SFA to host biennial Refined exhibition

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Refined, a biennial exhibition of contemporary jewelry and metalwork hosted by the jewelry and metalworking program in the School of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University, will open with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, in Reavley Gallery at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.
                                                                                                  
The juror for Refined Art Metals/Jewelry Competition and Exhibition is Frankie Flood, a professor and area head of the metalsmithing and jewelry design area at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Flood will give a brief introduction at 5:15 p.m. prior to the reception.
 
For the 11th exhibition, SFA showcases contemporary works that honor the diverse field of metalworking and jewelry – jewelry, utensils, adornment, hollowware, installation and sculpture. SFA encourages the use of a wide variety of materials and techniques, said Lauren Selden, professor of metals in the School of Art.
 
“We are proud that Refined has been a continuous presence in Texas allowing for talented jurors and participants to cross paths,” Selden said. “With an average of 60 works from across the country (including international presence), this exhibition offers a diverse view of the contemporary craft field in an educational environment. I am especially proud to see returning alumni coming back to Nacogdoches to join in on the educational activities associated with this event.”
 
Flood previously served as director of the Digital Craft Research Lab at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he received his Master of Fine Art degree in metalsmithing.
 
The potential that craft has to serve local and global communities through design and fabrication has been the focus of Flood’s recent research as he continues to combine traditional craft practice with digital technology. His research regarding 3D printed prosthetics and one-of-a-kind adaptive devices has spread worldwide, and his creation of the Digital Craft Research Lab has created new areas of study for students interested in digital fabrication.
 
The reception is sponsored by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, Bill Arscott and the Nacogdoches Junior Forum. Admission to the exhibition and reception is free.
 
Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.