Friday, July 8, 2016
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- (July 8, 2016) There’s still plenty of time to visit “a wonderful show full of whimsy and delightful surprises, especially when you think about the intrinsic nature of the materials” at the Mosely Gallery, Susan Holt, director, said. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s art exhibit, “Delmarva Metalworks” is open now through July 28.
Artisans are members of the Mid-Atlantic Smith’s Association, Holt said. Despite the difficult process, the “hard, cold, heavy metal swirls, spins, defies gravity and pulsates with warm life.”
Pieces range from mythical sea creatures to practical hearth sets. Local artists include: Eric Harvey, Thomas Henon, Tuve Tuveson, Gary Lee Beauchamp, Lance Greener, David Hutchison and Mark Williams.
Williams, a mathematics professor at the university and curator of the show, got started ironworking when he found himself with a box of tools his wife inherited from her great grandfather, a West Virginian craftsman.
“It started out as a learning experience and hobby for tension relief,” Williams said. “Then I got hooked and found out how enjoyable pulling a piece of hot metal from a fire and changing its form is.”
Williams networked with fellow crafters from associations like the Mid-Atlantic Smith’s Association, Furnace Town Blacksmiths Guild of Snow Hill and ultimately the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America.
“We’re a small, but growing community practicing a human endeavor since biblical times,” Williams said. “Blacksmithing is both a craft and an art and is one that my colleagues and I enjoy sharing with the community.”
The Mosely Gallery is located in the Thomas-Briggs Arts and Technology building on UMES’ campus. Admission is free and summer hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Call 410-651-7770 or visit www.moselygallery.com for more information.
Photo: Tom Henon with his iron sculpture “Dancer.”
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580.
