Live Discussion Groups for Collectors of Every Level
by Kate Nixon
In February 2021, the National Arts and Crafts Conference will hold daily discussion groups for its participants over the Zoom platform, providing a live interactive experience with members of the Arts and Crafts community. The sessions will be held weekdays at 1:00 PM Eastern and will be recorded for our Video-On-Demand section.
Featuring a variety of subjects, these live discussion groups are a chance to connect with experts in a field and see your fellow members of the community through Zoom. Some topics will look familiar to longtime conference participants, although they can expect some new material in 2021 as well to discuss and see live examples through the Zoom calls. Read on to see the topics and learn a little about each Small Group Discussion leader…
Sessions for collectors of all levels
“What is the ‘Art’ in Arts and Crafts” with Steven Thomas – What is the “art” in Arts and Crafts? Steven Thomas – of Woodblock-prints.com – will shine some light on the range of “Art” within the movement. Come ready with your questions as we talk historic artists and their works in this helpful session.
“Collecting Arts and Crafts Tiles” with Sandie Fowler – Get ready to greet the world of Arts and Crafts style tiles with Exhibitor Sandie Fowler. This discussion will be for collectors of all levels.
“Collecting Roycroft” with Robert Rust – Following a successful seminar in 2020’s conference on Bert Hubbard, Property Appraiser, author and specialist in the Arts and Crafts era decorative arts, Robert Rust will explore the world of collecting Roycroft, bringing his expert-level experience as a past co-owner of the Roycroft Inn, Roycroft Shops, and the 2R Fine Arts Gallery in East Aurora and a founding member of the Roycrofters-At-Large-Association to the discussion.
“Window Treatment Ideas: Have nothing on your windows that is not useful and beautiful” with Dianne Ayres – Do your windows need a re-design? Dianne Ayres will be here to help as she uses her experience in window treatments to give advice on bringing a touch of friendly but minimalist Arts and Crafts style to your windows.
“Arts and Crafts From the Home” with Jean Oberkirsch – Jean Oberkirsch of Oberkirsch Designs (also a 2021 exhibitor) heads up this discussion on filling your home with all things Arts and Crafts. This year has been one for having the time to get to know the ins and outs of your home, so come ready with a few ideas of how to design your home for 2021!
“Building Arts and Crafts Furniture” with Stewart Crick – In these times of “Do It Yourself” projects, Stewart Crick will be here with advice on building Arts and Crafts furniture. Bringing decades of experience, Crick brings a discussion for the woodworker in us all!
“Collecting Arts and Crafts Metalware” with Bryan Mead – The owner of Hammered & Hewn Bryan Mead will head up this discussion on collecting the wide variety of Arts and Crafts metalware. Expect to discuss a variety of styles and their appeal to collectors.
“Collecting Japanese Woodblock Prints” with Patti Bourgeois – The owner of Japanese Woodblock Prints Gallery will hold a discussion on collecting Japanese Woodblock Prints. From Ukiyo-e to Sosaku Hanga, Patti will cover a variety of artists associated with the genre of prints from Japan.
N. Gordon Gray discussing “Furniture Fakes, Forgeries, & Repairs” during 2020’s National Arts and Crafts Conference & Shows at the Grove Park Inn. For 2021, the session will take place over Zoom.
“Collecting Vintage Textiles” with Paul Freeman – There are few people in the world who have the collection and knowledge of vintage tiles than Paul Freeman of Paul Freeman Artifacts and Archive Edition Textiles. Through his decades of experience, Paul will advise textile enthusiasts of all levels.
“Spotting Furniture Fakes, Forgeries, and Repairs” with N. Gordon Gray – This popular session returns in virtual form to our annual conference with N. Gordon Gray. Bring your questions and be ready to discuss with detail with N. Gordon as we’ll explore the basics of being able to distinguish originals from mass-produced counterparts and how to repair your originals. This class is helpful for all levels of collecting, so don’t be shy with your questions!
“Documentary Craft to Artistic Medium: Photography in the Golden Era of Arts and Crafts” with Peter Potter – After watching his seminar “Ruskin, the Roycroft, and the Photograph,” join us to discuss photography in the Arts and Crafts era. The photography during this era is a rarely discussed topic, so come ready to learn in this visual and rare session.
Historic Sites, Philosophy, Stickley’s Family, Gardens, and a talk with a Filmmaker
“The Arts and Crafts Philosophy: A Lifestyle – Or Now Just a Style?” and “The Sound of Music – Arts and Crafts style” with Pat Bartinique. Author, Professor and longtime conference attendee Pat Bartinique will lead conversations about the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement and a session on the music of the era.
Pre-Restoration Interior of the Stickley House in Syracuse, NY.
“Gustav Stickley’s Syracuse Home: Restoring the Interior” with David Rudd, Elizabeth Crawford, and Amy Shook-Perez. We’ll get a look at the interiors in the style Stickley helped to create in the historic house being restored to its former glory. Join this special discussion with members of the Gustav Stickley House Foundation and talk about the future of the Syracuse house.
“Behind the Scenes at Craftsman Farms” with Vonda Givens – Executive Director Vonda Givens gives us a live look at the Stickley Museum and the grounds of the historic Craftsman Farms.
“The Stickleys – Was Gus Really the Best?” with Michael McCracken, who will explore the Stickley family dynamics. Comparing and contrasting each member of the Stickley family, this experienced author will delve into the Stickley legacy. Get another view of the Stickleys in this intriguing session.
“Native Plants and the Landscape” with Rick Taylor. Always a popular session every year since collectors love their gardens, Rick Taylor will explore plants and gardenscapes and exploring all outdoor elements naturally beautiful.
“A Final Chat with Stickley Documentary Director Herb Stratford” – One week before his documentary Gustav Stickley: American Craftsman is offered on streaming platform to the general public, film director Herb Stratford will join us for a final chat about the making of the documentary and what’s next for Stratford.
Please see the conference schedule for more information on live group discussions.