SOFA Chicago 2008

Notwithstanding the difficult economy, SOFA Chicago was again well-attended.

CWA’s special exhibit – A Perfect Marriage: Wood and Color – attracted lots of attention. See an image of each piece, and details about each piece, in “A Perfect Marriage: Wood And Color.”

CWA sponsored two lectures on wood art:

Enhancing Nature: Wood and Color – Paul Richelson, Assistant Director and Chief Curator, Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, AL, moderated a panel held in conjunction with the CWA special exhibit “A Perfect Marriage: Wood and Color.” Panelist included Gretchen Keyworth, Director and Chief Curator of Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA, and artists, Roger Bennett, Craig Nutt, Ron Fleming, Binh Pho and Jay Stanger.

New Masters of Woodturning – Saturday morning Terry Martin and Kevin Wallace discussed how they selected artists to feature in their book New Masters of Woodturning and how to assess contemporary wood art. Later that afternoon, Terry, Kevin and many artists featured in the book autographed copies of New Masters.

Two other lectures also featured wood art: Modernism in Irish Furniture & Design, 20th – 21st Century and Contemporary Wood Sculpture – Revenge of the Icons.

Many CWA members also attended the lecture on The Philanthropy of Craft: Innovative Ways to Make Your Charitable Contributions Count. The panelists described many ways in which even small cash donations help promote craft.

It seemed more galleries than ever displayed wood art. Sculptural wood art abounded. In addition, several galleries displayed studio furniture. Of particular note was the very large display of studio furniture by many makers at William Zimmer Gallery.

Saturday night, CWA members and guests filled the private dining room at Maggiano’s Little Italy, where we enjoyed Maggiano’s delicious family-style offerings.

Pat McCauley