FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 6/6/09
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
Press contact only: Angela Matthews - 304-258-3541




METAL ART SHOW HAS ARTWALK AND HAMMER IN

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV -----A series of vignettes showcase the
fashionable side of metal art in Metal Fashioners, a special gallery
exhibit opening at the Ice House on Friday, June 12. Along with an
Artwalk that begins at 5pm and the meet-the-artists reception at the
Ice House at 7:30pm, the opening weekend features an authentic Hammer-
In from noon to 5pm on Saturday. Metal Fashioners hangs through July
19 and is curated by Angela Matthews of Frog Valley Artisans.

Mountain Laurel Gallery anchors the Artwalk from 5 to 7pm with a
special display of hand forged metal by noted Berkeley Springs artist,
Glenn Horr who also has work in Metal Fashioners. "No one will escape
seeing Glenn's work this month," jokes Chuck Wheeler, owner of
Mountain Laurel.

The outdoor Hammer-in on Saturday has working metal artists scattered
outside on the Ice House lawn in a dramatic sensory experience of hot
fires, banging metal and raw strength. "It is traditional for
blacksmiths and metal artists to present a hammer-in when they show
their work," says Matthews. "People are intrigued by the techniques
required."

Matthews selected artists and work for Metal Fashioners to highlight
the surprisingly rich warmth of an element general thought of as too
cool. Examples range from not-so-ready-to-wear clothing and home
decor items to garden elegance.

Lee Badger is a metal artist with a studio in neighboring Hedgesville
whose custom-made pieces are sought after throughout the Mid-Atlantic
and Midwest. "Local people don't really known the scale of work that
Lee does," says Matthews who believes his work will open some eyes.

The remarkable dress sculptures of Washington, DC artist, Donna
McCullough were in great part Matthews' inspiration for the show.
Crafted of steel and embellished with flourishes of wire mesh,
screening, cut-outs and bits of found objects, the dresses are at once
both elegant and imposing. She exposes how strong and rigid steel can
be manipulated to appear feminine and soft. "Donna's work is very
strong and thought provoking," explains Matthews of her choice.

Tom Boone is a direct descendant of Appalachian pioneer, Daniel Boone
and 18th in a line of family metal smiths. His hand forged, hot steel
pieces include everything from designer lamps and coatracks to tables
and candleholders.

The most familiar among the dozen artists featured in the show may be
Carol and Jean Pierre Hsu, longtime Morgan County residents whose
colorful jewelry is immediately recognizable. Other local artists on
display include Anne Larsen, Peter Wood and Mark Schwenk. Coming from
further afield are Gary Magakis of Philadelphia, Daniel Stuart of
Damascus, Maryland, and June Jansen of New York City. For images of
show pieces and links to the websites of participating artists, check www.metalfashioners.com

The curated gallery exhibit produced by the Morgan Arts Council is
funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the West Virginia
Commission on the Arts and hotel/motel tax revenues. The Ice House is
located on the corner of Independence and Mercer and is open Friday
through Monday from 11am to 5pm. For more information call 258-2300 or
check online at www.macicehouse.org.