changing at this point. The idea of opening the show to members of other metal guilds, Seattle specifically, but maybe others came up. They would show as individuals and would need only their 'home' membership. Also hospitality accommodation could possibly be made for them (as well as out of town CMAGgers) by some of our locals. There was at least agreement in principle to this among attendees.
Mary Wong left rather abruptly then poked her head in to say she was going to procure pizza for the break. Trying to decipher these notes it seems there was apparently some banter about Joe eating the pumpkin … ? bread or something I presume. I think the Apodacas were still in the throes of kitchen remodel so maybe he really was that hungry.
Somebody announced (maybe me, I probably knew then) that we'd paid $350 annual fee to the Museum of Contemporary Craft for Guild Council Membership, which is up sharply from previous years and I've already reported the diminishment of service associated with joining.
Discussion of topics for the year's programs. Mary Pritchard is program coordinator now with Linda, Carey and Daniel slated to assist. Direct ideas there or I'll pass them on. See above for February program. Looks to me that Mary's off to a crackerjack start, if the announcement she sent for the newsletter (I'll publish in full next time) is any indication.
Mary reported favorably on the Portland Jewelers Symposium and the Faceter's Auction was announced but the big news was Daniel's marriage back in August, pledging his troth with rings from the Apodacas. Pizza came and the program review's above. Wayne
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MCC Showcase
By Mandy Allen
Thank you everyone who participated in our community showcase at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. I think we had a fantastic group of pieces that really represented our guild, and the museum was impressed by how many volunteers we had doing demonstrations on Saturdays.
The Guild Council is interested in developing a mentoring program between guild members and students at PNCA. This program would include guild members helping students learn about the real world of making art for a living (or just part of a living) as well as the possibility of students teaching us more about on-line applications, social networking, etc. It would also probably extend to OCAC students and even high school students, it all depends on the feedback and energy the guilds offer. If this interests you in any way let me know so I can help the idea develop at the next guild council meeting.
Mandy Allen
allenmetalarts@gmail.com
503-281-7820
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 ANTICLASTIC RAISING WORKSHOP
From Alma Rands
In response to the requests made for a workshop on Anti-clastic raising, I am delighted to announce that I have spoken about it to Rebecca Melton, who currently teaches metals classes at the Multnomah Art Center, and she is willing to give a workshop for CMAG members--possibly in the Spring or early summer.
At this point, what we need is a head count of those who are seriously interested in attending this workshop so that we can determine whether or not there is sufficient interest for us to proceed with setting it up. Rebecca Melton will gather together all the materials, and tools necessary, and their costs will be included in your fees. This will assure that we all have the correct tools and materials, and will save each person the necessity of getting them on their own. Several of the items will have to be specially made.
Once we have some firm figures as to the number of people who plan to participate, we will set a firm date for it, and will know the costs per participant.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn this special technique, and we are fortunate that Rebecca is willing to teach us. She is experienced, and has excellent credentials, with two BFA's, one from Maryland institute College of Art, and the other from OCAC. She has been teaching metals classes at MAC, since 2006.
Please let me know, no latter than Feb.25, as to whether you would like to take the workshop.
Send me an email at arands@comcast.net, or give me a phone call,(503)644-1286.
Alma Rands, Workshop Coordinator.
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The Craftsman: a book report
By Mona Mozeico
I read a book review of The Craftsman by Richard Sennett, a sociology professor at NYU and London School of Economics. Later, I read an article about software design engineers at Adobe Software working with their hands to create ingenious, nonsensical motion games. The premise of these workshops is that we learn by doing, “…all your intelligence isn’t in your brain, you learn through your hands.” Other craft/inventor workshops for engineers in highly abstract fields reinforced the belief that bringing hands back to digital designing improves their products and the human interface.
