REVOLUTION, the 2009 Society of North American Goldsmiths conference, will take place May 20-23rd in Philadelphia, birthplace of the American Revolution.
REVOLUTION, the 2009 Society of North American Goldsmiths conference, will take place May 20-23rd in Philadelphia, birthplace of the American Revolution. Revolution can be defined in many ways: a sudden change; a movement against a current situation; the actions of individuals or groups of individuals, “revolutionaries.” On SNAG’s 40th anniversary, this conference will provide the critical context to consider the future of the field, provide an opportunity to reflect upon its history, and ultimately celebrate the independent thinkers and decisive movements that ensure change, growth and evolution in this discipline.
Philadelphia is not only known for the Declaration of Independence and being the first Capitol, but it is also a city of firsts in the arts; haviing the first art school and art museum in America as well as the oldest diamond district in the United States. The city continues its revolution in arts education, as Philadelphia contains three major art schools with three historically strong and distinctive metals programs: The University of the Arts, Tyler School of Art/Temple University, and Moore College of Art & Design.
The conference will take place in the Loews Hotel, a national historic landmark that was Howe & Lescaze’s 1932 PSFS (Philadelphia Savings Fund Society) building. This building is widely considered the first international-style skyscraper and is a dramatic setting for our gathering. Philadelphia is a city promising wonderful opportunities to see private collections, artists’ studios, and over 20 exhibitions.
From Independence Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia has much to explore and enjoy and is the perfect setting for SNAG 2009. There is an exciting program of speakers and exhibitions that investigates and provokes dialogue, surrounding REVOLUTION from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Among the conference speakers, SNAG will feature keynote Stanley Lechtzin, Paul Greenhalgh (Corcoran), Leo Caballero (Klimt02.net), Neri Oxman (MIT), Camille Paglia (UARTS), Myra Mimlitsch-Gray(SUNY New Paltz) and Albert Paley. Panels include Helen Williams Drutt’s ‘Revolution/Evolution’, featuring esteemed panelist, Dr. Fritz Falk, Marianne Aav and Liesbeth den Besten and ‘Calder in Philadelphia’ featuring, Elisabeth R. Agro, Mark Rosenthal, Paul and Hope Maker. For more information: www.snagmetalsmith.org
