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Association Members Woven Together With Artistry

Photo from Florida Craftsmen

This is an example of work in Dolls, by Chris Malone, part of the exhibit Convergence 2008 at the Florida Craftsmen Gallery.

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By KURT LOFT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 1, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Are craft and art mutually exclusive?

This age-old question about compatibility may seem out of fashion today, but it merits rethinking while viewing the new quartet of exhibitions at Florida Craftsmen, a statewide association for fine craft art.

The collection of exotic dolls, tapestries, baskets and other objects blurs the boundaries of form, function and content, leaving the visitor with a heady rush over the creative minds at work here.

"The line between art and craft is so fluid that it's really no longer a conversation," says Maria Emilia, the gallery's executive director. "Craft artists are infusing their work with content. It's all about content today; it functions as a narrative."

The four shows consist of "Tapestries From the Tropics," made up of a Sarasota tapestry group; "Textures and Forms: Contemporary Baskets," which elevates a simple object to a higher status; "Chris Malone: Dolls," whimsical figures created in the traditions of Africa and New Guinea; and "The Pearl in the Oyster," a look at coral and shells as art.

The works share a painstaking attention to detail, and each expresses something personal about the artist, Emilia says.

"They're all extremely well-crafted pieces," she says. "And they're part of a conversation, of some current dialogue, that makes them so engaging."

The exhibitions run through Aug. 23 and coincide with the Hand Weavers Guild of America's conference in mid-June at Tampa Convention Center.

ON VIEW

Florida Craftsmen Exhibition

WHEN: Through Aug. 23; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

WHERE: Florida Craftsmen, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 821-7391

ADMISSION: Free

Reporter Kurt Loft can be reached at (813) 259-7570 or kloft@tampatrib.com.

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