Guilford Art Center is pleased to announce Connecticut Blacksmiths, an exhibition of works created by Connecticut-based blacksmiths and Guilford Art Center forge instructors and students. Works displayed will range from swords and knives to early-American hardware. The exhibit will be on view February 26 – March 10, 2016 at Guilford Art Center.
The exhibition celebrates the artistry of blacksmithing, a centuries-old practice that has been on the forefront of change throughout history. “People don’t realize that blacksmiths were often the ones experimenting with new materials and processes, in order to create improved products or efficiencies. While many consider it an “old” art, blacksmithing has always been very current. In today’s world, blacksmiths focus on creating specialized and beautiful works using these techniques perfected over time” says Mace Vitale, GAC instructor and forge manager.
Participating blacksmith artists will include Vitale and Matt Parkinson, also a GAC instructor. Both Vitale and Parkinson participated and won an episode of History Channel’s “Forged in Fire”, a nationally-broadcast blacksmith competition. Each “win” brought with it a $10,000 prize.
“There is a strong tradition of blacksmithing in our state, and we’re proud to support this art form with this exhibition,” says Maureen Belden, Guilford Art Center Executive Director. “The shoreline area is very fortunate to have a working forge at GAC. We have students of all abilities and ages (including a very popular teen class) taking classes at our forge. It’s a wonderfully supportive and educational place.”
The opening reception is Friday, February 26, 5-7pm; it is free and open to the public. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12-4pm.
For more information contact the Guilford Art Center at 203-453-5947.
The Guilford Art Center is a non-profit school, shop and gallery established to nurture and support excellence in the arts. Through classes for adults and children, gallery programs, a shop of contemporary crafts, and special events, the Center fulfills its mission to provide opportunities for the public to participate in the arts, to experience their cultural and historical diversity, and to appreciate the process and product of creative work. It receives support from the Connecticut Dept. of Economic and Community Development.
