By Anna Tai
I have had the pleasure of being the President of the NCEG for 2 1/2 years now, and during that time, the guild has had some exciting and interesting events as well as some difficult times.
The guild is dedicated to providing its members with educational, social, and marketing opportunities associated with enameling and promoting enameling to the general public. Since the beginning of 2009, I think we have done a pretty good job at meeting those goals. We have had many events, including promoting enameling by offering demos at the ACC craft shows in San Francisco, and engaging in informational opportunities such as touring June Schwarcz’ studio and sponsoring talks by Linda Darty and Ana Lopez.
We have also organized social and educational events such as museum tours and a tour of Fred Ball’s work in Sacramento. In addition, the guild has provided members opportunities to sell and show work through our biennial exhibitions, craft shows, and other sales. Finally, we publish an informative and timely newsletter eight times a year.
Despite our successful activities, the guild has experienced some difficult times in the last few years. After many years of diligent service, our long-time newsletter editor, Sandie Bradshaw, resigned in early 2009. While for the year of 2010, Cathy Hazel very kindly volunteered to be our newsletter editor, we have had long periods without a real editor. The number of active volunteers is down. The ES conference and June Schwarcz meeting generated some new members and volunteers, but that resurgence has been short-lived.
As it stands now, with the exception of a few dedicated members, the vast majority of the work done for the guild is performed by the NCEG board. Families, jobs, and other interests prevent us from continuing to put so much time into the guild. If the NCEG is to continue after next year, we need to have new active volunteers to contribute to and lead the organization.
We have issued a survey several times to ask members what they are getting out of the guild and what they would like to see more of from us. Unfortunately, there has been very little response, and we are left with as little information as we had when we started as to how to make this organization work better for you.
Please let us know what you would like to see from the guild, and PLEASE volunteer to make these things happen. If the five of us continue to do it all, we will be forced to shut down the guild in 2012. Thanks for your understanding and support. Contact Anna Tai at anna@annataienamels.com with comments and suggestions.
Welcome new member Smita Joshi, who is new to enameling and studying with Risha Bond in Palo Alto. Welcome also to Wendy Hruska from Reno, NV. Judy Stone will be showing at Art in the Pearl over Labor Day weekend in Portland, OR. Carol Mortensen, Karin Pohl, Mona and Alex Szabados, and Anna Tai will all be showing at The Sausalito Art Festival over Labor Day weekend.
The NCEG will be represented by Judy Stone at the upcoming Enamelist Society conference in September. She will organize the guild table in the “Connections” room at the conference as well.
The NCEG’s biennial international juried exhibition will be held next year (2012) at the Richmond Art Center. RAC would like us to hold at least one workshop in conjunction with the exhibition and to have a one-day conference as well. The exact dates of the exhibition have yet to be determined.
The NCEG sponsored three live demonstrations at the American Craft Council Show, Saturday, August 13th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
Judy Stone demonstrating sifting |
First, Judy Stone gave a demo of the basics of enameling with historical background and technical details of the properties of enamels, followed by a sifting and firing of enamels. The next demo was a brief step-by-step demonstration of the cloisonné process by Anna Tai.
Linda demonstrating stenciling on copper shapes |
Linda Lingren gave the final demonstration of enameling with stencils on copper. Although the demonstration area was out of view of the main floor, we had a pretty good turnout and hope to generate some new interest in enameling.
Enamelist Society Raffle and Auctions
The Enamelist Society raffle and auctions will take place September 17, 2011, at The Enamelist Society Conference. Proceeds from these biennial fundraisers benefit the Society’s grant program as well as other projects that promote enameling.
Buy Raffle Tickets!
Since ticket holders need not be present to win, Judy Stone has tickets for sale to NCEG members who cannot attend the conference. Tickets cost $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Prizes include gift certificates from well-known enamel suppliers.
Checks should be made payable to The Enamelist Society to be received no later than September 9th. You will receive your raffle stubs in the mail. Your ticket request should include, your name, your mailing address, your e-mail address, your phone number, and the number of tickets requested. Mail payment and information to:
Enamelist Society Raffle Tickets
P. O. Box 254
El Cerrito, CA 94530
The Silent Auction
This year the Silent Auction will be splitting off in two directions. The bidding on tools, supplies, enamels, books, and kilns will be presented under the name, “The Market Place”. Please donate all those items in your studio waiting for a new home and a tax deduction in your pocket. The more contributions, the more money will be made to empower the Society to reach out with funding. So please, look into your studios, clear out some space, and send it to the Enamelist Society so that the “Market Place” silent auction will have the best year ever.
In keeping with the first half, the second half of the Silent Auction is called The “Art Market”, which is dedicated solely to the sale of enamel artwork. This year, at the conference, the “Art Market“ will have a place of its own to auction off the wonderful donations of members’ enamels.
