SAS Career Center
Late-Breaking News (1999)

 

December 22, 1999: American Silversmith Annual is Now On-line!
Only members of SAS will be able to access this newsletter.

November 24, 1999: American Silversmith On-line!
SAS Members will be able to see the next American Silversmith Annual on-line. This expanded issue will be chock-full of color images! For other benefits, go here.

November 20, 1999: New ShopTalk Article
Having trouble finding the right chasing pitch? Do you actually know how to use the stuff? Charles Lewton-Brain has all the answers here.

October 25, 1999: Try our New Survey for Silver Lovers.
 This is a new trial survey feature. Before expanding the survey to contain more questions, we want to be sure this version is working properly.

October 20, 1999: New Quizlet Shows Interesting Statistics
Priodically, a new survey will be taken relating to issues in the world of silver, with results of each previous survey posted. Check out our first survey here.

October 18, 1999: Woven Metals Workshop Needs Four More Students for Success
SAS Artisan Munya Avigail Upin is offering a "Woven Metals" techniques workshop at Massachusetts College of Art on Nov. 6 and 7th, and is in need of four more students to complete the class. If you're interested, please call Massachusetts College of Art Continuing Education Department at 617/232-1555, extension 443 or 445, e-mail them at continuing_education@massart.edu, or call Munya at 617/489-3710.

October 17, 1999: Three SAS Newsletters Uploaded
Check out the Publications page.

October 13, 1999: Jury Announced for SAS Student Silversmiths Competition
Jeannine Falino, Carolyn and Peter Lynch Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture Art of the Americas, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Michael Banner, SAS Artisan Member; Pauline Warg, SAS Artisan Member

October 11, 1999: Kurt Matzdorf First Inductee to Metalsmiths Hall of Fame ®
The National Metalsmiths Hall of Fame ® is dedicated to honoring metalsmiths with exceptional careers as well as recognizing others for their significant achievements in related fields, and to foster an appreciation of metalsmithing by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and making this information available to those interested.

The very first recipient of this award is SAS Artisan member Kurt Matzdorf, emeritus, Suny, New York. It was presented at Wildacres, NC on July 1st, 1999. In the future it is anticipated that there will be four (4) participants as listed below.

Kurt was chosen by the HOF committee for his outstanding work as an educator & artist. He has received more commissions for his Ceremonial Art work than anyone in the country. In addition after having spoken to several of his students, there was no doubt that he deserved this award. In the future the nominees will be chosen by an outstanding selection committee, For the year 2000 the committee will consist of the following individuals: Evelyn Chittenden, John Cogswell, Tim McCreight, Alan Revere, Barbara Simon and Jean Stark. In the future two of the members of the selection committee will be replaced by two of the recipients.

For further details and sponsoring The National Metalsmiths Hall of Fame, please contact:
GINI ROLLINS
c/o Florida Society of Goldsmiths
719 Central Ave.
ST. Petersburg, Fl, 33701
727/550-2052

September 15, 1999: Summer Issue of SASnews Now Available
If you're not a member of SAS, you're missing out on reading about "Nathaniel Hurd: Boston Silversmith and Engraver," and sources for antique silver. To find out about our numerous other benefits, go here.

August 13, 1999: Five New Workshops Added Today!
SAS Artisan Jack da Silva announces five workshops he's offering at his California studio.

August 12, 1999: Next SilverChat Slated for August 13
Jeffrey Herman has been working with silver for 22 years and has specialized in silver restoration & conservation for the past 15 years. Come visit as he fields questions about silver care, finishes, processes used in the trade, approximate cost of repairs, etc. SilverChat can be found here.

July 17, 1999: 2000 Student Silversmiths Competition Planned
Updated information on next year's competition will be posted here.

June 18, 1999: See The Complete List of Objects in Enduring Traditions
Our Sculpture exhibition: Artisans in Silver: Enduring Traditions Through the Next Millennium, is about to open in Memphis. See object descriptions by going here.

