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Bring Art Home

Photos courtesy of FLORIDA CRAFTSMEN

You don't have to be rich to surround yourself with original works of art, from chairs to stairs.

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By PENNY CARNATHAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

Updated: 09/17/2008 05:13 pm

With the palette of artists featured in Florida Craftsmen Gallery's newest exhibit, homeowners can find true self-expression.

Some people like the familiar - the same looks and brands they see in their friends' homes and favorite department stores.

Others long for the original. They get a rush of joy at the sight of a lamp that is more sculpture than lighting fixture, a lamp like none other they've ever seen.

They would love to surround themselves with works of art like that, but who can afford them?

They can, and so can you, says Maria Emilia, executive director of Florida Craftsmen Inc., a nonprofit association for fine craft art.

"A lot of people think commissioning a lamp would be cost prohibitive," says Emilia, who's also a painter. "It's hardly ever more expensive than buying from a department store. And sometimes it's less. When you buy something ready made, you get what they did. If you commission, there is a selection process. You make choices about what you want.

"A work of art is just as accessible and a lot more fun, and you're ending up with something of much greater value."

Lifestyle art is the focus of an exhibit opening Friday at Florida Craftsmen's Klein Family Gallery. "Architectural Details and Other Decorative Crafts" showcases the work of more than 30 Florida artists, plus students in the Youth Arts Corps.

Along with introducing the public to people who can turn functional bits of their house into original works of art, the association hopes exhibits like this inspire Florida artists to - at least some of the time - turn their talents toward art for which there's a ready market.

Sculptor Robert Epstein is happy to do so.

"We're making the world a more beautiful place," he says.

The message for this exhibit, to both artists and art lovers, is "blow up the Van Gogh model," Emilia says.

No more starving artists and no more people starving for art.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Architectural Details and Other Decorative Crafts" showcases Florida artists' fine crafts for the home.

WHERE: Florida Craftsmen Inc.'s Klein Family Gallery, 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 821-7391

WHEN: Meet the artists at an opening reception 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, or interact with artists, developers and architects in a discussion on Redefining the Business of Craft from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

ADMISSION: Free

TIPS FOR FINE CRAFTS SHOPPING

Buy what you love

No passion? Wait until there is.

When considering commissioning a work, select an artist whose materials and aesthetics reflect your tastes.

If you're uncomfortable about calling an artist, ask Florida Craftsmen to call (although there's a 150 percent guarantee the artist will be happy to hear from you.)

If you're purchasing an existing piece of fine craft but can't quite afford the price tag, ask the artist whether you can make payments. Most artists will be happy to work with you.

But - do not ask for a discount. It diminishes the work and devalues your purchase.

Best reason to buy an original work of fine craft: Because it captured your imagination.

Worst reason to buy: Because it matches your color scheme.

You may not always live in the same house, have the same furniture or paint your walls as they are now. But the original work of fine craft that you buy today will define a moment. It will be an authentic expression of who you are and where you were when you bought it. It will speak of you and you alone. It has no shared history.

- Maria Emilia

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