LA FRONTERA: ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE BORDER @MAD MUSEUM

Son Necesarias las Fronteras (2013) by Iacov Azubel (Argentina)

Serving as a catalyst of socio-political conversation, the subject of the MAD's current jewelry exhibit fossilizes the hope and devastation that America's southern frontier represents. La Frontera: Encounters along the Border presents a view into the "complex physical, economic, cultural, social and emotional landscape of human interaction" [MAD Press Release] experienced at the most frequently crossed border in the world. Forty Eight artisans across the globe interpret the inspirations and aspirations of Mexicans, Central Americans and American citizens who interact with the Border between the U.S. and Mexico. Keep reading for a look inside...

COUNTER COUTURE: HANDMADE FASHION IN AN AMERICAN COUNTERCULTURE

Daily Outfit ('72) made of stitched doilies by Scrumbly Koldewyn / [R] Background panels by Marian Clayden / #Countercouture @MADMuseum

Channeling a counter-conformist sub-culture, 'style' converges on self-expressionist craft through creative conceptualizations of clothing and accessories.The first in a triumvirate of spring exhibits focused on fashion, Counter-Couture: Handmade Fashion in an America Counterculture at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD Museum) exposes the experimental pursuit of personal style in the 60s and 70s. Originating at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Seattle in 2015, the exhibit boasts a culmination of 15 years of research by guest curator Michael Cepress. Keep reading to see how the hippie movement presents a fundamental shift in fashion from consumerism into hand-crafted couture...

RALPH PUCCI: THE ART OF THE MANNEQUIN @ MAD (PART 1)

Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin at the Museum of Arts and Design

Conceptually creative or anatomically accurate? In fashion, made-to-order extends beyond garments to include the mannequins that showcase the designer looks. From shape to expression, mannequins adopt a sculptural quality that reflect trends the of the times. Monday afternoon's press preview of Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin at the Museum of Arts and Design, showcases the 30-year legacy of the Pucci Studio founded in 1950s New York City. Keep reading for details...

MARYLAND TO MURANO : NECKPIECES AND SCULPTURES BY JOYCE J. SCOTT

Neckpieces & Scupltures by Joyce T. Scott @ Museum of Arts and Design, Lazy Girl Neckpiece (2007) [photo courtesy MAD]

At the masterfully accomplished hands of Baltimore native Joyce Scott, glass beads become a soapbox for cultural commentary. Scott builds dynamic neckpieces visualizing socio-political narratives of poverty, love, sex, stereotypes and African/American history. This Fall, the Museum of Arts and Design presents Maryland to Murano: Neckpieces and Sculptures by Joyce J. Scott featuring 34 neckpieces, 3 beaded wall-hangings and 13 Murano glass sculptures with beaded elements by the celebrated artist. The exhibit runs from September 30, 2014 to March 15, 2015. Keep reading for more on the exhibit and my conversation with Joyce Scott...

LOOT 2014 @ MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN NYC

"Come in--the water is lovely" ring by Helen Noakes

Finding 'unique' in an endless selection of jewelry purveyors has become the proverbial diamond in the rough. This week, at the discriminant palette of curator Byrna Pomp, strands of brightly colored felt legoes meet wire-form flowers and laser-cut leather in a tightly curated showcase of unconventional ingenuity. Running from October 6-10, LOOT 2014 at the Museum of Arts & Design (MAD) features 50 jewelry designers representing 23 countries in a weeklong exhibition and sale. Keep reading to see some stand-outs...