HARRISBURG, PA - Michie Taylor of Berwyn will give a free demonstration during the Radius Showcase, "Pin Up:The Brooch," from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at HACC’s gallery and museum shop on the ground floor of The State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 N. Third St.
Taylor, a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and a member of the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen, developed her lifelong passion for flowers into art by earning a teaching certificate from the Seigetsu Flower Arrangement School (Ikebana) in Japan. Later, she learned the basic technique to create natural appearing flowers out of synthetic clay.
Over the years she has developed a distinctive style of beautiful floral 3D wall hangings and jewelry ensembles. Her work is found in art galleries and fine craft stores in the Philadelphia area and several surrounding states.
As a medium for jewelry, Taylor’s artistic creations present a unique and refreshing change from bead and metal work.
"Pin Up: The Brooch" continues through Aug. 31, showcasing how the brooch has evolved into a contemporary fashion piece using different metals, ceramics and precious stones.
"There are no limits to what materials are used, what shape the brooches are or how to accessorize with them - like a jacket, a hat, a scarf," said Jessica Lantz, curator of arts and assistant manager. "The pieces we’ve collected are unique statements that will draw attention to anyone wearing them."
All items on display are available for sale.
HACC received a $2,100 grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in support of the Radius Showcase Series. In addition to the current brooch showcase, the grant has sponsored showcases featuring teapots, boxes, quilts, glass and ikebana vessels.
Radius, a partnership of HACC and the State of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission, is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 787-5590.
Caption: Artist Michie Taylor gives a free demonstration on brooches during the Radius Showcase, "Pin Up:The Brooch," from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at HACC’s gallery and museum shop on the ground floor of The State Museum of Pennsylvania.