Contemporary Ironwork In Brookfield

BROOKFIELD — A new exhibition of contemporary craft artwork by 30 of America’s top metalsmiths has opened in the Lynn Tendler Bignell Gallery at Brookfield Craft Center.

“Contemporary Ironwork: The Artist Blacksmith” has been curated by Brookfield Craft Center faculty member Michael Saari of Woodstock. The show, which features hand wrought metal furniture, lighting units, tableware and other stylish designer home accessories, will run through May 27.

According to gallery director Judith T. Russell, “Iron is one of the most significant areas of contemporary fine craft; and this show will present its full creative range and exciting potential.”

Mr Saari, a professional blacksmith and teacher, has selected 30 of America’s foremost artist blacksmiths to participate in the unique exhibition, which celebrates the past 25 years of America’s organized blacksmithing movement. Work on view incorporates a variety of forging techniques giving testimony to the premise that blacksmithing is no longer a utilitarian craft, but a significant artistic medium.

The artists represented in “Contemporary Ironwork” are Bob Bergman, Ryan Blessey, Stephen Bondi, Elizabeth Brim, Jack Brubaker, E.A. Chase, Frederic A. Crist, Bill Fiorini, Glen Gilmore, Peter Happny, Doug Hendrickson, Brent Kingston, Scott Lankton, Thomas Latane, John Medwedeff, Joseph R. Miller, Jaime Pelissier, David Ponsler, Steve Rosenberg, Michael Saari, William Senseney, Christina Shmigel, Brad Silberberg, Rick Smith, Dorothy Steigler, John Stevens, Corky Storer, Peter Swarz-Burt and Jim Wallace.

The Lynn Tendler Bignell Gallery at Brookfield Craft Center is in the historic mill building on Route 25, just east of the four corners intersection with Route 7/202. For further information call 775-4526 or visit the Web site BrookfieldCraftCenter.org