Mary Schimpff Webb: Open It!
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 4, 4-7 pm
Artist’s Talk & Enameling Demo: Friday, February 17 at 11 am
Free and open to the public
On Exhibit February 4 - 25, 2012
The New Smyrna Beach gallery, Arts on Douglas will be presenting a celebration of fine jewelry making in an exhibition by Mary Schimpff Webb entitled Open It!
Mary’s distinctive use of materials and techniques developed over her extensive career sets her apart from other jewelry makers. Her wearable artworks are fluid, sculptural and textured forms utilizing unusual combinations of precious and semi-precious stones with gold, platinum, silver and wood. All of her works are handcrafted, including the gems she often shapes herself.
In addition to making jewelry, Webb also creates sculptural boxes, fine silverware, belt buckles and other unique pieces. During her prolific career, Webb has continued to challenge herself with new styles and techniques to apply to her artwork. She has firmly established herself as a fine craftsman of modernist jewelry.
the current works, Webb states “Each new gem stone, whether is it one that I’ve cut, collected or acquired, brings fresh inspiration to my designs. For instance, the one-of-a-kind agate I used for the Locket showcased on the exhibition invitation was cut by the world famous German gem cutter Bernd Munsteiner. I had the privilege of purchasing the stone in his Atelier in Germany while I was in the country studying gem-cutting and goldsmithing.” Mary’s keen sense of her materials infuses her jewelry with a unique contemporary quality.
Mary began studying jewelry making at a very early age. Her mother Frances was an accomplished artist and jewelry maker. Webb's childhood was surrounded by art. In the 1970s, Webb opened a jewelry studio with her mother in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Webb has taught and shown extensively through the US. and has been featured in numerous books on fine jewelry and metalsmithing.
An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Webb will give an Artists Talk and Enameling demonstration on Friday, February 17 at 11:00 am. Both events are free and open to the public. The exhibition “Open It!” will be on display until February 25, 2012.
Mary Schimpff Webb has been represented by Arts on Douglas since its onset in 1996. Her beautifully crafted designs have been featured in a solo exhibition each February for the past 12 years.
About Arts on Douglas Fine Art and Collectibles: A unique commercial art gallery located in the arts-rich community of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Founded in 1996 by Doris Leeper, artist and Atlantic Center for the Arts founder and artist/benefactor Ed Harris, Arts on Douglas promotes the work and careers of prominent Florida artists. Formerly a used furniture warehouse, and originally a 1930's era Ford showroom and service center, the space was magnificently transformed and has since become a community gathering spot for a discerning mix of art lovers, patrons, and artists.
Arts on Douglas, Fine Art and Collectibles
123 Douglas Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Tel 386/ 428-1133 Fax 386/ 428-5008
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 – 5 pm, Saturday 11 – 3 pm and by appointment
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John Westmark
Artist’s Talk: Fri, February 3, 4-7 PM
On Exhibit until February 17, 2012
Atlantic Center’s Harris House Gallery
214 South Riverside Drive. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
[T] 386.423.1753
Hours: Tues.- Fri. 10 AM - 4 PM
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