An electrified acid bath could steal the show. For the second time in 32 years, the American Craft Show, hosting more than 700 artists and vendors, will include on-floor artists’ demonstrations involving, among many impressive items, Allison Fomich‘s acid bath.
At the show, Fomich, Baltimore sculptor and jewelrymaker, will demonstrate how she encases tiny acorns, shells, pine cones and other natural objects in copper through electroforming.
“It’s the same process as bronzing baby shoes,” Fomich explained. “The work has sort of taken on a life of its own. Everything I made has sold.”
For some, the objects Fomich preserves represent sentimental items like “a lot of the things you find in your backyard and pick up when you’re a child,” she said.
Demonstrations by Fomich and other artists help attendees “understand the effort and energy that goes into handmade products,” said Monica Hampton, Director of Education at the American Craft Council. “They’ll examine a medium and I would encourage them to look for items at the show made with the techniques they see in the demonstrations.”
New this year to the show are artists who use recycled or found material in their works, such as Erwin Timmers, co-founder of The Washington Glass School.
“More than a million tons of window glass each year are dumped in landfills,” Timmers said. “I love bringing recycled glass to everybody’s attention. Word is getting out about the environment, being green, but the more I can do to help, the better I feel.”
During his demonstration, Timmers will show viewers the different types of glass he uses, such as tempered glass – an audience favorite when it shatters into a million pieces with a tap. Timmers melts the pieces together and colors them for his works.
IF YOU GO
When: Feb. 22 to 24
Where: Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore
Cost: One-day pass $14, 2-day pass $20, free for children 12 and under and American Craft Council members
Demonstration Schedule
Baltimore Clayworks, Friday, Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 23 from 4 to 5 p.m
The Green World of Sustainable Glass Design, Feb. 22 from 1 to 2 p.m., Feb. 23 from 1 to 2 p.m., Feb. 24 from 1 to 2 p.m.
The Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts, Feb. 22 from 2 to 3 p.m., Feb. 24 from 11:30 am to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
Techniques of Capturing Nature in Jewelry by Allison Fomich, Feb. 23 from 11:30 am to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.
Ewe Color It! – Yarn Dyeing Techniques and How-Tos, Feb. 23 from 3 to 4 p.m.
