By Karen Bloom
Presented by the American Concern for Art and Craftsmanship, which also runs a similar show at Lincoln Center, in Manhattan, the show highlights the creativity of the nation's premier crafts artists. They represent every region of the U.S., selected from 1,050 applicants by a jury of professional crafts experts. Their creations range from the "unusual to the traditional," according to show organizers.More than 18,000 uniquely designed original items with a total estimated value of $15 million will be on display. One of the most spectacular is an ivy patterned champleve' black enamel bangle bracelet set in 18k yellow gold and adorned with 1.80 cts pave' set diamonds. This one-of-a-kind original creation by Manfred Koch of Sante Fe, New Mexico, is worth $9,500.On a more reasonable scale, there are such creations as a one foot long replica of a Boeing 747 passenger plane, made entirely of aluminum, by Sompit Xia Srinuksit of La Palma, California for $25, and a quilt embossed olive cowhide day bag with burgundy and tan suede overlay by Greg Roche, also of California.Over 18,000 people are expected to visit the booths of 100 master craft-artists who will personally present their creations. These artisans work in wide range of mediums, and they'll show off a vast array of creations. Harmony and nature is represented in the form of a 12 foot tall wind sculpture fabricated from stainless steel, copper, bronze, silver, and gold hand wrought by artist-designer, Susan Pascal Beran of San Anselmo, California. Another standout piece is a 2 1/2 foot tall multi-colored blown glass vase in royal, purple green and silver trim, with sculptured faces, by master glassblowers Kurt and Lynda Carlson, of Middlesex, New York. Of course, there's much more, including home furnishings; precious jewelry; one-of-a-kind clothing, in silk, cashmere, and natural fibers; as well as handcrafted toys fashioned from exotic woods and musical instruments. Be sure to check out the local artists. They include:
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Joseph De Maio, of Joe De Maio Woodturnings, Oceanside.
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Linda Mendelson, of Galaxy Collection Ltd, Rockville Centre. Her specialty is porcelain jewelry.Selected artists demonstrate their craft throughout the event. Also, pianist-composer Sergei Novikov, offers a musical accompaniment, performing his own compositions and jazz and classical favorites.The festival is a feast for the stomach as well as eyes. The many food concessions serve vegetarian, Middle Eastern, Oriental, and Italian specialties, fresh fruit, along with a wide selection of desserts.Make your way to the Nassau County Museum of Art for an enjoyable fall weekend of outdoor delights, and see why craft is indeed an art.
9th Annual Craft As Art Festival
Friday, Oct. 7, 2-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $7, children under 12 free. Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337.
