A bit of reflection required

Self-portraits will be the theme for the next juried woodworking exhibition at the Wharton Esherick Museum in Malvern, Pa. The contest is open to all established and emerging artisans and has an entry deadline of Feb. 4.

“As the Wharton Esherick Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, we’re reflecting on how we’ve shared and interpreted Esherick’s remarkable self-portrait for thousands of people over half a century. In turn, we invite you to share innovative works of art, craft, and design that represent a self-portrait; wood must be part of your entry, but it doesn’t have to be the only material used,” says Emily Zilber, the museum’s director of curatorial affairs and strategic partnerships.

The museum is the former home and studio of Wharton Esherick (1887-1970), an artist and leader in the studio furniture movement. Esherick worked primarily in wood and extended his unique forms to furniture, furnishings, interiors, buildings and more.

The exhibition was formed in 1994 as an opportunity to encourage new, creative and imaginative works in wood, encouraging entrants to think like Esherick, according to the museum.

Jurors are Fabio J. Fernández, director of Greenwich House Pottery; Keunho Peter Park, an artist, woodworker and educator, and the museum’s Emily Zilber.

The exhibition is scheduled for June 2 through Aug. 28, 2022.

For more, visit whartonesherickmuseum.org. 

This article was originally published in the December 2021 issue.