September 14, 2011

Metalsmiths to gather at SIUC for art show

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Metal madness comes to Southern Illinois University Carbondale with the annual SIMS Conference.

SIMS -- Southern Illinois Metalsmiths Society -- is a Registered Student Organization at SIUC, and the host of the annual metals art show, guest artist demonstrations and auction.

The event begins at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16 in Pulliam Hall with artist lectures and demonstrations.  First up is Wendel Broussard of the New England School of Metalwork.  Broussard, who maintains a studio in Texas, is an expert on French repoussé.  Repoussé is a metalworking technique using hammered metal, often used with another technique - -  chasing - -  to create a low relief design.

Joe Muench of Iowa State University begins his lecture and demonstration at 12:15 p.m. focusing on Heikki Seppa-style forming.  Seppa was a Finnish American metalsmith, and a founding member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths.  Muench will demonstrate the Seppa method of creating metal sculptural works.

Registration is required for the artist workshops, and lunch is provided with registration.  Early registration is $20, day of conference is $25.  SIUC students, and students from John A. Logan Community College may attend free with valid student identification. 

A visiting artist slide lecture that is free and open to the public begins at 3 p.m. at the University Museum lecture hall, followed by an exhibit reception beginning at 4 p.m.  The reception is for the SIMS “Form, Forge and Fabricate” exhibit, and for an exhibit featuring the work of Rick Smith, Endowed Chair for Blacksmithing at SIUC.

The conference concludes on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Turley Park in Carbondale with the annual SIMS auction.  The silent fine arts auction begins at 4:30 p.m., with a live fine art auction beginning at 6 p.m.

Contact www.simssiu.com to register or for more information.