History Repeating Itself: Arts & Crafts Style
Historically, its always been a strong connection.
In 1903, Rochester’s Harvey Ellis took the train to Syracuse to team up with Gustav Stickley, and together they changed the design of Arts & Crafts homes and mission oak furniture forever.
This week Rochester’s well-known print artist Laura Wilder is making the journey across upstate New York to team up with Debbie Goldwein and David Rudd, owners since 1980 of Dalton’s American Decorative Arts, for a month-long exhibition and sale of color block prints entitled “Finding a Simpler Life.”
An artist’s reception with Laura Wilder will be held on Friday, July 8th from 5:00-8:00pm at Dalton’s gallery at 1931 James Street. They ask that you RSVP by July 1st if you plan to attend by calling (315) 463-1568 or emailing [email protected].
After getting her degree in art and spending several unsatisfying years as a graphic designer and commercial illustrator, Laura Wilder discovered the designs and philosophy of the Arts & Crafts movement. Inspired by the posters, prints and paintings of a century ago, she learned printmaking, and submitted her vintage-style block prints and paintings to the Roycroft Renaissance jury. She was awarded the use of the “RR” mark on her work, which signifies high quality and hand-craftsmanship, and within two years was elevated to Master Artisan status.
Thematically, Laura’s art explores aspects of a simpler, more satisfying life: finding meaningful work and play, finding serenity in the natural world, and considering the things that matter most. Laura has won many awards and prestigious commissions for her work, which can be seen at shows and the annual Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference, as well as in galleries and shops nationwide, and at www.laurawilder.com.
Since 1980, Dalton’s has established itself as an unparalleled resource for original Arts & Crafts furnishings and decorative accessories. David Rudd and Debbie Goldwein are the principals of Dalton’s and equally share the responsibilities of operating this unique gallery, featuring carefully selected examples of Arts & Crafts furniture, pottery, art and metalwork for both beginning and experienced collectors.
Their gallery typically offers works by Gustav Stickley, Harvey Ellis, the Roycrofters, L. & J.G. Stickley, Grueby, Marblehead, Dirk van Erp and others, providing their clients with a unique combination of more than three decades of experience, knowledge of superior forms, discerning judgment and the finest selection available of Arts & Crafts works.
David has acted as a private consultant to several major east coast auction houses, is currently a regular contributor to “American Bungalow” magazine, president of the Central New York Arts and Crafts Society and sits on the board of trustees of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Morris Plains, NJ. In her role as CFO at Dalton’s, Debbie ensures stable operation of the gallery on a daily basis and contributes to Dalton’s esteemed position as a trusted and experienced source for Arts & Crafts objects.
– Bruce Johnson
For more information, please visit their websites:
