PHILDELPHIA FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS SHOW



Practical. Refined. Elegance.

Presenting a collection of exceptional, unique, and exciting works for our East Coast clients: The remarkable curves of Mark Levin’s undulating, sensual designs… the thoughtful combination of materials in Asian-nuanced works from Chris Martin... the bold yet refined sculptural metal of Richard Bennett… the symphonies of color that are chandeliers by Ed Pennebaker… plus Urban Masks by Dale Wedig, and a choice selection of sculptural works in glass by Kelman, Fekete, Fidler and others.

Exclusively during the PFFS, April 15-17 / www.pffshow.com

FEBRUARY 18th through APRIL 16th


This exhibition demonstrates and celebrates the dual nature of metal: the juxtaposition of mass and strength against fluidity and malleability. Works in mild and stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, cast iron and pewter will be featured, from elegant vessels to flamboyant sculptures and sleek furniture. Techniques represented include casting fabricating, raising and forging, with finishes ranging from raw to refined. MORE

Artists include: Robert Federico, Paul Freundt, Ray Katz, John Medwedeff, Sarah Obrecht, David Orth, Albert Paley, Nancy Thayer, Seymour Sabesin...

MISSED THE OPENING RECEPTION?!!! Cant make it to the gallery...
View the show online - CLICK HERE

FEBRUARY FEATURE ARTIST


In keeping with Black History Month, Function + Art will spotlight furniture and sculpture by African American artist Richard Bennett of Detroit. Largely self-taught, Richard has also apprenticed with world-renowned sculptor Richard Hunt. Mr. Bennett’s works in wood, steel, & aluminum have been exhibited around the world; several are on permanent display at the CHARLES H. WRIGHT MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY in Detroit, including the museum’s iconic masks over each entry. Interestingly, Richard’s initial experiences with metal(s) came as a structural welder for industrial and aerospace companies… from that background, he has gained a mastery of nearly all means of metal joinery and welding, and a level of precision in his own work that surpasses most artists… he truly deserves the title “craftsman”. Relentlessly exploring the relationship between angles and curves, his designs all seem lighter than the space they occupy – a condition which has led critics to observe that his works “flirt with gravity”.

...new furniture by Brent Skidmore continues through November 7. Mr. Skidmore creates some of the most innovative, dynamic, and playfully elegant studio furniture in the field today. We are proud to present this small collection of works as a preview to Brent’s SOFA debut in November.
Brent’s current body of sculptural works challenges our notions of what furniture is supposed to be; each piece meets its utilitarian obligations, but dares to be far more. Indeed, his visual misdirection – the trompe l’oeil of wood appearing as stone, bamboo, or bone – engages us more deeply, forcing us to really view the piece as sculpture. Even the more traditional forms (buffet, bar) illustrate this transition, and are treated with a more graceful, painterly composition as a counterpoint to their anthropomorphic elements.
Brent’s work has always been animated; his most recent pieces operate at a higher, more subtle level. The seeming impossibility of his assemblages implies motion – a kinetic event we must await. Through Brent’s treading (and blurring of) the fine line between function and form, the viewer finds herself responding to the sculptural aspects of the functional works, and seeking the function in the one purely sculptural form; with this series, Brent has illustrated the true definition of “functional art”.

DIVERSITY:
Studio Furniture - Part 1
EXTENDED THROUGH SEPT. 30, 2004!!!

ARTISTS INCLUDE:
Richard Bennett, Chris Bowman, Max Davis, Jill Davis, John Dodd, Paul Freundt, Scott Grove, Bradley Maddalena, Chris Martin, David Orth, Corry Robinson, Alex Roskin, Brent Skidmore, Kiezo Tsukada & Dale Wedig

The truest expression of what is loosely termed "functional art", Studio Furniture refers to limited edition or one of a kind furnishings handcrafted in an artisan's studio. This exhibition, "Diversity: Studio Furniture - part 1", is intended to provide an introduction to the wide variety of forms, materials, techniques, and inspirations present in our field. Its mission is to educate the viewer to the wide range of possibilites that Studio Furniture presents; the practical, useful yet sculptural object that, properly cared for, may serve generations. Steel, bronze, various woods, concrete, and glass... geometric, organic, and whimsical... all will be represented by more than 20 works by over a dozen designers and artisans. This first effort will be followed in Fall '04 by a second installment in what will be an ongoing series.

