I received the following press release, concerning a Wisconsin studio, that I am happy to post —
Bruce Johnson Selected to Exhibit at
28th Annual Smithsonian Craft Show: Telling America’s Story through the Art of Craft
Bruce Johnson of Lake Mills is one of 120 of America’s finest artists and craftsmen chosen to exhibit at the 28th annual Smithsonian Craft Show.
Exemplifying innovation, creativity and technical merit, the Smithsonian Craft Show features superb craft artists from across the country. Each of the 2010 exhibitors reflects the story of contemporary American craft in one of 12 categories: basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood.
The 120 exhibitors were selected from over 1,300 applicants and no artist is ever included without being juried into the show. This year’s show includes artists from 30 states as well as 45 first-time exhibitors.
The artists for this year’s Show were selected by a panel of three jurors: David Brooks, owner with his wife Paula of the Appalachian Spring galleries in the Washington D.C. area; Diana Baird N’Diaye, Ph.D, a cultural anthropologist and curator in the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Institution; and Stoney Lamar, renowned wood artist.
Bruce Johnson was selected in the ceramics category for his particular objects. His work is wheel thrown with hand built additions. The surface on his work is coated with a natural ash glaze that resembles limbs of trees. Each piece is functional and decorative.
The 2010 Smithsonian Craft Show will kick-off with a Preview Night Benefit, on Wednesday, April 21, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This cocktail buffet will offer “First Choice Shopping” and music by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Trio.
In addition to the items for sale by the artists at the show, a silent auction will be held online beginning April 14. This will include over 100 craft items donated by exhibitors and other talented artists.
In accordance with James Smithson’s directive to create “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” all proceeds from the Craft Show are disseminated annually to support education, outreach and research at the Smithsonian Institution.