Imaginations in Metal February 4, 2007

The Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild and the Collectors Gallery of the Oakland Museum of California present:

Imaginations in Metal

A showcase of unique work by over 40 outstanding jewelers and metal artists from Big Sur to Santa Cruz on display from February 4 - March 4, 2007


Feb 10, 2007: Artist talk from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Treat yourself to a unique experience viewing the work of over 40 studio jewelers, metal artists and sculptors of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild.

Talented artists from Big Sur to Santa Cruz showcase their work in "Imaginations in Metal" at the Collectors Gallery of the Oakland Museum of California. This special exhibit and sale runs from February 4 through March 4, 2007. More than 100 handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces of great diversity using different metal techniques are on display. "Each artist gave her/his personal interpretation of the theme and let his imagination come alive in high-karat gold, silver, steel, copper, or brass," says Laurie Tholen, president of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild. They used techniques ranging from traditional gold- and silver-smithing, forging, casting, enameling, wire wrapping to mokume gane - a Japanese metal lamination technique, mastered by only a few U.S. artists, which translates as "wood grain metal."

The main focus of the show is art jewelry but visitors will also find an array of outstanding metal art objects and sculptures.

Exhibition: Feb. 4 to March 4, 2007

Location: Collectors Gallery of the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland.

Gallery hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Artist Talk: Feb 10, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. i n the lecture hall. Nationally renowned metal artists Wendy Ballen, Angela Gleason, and Rose Sellery of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild will present their work.

Opening reception: February 10, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free.

About the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild: The MBMAG is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging an environment of education, networking, and community interaction, as well as support and general camaraderie for artists working in metal. Its members include nationally recognized metal artists.

Further information: visit www.montereybaymetalartsguild.com

About the Collectors Gallery: The Collectors Gallery is operated by the Oakland Museum Women's Board, a volunteer fundraising organization. The Women's Board donates all profits from the gallery to the Art Acquisition fund of the Oakland Museum of California. Details on the Collectors Gallery of the Oakland Museum can be found at www.museumca.org/shop/gallery.html .

Phone: 1- 510-834-2296

Official Website: http://www.montereybaymetalartsguild.com