Studio furniture refers to limited or one of a kind furnishings handcrafted in an artisian's studio. This exhibition, "Diversity: Studio Furniture - part 1, is intended to provide an introduction to the wide variety of forms... VIEW THE
EXHIBIT / PRESS RELEASE

CLICK TO VIEW EXHIBIT

ARTISTS INCLUDE:
TOLAND SAND, ED PENNEBAKER, BRIAN RUSSELL, ALEX GABRIEL BERNSTEIN, TALIAFERRO JONES, RALPH MOSSMAN, STEVEN KNAPP, MAX DAVIS, MICHAEL O'KEFFE, PAUL RUNDE and more

This exhibition continues our strong tradition of discovering the NEXT Generation of fine craft artisans. For this Invitational, we have assembled an exciting group of talented artisans who are receiving national attention, along with a several "new discoveries". Techniques represented will include lampworking/flameworking, blowing, hot casting and kiln-casting, pate-de-verre, lamination, carving, slumping, and fusing... both functional and purely sculptural works will be represented.

Vessels, Boxes & Baskets (preview)
October 10 - November 4, 2003:

CERAMICS: Patrick Dragon, Thomas Hoadley, Stephen Merritt, James Spiroff, Garry Price, Peter Hessemer
GLASS: John Chiles, Christian Thirion, Ralph Mossman, Brian Russell, Bandhu Dunham
WOOD: Michael Bauermeister, Dennis Elliott, Jack Alberti, Peter Petrochko, Michael Mode, Cory Robinson, Andy Buck, Todd Wolfe, Jack & Linda Fifield
METAL: Jim Cole, Joseph Brandom, Anne Hallam, Dale Wedig, Cynthia Eid, Frederick Crist, Nancy Slagle
FIBER: Susan kavicky, Kari Lonning, Doris Messick, Linda Fifield
PAINTINGS: Steven Pearson

VBB is intended to present a survey or "snapshot" of established and mid-career artisans’ current work, and encompasses all major disciplines: ceramic, glass, wood, metals, and fiber. Perhaps more than any of our other shows, VBB has been about the object and craftsmanship. The definitions of a vessel, a box, or a basket are broad, and here the function is implied but rarely consummated. These works are about themselves. Transcending their utilitarian origins to achieve greater identity, meaning, and significance. At this level, the object may be seen more easily as sculpture.

2 a TEA
(opens 10/10; Special Reception 10/18, 6-9pm)

Inspired by the Cultural Center’s hosting of "The Artful Teapot", we expect to present between 30 and 50 teapots ranging from the precious to the whimsical - including works by a number of the artists represented in the Kamm collection such as: Michael & Maureen Banner, Stephen Hansen, Jared Jaffe, and Stephen Fabrico. Paradoxically, the added constraint of the label ‘teapot" seems to allow artists much more freedom to create, to entertain, and to have fun!

Lisa Slovis, Michael & Maureen Banner, Fong Choo, Jared Jaffe, Nancy Slagle, Richard Swanson, Mike Haley/Susy Siegele, Ismael Gonzalez, Joe Klingler, Steven Fabrico, Christian Thirion, Ellen Jantzen, Lisa Harris, Stephen Hansen, Kathy Triplett, Bonnie Seeman

October 16 - 19, 2003:
Booth # 524
Featuring new works by
Toland Sand and Chris Martin

Function + Art is proud to once again participate in the definitive Exposition of sculpture and fine craft - now in it's tenth year, SOFA-Chicago, in Chicago this October 16-19.

Function + Art specializes in contemporary studio furniture, fine craft and the decorative arts, and relocated to Chicago's West Loop Gate neighborhood from the Detroit market in May of 2002. Our booth at SOFA (#524) will feature works by furniture maker Christopher J Martin, new glass sculptures by Toland Sand, and blown glass chandeliers by Ed Pennebaker.