by Heather Skelly
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Creativity All Bottled Up
by Heather Skelly |
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 "Earth Shine," stoneware by Dan Selter.
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Indulging in spirits is a pastime shared by many. But others are more attracted to the bottle than what's inside. For bottle enthusiasts, creative vessels in which to store fine refreshments are pure treasures.
In Kentucky, where manufacturing bourbon is regarded as an art form, The Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery is hosting an uncommon exhibit, called "Bottled Spirits," which pays tribute to unique, one-of-a-kind bottles made to house alcoholic beverages.
"The teapot shows that various galleries host always seem to be popular, so we thought it would be fun to do a variation on that theme and focus on bottles," says Mary Ellen Furlong, associate curator at the Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery and curator of the exhibition.
Now in its fourth year, the exhibit is its largest in size and scope. "The focus [of the exhibit] has gone from showing just functional bottles to showing whimsical creations that feature the artists' imaginations and unique approaches to [creating] bottles that hold alcoholic refreshments," says Furlong. "Now we include artists using a variety of media, including glass and metal."
In addition to expanding the media used, Furlong has invited several nationally and internationally known artists. Once open to local exhibitors only, "Bottled Spirits" will feature the work of such artists as Michael Tiller from California, Kirby Benson from New Mexico, Lucy Dolan from Ireland and Kristina Baklarova from Bulgaria.
From July 14 to Aug. 18, visitors to the gallery can view and purchase the bottles for their own collections. "We have collectors who check in with us every year to see what surprises the artists have created for the show," says Furlong. "The artists really seem to enjoy doing this. Their enthusiasm shines through in the work they produce for us."
Heather Skelly is associate editor of The Crafts Report.
Copyright© 2001
JUNE 2001: TABLE OF CONTENTS
