To put a nice flourish on my final weeks in Dresden I put together a small exhibition of the work I produced during my residency. The reception was well attended and gave me a chance to see most everyone again whom I had met while here and to thank them personally for all their support. It also hopefully allowed me to give back to the community just a little bit of what it has given to me.
As a way of wrapping up this blog I would like to thank everyone who made this wonderful opportunity possible and/or enriched the whole Dresden experience. I have been greatly inspired by the stunning variety of metalworking preserved in the many amazing museums in Saxony, have learned numerous new techniques, and have made several rewarding artistic connections and many lifelong friends. Most of all I have greatly appreciated the invaluable gift of time that was given to me by this residency. Time to concentrate solely on my craft and absorb some of the fascinating artistic heritage of Germany.
I would like to sincerely thank the following.
The Greater Columbus Art Council for initiating, then maintaining, such an important and worthwhile program despite the stresses of the economic times. This residency has been crucial to the artistic growth and development of myself and my predecessors and has been life changing for many of us involved. I would like to thank in particular the International Committee for choosing me to represent the artistic community of Columbus, Ohio. I feel very honored.
The Saxon Ministry of Science and Art for sponsoring the artists here and specificaly Gundula Sell for facilitating connections in the community for me, and taking the time to come to my reception and make me feel so welcomed.
Iduna Bohning, Director of the Galerie Raskolnikow, for introducing me to the who's, what's, and where's of Dresden, and for being such a good mother hen while I was here even though I sometimes tended to wander off a little. Without her the residency would not be the same. She is the real heart of the experience.
Anja Bruggeman of the GCAC for prepping me so well for my time abroad, maintaining the program, and keeping me updated on events in Columbus.
Patrice Funke and Imke Jörns of Ultramaringelb for providing a great studio space, and for making my work and recreational time here so productive.
The Master Silversmith Stephan Greif for inviting me to visit his amazing studio and spending the day talking me through a new and difficult metalworking technique to add to my arsenal.
Dr. Peter Plaßmeyer, Director of the Kunstgewerbemuseum Schloss Pillnitz, for meeting with me and allowing me access to the wonderful research collection of metalworking at the museum.
Danielle Julian Norton and Tarrah Krajnak (AKA Suite42), my fellow Ohio artists here in Dresden, for random fun, support, and allowing me to kvetch when I needed to.
Susanne Altmann, artistic director of the International Dresden Summer Academy, for helping me make some very productive artistic connections in the city.
Matthias Riedel for acting as an occasional consultant to all things German, a chauffeur, a maid, tech support, and other acts of kindness.
Wolf and Helga for being such amazing guides to the hidden trails of the Swiss Saxony wilderness and for not leaving me up on a cliff.
Peter and Inga (and assorted progeny) for showing me a little slice of farm life outside the city and being such gracious hosts to my parents while they were in town.
