Crafting Innovation: The Burchfield Penney Art Center’s Art in Craft Media 2023 – Buffalo Rising

The Burchfield Penney Art Center proudly presents its most significant biennial exhibition to date, Art in Craft Media 2023. This year’s show, enriched by the legacy of Sylvia L. Rosen and the vision of juror Peter B. Jones, marks a new chapter in the exhibition’s history. With an array of exceptional artists and a broad spectrum of craft media, the event celebrates the evolving definition of craft and the artists who redefine it. This year’s biennial holds special significance following the passing of Sylvia L. Rosen, whose vision has been the guiding force since 1988. Her understanding of the challenges faced by artists in craft media, given her background as a ceramic artist, continues to inspire the exhibition’s inclusive spirit. Juror Peter B. Jones brings his unique perspective, intertwining traditional Haudenosaunee pottery techniques with contemporary issues. His selections for the exhibition reflect a blend of tradition and modernity, honoring the past while addressing current concerns. Art in Craft Media 2023 is notable for its unprecedented scale, featuring a wide range of artworks from glass to ceramics, and everything in between. The exhibition is not just a display of skill but a conversation starter about the essence and future of craft. The Awards and Their Winners The Sylvia L. Rosen Endowment Purchase Awards Fileve Tlaloc and Gary Sczerbaniewicz are this year’s recipients of the Sylvia L. Rosen Endowment Purchase Awards. Tlaloc’s “Coloured Pots: Izinkhamba kwamaKaladi” reflects her multicultural heritage and her journey in anthropology, blending cultural symbols to explore identity. Sczerbaniewicz’s piece “AOG (Angel Of God…)” delves into architectural spaces, disorientation, and cultural marginalia, embodying his fascination with bewilderment in art. The Langley H. Kenzie Award Ann Clarke receives the Langley H. Kenzie Award for her fiber artworks “Interior Landscape: Early Spring Early Morning” and “Interior Landscape: Winter Night.” Clarke’s work spans from dish cloths to wedding dresses, embodying the depth of textiles. Her exploration of reconstructed narratives and memory through eye portals and knitted rugs offers a unique perspective on history and time. The Margaret E. Mead Endowment Merit Award Hayden Haynes, the winner of the Margaret E. Mead Endowment Merit Award, presents “Generations,” a mixed media piece that epitomizes his commitment to healing and cultural relevance. Haynes’ work is a testament to Hodinöhsö:ni’ life, blending tradition with contemporary style and color. His efforts extend beyond creation, focusing on teaching and reviving Indigenous art forms. Art in Craft Media 2023 is not just an exhibition but a celebration of the diverse and dynamic nature of craft media. It’s a platform where tradition meets innovation, and where every piece tells a story of cultural identity, historical roots, and artistic ingenuity. The exhibition, open until March 10, 2023, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolving world of craft media. “We are so pleased to honor Sylvia L. Rosen’s legacy with these unique acquisitions and special awards and we commend juror Peter Jones for curating such a robust and vibrant exhibition. The stories behind each of these artists and their works will unfold in presentations and events at the Center and on our website. Stay connected to learn more.”—Nancy Weekly, Burchfield Scholar, Head of Collections, and Charles Cary Rumsey Curator Exhibition catalogs are now available in The Museum Store! Art in Craft Media 2023 will remain on view through March 10, 2023.  Visit the Burchfield Penney Art Center to experience this unparalleled showcase of craftsmanship and creativity.