Breaking Ground: a Century of Craft Art in Western New York

It was in the rolling hills and small cities of western New York State that the studio craft movement took root and thrived. In the 1900's the region was home to Charles Fergus Binns' New York State School of Clay-Working at Alfred University, Elbert Hubbard's Roycroft community, Gustav Stickley's furniture and Steuben's Glass Works in Corning. In the mid-to late 20th century Alfred nourished such important ceramists as Daniel Rhodes, Robert Turner, and Anne Currier. In 1950 the School for American Craftsman (SAC) moved to Rochester, attracting artists including John Prip, Ronald Pearson who added to what is still today a vibrant community. AUTHOR: Barabara Lovenheim, journalist and author, has written on the arts and lifestyle for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The International Herald Tribune and many national magazines. Paul J. Smith, Director Emeritus of the American Craft Museum (now Museum of Arts and Design) has been involved with the craft and design field for more than 50 years. 107 colour C21 b/w illustrations