Rowan gallery hosts jewelry, metalwork exhibit

The Rowan University Art Gallery brings the international juried exhibition, Decorative Resurgence, to Glassboro and hosts a reception welcoming the work on Thursday, April 23 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm in the Gallery. The exhibit is on display through May 29.

Curated by Rowan faculty member and artist Jill Baker Gower, the exhibit was juried by Gower and Jessica Calderwood, an assistant professor of Art at The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Gower gives a gallery talk as part of the April 23 reception, beginning at 4:30 pm. A closing reception is scheduled for May 24 from 12 – 3 pm.

Decorative Resurgence is an international exhibition focused on contemporary metalwork and jewelry inspired by historical ornamentation and decoration, including works influenced by historical decorative metalwork, jewelry, functional and non-functional objects, architecture, textile patterns and/or processes. The selections encompass a wide variety of formats including jewelry, sculpture, functional and nonfunctional objects and vessels. A total of 72 artists from around the world are represented, bringing together artists working with similar influences and interests in the first exhibition of contemporary metalwork and jewelry held at the gallery.

“The work juried into the exhibition is not only exquisitely crafted, but also successfully re-contextualizes the chosen historical decorative influence into thoughtful and contemporary art as well as illustrates research and knowledge of the decorative inspiration,” Gower notes.

The exhibition coincides with the Society of North American Goldsmiths annual conference held in Philadelphia this May. A full color catalog accompanies the exhibition, funded by a grant from the Art Jewelry Forum of Mill Valley, CA.

Admission to the gallery and the reception is free and open to the public. Hours for this exhibit are: April 20 – May 1, Monday – Friday, 11 am - 4 pm (with extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 6 pm); and by appointment from May 1 – 29. For information, call 856-256-4521 or visit www.rowan.edu/fpa/artgallery. Rowan University Art Gallery is located in Westby Hall on the campus of Rowan University, Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ.