What a great night! Last night, Friday August 28 saw the opening of The "METAL SHOW: Forged, Poured & Welded" at the Cofrin Gallery at Oak Hall School. I've been co-curating the gallery with my colleague Gary Bone for many years now and we have presented many exciting exhibitions, but last night's show will forever remain among my favorites!
This show came about quite by accident. We were originally scheduled to show an exhibition of Photographs of Cuba, but that show fell through early in the summer. In order to fill the gap in our schedule I reached out to Leslie Tharp, a local artist and blacksmith, (http://www.leslietharp.com ).
I knew of Leslie's work and was hopeful that she would like to show it in our gallery. Leslie came to mind as last year the metal fabrication aspect of our art program took major steps forward with the purchase of a new plasma cutter. This combined with our electric welder has enabled our students the opportunity to create a variety of works of art in metal.
Leslie really came through she organized 24 blacksmiths and metal artists to contribute work to the show.
Leslie also organized live blacksmithing demonstrations. This proved to be one of the most fascinating parts of the evening. These awesome images were captured by Ian Clontz MMXV / Historia Photography. Thanks Ian!
The blacksmiths were very generous with their efforts and information. They went out of their way to inform the crowd about the art and science of their craft. If you missed the opening reception, the exhibition runs through October 2, so stop by!
It was an exciting evening!
This year at Oak Hall School, we acquired a new gas forge and have begun casting aluminum as well as basic blacksmithing! All the Blacksmiths offered their help to us if we need it, (and we are going to need it)!
We are very excited about the creative possibilities this new equipment will bring! We are most excited to allow our students to experience this ancient craft for themselves!
