TRANSFORMED BY FIRE

June Schwarcz Enamel Vessels — From the Forrest L. Merrill Collection

Oct 22, 09 | Jul 4, 10

Designer: Theodore Cohen

SCHWARCZ #827, June Schwarcz, Spun copper bowl with electroformed lines, red enamel interior, and opal, beige and white enamel exterior, U.S.A., 1981

SCHWARCZ #2358, June Schwarcz, Electroformed copper foil vessel, red enamel interior, iron plated exterior, U.S.A., 2008

Opening October 22, in the Upper Rotunda Gallery

TRANSFORMED BY FIRE is a career-spanning exhibition of ninety objects by June Schwarcz, considered the nation’s premier enamellist. For fifty-three years she has been fashioning exquisite objects that are contemporary yet timeless. Along with enameling – the fusing of colored glass to metal – June Schwarcz’s work often employs electroplating – the process of coating a metal surface with more metal, using a chemical bath and a current. Her distinctive forms also arise from her frequent use of thin copper foil and mesh.

Organized and presented originally in 2008 by the Fresno Art Museum and curated by Jacquelin Pilar under the title JUNE SCHWARCZ – Expressionism’s Fire and the Resonant Form, Fresno Art Museum’s Council of 100 Distinguished Woman Artist for 2008, Selections from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection, this exhibition has been adapted for its Mingei International Museum presentation, which continues through March 21, 2010.

This exhibition will be complimented by FISCH OUT OF WATER —Sea Creatures of Arline Fisch in the Roger C. Cornell Rotunda Gallery and Barbara Joy Marriott Wilcox Grand Staircase

Photographer, M. Lee Featheree