Fine crafts, contemporary glass and more highlight CraftForms 2017 preview gala

On Friday, Dec. 8, the Wayne Art Center hosted its CraftForms 2017 preview party. CraftForms is an international art show known as one of the major contemporary craft exhibitions, which includes fine works of ceramics, wood, fiber, metal, glass, mixed medium, and 3D printing. CraftForms supports and adds to the art center’s mission of spreading public awareness of fine contemporary crafts.

One of the highest museum-quality craft exhibitions in the United States, Craft Forms draws thousands of visitors during its two-month exhibition. On Friday night, approximately 250 guests, including art collectors, supporters of Wayne Art Center, and the CraftForms 2017 juror Nora Atkinson, and artists, gathered for the opening of the annual exhibition and companion show at the Craft Forms Preview Party. Guests enjoyed open bar, butlered hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, live music and an array of amazing art pieces.

The exhibitions and special events attract local, regional, national, and international visitors throughout the duration of the show and in the end the funds will be used for educational and outreach programs for children and adults.

In addition to the CraftForms 2017, a special exhibition, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women In Glass,” features female contemporary glass artists.

The exhibit is curated by Arlene Silvers, Ph.D., who, with her husband, Dr. Norman Silvers, has amassed one of the finest glass collections in the United States.

For more information on exhibition hours and special related events, visit www. craftforms.org or visit the Wayne Art Center’s website, www.wayneart.org.

Benefactor Brian Daggett of Wayne, Carole Haas Gravagno of Wayne, “Women in Glass” Curator Arlene Silvers of Cherry Hill, N.J., Wayne Art Center Executive Director Nancy Campbell of Berwyn, Benefactor Frantz Rabauer of Wayne, Event Juror Nora Atkinson, and Karen Louise of Newtown Square, Wayne Art Center director of exhibitions, get together at CraftForms 2017.

Russell Williams of Kimberton, Bob Campbell of Malvern and Abby Ober of Berwyn enjoy CraftForms 2017.

David and Debbie Van Dusen of Radnor enjoy the Craftforms 2017 preview party.

SUSAN GREENSPON PHOTO Guests mingle in the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women In Glass” exhibit.

SUSAN GREENSPON PHOTO Arlene Silvers, Ph.D., of Cherry Hill, N.J., (left) curator of “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women In Glass,” discusses the exhibit.

SUSAN GREENSPON PHOTO Ceramics, fiber, metal, wood, glass and much more is on display through the end of January in the main gallery of the Wayne Art Center.

CraftForm benefactors, Bob Campbell of Malvern, Carole Haas Garvagno of Wayne and Laura Taylor enjoy the exhibits.

Bob and Julie Spahr of Radnor, Josephine Winsor of Malvern, Chris Ries, artist, and Josephine Schmidt of Wayne enjoy the CraftForms preview party.

Artist Christopher Ries, Marlene Rose and Norm Silvers enjoy the many remarkable art pieces at the CraftForms 2017 opening.

Valerie Campbell of Philadelphia, artist Patrick Lee of Pittsburgh and Ken Karlic of Bellair, Md., get together at the CraftForms 2017 opening.

SUSAN GREENSPON PHOTO Exquisite glass by artist Tommie Rush.

Kathy O’Keefe (left) and her husband, Brian, chat with Nan Mangine of Wayne.

Leslie Morgan of Wayne and Emma Fogt of Gladwyne enjoy the CraftForms art show.

SUSAN GREENSPON PHOTO Carol Milne creates “crochet” with glass in the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women In Glass” exhibit.

WAYNE ART CENTER PHOTO A view of the Craft Forms 2017 exhibition.

SUSAN GREENSPON PHOTO CraftForms 2017 patrons peruse the exhibit at the preview party Dec. 8.

CraftForm Benefactors Laura and Bill Buck enjoy the show together.