SAPFM-Detroit Institute of Arts-Artist Exhibition/Workship March 29-30, 2014

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E

edstuckey

Well-known member
Society of American Period Furniture Makers-Detroit Institute of Arts-Artist Exhibition/Workshop
March 29-30, 2014
Saturday, March 29 10am-4pm
Sunday, March 30 10am-4pm
The Great Lakes Chapter has been invited back to give another workshop. Our last event in March 2013 was extremely successful and the DIA was very happy with the outcome. Over 1100 visitors attended the 2 day sessions. So pleased was the Museum staff that they gave us a bigger venue, The Great Hall, for next year’s event. We will have more space and greater access to the public.
As a group we want to demonstrate the techniques of 18th Century Period Furniture construction so the public will have a better understanding and hopefully an appreciation for period furniture. This includes recognition of its utilitarian function and its existence as an art form.
1. We will be giving ongoing demonstrations:  How to construct mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, chairs, ball and claw feet, cabriole legs, marquetry, shell carving, line and berry inlays, plus many more.
2. Member’s furniture will be on display, a great attraction last time.
3. Our members will also be giving guided tours of the DAI’s 18th century furniture collection located in the American Wing.
4. Members will be making Candle Stick Box kits that children can take home to assemble. The museum prohibits assembling of any item while in the Great Hall, they are concerned about young children with hammers and nails in the midst of valuable art works. We plan to make about 50-60 kits.
Ed Stuckey
Event coordinator.
 
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event a great success!  All the chapter members who demonstrated, displayed furniture, gave tours, spoke to the public and showed up at the DIA to support everyone deserve a hearty thank you!  I received many positive comments from both visitors and museum staff.  Several people told me that they thought the furniture displayed were museum pieces not the work of local craftsman and they were really impressed that we had made the items. 

I thought that all of the demonstrations were great, they were informative and looked professional.  The whole weekend was a lot of fun and I saw lots of kids who were pretty excited to have a candle box to put together.  Again, great job everyone!

Have any pictures been uploaded?  Laurin said that he had put some up but I wasn't able to find them on the website.

Jim
 
Jim,
Excellent description of the event. The final attendance count done by the museum staff was 1350. I believe that was a little low, I would say 1500-1600. The DIA was so pleased with the outcome we have been invited back next year.
Thanks to everyone who made this such a successful weekend!
Ed
 
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