Far from the Tree:
An Evolutionary View of Contemporary Woodturning
and Small Wonders: Contemporary Marbles by American Artists
at THE OHIO CRAFT MUSEUM
July 13–August 10, 2008

(Columbus, Ohio)—The Ohio Craft Museum will present two exhibitions concurrently
from July 13 through August 10. Curated by Jacques Vesery, an internationally known wood artist, and Kevin Wallace, independent curator, author, and director of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai, California, “Far from the Tree: An Evolutionary View of Contemporary Woodturning” showcases vessel forms by pioneering artists in the woodturning field, including Mel Lindquist, Ed Moulthrop, Rude Osolnik, James Prestini and Bob Stocksdale.

Also featured are forms by 24 infl uential contemporary artists who push the boundaries of woodworking: Michael Brolly, Pennsylvania; Christian Burchard, Oregon;
Gorst de Plessis, New Orleans; David Ellsworth, Pennsylvania; Harvey Fein, New
York City; Ron Fleming, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Giles Gilson, New York; Robyn Horn,
Arkansas; William Hunter, California; John Jordan, Tennessee; Stony Lamar, North
Carolina; Michael Lee, Hawaii; Mark Lindquist, Florida; William Luce, Washington;
William Moore, Oregon; Michael Peterson, Washington; Merryll Saylan, California;
Betty Scarpino, Indianapolis; Mark Sfi rri, Pennsylvania; and Alan Stirt, Vermont.
International artists include Alain Mailland, France; Graeme Priddle, New Zealand;
Richard Raffan, Australia; and Hans Weissflog, Germany.

“Part of the real power of a piece, when it is successful,” says William Luce, “is the unity and harmony of the visual form and the tactile quality of the turning. Such a creation gives quiet joy every time it is experienced, with the shape and balance speaking softly yet firmly.” The exhibition is organized by the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport, Maine.

Shown alongside this will be “Small Wonders: Contemporary Marbles by American
Artists.” The exhibition features one-of-a-kind glass marbles by approximately 15
artists from across the country, working in styles ranging from traditional twists and
swirls to unusual imagery and patterning in a wide array of colors. Collectors will find
contemporary art marbles created by nationally known artists Mark Matthews, Drew
Fritts, Gateson Recko, Cathy Richardson, Route 66 Glassworks, Constance Hall, Kris
Parke, Chris and Jackie Rice, Davis Glass, Dan Grumbling, and Eddie and Bobbie Seese.

“Glass, like water, is a very fl uid and dynamic medium,” states Minnesota artist Cathy
Richardson. “It can contain, surround and magnify objects, creating magical effects
to delight the eye and fascinate the imagination. Using these properties, I am able to
create beautiful, dynamic designs that are full of life, inviting you to look again and
again into my world.”

The allure of collecting contemporary art marbles lies in their beauty, charm and
variety, as well as in their affordability. Handcrafted marbles incorporate all the
elements of design, color and craftsmanship found in larger, more expensive glass
sculptures. Collecting marbles, however, requires neither a large budget nor a large
display space. Many of the objects in this show will be available for purchase. Prices start at just $20.

The Ohio Craft Museum is owned and operated by Ohio Designer Craftsmen, and receives ongoing funding from the Ohio Arts Council, the Columbus Foundation and the Greater Columbus Arts Council. The museum is located at 1665 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Parking and admission are free. Hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 1–4 p.m., during exhibitions only. For further information, telephone (614) 486-4402, or see our website www.ohiocraft.org.