Craftsman of the Central States – Marvin Bartel
7 December 1962 – 13 January 1963
The American Craftsmen’s Council, in order to represent the growth and development of contemporary craftsmanship in the United States, has felt that a good indication of the activity can only be seen through examination of the work in various parts of the country. For this purpose, the Council is sponsoring a series of three regional competitive exhibitions. CRAFTSMEN OF THE CENTRAL STATES is the second in this series.
Viewed in relation to the previous regional exhibition, CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMEN OF THE FAR WEST, one can see again in the work of the central states an exploratory and experimental impulse, characteristic of the American artist. Although one cannot detect the development of any comprehensive style in this work, there is an abiding concern with the mastery of all elements of the creative process – materials, techniques, formal control – apparent in the work of a majority of these craftsmen. It is this common basic approach that is productive of the refreshing surprises and rewarding experiences one almost takes for granted in contemporary crafts.
David R. Campbell
Director
Museum of Contemporary Crafts • 29 West 53rd Street, New York 19, New York