The book is not a page turner but worth the reading effort and reinforces what we as artists already know: the value of working with one’s hands and its value to society. The key points for me: 1) working with one’s hands informs HOW we think and approach problems; 2) teaches patience and the importance of repetition; 3) gave examples of bottom-up approach to problem solving (working on details or parts and then progressing to the final project (whole); 4) society undervalues hand workers and how much we need them (and not necessarily for their products; 5) craftsman think logically in progressive steps and also outside the box as in using tools in a different way than its original intent. 6) there is innate pride in doing a job well that is independent of success or recognition; 7) it requires about 10,000 hours to achieve mastery. Talent and gift aside, a craftsman knows that to create something beautiful and well, he has to invest years in learning; 8) guilds are important and have diminished with the industrial age, and most importantly 9) working with our hands teaches us about ourselves. There were many more valuable observations and examples and I have oversimplified, but these are the ones that resonated with me.
In the most recent American Craft Magazine there is an interview with the author by the editor of Metalsmith Magazine in which he posits that there is a craftsman in all humans…a basic need to create, do something well, and to a complete closure.
Honor your hands, your work, and your whole Self.
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 Member Published
From Madeline Janovec
MADELINE MEZA JANOVEC HAS A PAGE IN THE NEW BOOK
THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM RENTAL SALES GALLERY:
THE FIRST 50 YEARS 1959-2009
"The Rental Sales Gallery was founded in 1959 as a nonprofit gallery to help promote public awareness of Oregon arts by showcasing regional artists. At present, more than 250 artists are represented in the Gallery, all from Oregon and the Vancouver, Washington area. All artwork is original and juried. There are at least 600 pieces of art in the Gallery at any one time, with a total inventory of more than 2,000 works. Mediums include: oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings; wood, metal, and stone sculpture; drawings; collages; photography; and framed prints."
portlandartmuseum.org/visit/rsg/
The book came out Friday November 6, 2009.
janovec studio/gallery
Holgate & S E Milwaukie ave
Thur - Sat 12-6:00
503 490-7433
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Revere Academy
Article from the Revere Academy for their 2010 Master's Symposium:
"The Revere Academy will hold a world-class series of workshops during its 2010 Masters Symposium, held from April 3 -25 in San Francisco. The Academy will host 14 master classes taught by leading goldsmiths and other experts from around the globe. Classes are open to students at all levels.
"This year Revere has booked an incredible lineup for its Masters Symposium. Fabrizio Aquafresca, who comes from a long line of Italian master craftsmen, will travel from Italy to share his special techniques in Chasing & Repoussé. Metal and stone artist Michael Boyd will share his mastery of both media in his classes, Stone & Metal and Gem Carving at the Bench. Linda Darty, author of The Art of Enameling, will teach Enameling in Depth and Cloisonnè. James Binnion, expert metallurgist and master craftsman will teach Creating Mokume Gane and Patterning Mokume Gane. Alan Revere, the Academy’s founder, award winning designer, author and educator will share his creativity, and design expertise in a class called Jewelry Design with Alan Revere & Friends. Wayne Werner, a third-generation metalsmith will travel from Baltimore to share his expertise in Hot & Cold Connections and Exploring the Ring. Curtis Arima will share his passions forging, forming and fabricating natural forms in metal in Nature-Smithing. And Suzanne Pugh’s class Gold & Steel is perfect for those looking to combine these dramatic materials in their work. For the first time in history, Hap Sakwa, a leading jewelry photographer, will share his expertise with students in Photography for Jewelers."
For more information check out the web at revereacademy.com
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Shows
A couple show announcements sent to the Guild:
Art In The Pearl is a Zapplication Festival, dedicated to an on-line digital application and jury process. Slides and paper applications are no longer accepted.
Application deadline is March 15, 2010. Festival dates: Sept. 4, 5, 6, 2010.
For additional festival information, visit us at artinthepearl.com
Portland Oregon's Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is pleased toannounce a new Emerging Artists Program.
The Emerging Artists Program is designed specifically for Oregon and Washington artists who have minimal experience exhibiting and selling their artwork. We will be looking for 3-4 Emerging Artists who will each be paired with a mentor to help guide them through the process of preparing, displaying and selling their work.
Artists who are just beginning their careers in the art world are encouraged to apply. The festival will be held Labor Day weekend, September 4, 5 and 6 2010 in Portland's beautiful North Park blocks. Applications will be accepted December 15, 2009 through midnight March 15, 2010 using ZAPP Online application system. $30 application fee.
