American Craft Week! October 1-10

American Craft Week is a new, national event that takes place October 1 – 10, 2010. Communities of individuals, small businesses and organizations across the country are joining together to celebrate the way that handmade objects enrich daily lives and contribute to the national aesthetic and economy.

Downtown Iowa City businesses that are observing American Craft Week include Iowa Artisans Gallery & DJ Rinner Goldsmith, the Chait Galleries, AKAR, Beadology, The Senior Center, MC Ginsberg Jewelers, Home Ec Workshop and Glassando. Group events include a Gallery Walk, October 8, at 20 locations in downtown Iowa City. Individual events are included below.
Iowa Artisans Gallery kicks off American Craft Week with an exhibit entitled The Shikibu Paintings, by local gallery artist Michael S. Ryan. Also on display are recent stoneware ceramics by Ames artist Mary Weisgram. DJ Rinner Goldsmith features “Hoop-a-la!” with hoop earrings by Louise Rauh, Bethany Young and Denise Manard. The October 8 Gallery Walk includes a demonstration of paper marbling techniques by Barbara Bernier from 6 – 7pm. In addition, the Gallery will highlight a daily “featured artist” during October 1-10, including educational materials along with art pieces. Iowa Artisans Gallery/DJ Rinner Goldsmith is located at 207 E. Washington St.

The Chait Galleries Downtown celebrates American Craft Week with new artists Craig & Teresa Miller.  The Millers bring a taste of Colorado back to their home state of Iowa with their unique, one-of-a-kind twist on furniture.  The Millers design, carve, sand, and oil branches of the ancient piῆon trees that are indigenous to the southern Colorado area they call home.  The finished furniture pieces lay bare the unique beauty of the craggy trees culminating in functional and innovative art. Chait Galleries is located at 218 E. Washington St.

AKAR specialized in high end collectible ceramics as well as designer goods. Their exhibition during American Craft Week features Recent Ceramics by Linda Arbuckle & Clary Illian. AKAR is located at 257 Iowa Ave.

The Iowa City Johnson County Senior Center invites the public of all ages to learn to quilt during America Craft week 2010. The quilters meet in room 211 Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8 AM - Noon.  This event accompanies their show of quilts by Patti Zwick. The Senior Center is located at 28 S. Linn St.

MC Ginsberg Jewelers features Bench Art -- a work in progress, an exhibit of work by UI metalsmith graduate students, University of Iowa metalsmiths Margaret Kim, Carrie Metheny Erin Rappleye, Bess Siritanapivat and Allison Tipton. MC Ginsberg is located at 110 E. Washington St.

Glassando focuses on handmade glass jewelry and other items, and features fused glass by Anne Nye. Glassando is located in Old Capitol Town Center.

Beadology hosts a variety of classes open to the public, including Basic Stringing, Basic Wirework, Herringbone Technique, 1920s Netted Bracelet, and Doorknocker Earrings. Karen Kubby welcomes her fellow co-owner and sister to town during that time period.  Beadology is located at 220 E. Washington St.

Home Ec Workshop offers workshop space and classes, plus quality craft supplies. A three-week class featuring screenprinting plus embroidery starts October 6. Home Ec Workshop is located at 207 N. Linn St.