April 2010
CMAG Board
Bruce McKay
Daniel Baca
Ken Patton
Barbara Covey
Lyn Simon
Earl Lovejoy
Susan Lovejoy
Wayne Acton

CMAG Board Meetings
Board meetings will now generally be held prior to the General Meeting in a nearby location. Members are encouraged to attend and contribute.

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.com
Wayne Acton 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.
President's Message

Spring is in the air and all around us are the sounds of birds announcing their arrival, lost worms crawling across sidewalks looking for dirt, and the hammering in workshops of CMAG members getting ready for the Spring Show.

I am doing what I always do for the Spring Show, putting 3 pieces in the Gallery. I am in a panic trying to just get 3 new pieces out and I worry about sleep deprivation for those of you getting stock ready for a full booth.

For new members or members who can’t do a booth, I recommend putting pieces into the Gallery. I almost always sell something out of the Gallery, but most importantly it gets me involved with the show. I get to do my volunteer hours in the gallery, greeting customers as they come in, talking up the Guild and showing off the beautiful samples of member’s work in the gallery case.

I also spend time each year going through the shows of other guilds showing with us, and I always make a purchase at one of the other guilds to support our fellow craftspeople. I have also sold work to potters and weavers and such.

For those members not having a booth at the show, please get involved with the show by volunteering some of your time. It is always fun and your help is needed to pull off another successful show. This show is the most public showcase of our Guild each year and we all need to help make it survive to the next year.

Presidentially, Bruce McKay

(As always the newsletter(s) along with meeting pictures and so forth are available at the website 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
April 13, 2010 - GENERAL MEETING PROGRAM
"GRS Tools"
By Bruce McKay

(Ed note: The newsletter didn't receive any program updates for April issue. Here's the goods from last month's quick preview.)

For our April program Bruce McKay will talk on GRS Tools... " I will do a program on the products of GRS corporation, which make life at the bench easier."

Located in Emporia Kansas, GRS Tools is a premier manufacturer of equipment for artists working in metal jewelry. Originally founded on advances in engraving technology, GRS also offers the BenchMate System of holding devices and excellent training courses.

grstools.com


April: Board Meeting

The CMAG executive board now meets before the monthly general meeting at six o'clock in a room at the Multnomah Arts Center whose number I've forgotten to notice. It's the next one south of the other meeting room, to the left through the double doors. Attendance at these meetings, by members who aren't (yet) on the board is vital to the continuation of our guild. It's absolutely imperative that new blood filters into positions of leadership and coming to a board meeting is where it starts. If you value your membership, get involved and start doing your share.

May: Anticlastic Raising

My current understanding is that May's program will be a presentation by Rebecca Mellon on Anticlastic Raising. See the article below about her upcoming workshop.

Program ReviewGo back to contents
"PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR WORK – LARGE AND SMALL"
March 2010
presented by Carey, Joe & Daniel


I feel the need to wax enthusiastic about the March photography program. Lots of details to copy along with useful overviews. the effort these members made really showed. If you don't know, Barbara Covey makes a photo record of the programs, which is posted at the Archives. One of the things she does is take pics of labels so you can find out a product that was recommended. I'm doing a double page for the March program.

Judy and I already have our photo trip arranged. We went compact like Carey but use hot lights which are some extra bother but not impossible. We liked the idea of using non-glare glass in the setup and printing the fadeout background from the internet.

The three presenters had a wide range of experience and some intergenerational jesting ensued. Daniel Baca led off talking about with a dramatic demonstration about lighting larger sculptural pieces. He considers the six-pack to be the most important photographic device which he uses to motivate his photographically inclined acquaintances. Carey Smith, who, with Joe Apodaca, represented the upper ranges, generationally. Both these guys started with actual film cameras back in their arts baccalaureate days. Carey, who pursued a career in education, has opted for a folding tent set up with cool lights. I found the table top mounts he has for these inspirational. Joe comes at this from a professional artist background. His full-service, home-built photography studio was something to behold. I expect it has a bedroom of its own.

An outfit like Carey's can be seen at smithvictor.com. Inspiration for Joe's setup is found at diyphotography.net/pvc-studio-lights-with-an-attitude & at diyphotography.net/low-on-budget-consider-a-desk-lamp-softbox. Daniel didn't specify a supplier for six-packs but if you're stuck I'm sure he'll reveal his source. Wayne

General Meeting ReportGo back to contents
Report of CMAG General Meeting March 2010

Board: We now have a room here at MAC for board meetings, from 6 to 7 pm on General Meeting Tuesdays. Next month I'll remember the number. At the March board meeting duties of board positions were reviewed and a report from Judy Acton and Debra Carus of the Spring show Steering Committee was heard.

