This is a very large exhibit — 58 works — and many of the works are functional and created through much labor — some of it in CAD programs on the computer — but mostly with tools of carpentry and woodworking. Philadelphia is rich with wood workers and those who appreciate the craft. Why is that, we wondered.
Albert LeCoff told Andrea, who told us, that there are various reasons. Paraphrasing…First, Philadelphia College of Art (now UArts), Bucks County Community College and Millersville University cultivated the scene. Richard Kagan taught at PCA and had the first gallery devoted to furniture in the US, on South St. Ruth and Rick Snyderman opened their gallery dedicated to fine crafts. People like David Ellsworth moved here from Colorado to be closer to the East Coast market. The American Crafts Council Trade shows on the East Coast attracted people. Rhinebeck, Baltimore craft shows…People on the West coast don’t buy crafts.
“Branching Out: Changing Approaches to Art in Wood” to March 24, 2019, List Gallery, Swarthmore College. More about Albert LeCoff and The Center for Art in Wood at their website. Artblog Radio is now available on Apple (iTunes and Apple Podcasts) and Spotify, and available via RSS.
