All photos by Nicole Royse
by Nicole Royse
Arts Editor
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“Crafting the Collection” is not your typical craft show, rather a refined display of Conceptual and Contemporary Craft that highlights more than 30 artworks and latest donations from Sara and David Lieberman. The ASU Art Museum is known for its collection of contemporary craft that was originally established by founding director Rudy Turk, which helped to elevate the status of ceramics and craft. The Turk Gallery handsomely displays the “Crafting the Collection” exhibition, offering a diverse and engaging exhibition showcasing a variety of artworks that are colorful, dynamic and playful giving patrons a true sensory experience great for the entire family!
A focal point of the exhibition is a recent acquisition by longtime ASU Art Museum supporters Stanley and Mikki Weithornas: a stunning new quilt created by Ai Kijima, a Japanese artist, titled “Night is Young,” that is composed from recycled materials including curtain, pillow case, apron, handkerchief, tablecloth, bed sheets, and clothes. This piece blends pop culture icons, wild patterns, and vibrant colors highlighting several generations including Snow white, Cookie Monster and Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast.
A brightly painted and heavily adorned ceramic sculpture titled “Sneak Peak” grabs the viewer’s eye created by Judy Onofrio. The piece is bedazzled with jewels, stones and beads while showcasing a conglomeration of imagery including a woman lounging while chatting with a man, birds in flight, and even a monkey covering his face.
Adjacent from this is a mythical dress that seems to just float in the
gallery rightly titled “Moon Warrior” created from red cedar bark, cordage adorned with abalone buttons. Beautifully woven together with delicate touches of fringe and striking detail created by Washington based artist, Lisa Telford.
“Sisters” is a striking mixed media piece depicting what appears to be a pair of girls created by Connecticut based artist, Norma Minkowitz. The artist offers only a brief outline of the girls faces, bodies and dress in what is reminiscent of knitted material or mesh netting, set off by the subtle ombré coloring of the piece.
The ASU Art Museum is located at 51 E. 10th Street in Tempe and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11-5 PM; admission is free (donations welcomed). For more information about this wonderful exhibition or the ASU Art Museum be sure to visit them online.
