Great Lakes Chapter-Detroit Institute of Arts-Artist Exhibition/Workshop 2014

E

edstuckey

Well-known member
Society of American Period Furniture Makers-Detroit Institute of Arts-Artist Exhibition/Workshop
March 29-30, 2014
Saturday, March 29 10am-4pm
Sunday, March 30 10am-4pm
The Great Lakes Chapter has been invited back to give another workshop. Our last event in March 2013 was extremely successful and the DIA was very happy with the outcome. Over 1100 visitors attended the 2 day sessions. So pleased was the Museum staff that they gave us a bigger venue, The Great Hall, for next year’s event. We will have more space and greater access to the public.
As a group we want to demonstrate the techniques of 18th Century Period Furniture construction so the public will have a better understanding and hopefully an appreciation for period furniture. This includes recognition of its utilitarian function and its existence as an art form.
1. We will be giving ongoing demonstrations:  How to construct mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, chairs, ball and claw feet, cabriole legs, marquetry, shell carving, line and berry inlays, plus many more.
2. Member’s furniture will be on display, a great attraction last time.
3. Our members will also be giving guided tours of the DAI’s 18th century furniture collection located in the American Wing.
4. Members will be making Candle Stick Box kits that children can take home to assemble. The museum prohibits assembling of any item while in the Great Hall, they are concerned about young children with hammers and nails in the midst of valuable art works. We plan to make about 50-60 kits.
Ed Stuckey
Event coordinator.
 
Both the Detroit newspapers are carrying this article about this event.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140328/LIFESTYLE01/303280016/Welcome-Mat-latest-greatest-your-home

If you are in the area, please come and visit.
 
The SAPFM exhibit/demonstration at the Detroit Institute of Art was a smashing success!
We had 1350 people visit during the two day event, surpassing last year’s count of 1100.
This year we were put in the “Great Hall” which is directly in front of the main entrance.
 
The demonstrations were as varied as the pieces shown:
Frame and panel construction by Andrew Messimer
Shavehorse and drawknife by Bob Compton
Hollows and rounds by Mike Holden and John Fitzpatrick
Ball and claw foot by Dave Boeff
Applied carvings by Dan Reahard
Cabriole leg by Rich Hebert
Joinery by Al Goldstein and Ralph Babcock
Mortise and tenon by Dale Ausherman
16th Century carving by Dave Cook
Newport Shell carving by Bill Wayland
Display of period woodworking tools by Jim Crammond
Spring pole lathe by Jim Crammond
Marquetry by Craig Flaming
Dovetails by Zach Dillinger
Tours of the museum’s collection of period furniture, with emphasis on construction were given on the hour by Ed Stuckey
 
People who came were astounded, pleased, and interested. We received many compliments both on our craftsmanship and for keeping the skills alive.
Many of the guest spoke of restoring their houses. Hopefully, they will now think of filling those restored houses with period furniture. Certainly events like this raise the awareness that fine furniture is still being made and is more affordable than antiques.
 
This was a most enjoyable event, and the museum has already asked us to do it again next year.
(my apologies if I missed anyone, and for the lack of images with museum attendees as I only took pics before and after the event)
 
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