{smARTS} sherman mills ARTS

September 9 – September 30

Crafts for Living Gallery announces the opening of an invitational exhibit of new work from craft artists working at Sherman Mills at East Falls. Craft Artists: Exposed, features Ric Allison, Pam Pawl, Emily Selvin and Michael Zerbe. The exhibit opens September 9 through September 30. A reception for the artists is September 13, from 5:30–8pm.

Ric Allison is a craftsman who makes fine furniture reminiscent of a time when hand-crafted furniture was truly an artform. He also makes exquisite accessories for interiors. As noted in a recent interview, ‘Allison is always pushing us to reconsider our pre-conceived notions of what furniture could and should be.’

Pam Pawl, a textile artist, redefines the art of weaving. A nationally known artist, she is known for her limited edition scarves, shawls and blankets made from her hand dyed yarns on a multi-harness loom. Pawl is also a brilliant teacher who freely shares her knowledge of dying and weaving with her students.

Emily Selvin, a stained glass glazier, seeks to reveal the beauty of glass to harness natural light. She is the talented artist behind Selvin Glass, that offers custom-design services, Old-World quality-craftsmanship, restoration and conservation, vitreous glass painting, mosaics, light fixtures and illuminated Tables.

Michael Zerbe’s handbuilt ceramic vessels are as beautiful as they are functional. His new patterns and color palette make them appealing for any interior. They are truly crafts for living. In Craft Artists: Exposed, the studio comes to the gallery and vice versa. Each artist was asked, along with a body of work, to prepare a vignette…or sketches… of process. This will enable the viewer to better understand how each artist works…the thoughtfulness, the drawings/sketches, the materials, the tools, the method. According to Ellen Carver, founding director of Crafts for Living, “the educational value of understanding the process and the finished art work is invaluable. Hopefully, it will lead to a larger and more appreciative audience for craft arts and artists. We also hope this form of presenting work, in addition to being how we will show work in the future, will encourage the general public who may not know that they, too, can make beautiful object with their hands.’

The visual picture of the journey taken to complete a work of art by an accomplished craft artist serves the mission of Crafts for Living, a non profit organization focusing on American crafts and craft artists. The Gallery at Crafts for Living serves several functions…it is a place where craft artists, both accomplished and emerging, show and sell their work. It also serves as an educational tool…where the general public, collectors and students, and other artists, can appreciate new and exceptional work in a variety of medium.

Crafts for Living also offers regular classes and workshops in a variety of medium. (Pam Pawl will teach a weaving class beginning September 20.)

For more information please contact Crafts for Living, 215-844-7500 or craftseastfalls@aol.com.