GALLERY TALK
Thursday September 10, 6 pm
Society for Contemporary Craft

In conjunction with the Society for Contemporary Craft’s presentation of the Lydon Emerging Artist Program (LEAP) Exhibition, the 2008 LEAP award winner, Gary Schott of San Antonio, Texas and contemporary curator and LEAP juror Gail M. Brown will present a joint talk about the role of the emerging artist in the contemporary craft field. Following Brown’s introduction and discussion of emerging artists and new areas of craft practice, Schott will talk about the design and production of his Interactive Jewelry Series. Suggested donation, $5 at the door.

Established in 2007 in recognition of SCC’s Director of Exhibitions, Kate Lydon, for her 20 years of service, LEAP provides early career artists who show exceptional promise the opportunity to showcase a body of their work to a regional, national, and international audience in the Store. As the winner of the 2008 award, Schott will develop a line of jewelry to be shown exclusively through the Store. Brown comments, “Schott’s imaginative work offers layers of personal ideas explored with thought, innovation, and wit. Appearing minimal and simple in design and construction, thoughtful and beautifully crafted, these pieces are highly engaging and resonate with familiarity. They each beckon the hand and hold an enticing sense memory to be engaged once again.” Katie Hudnall of Richmond, VA and Nathan Prouty of Philadelphia, PA each received Honorable Mention awards for their submissions.

The LEAP Exhibition will be on view in SCC’s Main Galleries in the Strip District, 2100 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA from September 2 through October 3, 2009. LEAP is funded by the Allegheny Regional Asset District; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts; James Wilkinson and the Elizabeth R. Raphael Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation.

For more information, visit www.contemporarycraft.org, or call Kati Fishbein at 412.261.7003 x 26.