Visitors: Looks like I counted somewhere around thirty CMAGgers in attendance. Steve and his secretary Lizz were visiting the meeting as was another Steve (Smith) who is the proprietor of a jewelry school in Beaverton name of A'KASHA and who is a new CMAG member.

Committee: As is customary in this season, much reporting and discussing turned to Spring Show affairs. The post cards (have by now) been printed, so come get them at the April meeting if you haven't already otherwise. Stone dealers will be at the show in the private lounge from 10 to 4 on Sunday to sell exclusively to CMAG members. The April meeting is the deadline for CASA beads. See Debra's show update article below for additional details.

Technical Q & A: First Carol Greiwe asked about place to get posters made from jewelry photos. Several members present had gone through this and suggested resources both online and at stores. The name 'Vista Print' made it into these notes but without adequate explanation, although I expect it was recommended. (Good topic for a short newsletter article, doesn't someone agree?) Ken Paton posed a copper coloring preservation on sculpture question, purple specifically, which occasioned a spirited dialogue. Floor wax and 'Nicholos Spray' got recommendations. Tech Q&A always proves engaging and the knowledge base revealed is awesome to consider. So think about what's been bugging you and come prepared
Member NewsGo back to contents
Spring Show Details
By Debra Carus

Hi newsletter master!

Here's my contribution for the show:

We are in the countdown stage of the spring show so here's some quick reminders for CMAG members. By now all show participants will have received an email with a week's worth of reading material - all very critical show details that you don't want to skip over or recycle too soon. Worth noting again - we need help getting show postcards distributed around our communities, so make plans to pick some up at (1) the April CMAG meeting, or (2) contact Mary Wong to pick up some from her shop or (3) contact Barbara Covey to help get them out to galleries and shops. The e-version of the postcard was sent to show participants, so if you have an email mailing list of customers, that's a quick way to get the word out, too.

BE IN THE SPRING SHOW GALLERY

Members are invited to show 3 pieces of your work in the staffed Gallery show of the Spring Show. For $50 plus a few volunteer hours you can be part of our annual show. For more information & forms call Linda Apodaca, 503-638-4030 or email joerapodaca@msn.com. Sign up deadline April 13, 2010.

And if you plan to participate in the silent auction, contact Barbara Covey to let her know you are donating an item.

Here's to a wonderful, successful show!! Hope to see everybody there.

that's it from my peanut gallery. thanks, Debra

Gallery Exhibit
From Mandy Allen

Member Mandy Allen will have one of her necklaces in Nature By Design: A Biennial National Juried Exhibition in partnership with Allied Arts featuring new directions in fiber and jewelry. Opening reception April 9th, 5:30-7:30pm at the Larson Gallery in Yakima, WA Show runs April 9 - May 5th.

www.larsongallery.org/

Anticlastic Raising Workshop
By Rebecca Melton

(Alma and Rebecca have worked through a lot to get this workshop organized for CMAGgers. I'm really excited that it's definately scheduled now and it looks like a great deal.)

Hi Wayne,

I wanted to give you more detailed info on the workshop. I can send info out to the folks that are interested and have already contacted me. I've changed the sign up date because I'm doing the CMAG meeting in May.

The workshop will be held July 10 and 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM with a lunch break. The entire workshop will be on anticlastic raising focusing on proper use of tools and various uses for this technique in jewelry. Metal and the raising stake will be provided for the students. Those attending the workshop should bring their own hammers (raising and plannishing and even textured hammers are welcome) and I will go over some of these in my visit to CMAG in May.

The fee is $50.00 for the two days. Deadline to sign up is May 19th. Payment should be sent to me by June 1st to ensure a spot in the workshop. I can only fit 8 students. If we get more we can do another workshop.

Sign up through contacting me
Rebecca Melton
meltonmetals@gmail.com

Payment can be sent to
R. Melton
10111 SE Reedway
Portland, OR 97266

Thanks Wayne!
Rebecca Melton
Safe Sale
From Mark McNown

This item was sold




Calls For EntriesGo back to contents
Alberta Art Hop

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 11am to 6pm, Art on Alberta will hold its 11th Annual Art Hop with the theme, “ABC: Art Builds Community.” Over 15 blocks of NE Alberta Street will be closed to car traffic to accommodate over 150 artists, craftspeople, music, dance and theater performances, interactive art events along with food and other vendors. This is a free arts event for kids of all ages. Last year's event drew over 20,000 people for this much loved annual festival celebrating art, community, and diversity.

Registration for artists, craftspeople, food and other vendors is open. For information about registering your vending space, please contact Combustible Media, 503-235-5025 or carrie.locke@combustible- media.com.

