In Bloom

May 3 to June 22, 2013

Members of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen join together to celebrate the abundance of spring and summer in the exhibition “In Bloom,” opening May 3 at the Center of American Craft, 335 N. Queen St., Lancaster.

Among the works on display, you’ll find bright jewelry, elegant vases waiting for your garden’s plenty, and photography that captures the season’s swell.

Elizabeth Gates, a paper artist based in Lancaster, contributed a book construction to the show.  Pages literally flower up into sculptural forms, turning the book itself into a garden.

Sharon Merkel’s photography, which adorns the postcards for the exhibition, showcase the range of blues, greens, pinks and reds that make spring and summer a riot of beauty.

Pam Cummings, a Harrisburg-based potter, presents several vases. These pieces offer the perfect balancebetween her distinctive earth-toned glazes, the gracefulforms, and intense colors of flowers.

“Everything that blossoms here can be part of your life from a mug just right for the family picnic to the journal your recent graduate can use to document their next stage of life,” says Sherrie Boyer, executive director.

Also included in the show are woodworking, fiber art, paintings, and more. In Bloom is on display from May 3 to June 22.  Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 12 – 4 pm. Meet the artist events and demonstrations to be announced.

Under the Influence

July 5 to August 10, 2013

On First Friday, July 5, the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen is celebrating a full year at its new home, the Center of American Craft at 335 N. Queen St.

Since its opening on July 6, 2012, more than 9,000 visitors, students, and friends have participated in classes, exhibitions, demonstrations, renovation days, and of course, First Fridays. These visitors are drawn to downtown Lancaster from across Pennsylvania and surrounding states by the opportunity to learn how to make art and craft or to support the unique vision of the Guild’s master craftsmen.

This First Friday celebration will include the opening of the Guild’s annual Juried Member showcase, Under the Influence. In order to be recognized as Juried Members, craftsmen must pass a rigorous examination on excellence in craftsmanship, unique voice or style, and resolved design. The exhibition showcases the traditions and influences of these members – and the way creators innovate and build on those traditions.

“Lancaster is a great mix of new ideas, artistic energy, and traditions that people still value,” says executive director Sherrie Boyer.  “Our craftsmen excel at that, too. This exhibition gives them a chance to show their skill at combining the old and the new into something beautiful and lasting.”

Alicia Byler, a painter, collage artist, and founder of Mommalicious, will jury the show and award prizes sponsored by 15 chapters of the Guild. Visitors can also cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

First Friday’s celebration includes chances to meet the artists, demonstrations, and a sweet treat or two. Join the Guild in commemorating its home as a hub for art and craft from 6 – 9pm on Friday, July 5, at 335 N. Queen St.

Past Exhibitions

Home at Last, 2012
A Thing or Two, 2012
New Leaf, 2011
Garden Party, 2010
Handmade Home, 2010
Edges & Borders, 2010
Thread Count, 2009
from Raw to Refined, 2009
In the Kitchen, 2009
The Guild Goes Green, 2009
Guilded Tulip, 2008
Youthfulness, 2008
Motion, 2007
PA Craft, 2006

This exhibition is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts,
a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the
National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.