(Los Angeles, CA) The second season of the Emmy nominated and Peabody Award-winning high definition series, CRAFT IN AMERICA will air nationally on PBS on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 from 8 to 10PM.
A special Los Angeles advance screening - free for press, artists, craft enthusiasts and the general public – will be held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood on Tuesday, September 15th.
Wine reception begins at 6pm. Screening of the 1-hour “Origins” episode starts at 7pm after opening remarks by KCET President AL JEROME. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with series creator and Executive Producer CAROL SAUVION, weaver and UCLA professor JIM BASSLER, music composer LAURA KARPMAN and editor SANDY GUTHRIE.
“Origins” focuses on the beginnings of American craft traditions. Since earliest time, human beings have made objects. Most, such as tools, cooking utensils, blankets and clothing, served a simple utilitarian function. If they performed well, appearance was unimportant. Other objects, like beaded jewelry, were used for both personal adornment and for more symbolic purposes. "Origins" will reference the traditions, tools and techniques developed millennia ago to explore how today’s artists put them to use in their work and reflect our national roots. Artists demonstrate how they are passing these skills to a new generation in a continuum of creativity.
In addition to Jim Bassler, artists featured include South Carolina blacksmith Philip Simmons, North Carolina potters Mark Hewitt and the Owens family at Jugtown Pottery, Kiowa beadworker Teri Greeves, and New Jersey glass artist Paul Stankard.
Seating is limited. RSVP to Craft in America: info@craftinamerica.org or (310) 659-9022.
