Find these artists at the American Craft Council Show in Atlanta the weekend of March 14-16.
Mad for metal
Mike Sluder uses a propane torch to create a variety of patinas in his metal sculpture. There is an element of danger in his original creations. But there is also a natural beauty.
The Atlanta-based metal artist is best known for his bronze vessels and copper wall art, which can be found in law offices, hotels, restaurants and the homes of professional athletes across the country.
The East Carolina University grad likes seeing his modern and organic work — which blurs the lines between form and function, fine art and utility — in a variety of spaces and settings.
Sluder’s copper wall art ranges from $200 to $4,000. His bronze free-form bowls, vases and tabletop sculptures are $500 to $3,500.
To see a collection of his work or inquire about a custom project, visit www.sluderart.com. Also find Sluder’s art at Muse & Co. Gallery, 27 Oak St., in Roswell (musecofineart.com), or at the ACC show in booth 410.
“In” boxes
For as long as he can remember, Tim Arnold has been wowed by wood. But it wasn’t until Arnold visited the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, KY, that he found his calling – and a new career.
As a student of master woodworker John Wilson, Arnold learned how to make the iconic oval boxes, a staple in every Shaker household. Then he headed home to Nashville.
Thirteen years ago, Arnold started Sawdust Company. The Vanderbilt grad and former Marine first began crafting and selling his Shaker boxes in his garage. Later, he built a workshop on the back of his family’s property.
Fast-forward to today, and the Nashville native is still doing what he loves: putting his passion for the simple Shaker design into every wooden box he creates.
While his best-seller is a sewing box ($150), Arnold offers boxes with lids or fixed-handle baskets or carriers. Prices range from $20 to $1,000, depending on the size.
Arnold favors Maple or Black American Cherry for the body of the boxes. For the lids, he uses exotic woods or copper. For more, check shakersawdust.com or stop by booth 218 at the ACC show in Atlanta.
Near-beach experience
In her contemporary jewelry designs, Gabrielle Gould takes cues from the wetlands, woodlands and wildlife near her home in St. Augustine, FL.
Gould uses sterling silver and gold in her hand-crafted pins, earring and necklaces ($110 to $320 on average). And she embellishes each wearable piece with items from her coastal environment, including shells, corals and feathers.
For fun-to-wear pieces, go for Gould’s personality-packed bird pins. Some of the sterling silver bird pins have lockets with small treasures, such as pearls, tucked inside. Others have movable wings or hand-wrapped feathers.
Find Gould’s fresh designs in the Atlanta area at the Signature Shop & Gallery, 3267 Roswell Road (thesignatureshop.com) or visit booth 310 at the ACC show. For information, visit gabriellegould.com
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American Craft Council Show
When: March 14-16
Where: Cobb Galleria Centre
For admission and more, visit: shows.craftcouncil.org/atlanta
Best of the South
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