Online information about the Raffle and Silent Auction, including a list of donated raffle prizes and donation forms, can be found at: http://www.enamelistsociety.org/Activities/Conf2011/AuctionRaffle.html.
For further questions, you can reach Trish White, Chairperson for the Live and Silent Auctions at: pwhite1125@yahoo.com - or Betsy D’Addamio, Secretary, at: theenamelistsoc.2@aol.com.
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Classes & Workshops
The Crucible
The Crucible in Oakland, CA, offers ongoing as well as special enameling classes and workshops.
http://thecrucible.org or call 510-444-0919.
Attention! As a NCEG member, The Crucible is offering you a member discount on any class, (this equals 10% off of tuition) that you sign up for. If you are already or become a Crucible member, you receive an additional 5% off of tuition for a 15% saving. Note: cost in catalog is tuition plus materials. To take advantage of this offer, you must call 510-444-0919 to register and mention that you are a member of the Northern California Enamel Guild. |
Introduction to Enameling I (Weekend Intensive)
Instructor: Crucible faculty
Sep 24-Sep 25, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Entry-Level. This class provides you with an overview of the ancient art of fusing glass to metal. You’ll learn about metal preparation and fabrication for enameling, kiln properties and methods for firing, properties of enamel, and dry and wet application techniques. No previous jewelry making, enameling, or metalworking experience necessary. Sign up for this class at the same time as more advanced course in Enameling and receive a $40 discount on the more advanced class.
$275.00 (Tuition: $235.00, Studio Fee: $40.00), Members: $251.50
Plique-a-jour: Enameling Techniques
Instructor: Olga Barmina
Oct 1-Oct 2, Satuday & Sunday 10-6pm, 2 sessions
Intro to Enameling A and Intro to Jewelry A or the equivalent with permission of the instructor. Plique-a-jour (French: “open to light”) is the most admired of the many enameling techniques with French names. Enamel is fired into a backless frame creating a luminous effect similar to looking through a stained glass window. In this class you will learn how to design, make and finish pierced plique-à-jour pieces, sawing out metal and filling the spaces with vitreous enamel. We will work with fine silver and various enamels to make pendants and earrings.
Cost: $325.00 (Tuition: $250.00, Studio Fee: $75.00), Members: $300.00
Limoges: Enamel Painting
Instructor: Roberta Smith
Oct 15-Oct 16, Saturday & Sunday 10-5pm, 2 sessions
Previous experience required. Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling. Working with metal oxides and overglazes mixed with various oils creates what are known as “painting” enamels. Painting enamels give the enamelist a means to achieve fine detail and the immediacy of the hand-drawn line, as well as to simulate delicate watercolor washes. This enameling technique, sometimes known as Limoges, first appeared in medieval Limoges, France, and is practiced most prolifically today in Russia. In this workshop you will learn how to prepare a small piece of copper prior to applying and firing painting enamels. You will learn how to prepare painting enamels, and the different methods of working with the materials. Previous enameling experience is a prerequisite for this workshop.
Cost: $275.00 (Tuition: $240.00, Studio Fee: $35.00), Members: $251.00
Projects in Enameling
Instructor: Crucible Faculty
Oct 19-Nov 16, Wednesdays 2-6pm, 5 sessions
Previous enameling experience required. Pre-requisite: Introduction to enameling or permission of instructor. This class is designed for students who have taken a class (or several) in enameling, and would like a chance to work with the medium in a less structured environment. This is an opportunity to work with enamels on projects of your own choosing with the benefit of an instructor present to offer assistance and advice. Kilns, firing tools, sifters will be provided. Students must bring their own enamels, miscellaneous supplies, and metals.
Cost: $300.00 (Tuition: $280.00, Studio Fee: $20.00), Members: $272.00
Intro to Enameling II
Instructor: Crucible Faculty
Oct 26-Nov 30, Wednesdays 7-10pm, 5 sessions
Previous experience required. Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling. This continuing course in enameling will further develop the skills you learned in Introduction to Enameling 1. You will also learn more in depth application methods and new techniques, such as torch firing, basic enamel painting techniques, working with precious metals, exploring liquid enamels, and working on 3-D forms. In addition to lots of experimenting, you will produce at least 3 finished pieces. No previous metalworking experience necessary.
Cost: $265.00 (Tuition: $220.00, Studio Fee: $45.00), Members: $243.00
A Primer in 3D Enameling
Instructor: Judy Stone
Oct 29, Saturday 10-4pm, 1 session
Entry-level. This one-day workshop introduces you to enameling three-dimensional metal forms. You’ll work with soft copper sheet, mesh and copper wire, learn to plan for adding enamel to form, and how to fire forms. Spray equipment and some industrial enameling materials and traditional jewelry enamels will be used. No previous enameling or metalworking knowledge is necessary.