May 28, 1999: New Flat Rate Long Distance Pricing: 7.4¢ Per Minute!
Do you REALLY know what you're paying per minute for out-of-state long distance? Are you paying a surcharge for making under $25 in long distance calls per month? OneStar is offering flat rate pricing on out-of-state long distance and 1-800 numbers. You don't even need a separate number for the 1-800 service—it comes through your existing phone line! 25-60% less than AT&T, Sprint, & MCI. No surcharges or minimums, low international rates, six second billing, 24-hour customer service, & comprehensive billing. Our communications consultant is Kathy Goncalves, OneStar Long Distance, Inc. 200 Foxboro Blvd., Suite 100, 800/950-4357, 508/698-2700, Fax: 508/698-2688. As of this note, out-of-state flat rate pricing for SAS members is at 7.4¢ per minute! Not an SAS member? Go here to find out about the many benefits you'll receive.

May 26, 1999: Next SilverChat Slated for June 9th
Jeffrey Herman has been working with silver for 22 years and has specialized in silver restoration & conservation for the past 15 years. Come visit as he fields questions about silver care, finishes, processes used in the trade, approximate cost of repairs, etc. SilverChat can be found here.

May 17, 1999: SilverWorks a Tremendous Success!
SilverWorks, our 10th anniversary event on the 15th and 16th, was fantastic. It went so well hat it will become an annual happening. Full details of who was here and what will be planned for next year will be posted soon.

April 17, 1999: SAS Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary With SilverWorks!
Hurry–only 30 openings available! SAS members must RSVP by May 8th, 1999. Click here for all the details. It's not too late to become a member and join us! Go to the Membership page to see all the benefits.

April 16, 1999: Time to Register for the MJSA Expo
This dynamic trade show of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America exhibits jewelry products, supplies, services and technology to a discerning audience of manufacturers, designers, and wholesalers. In 1998, this show hosted more than 240 booths and attracted over 3,500 attendees from all over the world.

New in 1999, Expo Providence teams up with Fashion Jewelry World Expo (FJWE), a brand-new world-class finished fashion jewelry show in the United States. FJWE looks to attract over 2,000 retail jewelry buyers from all over the world. Expo Providence and FJWE will be a week-long international networking and sales event!

Expo Providence also provides business, technology, and trend-driven education programs to ensure that buyers leave the Expo with knowledge as well as top-grade products.

The Expo is being held from May 16th through the 18th. Member or not, you can still register to attend at NO CHARGE at their Web site.

April 3, 1999: SAS Turns 10!
The Society of American Silversmiths was founded by its executive director—Jeffrey Herman, in April, 1989, as the nation's only professional organization solely devoted to the preservation and promotion of contemporary silversmithing, specifically in the areas of holloware, flatware, and sculpture. "I love being a silversmith and the association I have with my peers. I found the need to start a group specifically for silversmiths which was a natural progression in my desire to be a steward of this artform," Herman says.

Its Artisan members, those silversmiths both practicing and retired, who now or used to smith as a livelihood, are provided with support, networking, and greater access to the market. Artisans are silversmiths who have been juried into the Society based on their outstanding technical skill.

Another function of SAS has been to assist those students who have a strong interest in becoming silver craftsmen. With the aid of SAS, its many supplier discounts, and available workshops throughout the school year, students will be better prepared to start their lives as professional silversmiths upon graduation.

Through its exhibitions, catalogs, newsletters, and powerful presence on the World Wide Web, SAS has quickly become the authority on all facets of the silversmith's art and craft. "The decision was made three years ago to broaden the Society's international presence by building a Web site. Information on our site has enabled silversmiths, collectors, educators, and students from 54 countries to benefit from the same information—some critical, like our topics on safety that could only be found in our newsletters," says Herman.

The next ten years will see a greater emphasis by the Society to promote its Artisan members' work. "Antique silver prices are going through the roof as evidenced by record-breaking sales at the major auction houses. We must penetrate this market and introduce collectors to our contemporary silver work that will be the antiques of the future," Herman says.

March 24, 1999: Looking for an Engraver?
Outstanding hand engravers of holloware and flatware are tough to find. Ronald Proulx, who has been engraving for 15 years, is one of those individuals. His price list includes examples of letter styles, though, he is happy to quote on unique designs and family crests. Contact Ron at 94 Main St., Chatham, NJ 07928, 973/635-6500, Fax: 973/635-6830.

