Ancient Artifact (necklace); quartz, diamond, silver, 22-18k gold; 20”
Merit Award
Gabriella D’Italia
Red Finery, commercial cotton fabric, batting, embroidery floss, thread; 48" x 48"
MCA Executive Director Tracy Michaud Stutzman and curator/gallerist Daniel Kany have announced the winners of the three awards for MCA at Daniel Kany Gallery: The Directors Award, The Curators Award and the honorable mention - the Merit Award. The two first place awards included a cash prize, a glass bowl blown by Portland glass artist Benjamin Coombs, and a year’s extension to the artist's MCA membership.
MCA at Daniel Kany Gallery – a curated exhibition of works by members of the Maine Crafts Association – features works by 39 craft artists that range from ceramics to glass, jewelry, furniture, book arts, fiber and wood. All of the artists live in Maine and are members of the Maine Crafts Association. The exhibition will run through May 24. The awards were announced at the opening reception, held on Friday, April 4th.
"This show is a great introduction to the work of many of the Maine Crafts Association's finest craft artists;" notes MCA Executive Director Stutzman, "and (the gallery) did a great job of installing and showcasing a huge range of work. It's a truly beautiful exhibition." Curator Daniel Kany found the award decisions to be difficult. "(Dr. Stutzman) and I talked about the awards: we agreed on every parameter and selection criterion, but our short list included six or seven artists. It was a tough decision. My award went to Harpswell jeweler Tracy Johnson for her Ancient Artifact necklace in no small part because it stood out just above several other truly great pieces. I thought Jill Dalton's hourglass necklace, for example, was award-worthy as well."
According to Stutzman: "Geoff Warner's Birdseye Jewelry Box is a prime representation of Maine craftsmanship. He absolutely earned the Directors Award. Dan Kany and I both found D'Italia's use of texture and system in her bold, red wall-hanging smart, handsome and very compelling. She too deserved the honorable mention or better."
For more information and publication-quality images, please contact Daniel Kany.