Cost: $145.00 (Tuition: $110.00, Studio Fee: $35.00), Members: $134.00
Introduction to Enameling I (Weekend Intensive)
Instructor: Crucible faculty
Nov 19-Nov 20, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Entry-Level. This class provides you with an overview of the ancient art of fusing glass to metal. You’ll learn about metal preparation and fabrication for enameling, kiln properties and methods for firing, properties of enamel, and dry and wet application techniques. No previous jewelry making, enameling, or metalworking experience necessary. Sign up for this class at the same time as more advanced course in Enameling and receive a $40 discount on the more advanced class.
Cost: $275.00 (Tuition: $235.00, Studio Fee: $40.00), Members: $251.50
Mendocino Art Center
For more info: www.mendocinoartcenter.org.
Cloisonné Techniques
Instructor: Marge Stewart
October 29–31, 2011 (Saturday–Monday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Learn the steps to incorporate color into your jewelry. The ancient art of Cloisonné, dating back to the Byzantine Days, will be taught in this workshop. We will begin with the basics, cutting the silver, dooming it, roughing it up and laying on the first coat. From there you will create a design in wire, transfer it to the silver and fire it. Then we will begin to add colors and fire them. The magic of the colors as they cool is amazing. We will go complete all of the steps through to the polished piece.
Tuition & Fees 2011 Mendocino County MAC Members: $250 2011 MAC Members: $265 Non-members: $295 plus a $15 non-member registration fee
For more info: www.therac.org
Enameling
Instructor: Edward Lay
Fri, Sept. 9 – Oct 28, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Enameling is the process of fusing glass to metal. Its history spans the ancient Egyptians through Lalique and Faberge to the modern masters. Learn the basics: preparing the metal, applying the enamel, using various types of patterning, firing and finishing. Advanced topics explored based on class interest. $15 materials fee to instructor.
RAC Member $160 • Nonmember $190
Palo Alto Art Center
For more info: http://enjoyonline.cityofpaloalto.org
Drop In Enameling
Saturday 3-6pm
Located at Cubberley Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Room F7, the jewelry and enamel studio is available to experienced students age 18 and up. Studios are subject to closure during special events. Fees are $3/hour or $15/month unlimited.
Sharon Art Studio
For more information or to register go to www.sharonartstudio.org
Enameling: The Basics
Instructor: Olivia Competente
Saturday, Nov. 5 – Dec. 10 (no class 11/26), 10am - 1 pm
Learn the basics of enameling as we survey the rudiments of this classic craft. Course fee includes cost of all materials for introductory projects. Thereafter students are responsible for purchasing supplies. No metal arts experience necessary.
Class fee $116/$126
Advanced Enameling
Instructor: Olivia Competente
Saturday, Nov. 5 – Dec. 10 (no class 11/26), 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Learn the advanced techniques Of Basse Taille (enameling transparent over a silver texture) and Champleve (enameling in defined spaces on an acid-etched metal). Students must know basic enameling techniques.
Class fee $88/$98
Metal/Jewelry/General Exhibitions
Materials Hard & Soft
Deadline: September 9, 2011
February 3- March 30, 2012
Meadows Gallery, Center for Visual Art, Denton, Texas Greater Denton Arts Council
ELIGIBILITY: Artists must reside in the United States or its possessions.
MEDIA: Works produced in any of the craft media: clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, or any combination of craft media, are acceptable. Entries must be the complete work of the submitting artist. Kits or commercially designed works will not be accepted. All work must have been completed within the past two years and not previously exhibited in the Center for the Visual Arts.
NOTIFICATION: November 4, 2011
ENTRY FEE: There is a $30 non-refundable fee, for up to three (3) entries, payable to GDAC (check or money order).
JUROR: Monica Moses
For complete details, Download the Prospectus!
Saul Bell Design Award Competition
Deadline: September 16, 2011
The Saul Bell awards recognize artists whose work challenge traditional perceptions of jewelry design. Named for the founder of Rio Grande, the competition celebrates Saul's spirit and legacy by inviting artists and students to enter their most innovative creations in any of six categories: Gold/Platinum, Silver/Argentium® Silver, Beads, Metal Clay, Hollowware/Art Objects or Enamel. Prospectus and entry form are online.
2012 Niche Awards
Deadline: September 30, 2011
The annual NICHE Awards competition celebrates excellence and innovation in American and Canadian craft. The competition is open to any professional craft artist residing in the U.S. or Canada, over the age of 21, who is actively involved in the design and production of craftwork supplied to galleries and craft stores. The award has both professional and student categories.
For complete information, visit the Niche website.
