ARROWMONT CRAFT CONVERSATIONS is a video series that highlights artists in the Arrowmont community. Our partnership with Arrowmont faculty and community members has contributed to Arrowmont’s longevity, growth as a school of arts and crafts, and our reputation as an institution that welcomes everyone. The artists who appear in this series exemplify the characteristics that represent the School — they span generations and are among the most experienced, capable, and innovative in the arts and crafts world. Each of the artists in this series offers insights into their work and their reflections on being a part of the Arrowmont community. Mark Errol is an Arrowmont Instructor, Pentaculum participant and ceramic artist. Mark Errol graduated from Georgia State University in 2014 with his MFA where he was the recipient of the Ernest G. Welch Fellowship. Mark accepted the position of lecturer in 2015 at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA where he teaches Ceramics, Foundation 3D design as well as Professional Preparations for budding artists and Senior Presentation. Errol has taught at Arrowmont, has assisted numerous artists at Penland School of Craft and has taught workshops at The University of Alabama, East Tennessee State University and other recognized art centers around the Southeast. Mark lives in Tifton, GA where he maintains his studio and is the co-owner of Plough Gallery with Glenn Josey where they concentrate on ceramics, glass and other craft-centric media. Focused on education, highlighting fine craft and art, Mark has curated shows as well at Signature Handmade Gallery in Atlanta. His work has been featured in exhibitions both nationally and internationally and has been published in Studio Potter and Ceramics Monthly magazines as well as other regional and nationally circulated publications. The work he makes investigates the relationships of architecture, interior design, and personal narratives as related to both social and cultural questions of value, space and wanting more.
The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts’ Sandra J. Blain Galleries invites artists to submit works for consideration for the national juried exhibition, “Nature and Neon.” Submissions will be accepted via SlideRoom from July 1, 2017, through October 4th, 2017.
Exhibition Description:
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is geographically located where the natural and the constructed worlds converge, and is also an environment that fosters artistic creation and education. Inspired by these unique intersections, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is looking for artists’ responses to the theme of this year’s national juried exhibition: Nature and Neon.
Landscape has been a prominent and historical subject matter explored by artists as they consider their relationship to the outdoors. Conversely, some contemporary artists seek to incorporate the kitsch, pop, and glamour of visual overload into their work. Juxtapositions between the natural and the artificial can be found everywhere and in almost every aspect of our lives. Submitted works for Nature and Neon, could be about the commodification of nature, constructed natural environments, or an interpretation of the countryside that takes fantastical or surreal form. Arrowmont invites work of any artistic media including traditional fine art and craft, cross-disciplinary work, and exploratory art forms. Works could be inspired by the traditional pastoral or could be interpretations of pop art and urban motifs. This exhibition asks the artist to consider what is natural, what is unnatural, and how the intersection of both attempts to capture its own disparate beauty.
Juror:
Writer, curator and educator Garth Johnson is curator of ceramics at the ASU Art Museum in Tempe, Arizona, where he oversees their world-renowned collection. Before moving to Tempe, Garth served as the Curator of Artistic Programs at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia and spent seven years as a Professor at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California. Johnson is known for his irreverent wit, which can be explored through his weblog, www.extremecraft.com. He has also exhibited his work and published his writing nationally and internationally, including contributions to the books Handmade Nation, Craftivity, Craft Corps, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s new book Nation Building. His book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, was published by Quarry in November, 2009. He is a self-described craft activist who explores craft’s influence and relevance in the 21st century.
Criteria:
All emerging and professional artists 18 and over may apply. All media will be considered including book arts, ceramics, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, wood, mixed media, video, and installation submissions will be accepted. If a piece contains a video component, the artist must indicate whether or not they can provide any of the necessary technological equipment for installation – not a requirement. All work must have been completed within the last two years. Current Arrowmont staff and residents may apply for the exhibition, but are ineligible to receive awards.
Submissions:
All entries must be submitted via SlideRoom (arrowmont.slideroom.com) by October 4th, 2017. The entry fee is $30 for 3 works. Image files must be in jpg. format. Stills can be submitted for video, or installations, with room for descriptions of the work. Within descriptions, links can be given to view a video online.
Arrowmont was damaged in the tragic Gatlinburg fires, along with many
other homes and businesses. Dorms were destroyed, but thankfully not
our studios. We appreciate the incredible outpouring of love for our
beloved school from all over the country.
How can you help? The best way is by donating to our Rebuild Fund.
Click on the donate button below and you can play a part in rebuilding
dorms on our campus. Send checks to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts,
P.O. Box 567, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738. Thank you for your support
of Arrowmont.
Executive director Bill May interviews with The Weather Channel regarding Arrowmont’s campus. Click here to watch.
