J. Fred Woell: An American Vision screening June 23, 4pm

Saturday, June 23, 4pm

Craft in America Center

A new documentary film directed by Richard Kane,  J. Fred Woell: An American Vision (US, 2017) celebrates the pioneering metal artist who created work with wit, satire, and meaning.  In 1965, Woell took his cast silver jewelry to New York City galleries and was turned down flat. “Use gold or forget it,” they said. A confirmed contrarian, Woell vowed to make jewelry from material of no value, inspiring the term “anti-jewelry.” Nearly fifty years later, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

This screening, which marks the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, will be introduced by Tibbie Dunbar, a Woell student, artist, and former director of the A+D Museum. The screening is sponsored by Lois Boardman. The film chronicles Woell’s life and artwork, which is now housed in permanent collections across the country and internationally. Woell has inspired generations of students through positions at Boston University, the Swain School of Design, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and SUNY New Paltz, as well as through his many workshops and mentorships.