March 4, 1999: New Lower Calling Rates
Our long-distance provider, OneStar, has lowered its rates to .09 per minute for SAS business customers. This flat rate apples to all calling, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even for a no-charge 1-800 number! SAS members who are using OneStar should call our representative—Janice Daniels—at 800/950-4357 to request the lower rate.

February. 26, 1999: Newsletters on Their Way
Our two publications, American Silversmith & SASnews, will be mailed to all SAS members next week. What, you're not a member of SAS?! Hop to our Membership page and see all the benefits you're missing.

February 12, 1999: Safer Alternatives
Still trying to find a SAFE alternative to those toxic substances you've been using? Step this way.

February 11, 1999: The Repair Process
See the steps Jeffrey Herman goes through to repair a Gorham soup tureen.

February 5, 1999: New Featured Artisan Page!
See what Sue Amendolara's up to.

January 30, 1999: Super Safe Flux Supplier Comes Aboard
Organic, water soluble soft soldering flux in liquid or gel form. Plus a NEW and very unique brazing and silver soldering paste flux which embodies "an entirely new chemical principle." It differs widely from ordinary silver solder fluxes. It is neutral - not acid - absolutely non-corrosive - will not burn hand or skin. It eliminates all occupational hazards which are inherent in acid fluxes. SAS members receive a 20% discount on their first order and 15% on all subsequent orders. H & N Electronics, 10937 Rome Beauty Dr., California City, CA 93505, 760/373-8033, , Website

January 28, 1999: Post a Job Opening...FREE at SAS Career Center!
See a list of openings in education and the silver trade.

January 24, 1999: We'd Love to Hear From You
We'd like to know what you think of the SAS site. If you have a moment, won't you let us know by going to our Suggestion Box?

January 21, 1999: Commissioning Silver Just Got Easier!
The Referral Service has been updated to include all participating Artisan members. You'll find their address, phone number, and, in some cases, their e-mail address. As always, if you require assistance, call our Referral Service Hot Line.

January 9, 1999: SAS Artisan Member Richard Reinhardt Dies
From the Philadelphia Inquirer: Richard H. Reinhardt, 77, of Newtown Square [PA], a silversmith and jewelry maker who spent more than 50 years at the University of the Arts [in Philadelphia] as a student, teacher of crafts, and school official, died of bladder cancer on December 29 at Paoli Memorial Hospital.

During the 1950s, Reinhardt founded the jewelry and metalsmithing programs and was chairman of the crafts department at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art.

When the school became the Philadelphia College of Art in the 1960s, he was chairman of the industrial design department. He was named associate dean of faculty in 1965, became dean five years later, and served until 1976.

He taught silversmithing and jewelry making for eight years, then returned to the dean's office for two years to help establish the University of the Arts. He retired in 1986.

Widely known as a silversmith, he exhibited his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Philadelphia Art Museum, and in museums in Rochester, NY; Amsterdam, Holland; and elsewhere. His work is included in the permanent collections of museums in Boston and Philadelphia, and in the Smithsonian.

In a retrospective show at the University of the Arts last spring, Inquirer art critic Edward J. Sozanski called attention to Reinhardft's "Superb craftsmanship" and said his career "demonstrates that craftsmanship can readily transmute into art, even when the craftsman isn't striving consciously to produce art."

He added: "After more than a half-century of hammering silver, Reinhardt appears to be having fun with it by seeing how far he can push traditional silversmithing techniques. It's inspiring to encounter an artist so long at the bench who not only still enjoys his work but who continues to grow in its practice."

Reinhardt began studies at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art (as the art school was then known). He left during World War II to work as a draftsman and to serve in the Marines as a drill instructor.

He returned to school after the war, earning his degree and staying to teach. When he retired, he was named professor emeritus and made an honorary doctor of fine arts.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel; two children, five grand children; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard H. Reinhardt Scholarship Fund at the University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102.

January 7, 1999: Fourteen New Workshops Listed Today
Check out the latest silversmithing courses on the Workshop page.


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