Summer 2009 Exhibition
May 14th to July 26th, 2009
Main Second Floor Galleries:
Stanley Lechtzin: Five Decades 1959-2009
Curated by Daniella Kerner and Helen W. Drutt English
First Floor Galleries:
rEvolution:
105 Years of Teaching Jewelry and Metalsmithing at
The University of the Arts
Curated by Sharon Church and Rod McCormick
Public Opening Thursday, May 14, 2009, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Gallery Night Tour Sponsored by the Society of North American Goldsmiths:
Friday May 22, 2009; 5:00 to 9:00 p.m
Stanley Lechtzin: Five Decades 1959-2009
 In the 1960s, Stanley Lechtzin pioneered the use of electroforming in the United States to create distinctive and organic jewelry. The use of plastics in jewelry making allowed for the use of materials and methodologies that expanded the field of metalsmithing into areas not yet attempted by other artists of that period. The use of lightweight materials created through electroforming was introduced into his early work as a means of creating large-scale pieces that would otherwise be unwearable as metal pieces. Despite the complexity of their processes - requiring a sophisticated knowledge of electrochemistry and physics - Lechtzin considers using technologically-based practices as a means to expand the limitations of the craft itself.
Since 1980, Lechtzin has also been creating works using computer-aided design (CAD). Rendering the object in computer-aided-design allows Lechtzin to create exact mathematical renderings of the actual object. The design is then processed by Computer-Aided-Manufacturing, which is a set of instructions for the machine used to create the actual object. Despite the final physical manifestation of the design, Lechtzin considers the creative act to lie in the design completed in its digital form. Regardless of process (such as electroforming, vapor deposition and CAD) or material (including metals, plastics, glass or cut stones and gems), the ultimate guide in Lechtzin’s work is the relationship of the work to the body and its ability to be worn, as well as the relationship to organic forms found in nature.
 Complementary to Lechzin’s work as an artist, he is committed to research and teaching. In 1962 Lechtzin founded the metal program at Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Philadelphia, and works with advanced undergraduates and graduate students who are engaged in using CAD as an essential tool for their work. For Lechtzin, these interrelated components of creativity and pedagogy are mutual influences that provide inspiration in both endeavors.
Lechzin is currently a Professor and Head of Metals/Jewelry Department at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. He received his B.F.A. from Wayne State University and his M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art. His work can be found in the collections of the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution, the Cranbrook Museum of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, among others. In 1984 he received the Hazelett Memorial Award for Excellence in the Arts in Pennsylvania, and was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Crafts Council in 1992.
He has received numerous grants and fellowships, most notably from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1973, 1976, and 1984 as well as Fellowship in Crafts, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in 1987 and the Visual Arts Fellowship in the Crafts from Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in 1997.
Images: Stanley Lechtzin, “PusHere” O-Ring Bracelet #62F; gypsum ,resin,. buna-a ‘O’ ring, 3-D print; Courtesy of the artist.
Stanley Lechtzin, Pendant 17D, Electroformed silver gilt, amethyst, moonstones, Courtesy of the artist.
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rEvolution: 105 Years of Teaching Jewelry and Metalsmithing at The University of the Arts
 “rEvolution” will showcase works by artists who have taught jewelry and metalwork at The University of the Arts and its predecessor institutions, The Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Arts and The Philadelphia College of Art. The exhibition was curated by Sharon Church and Rod McCormick, co-chairs of the Metalsmith Department at The University of the Arts. This exhibit is part of “The College @ 50 Celebration at The University of the Arts.”
The Jewelry/Metals Program at what is now The University of the Arts began in 1904 under Karl Nacke’s instruction and continues to this day under the aegis of Professors Sharon Church and Rod McCormick. During the past 105 years of continuous instruction in the field, many distinguished artists have come to live and work in Philadelphia and many have, at the same time, given their time and expertise to this venerable institution. The show provides a glimpse of the numerous influences that have caused their program to evolve over time while reflecting upon its significance today.
 Artists include: Karl G. Nacke; Samuel Yellin; Parke Emerson Edwards; Douglass Gilchrist; Virginia Wireman; Cute Curtin; Richard Reinhardt; Olaf Skoogfors; Leon Lugassy; Toni Goessler-Snyder; Robin Quigley; Sharon Church; Rod McCormick; Robert Oppecker; Myra Mimlitsch-Gray; Todd Noe; Ronna Silver; Jan Yager; Barbara Mail; Bruce Metcalf; Jeanne Jaffe; Maegan Crowley; Felicia Szorad; John Rais; Rebecca Strzelec; Lola Brooks; Melanie Bilenker; Veleta Vancza; Brian Weissman; Erin Daily; Erin Williams; Allison Hunt; Frederic Crist; Kai Wolter; Hratch Babikian; John Rodgers; John Matthews; Ron Cohen; Helen Drutt
Images: Robert Oppecker, Europa's Promise, 2008, sterling silver, formed, forged, and fabricated
Lola Brooks, Untitled brooch from the “Confection” series, 2008, 18k gold, champagne diamonds, oxidized silver, stainless steel
Lola Brooks, Untitled brooch from the "Confection" series, 2008, 18k gold, champagne diamonds, vintage ivory, stainless steel
For more information about the Philadelphia Art Alliance Exhibitions Program, contact Melissa Caldwell at 215-545-4302 or mcaldwell@philartalliance.org.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission Fee:
$5 for adults
$3 for students and seniors
Pay what you wish on Fridays.
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