Art in the High Desert
website & newsletter
Our website is always changing. Check it out.
artinthehighdesert.com
Artist applications are now available on zapplication for the 2010 Art in the High Desert.
Note the applications close earlier this year on January 29, 2010
LOCAL 14 Art Show & Sale invites all Northwest women artists to apply to our 43rd annual show to be held at the World Forestry Center, October 14- October 17, 2010. (Please note that this year the show will be held at a date 2 weeks later than usual.)
The annual LOCAL 14 Women’s Art Show and Sale represents the artwork of approximately 95 women artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest. The original goal of the founders in 1968 was to promote women artists, and offer the public an attractive mix of well crafted, high quality and original artwork. The concept has not changed over the years and the show has become a highly anticipated, very successful and well attended event and one of the premier fine art and craft shows in Portland.
Artist applications will be available on Jan 15, 2010 at zapplication.com. Applications are due by midnight, March 8th, 2010. More information available at local14.org. or call 503-241-8939.
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Beach Collecting
Barbara Covey sends an interesting bit about closing sections of the Oregon beach for collecting of any kind. I didn't research this much. Apparently Barbara is on a mail list for rockhounds.ning.com, which looks a pretty interesting site in itself. The email she forwarded is from a Christina Morrissey, who writes:
"State of Oregon is in the process of establishing two pilot projects on theOregon coast designated as Marine Reserves. The two projects are called theOtter Rock Marine Reserve and the Redfish Rock Marine Reserve.
The proposed rules will not allow for removal of any soil, rock or fossil materials. Nor can driftwood be collected. This will end our beach combing activities for beach agates, rocks and fossils on these two areas of the Oregon coast. A copy of the proposed rules can be obtained by going to the website www.oregonstatelands.us [content has changed I think, Wayne] Click on "Rulemaking Updates" on the right hand side of the page. That will take you to a page where you will find a listing (near the top of the page) for Division 142. Click on that notation and it will take you to the proposed rules."
Comments are closed obviously and there's still lots of places to pick up beach rocks I think, but it's certainly worth while to keep track of this sort of rulemaking and to know how to speak up when one is affected. W
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CERF
This is from Mandy:
Have you ever heard of CERF?
CERF is the Craft Emergency Relief Fund, a non-profit organization that provides direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance. CERF’s emergency relief programs provide assistance to help sustain a craft artist’s career when an emergency occurs such as injury, fire, earthquake or flood. They provide small grants, no-interest loans, waivers and discounts on booth fees, and donations of craft supplies and equipment.
CERF has recently released the Studio Protector - an information toolkit to help artists be disaster ready and disaster resilient. It focuses on information that is relevant to artists and the realities of the studio environment and presents the most important information as concisely as possible, and always in the context of safeguarding the careers of artists.
The Studio Protector has two components: The Wall Guide is an easy to use, calendar-sized reference tool with checklists of the most essential information for emergency preparation and response. The design is engaging, decidedly low-tech, and functional before, during, and after an emergency. The Online Guide is a companion multi-media digest with supplementary information to help artists tailor their readiness efforts to their particular circumstances, to assist them craft an effective response to an emergency if it occurs, and to speed recovery. And it only costs $16. This is a great way to support CERF and get some very helpful information. For more information about CERF go to craftemergency.org.
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OCAC
Several CMAGgers teaching classes/workshops at OCAC this spring. For details see this pdf of their catalog: http://www.ocac.edu/downloads/catalogs_schedules/SS_Spring10_schedule.pdf ... [Have to look patiently, it doesn't seem to have a linked TOC.Goto pg 14.]
One, Two, Three...Earrings!
with Tami Dean
Tin: Cold Connections
with Ellen Wieske
Fundamentals of Metalsmithing I
Miel-Margarita Paredes
Fundamentals of Metalsmithing II
with Miel-Margarita Paredes
Stonesetting
with Rebecca Scheer
Boxes and Lockets
with Rebecca Scheer
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SNAG
2010 SNAG Conference, "going to eXtremes,"
Houston, TX, March 10-13, 2010
"This is your primary source for all conference details."
http://www.snagmetalsmith.org/image/homepage/signup/.docs/pg/10034
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