This year, Art Hop accomplishes a major murals project on NE Alberta Street. Three murals will be painted by area youth groups including House of Umoja, Girls Inc. and the George School under the direction of Skidmore Prize winner Rodolfo Serna. A fourth mural will be painted by the attending public on the day of Art Hop, designed and supervised by Esteban Camacho. Art on Alberta has been facilitating these murals as a gift to two other nonprofits who serve this neighborhood: Sabin CDC and Community Energy Project.

Art on Alberta is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the Alberta Art District’s distinct identity through art and educational activities. For more information about
Art on Alberta, please visit artonalberta.org

(Art Hop details and vender registration form)
Multnomah County Cultural Coalition

COMMUNITY CULTURAL PARTICIPATION GRANT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICANTS
Posted: March 1, 2010

The Multnomah County Cultural Coalition (MCCC) is a group of leaders from area organizations that have a mission to foster a community that is opportunity-rich in cultural offerings, increasing the likelihood of participation among the broadest possible spectrum of county residents. The MCCC's policies and procedures help govern the distribution of funds received from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

The Community Cultural Participation (CCP) Grant Program supports community-based cultural events, programs and organizations. Community Cultural Participation Grants can be used for a specific event, program, or activity, as long as it is open to the public.

Any not-for-profit organization will be eligible to apply for a CCP grant up to $2,000. This includes registered neighborhood associations, groups of citizens with a declared common purpose consistent with the goals of this grant program, and organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status. However, IRS 501(c)(3) status is not required.

Applications must clearly demonstrate how the funds will help the proposed cultural event, program, or activity to become more accessible and/or affordable to Multnomah County residents or encourage new cultural activities and organizations.

Go to www.racc.org/countyapps. Deadline for online application is May 5, 2010, 5:00 p.m.


Contact Info: Eliza Canty-Jones, co-chair for the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition
eliza.canty-jones@ohs.org
On the WebGo back to contents
MAC Blog

This email was a bit muddled and confusing but the blog message is by Kristin Shiga and has links to MAC schedule and registration. I think maybe Julie visited a meeting recently. Kristin, Debra Carus, Lee Haga and Rebecca Melton have classes in the schedule.

"I'm following MAC Metalsmithing/Jewelry Blog and think you'll be interested in it as well. To check it out, follow the link below:
MAC Metalsmithing/Jewelry Blog

"Hi Students and friends, We are starting a blog for the metals department at the Multnomah Arts Center in Portland Oregon...although it might be a bit thin from me for a few months (I'm in the middle of buying a house), I will be teaching a Ring Casting Workshop and an Organic Casting Workshop in June during which I will upload active pictures to the blog. Maybe even some video! I hope you'll join us in real time or blog time, whichever works for you! Happy metalsmithing :) Julie Marino"
OCAC Summer Metal

Oregon College of Arts and Crafts sends a link to Summer Programs ocac.edu/downloads/catalogs_schedules/ss_summer10_schedule.pdf. Metals classes start on page 15.

"Greetings fellow Metals enthusiast and supporter of the arts!

"Summer is just around the corner, and at Oregon College of Art and Craft we've scheduled a selection of exciting new programs beginning in May. From short one-day workshops to multiple-week classes, we offer a variety of courses for all skill levels. Included below are links to our online catalog for more information.

Sincerely,
Kristin Shiga
Extension Program Director"
Title

Here's a couple items from the Pacific Northwest Sculptors Call for Artists. This is a great resource, mostly for larger work, but not all. See last month's newsletter for details about getting it.
Ancient World

Unusual things come sometimes to the website email. This from New York:

"Dear Metals and Jewelry Enthusiast:

"The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University would like to share our current exhibition with you. The Lost World of Old Europe, The Danube Valley, 5000-3500 BC features over 160 objects on loan from 20 institutions throughout Romania, Bulgaria, and the Republic of Moldova.

"On display is an extensive collection of prestige goods made of gold, copper and exotic shells that held significant social, political and perhaps religious meaning. Such items were traded as far away as 3000 kilometers and a greater quantity of gold has been found in Old Europe than in all of the archaeological sites before 3500 BC.

"The jewelry produced by Old Europeans was an aesthetic and technical achievement, often using teeth, bone, gold and copper beads as well as various types of shells. The spondylus bracelets, picture attached, are superbly executed and were produced between 5000-4600 BC. The rare spondylus shell was worked, venerated and exchanged throughout Old Europe. The spondylus bracelets represent just one type of prized ornamental objects on view in The Lost World of Old Europe exhibition.

"Admission is free, and I encourage you come in before the exhibition closes on April 25th, 2010. We welcome groups and can work with you to arrange a special guided tour. Our website, nyu.edu/isaw/exhibitions/oldeurope, provides more detailed information.

"Thank you and please be sure to contact me with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Alix Hornyan
Visitor Services
Institute for the Study of the Ancient World
New York University
15 E 84th Street
New York, NY 10028
ach333@nyu.edu"
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