Monday, January 18, 2010

JamFactory welcomes visit by John Dunnigan, Professor and Head of the Department of Furniture Design Rhodes Island School of Design

John Dunnigan presented a slide talk focusing on his own practice and the program at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in JamFactory’s Furniture studio on 15 January. John’s visit continues the links between the studio and RISD developed in recent years.

John is a furniture designer whose pieces combine an understanding of furniture design traditions with contemporary originality. Working with exotic woods and fabrics as well as cast bronze, glass and plastics, his work has been exhibited and collected internationally.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Retail Shop gets a Makeover!


JamFactory has commissioned Adelaide design luminary Khai Liew to create a stunning new fit out for its flagship store. Khai's dramatic makeover will be a significant development for presentation of contemporary craft and design within Australia.
Please note that during renovations the retail shop and gallery will be closed from
Monday 25 January, re-opening on Wednesday 24 February.

Gallery News


Last Days...Don't miss Generate '09: JamFactory Annual Graduate Exhibition closing 24 January 2010, this exhibition celebrates graduating Associates and creative staff from JamFactory's four outstanding design studios: ceramics, glass, furniture and metal. Artists include Associates
Amanda Dziedzic, Suzanne Gregor,
Tamara Hahn, John Hallett, Erin Keys,
Mariella McKinley, Leonie Westbrook and
Clare Wilson. Creative Staff: Robin Best, Christian Hall, Tom Mirams, Tom Moore and Nick Mount
Image: Tamara Hahn, Vessels, 2009

Adelaide Festival of the Arts


JamFactory is again a partner with the Adelaide Festival, for the inaugural Adelaide International 2010 Apart, we are together. The Adelaide International 2010 features 11 artists and collaborations, across five Adelaide visual art venues. JamFactory will present Lucy and Jorge Orta (UK/France) in Gallery 1 and 2 from 26 February - 31 March 2010. Please join us for opening night celebrations from 6pm on Thursday 25 February 2010.
Image: Lucy and Jorge Orta, The Gift - Life Nexus Oaxaca, 2002

New Direction for Managing Director Stephen Bowers


After nearly six years at the helm, Stephen Bowers has resigned as Managing Director. In announcing Stephen’s resignation, Jane Yuile, Chair of JamFactory Board said ‘Stephen has done a wonderful job in further building JamFactory’s reputation and influence within the visual arts, craft and design sector both nationally and internationally. He took JamFactory to new heights by vision, team work, management and passion for visual arts, craft and design, producing outstanding results and delivering strong benefits to artists and the community’.
Stephen will continue to contribute to the sector via various positions he holds and will devote more time to his own artistic practice, which will include a small exhibition of current works presented (appropriately enough) in JamFactory’s Studio works retail gallery during the Adelaide Festival.
The search for a new director is underway and JamFactory Board of Management look forward to making an announcement soon.
Image: Stephen Bowers

Metal Design launches new product


The studio released its latest product line, The Botanic Collection in Studio Works over the Christmas period with great success. The collection of earrings, brooches and pendants were designed by studio Associates Hannah Carlyle, Sorcha Flett, Erin Keys, Peta Kruger, Leonie Westbrook and Vanessa Williams and Creative Director Christian Hall. The Botanic Collection takes its inspiration from the local Australian bush via field study of the forms of native plants as they regenerated after a fire. Various materials and techniques were explored, with final designs developed in aluminum in a colour range of silver, red and black. This versatile jewellery is available in the Retail shop, priced from $100.
Image: The Botanic Collection

2010 Studio Associates selected


JamFactory welcomes eleven young artists who have won places in its two-year Associate training program. Joining the studio teams in February are Jessamy Pollack in Metal, Robert Walters, Samantha Bosward and Adam Cantwell in Furniture, Maria Chatzinikolaki and James EdwardsAogu Takanu, Madaline Prowd, Kristel Britcher and Andrea Fiebig in Glass.
The program provides a unique opportunity for studio training and professional development through production, exhibition and commission work.
Image: Glass Associates at work in the studio

Visiting Artist Program


In 2010 we welcome several international and national visitors participating in workshops, talks and events. Following hot on the heels of artist Matthew Harding (VIC) who provided a short but inspiring experience for the Furniture Studio in late Nov/Dec, will be John Dunnigan, Professor and Head of Furniture Design at Rhode Island School of Design (USA) in mid January. Stuart Kestenbaum Director of the renowned Haystack mountain School of Craft in Maine (USA) will visit from 21 Feb - 8 March while Glass looks forward to the arrival of Katherine Gray (USA) in July to run a series of intensive workshops.
Image: Katherine Gray, Table Topiaries

Mt Gambier Library Fit-Out


The Furniture Design Studio completed its largest commissioned project with the final touches added to the Mt Gambier Library fit-out in late December. The team developed innovative ‘space-age’ reading and laptop capsules, custom display cases, information stands, bespoke reception areas and much more for the project which transformed the purpose built facility. The project adds to the studio's impressive portfolio of commissions including the recent Channel Nine News Desk and Forestry SA Headquarters fit-out.
Image: Concept and Design work for the project