Meet the Maker: Conversations of Meaning with Craftspeople

Spring 2011

Since 2008, this lecture series has introduced students and the public to individual craftspeople, artists and designers through meaningful conversations, demonstrations and hands-on experiences of craft making. The main goal of the series is to link these conversations with the “makers” to the lives of viewers adding understanding and support for the Craft Studies Program and the craft industry in WNC.  This semester, we will expand our series to include points-of-view from authors, curators, and enthusiasts.

The power of knowing how experiences with handmade objects and craft enrich, change, and sustain is what drives this unique series.  The events occur within classrooms, galleries and studios both on and off UNC Asheville’s campus. Along with public lectures, visiting makers facilitate and lead student critiques and class discussions as well as give process demonstrations and workshops.  Connections to other departments are many but highlights may include connections to Sociology, Environmental Studies, Economics, Classics, Art, Multimedia Arts/Sciences, Arts and Ideas and History.

The series aims to support and generate awareness for contemporary craft practices, professional artists, UNC Asheville’s Craft Studies Program and our partnering organizations. These events are designed to present the significance of craft and making in Western North Carolina and beyond.

Most events will be free; all are open to the public.

Please scroll down for information on each event this Spring.

Jan Goffney, educator, collector and curator
Thursday, January 20, 2011, 5:30pm reception, 6:00pm lecture
Highsmith Union Gallery
110 Highsmith University Union, UNC Asheville
Campus Map & Driving Directions
After 5pm, a parking permit is not required in faculty, staff, and commuter student parking lots

Africa is often approached by American media through a lens of stereotypes, and most Americans will never get to experience the continent for themselves. African Art: A Collector’s Perspective will begin to break down common misconceptions about Africa by using art and culture to talk about Africa’s past and present.

Jan Goffney, originally from Detroit, MI, is an educator, collector and curator of art. For years she traveled to Africa collecting artwork and the stories that go along with it. This exhibit showcases a selection of art and artifacts from her personal collection.

For more than 30 years, Goffney worked for the Detroit Public Schools as a teacher and then as a curator specializing in Ethnic Studies in the Detroit Public Schools Children’s Museum. Later, she opened a catering and culinary arts business which she expanded to include a multicultural museum. Keeping with Goffney’s conviction that deep learning and human connection can happen through the arts and food, we will celebrate the exhibit with traditional African foods, a gallery talk and hands-on activities.

Sponsored by Student Activities and Integrated Learning, Multicultural Student Programs, the Honors Department, The Center for Diversity Education, Africana Studies, Cultural Events & Special Academic Programs, and the Craft Studies Initiative Meet the Maker lecture series.

Meet the Curator lecture
Thurs, Jan 20 • 6pm
reception at 5:30pm. Free and open to the public.
Traditional African foods will be served

Exhibit - African Art:  A Collector’s Perspective, Curated by Jan Goffney
Jan 10 - Feb 7, 2011
Highsmith Gallery, Highsmith University Union, UNC Asheville
M-F 9am - 6pm
Sat 9am - 6pm/Sun 12 - 6pm

Ann Millett-Gallant, educator and author of
The Disabled Body in Contemporary Art
Thursday, March 17, 2011, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:00pm lecture.
Owen Conference Room (302 Owen Hall), UNC Asheville
Campus Map & Driving Directions
After 5pm, a parking permit is not required in faculty, staff, and commuter student parking lots

Ann Millett-Gallant is a lecturer for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she teaches art history and liberal studies courses.  Her research, like her teaching, crosses the disciplines of art history and disability studies.  Her first book, The Disabled Body in Contemporary Art, analyzes the work of disabled artists and on the representation of disability in visual culture.  She has published a number of journal articles, as well as several art and film reviews.  She is also an amateur artist who enjoys painting, drawing, and collage.

Penland School of Crafts Resident Artists
Amy Tavern and Daniel Marinelli
Monday, April 4, 2011, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:00pm lecture.
Owen Conference Room (302 Owen Hall), UNC Asheville
Campus Map & Driving Directions
After 5pm, a parking permit is not required in faculty, staff, and commuter student parking lots

Bow cluster brooch with teardrop, by Amy Tavern

Amy Tavern received a BFA in Metal Design from the University of Washington in 2002. She also holds a BA in Arts Administration from the State University of New York College at Fredonia. In addition to being a studio artist, Amy has taught at the Penland School of Crafts and the Pratt Fine Arts Center. Amy lectured about professional practices at the 2008 Society of North American Goldsmiths conference and has also spoken at Eastern Carolina University, the University of Washington, and Winthrop University. She has exhibited at Sienna Gallery, Quirk Gallery, and The Museum of Contemporary Craft, among others. In 2009 Amy received several emerging artist honors including the American Craft Council Searchlight Artist Award. Amy’s jewelry has been published in numerous books such as “500 Plastic Jewelry Designs” and “30-Minute Earrings” by Lark Books. Amy’s work can be found in galleries around the U.S. and abroad. Originally from Upstate, NY, Amy is currently a Resident Artist at the Penland School of Crafts.

 

, by Daniel Marinelli

Daniel Marinelli is currently a Resident Artist at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, NC, where he lives with his wife and children.  He continues to explore and utilize wood, steel, paper, and paint in his two- and three-dimensional pieces.  In addition to his studio, he works at a machine shop in Bristol, TN and also as an adjunct instructor at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.