Refined: A Bracelet, a Brooch, and a Teapot Walk into a Bar

A Bracelet, A Brooch and A Teapot Walk Into a Bar celebrates humor in any and all forms embodied in an object. Juror: Andy Cooperman. Identifying what makes us laugh is like trying to pinch a watermelon seed. Tricky business to be sure, especially when factoring in personal preference, political (in)correctness and culture. From highbrow to slapstick, anecdotal, ironic, mordant, dark or dry, artists have long used humor in their work as a mechanism to address the broader and often more difficult issues of society and life.

Entries may include work that honors humor even in the broadest sense while embracing the diverse field of metalworking and jewelry. Jewelry, vessels, utensils, installation, and sculpture will be considered. A wide variety of materials and techniques are encouraged.

Juror Andy Cooperman is a studio metalsmith, educator, and advocate in the metalworking and jewelry field. He received his degree in Studio Art from State University College of Oneonta and has continued to make and educate throughout his career, giving lectures and demonstrations at over 25 universities and multiple art centers, and has presented at several professional conferences. Cooperman has committed years of service with the Society of North American Goldsmiths and is a planning committee member for the Annual Northwest Jewelry and Metals Symposium. He has authored multiple articles and his work has been included in numerous publications including Humor in Craft and The Penland Book of Jewelry. Cooperman continues to exhibit work throughout the United States and abroad including recent solo exhibitions at the National Ornamental Metals Museum and the Appalachian Center for Craft. His work is included in multiple permanent collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum.

Entry fee: $35.00. Submit 1-3 images. International eligibility.