_*FORMS IN WOOD AND FIBER – Southern California New Work*_ featured the work of six distinguished San Diego wood artists and California Fibers — an exemplary group of artist craftsmen from Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Recognizing the rich diversity of excellent wood and fiber artist craftsmen in this region, the exhibition was conceived as a lively conversation among peers and between two artistic media. Both fresh perspectives on traditional forms and cutting-edge contemporary expressions were included in works of superior design and craftsmanship.
Woodworkers in the exhibition: Professor Wendy Maruyama, internationally recognized Program Head of the Woodworking and Furniture Design Program at San Diego State University; Russ Filbeck, highly respected Associate Professor in the Cabinet and Furniture Technology Division at Palomar College in San Marcos; Patrick Edwards, renowned practitioner and teacher of traditional European marquetry (wood inlay); Del Cover, specialist in chair building with current work featuring architectural elements; Brett Hesser, youngest graduate of Leeds Design Workshops who concentrates on the application of fine wood veneers; and Dr. Gene Blickenstaff, admired for his innovative, translucent turned bowls of Norfolk Island Pine.
California Fibers was founded in 1970 in San Diego with the purpose of providing professional advancement for contemporary fiber artists. The creative imagination and excellent craftsmanship exhibited by the members place them in the highest echelon of contemporary fiber artists. The group has an extensive exhibition history in the USA and abroad, and some of its members are recipients of prestigious awards from around the world. Their creative expression includes weaving, basketry, sculpture, surface design, wearables and mixed media. Members included in the exhibition: Charlotte Bird, Ashley Blalock, Carrie Ann Burckle, Marilyn McKenzie Chaffee, Doshi, Jacy Diggins, Christie L. Dunning, Gail Fraser, Polly Jacobs Giacchina, Susan Hart Henegar, Carol E. Lang, Cheryl Lommatsch, Carol Mckie Manning, Kathy Miller, Ellen Phillips, Michael Rohde, Carol Shaw-Sutton, Valentyna Roenko Simpson, Cameron Taylor-Brown, David Weidig and Peggy Wiedemann.
A lively series of artist craftsman demonstrations, lectures, studio visits and workshops for children and adults accompanied the six-month exhibition. Designer: Jeremiah Maloney