This week, we are highlighting juried member and woodworker Ted Rasmussen. 

Ted’s work is inspired by the natural beauty found in each unique piece of wood. 

In his artist’s statement, Ted writes:

Grain, color and natural imperfections such as checks and cracks are important characteristics that can enhance the beauty of the wood in it’s most honest state.

Ted’s fantastic pieces are available for sale at In the Kitchen!  Opening Friday, September 3.

Last weekend my husband and I were walking to Central Market and  noticed a random bejewled piano by Steinman park….interesting.  Later, as I stopped into Prince Street Cafe, I saw a group of kids sitting at another piano, some had guitars, some were singing and another playing a lovely tune.  Further down the street I saw another piano…

I later found out it is a part of a new exhibit called “Keys For The City“, put on by a Lancaster non-profits, Music For Everyone and the Society of Design. 

Their mission, to

raise awareness and resources to strengthen the role that music plays in our schools and communities.

That they did.  It was wonderful to see groups of people huddled around pianos making music together.

Check out this video for more information!

The Keystone Arts and Culture Center will be hosting its annual Gala event in less than two weeks! There will be many demonstration including forging, printing, woodcarving, throwing on a pottery wheel and painting. 

This fundraiser benefits Keystone Arts and Culture Center, a  non-profit art foundry and gallery.  A portion of the event proceeds support a collaborative project with Crispus Attucks, a non-profit entity that provides education services, human services, community development, and affordable housing that enhance the quality of life for a diverse population.

As an artist, you can get involved in several ways.  By donating a piece of work to the live auction, you are eligible to sell several other pieces of work at the Gala as well as have work on display for a preview during Lancaster’s Artwalk.  Or if you think you have an intersting skill, consider doing a demonstration.

If you would like to participate, contact Jenny 717.283.6543

Paula Brown-Steedly of Charlottesville, Virginia is a clay artist creating work that envelops elements in nature.  I like her pieces for many reasons, one of which being that her forms are so organic and full of life.

Her pieces feel like they could breathe and move.  Another thing I like about Paula’s work, is her ability to speak about it.  While I was looking through her website, I was engaged by the narrative of her work.  She says:

In nature, forms are not symmetrical, but unique and individual. Clay gives me a tangible medium to translate flashes of images or fragments of sensation into vessels that are functional sculpture. The tenacity of clay combined with its grace and fluidity, allows boldness and energy. My pieces reveal the force of wind, the rhythm of falling rain, the warmth of the sun, and the fluidity of time, as I see them in nature.

The beauty of her work and her words are so cohesive, it is captivating. 

If you like her work as much as I do, be sure to check out our newest store, Garden Party where Paula will have several pieces on display.   

Steve Wietecha of  Hilltop Metal Work has very recently come to my attention.  He does forged metal work and it is fantastic.  He will have several of his pieces in our upcoming store, Garden Party.

 For more information on Steve, you can visit his website, http://www.hilltopmetalwork.com/ OR watch this link!  Steve will show you how to forge a leaf. 

Here’s a special video post from Alyson Stanfield, who is presenting No Excuses Arts Marketing workshop on May 11 & 12 at Millersville University. The early bird registration deadline is April 9. Sign-up today.

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen just added two new and very exciting workshops with sculptor George Mummert! 

Welding, Cutting and Fabrication takes place on May 1st from 10am-6pm.  In this workshop, students will learn to weld and cut metal.  The main focuses of this course will be electric arc and MIG welding as well as plasma cutting.  I have taken this with George and can tell you how great it is.  You will be amazed at what you can do with your own two hands.  Better hurry, there are only two spots left!

The Sand Casting workshop will be June 5th from 10am-6pm.  In this workshop, you will be creating a small design or piece of art using the sand-casting method to create it out of bronze.  I have also participated in this activity and LOVED it.  Sand casting is one of the most beautiful metal processes to take part in. You will have a hand in almost every aspect of making your bronze.  Fantastic.

I will leave you with this incredible video.  Chinese farmers celebrate Dashuhua by creating their own fireworks.

Using Molten Iron as Fireworks

Art Shoemaker, of Lancaster is a very talented woodcarver.  His pieces range from a single lone cat to a 12 scene nativity story with 25 different pieces.  His carvings are so beautiful, full of the whimsy and colorful character that lives in a fictional life.  When you look at one of his pieces, you imagine where the character came from and what his story is.  The first piece I remember seeing was at the Guild’s Handmade Holiday store.  It was of a clown, holding three colorful balloons.  It was so delicate and lovely but all I wanted to do was play with it.  His work has that effect on you. 

This piece is a carving of a young boy on a rocking horse in the 1930s.  I just love how he has created so many details.  I notice more everytime I look at it. 

On his website, he talks about his goal to:

reflect a distinct humor and realism with intricate detail.

In this, he is so successful.  Every tiny detail of his work is treated with importance.  Nary even a shoelace is ignored.  Art has created a style that makes pieces that you want to be around because they are fun and lively, but you also want to keep forever because of their beauty. 

Are you a woodworker looking to add a new skill to your repetoire?  How about a beginner, intersted in trying something new?  Consider Handcut Dovetails, a workshop being taught by talented funriture maker David Lunin. 

In this 1 day workshop, you will learn two types of dovetails, thru and half blind.  Experienced woodworkers can even bring their own tools to save on costs.  Sign up now!  This workshop is held on April 10.

Where do you go to find handmade crafts? Is it local or do you go out of your way to get to your favorite gallery?

My favorite gallery is, of course, the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Store, but my second favorite gallery is Red Raven gallery in Lancaster.  I was drawn to it initially because it was showing some work of Guild members I know. I’ve since gone back several times just to check on the new exhibits.

Share your favorites below and why.  Please include links whenever possible and the city.  I’m gonna assume they’re all from Pennsylvania unless you say otherwise.