Material Obsessions, Sparks Gallery

The Allied Craftsmen of San Diego celebrates its 70th year with a juried exhibition of members’ work at Sparks Gallery in downtown San Diego. The exhibition, Allied Craftsmen: Material Obsessions, will showcase innovative processes and high standards of workmanship in ceramics, enamel, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metals, mixed media, and wood.

// OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2017 – SIX TO NINE PM
// Exhibition on view MAY 27 – JULY 9, 2017

One of the longest running craft organizations in the country, Allied Craftsmen’s mission to promote cutting-edge contemporary craft–from the functional to the conceptual–has remained unchanged since its founding in 1947. It is living art history. And just as early members of the Allied Craftsmen were vital to the development of the artistic and educational community of San Diego, so the 75 current artist-members represent universities, local colleges, high schools, and artist collectives throughout the county today.

The Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, now in its 70th year, continues to be a major influence of contemporary craft and art in San Diego.

Founded by Lloyd Ruocco, the Allied Craftsmen of San Diego began as a small craft group. In 1947, the Allied Craftsmen had a very successful presentation at Sunset Gallery which became an annual event. As a result of their success in 1986, the Allied Craftsmen became incorporated. The Allied Craftsmen have shown at various places which include the Spanish Village, Orr’s Gallery, Mingei International Museum, and now at Sparks Gallery.

Allied Craftsmen members pursue their inspiration through innovative process and unconventional design using materials such as wood, clay, metal, glass, wire, fabric, gold and silver. The group defines its acceptable mediums for membership as: “any serious craft.” What you won’t find is paintings, drawings or photography. It is our mission to present to the public the work of the finest contemporary artists of the region who work in craft media, to foster communication between those artists, and to contribute to a broader community appreciation of contemporary craft by sponsoring and supporting presentations that are made available to students and the public.

Exhibited Artists:

Jennifer Anderson, Warren Bakley, Beston Barnett, Sandra Berlin-Kroll, Charlotte Bird, David Browne, Ron Carlson, Levi Casias, David Cuzick, Maria De Castro, Ellen Fager, Arline Fisch, Polly Jacobs Giacchina, Erik Gronborg, Alexandra Hart, Paul Henry, James Hubbell, Terri Hughes-Oelrich, Jeff Erwin, Ashley Kim, YC Kim, Dot Kimura, Linda Litteral, Wendy Maruyama, Kathleen Mitchell, Sheila Moran, Cheryl Nickel, Kathy Nida, Joe Nyiri, Marcus Papay, Norma Pizzaro, Sasha Koozel-Reibstein, Vincent Robles, Gail Schneider, Cheryl Tall, and Julie Thompson.