|
 Our April 24, 2013 meeting opened with a presentation by The Newark Museum Spea kers Vureau. Docent, Vera Lasser, took us on a virtual tour and presented a brief history of the three buildings that make up the Newark Museum complex including a quiet sculpture garden out back where jazz concerts are held by WBGO radio every Thursday afternoon. Vera was pleasantly surprised by the show of hands when she asked how many BSGNY members had attended the museum in the past.
Before presenting the treasures of the Museum's Decorative Arts Department, she presented slides of the Ballantine House, one of the main buildings of the museum. It was built in 1885 by Jeanette and John Ballantine of the celebrated Newark beer-brewing family. Twice, the home was faced with the threat of being torn down. But fortunately, this unthinkable fate did not come to pass due to lack of funds to carry out the demolition. Today, the Ballantine House remains the museum's most irreplaceable artifact. The Ballantine family remained in residence until 1919 living in one half of the building while the public was allowed to wander the other half during the day. Museum visitors can travel through history in this National Historic Landmark comprised of a suite of eight Victorian period rooms and accompanying thematic galleries depicting how people have decorated their homes in America, from the 1650s to the present day. Tonight's slide presentation included images of furniture, silver, ceramics, glass, jewelry, costumes and textiles that comprise the Decorative Arts department's vast holdings. Their silver collection is recognized nationally and the museum's gift shop is listed as one of the ten best in America.
 Of particular interest to our members were a beaded man's corset (the colors of which gave an indication of his age), a red beaded Zulu hat and dress fit for a bride, a Joyce Scott necklace, a white beaded bridal apron and a selection of beaded pin cushions. This last item was taught by native Americans to non-native Americans and passed on down to become a well known craft of Victorian ladies. There were also beautiful examples of American quilts, Tiffany glass, Chihuly glass and a most impressive brooch measuring 9 inches tall! The Decorative Arts department showcases the fact that New Jersey was, at one time, the gold capital of the country along with Paterson, NJ being the silk capital.
The Newark Museum offers an extraordinary variety of art and science exhibitions. In addition to the historic Victorian Ballantine House discussed above, there is a Tibetan Buddhist altar consecrated by the 14th Dali Lama, a mini zoo filled with animals from all around the world, a beautiful sculpture garden and New Jersey's first planetarium. BSGNY members attending the meeting were treated to a complimentary pass to visit this incredible museum.
In the words of the Museum's founding Director, John Cotton Dana - "A good museum attracts, entertains, arouses curiosity, leads to questioning - and thus promotes learning." I would concur the goal has been accomplished as many of our members were making plans for a visit to the museum looking forward to a wonderful day of culture, learning and artistic inspiration.
Please be sure to scroll down to view some wonderful pictures
from this meeting!
BSGNY President, Cynthia Stern, called the meeting to order with the following announcements:
Volunteers to demonstrate various bead stitches, wire work, embroidery, etc. are needed for our upcoming "Tips and Tricks" event scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2013
- There will be two 45-minute sessions of demonstrations
- Session #1 is from 6:15pm to 7:00pm; Session #2 is from 7:15pm to 8:00pm
- Bring your own supplies for demonstration purposes.
- This is not a hands-on class where a completed project is taught. This event is simply meant to acquaint and inspire members and guests with a variety of beading and jewelry tips and techniques.
TO VOLUNTEER, YOU MAY EITHER:
- E-mail us at [email protected] or [email protected]
- Type TIPS & TRICKS in the subject line of your e-mail
- In the body of your e-mail, tell us which session you prefer and indicate what technique/skill you would like to demo. Be sure to include your full name and contact info.
- Or, you can send a letter to BSGNY, PO Box 6219, FDR Station, NY, NY 10150 or call the BSGNY Hotline at 212-591-112
- Include the info requested above in your letter/message along with your full name and contact info.
- For more information, please e-mail Leah Becker at [email protected] or give us a call at 212-591-1127. BSGNY is counting on YOU please don't let us down!!!!
Planning continues for our juried exhibit, WOB IX, scheduled for June 2014. The exciting possibility of holding this event on Governor's Island is still being explored. We encourage all of you to get started NOW on your most spectacular designs for submission.
BSGNY member, Elaine Harris, has volunteered to coordinate our annual bus trip to Philadelphia's semi-annual BeadFest event. Many thanks to Elaine for stepping up to support BSGNY and it's programs! Members will receive more details about this event in the very near future.
Members were reminded that it is never too early to start working on handmade inventory for our upcoming Handmade Holiday Craft Fair in December.
Jacquelyn Costello, President of the FIT Jewelry Club, came to our meeting to invite our members to attend an FIT Flea Market being held on Thursday, May 2, from 9am to 7pm. The Jewelry Club will have a space where they will be selling jewelry and LOTS of beads. It will be held in the breezeway at the school.
|
GENERAL BUSINESS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
