New Designs in Judaica Show

Elizabeth Ryland Mears

Gary Rosenthal

"When I grew up, my family was still in the shadow of the holocaust and we just did not display our faith in public--or even in the home through collecting and displaying judaica. When I started sculpting my goal was to incorporate my faith into my daily life, and to help others do the same through my craft. I wanted to make beautiful judaica that would function with jewish ruach or spirit when used to light the candles or hold the foods of the seder but then be beautiful enough to leave out on display year round as a work of art. For me sculpting is how I live my life and art is how I accomplish my goals."

Gary is sending several pieces for this show including a one of a kind Seder plate. It features the waves of a parted Red Sea going outwards with the pyramid in the center and the Torah/star on top.

Bette Ann Libby

For me, the clay process is therapeutic, mesmerizing and playful. Many of my sculptures are gateways, mysteriously leading to the inner psyche, dreams or memories. My narrative sculptures embody my own mythology which explores well-being, womanhood and passages through the use of irony, metaphor and humor to create the unexpected."

"The materials used in my mosaic pieces incorporate handmade shards of ceramic, handblown glass, and mirror. Mosaics, according to Issac Luria, represent shards which are sparks of holiness from the moment of creation. When fragments are united in a new order, balance is restored from chaos and "tikun," or healing the world, begins."

Sue Treuman

Sue is a professional, full-time sculptor and ceramic artist. After more than twenty five years of design and study in New York, she has moved to Chapel Hill in North Carolina to pursue her passion in clay.

Her series of figurative menorahs reflect her commitment to family, community and spiritual growth. They reside in fine galleries and private collections around the world.

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi is a ceramic artist from the Midwest. Inspiration is drawn from memories of items found on her Grandmother's dresser and old quilts. She is intrigued by the surprise of tiny flowers, moss and vines nestled in the crevices of an old stone wall in France, and the patterns of plowed fields and old barn siding seen along the country roads in Iowa.

Laurie creates pattern and texture by pressing lace, vintage textiles, and hand carved stamps into the clay while it is still wet. Glazes are painted by hand with small brushes to create a mosaic look, and the piece is fired in a kiln. Laurie's work is distinguished by a vibrant pallet, lush with intricate detail and whimsy. Her pottery has a feminine, playful touch that speaks to contemporary sensibilities while recalling romantic memories from a time past.

Steve Bronstein Blackthorne Forge

“I like the challenge of first starting with the function, how an object might be used. Then comes the questions of how that object will sit in space and what place in the visual landscape should it have. What I like about ironwork is the clean graphic line it can create. I tend towards simpler lines and an emphasis on the texture and nature of the material.  What I hope is that ,from afar, these pieces offer an elegant addition to one’s living space and that as they are approached more of the texture and detail becomes apparent and another level of interest is provided.”

Sarah Grant

Sticks was started by Sarah Grant and has been a featured craftsperson at Stowe craft for many years. She has received national acclaim for her painted wood furnture, sculpture and home accessories. For this judaica show, she has supplied us a floor standing menorah and a handmade 20" diameter lazy susan.