
DATE: Thursday, November 13, 1997           TAG: 9711110147

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 08   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   99 lines

``CRAFT EXPLOSURE'' TO FEATURE SKILLED ARTISANS

The idea hit Laura Parker Jackson last summer as she was driving home over the Berkley Bridge from an Arts Explosure advisory committee meeting.

Why not create a local venue for skilled artisans who don't quite fit the criteria for outdoor art exhibits? she thought. Like the annual Arts Explosure, held each Mother's Day weekend at Town Point Park, this show, too, could benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

She took the idea back to committee members and they immediately embraced it.

Thus was born ``Craft Explosure: A Fine Design Event.''

Set for Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the former Khedive Temple building on W. Freemason Street, the show will feature the work of 31 artisans who specialize in an array of fine craft work. Pottery, jewelry, metal designs, sculptures, book binding, fiber art, furniture, baskets, ``spirit rattles,'' ceramics and stained glass will be among the work displayed.

Robin Welch, an internationally known classical guitarist, will perform, as will recording artist Tim Seamans, who plays the hammer dulcimer and flute. The Moaning Lisas, a musical group from Norfolk, will also provide entertainment.

The Coast radio station will broadcast live from a remote location outside the building throughout the day, and Starbucks will be among those merchants selling refreshments.

``There's really nothing like this in all of Hampton Roads,'' said Jackson, a graphic artist who has been involved with planning the spring Arts Explosure for the last decade. ``Richmond has a three-day show, but there's really nothing for artisans around here. Once we had the idea, it just kind of exploded.''

After spending years helping with Arts Explosure, Jackson realized there were plenty of highly skilled artisans around who were doing great work, yet had no venue for exhibiting their creations other than in art galleries or speciality shops.

The committee decided an indoor fall show, scheduled just before the holidays, would be a perfect way to showcase their work. With virtually no budget, they secured a site, began organizing and started spreading the word among the art community.

They've spent ``thousands of hours'' working out countless details.

``Since we've never done an indoor show before we've had to plan for every eventuality,'' said Susan Mariner, a Virginia Beach silversmith who became instrumental in organizing the event. She, too, will be among those exhibiting work.

``We had the idea there were plenty of people who did fine craft work, but those people became hard to find at first,'' she said. ``Some already had commitments. So we began asking, `Who else do you know who would be interested.' As a result, we ended up getting some people who have never exhibited in this area before and some who are fairly well-known but don't do shows anymore.

``They all decided to get involved because it was for the Foodbank.''

Eventually, after filling the limited space, organizers had to turn artists away.

``After a while, people really started to get excited,'' said Jackson. ``But at first, they said, `You're doing what? Where?' ''

Securing the former Khedive Temple, a downtown Norfolk landmark with a spacious ballroom, lobby and lounge, was another Jackson brainstorm, with a great deal of inspiration from Mariner.

After attending a ``Motorama'' benefit for Hope Haven at the site last summer, where they witnessed dozens of motorcycles lined up in the auditorium, the women immediately saw the potential of the space for their craft show.

``This building is just amazing,'' said Jackson. ``It's got so much character. It's almost like a time capsule in here.''

On the practical side, it has that huge indoor auditorium, perfect for exhibits, rents at a ``reasonable'' price and has plenty of available parking nearby.

Based on the feedback they've been getting in the community, organizers are expecting an enthusiastic crowd, eager to browse through high-quality merchandise and have a good time doing it.

``We want this to be a fun event for everybody . . . including the artists,'' Mariner emphasized. ``We're sponsoring a brunch for them that morning and providing lunch. We feel so sure this is going to be a success that we're already planning for next year.''

The potential for a craft equivalent of the nationally ranked Arts Explosure has just been tapped, they believe.

Noted Jackson: ``It's amazing the wonderful response we've already gotten. And it's for such a good cause. We're helping the Foodbank . . . and at the same time showing off the work of a lot of highly skilled artists.''

By all indications, the idea born on the bridge was inspired. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by TAMARA VONINSKI

Graphic artist Laura Parker Jackson, left, and silversmith Susan

Mariner are two of the organizers of Craft Explosure.

Graphic

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: ``Craft Explosure: A Fine Design Event'' benefit for

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

WHEN: From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15

WHERE: Former Khedive Temple building, 243 Freemason St.

COST: $4. (Participating merchants, including HomeWerks, at 1909

Colley Ave., and Artifax, at 1511 Colley Ave. and Hilltop West, are

distributing special two-for-one admission coupons.)