Art Jewelry Forum Emerging Artists Award 2011
Deadline: September 30, 2011
The purpose of the Art Jewelry Forum's (AJF) Emerging Artist Award (EAA) is to acknowledge promise, innovation, and individuality in the work of emerging jewelry artists and to advance the career of a promising artist . The award consists of an unrestricted cash award of $5,000. The award presentation will be held in 2012 at SOFA (Sculptural Ojects and Functional Art) New York or Collect. Additional informaton about the Art Jewelry Forum and this award may be found on the AJF website.
Crafts National
Deadline: January 6, 2012
May 5-August 19, 2012
Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, Kansas
A juried exhibition of work by artists through their exploration in clay, fiber/textiles, glass, metal, wood, jewelry, basketry, handmade paper and mixed media. All work must be original, completely finished and ready to install.
Important Dates:
January 6, 2012 at midnight Application and Jury Fee submission Deadline.
February 15, 2012 Notification (by e-mail)
April 10, 2012 Deadline for shipping and hand delivery
Eligible media:
Ceramics, glass, metal, fiber/textiles, basketry, jewelry, beadwork, wood, handmade paper, mixed media
Fee is $35 for up to three entries, fee is non-refundable
Juror: Gail M. Brown
Contact:
The Mulvane Art Museum charges a 30% Commission on sales. Application available at www.callforentry.org
Revere Academy Announces New Scholarship Contest for Beaders
The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts is offering a new scholarship aimed at the beading community. The respected jewelry school is now offering a complete scholarship for any of its 3-day classes to the winner of its new contest for beaders. The winner will chose from dozens of classes offered each year in a wide range of subjects such as fabrication, stone setting, jewelry design, and more.
The new scholarship contest is open to anyone who makes beaded jewelry and would like to learn more about traditional jewelry making. The winner can select the class of their choice and receive full tuition plus airfare from anywhere in the U.S. as well as lodging in San Francisco, and kit fees. Applications ask for examples of your beaded jewelry along with a statement of why you want to attend the Revere Academy.
"This is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate about making jewelry and would like to take their skills to the next level", says the school’s director and founder, Alan Revere. "In just 3 days, the winner will learn an incredible amount from professionals who are eager to share their skills."
Leslie Strong, a beaded jewelry maker from Bellingham, WA summarized her experience at Revere by saying, “I started out working with beads but soon felt limited by what I could find in catalogs. As a designer, I wanted each element to be of high quality and fit my design. I needed to know at least the basics of fabrication. After a few Revere classes, I learned so much that the possibilities of what I can create are wider than ever before. And the jewelry I make is of greater value too.”
The application deadline is September 15, 2011 and the winner will be announced October 15, 2011.
For more details and to apply online, visit http://www.revereacademy.com/guide/scholarship/scholarship-for-beaders/
Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts: Mort Abelson Scholarship 2012
Entry Deadline: 9/15/11
Fee: $25.00
Honoring the man who opened up the jewelry industry to designers, this contest offers an opportunity to study with a world-class jewelry artist. The winner receives an all-expenses-paid scholarship from anywhere in the US to San Francisco (air, lodging, tuition and fees) for a master class of their choice during the Academy's annual 3-week long International Masters Symposium in April 2012. During the Masters Symposium, prominent jewelry artists, designers, craftsmen and experts from all over the world converge on San Francisco to teach professional skills and techniques in the area of their greatest expertise.
Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts: New Student Scholarship 2012
Entry Deadline: 9/15/11
Days remaining to deadline: 92
The New Student Scholarship was established to provide an opportunity for new students to attend the Academy. The winner receives an all-expenses-paid scholarship from anywhere in the US to San Francisco, including air, lodging, tuition and fees for any regular 3-day class.
Attention all Fred Ball experimenters!
I am helping supply Mission Hill Middle School here in Santa Cruz with lead-free enamels. They have approx. $300 to $350 worth of leaded enamels that I need to swap for lead-free or sell at $2 an ounce. If someone is willing to buy the whole lot, I will also throw in for free film canisters of varying colors in opaques and transparents that the kids may have contaminated, who knows. They may make interesting colors. I will also get the fines of those pesky transparents if you plan to work small. If your plan is to work large, leave them in and mask yourself.
Among what I have is soft flux and soft white. Remember those effects?
Great! There are no crackle or opalescents, but you can have fun with all the rest of the effects Fred Ball was able to achieve. I live in Santa Cruz in a very central location, so come over and help these teens out. You can contact me at my email, sandie@sandelle.com. I would like to get them certain lead-free colors so I can teach them to enamel. I am already doing this and they are eager to learn and are fun. We are talking about 65 teens here so I need to get a lot. Thanks!
Sandie Bradshaw