Speakers Announced For Arts and Crafts Conference
By Bruce Johnson, Director.
For the past 31 years, I have always emphasized the importance of the educational aspects of the annual Arts and Crafts Conference, from the opening historic walking tours of the Omni Grove Park Inn and the daily small group discussions to the afternoon demonstrations and the six major seminar presentations.
Selecting each year’s topics and speakers is the most enjoyable aspect of organizing this event. It gives me the opportunity to highlight lesser known artisans and firms from the Arts and Crafts era, or to ask an author or researcher to delve into an unexplored aspect of a well-known Arts and Crafts individual.
And this year’s topics and their distinguished presenters are no exception.
On Friday evening, February 16, the esteemed Dr. Martin Eidelberg will explore the intimate working relationship between potter Adelaide Robineau and her husband and partner Samuel (above). Dr. Eidelberg will be followed by Christopher Cardozo, known across the country for his lifelong pursuit of fresh information regarding art photographer Edward Curtis, whose 150th anniversary of his birth will occur on the very day of this presentation.
On Saturday morning, February 17, Heather Stivison, former executive director of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, will share her research into “The Women Behind Gustav Stickley.” Afterwards, Brandy Culp, a curator of decorative arts at the Wadsworth Atheneum, will draw Chicago metalsmith Jessie Preston (work shown above) from the shadow cast by well-known metalsmith Robert Jarvie. Both presentations promise to reveal some new and startling discoveries.
On Sunday morning, February 18, Linda Ulrich-Hagner, a popular East Aurora historian and guide, will introduce us to “The Unsung Women of Roycroft.” One of the Roycroft bookbinders is shown above. Next, author and world traveler Brian Coleman whisks us away to “Mackintosh’s Scotland: An Arts and Crafts Journey.”
To see a detailed agenda of the weekend’s activities, plus information on how to register, simply go to: www.Arts-CraftsConference.com.
And direct any email questions to [email protected] or call (828) 628-1915.
Hope to see you in February!