Exhibition Catalog Introduction
The National Ornamental Metal Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the collection, exhibition and preservation of fine metalwork, both historic and contemporary. Changing exhibitions are augmented by educational programs, demonstrations for visitors, classes for area residents and workshops designed for the professional smith. Each year the Museum hosts a one person, "Master Metalsmith" exhibition. The artist selected for this honor is one whose work is regarded as outstanding within the metalsmithing community. The "master" smith is brought to Memphis the third weekend in October to join over 100 metalsmiths who come from across the country to volunteer their time and talent at an event called Repair Days. It is from their input that the master smiths for coming years are determined. Pat Flynn is widely recognized for his accomplishments as a self-supporting, designercraftsman. He has received three National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships grants for his work, which unlike many distinguished metalsmiths is not subsidized by a university salary. He is, however, a gifted teacher and has been an inspiration to many in workshops he has taught over the past fifteen years at craft schools such as Penland, Haystack, Arrowmont, the Oregon School and Arts and Crafts and the Brookfield Craft Center. He is noted for his ability to combine non-precious materials, even found objects, with high karat gold and gemstones with grace and precision. His work is found in the permanent collections of the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian, the Art Institute of Chicago and Rhode Island School of Design. Called a "Mecca for metalsmiths" by American Craft, the Museum offers training and apprenticeship opportunities, including two internships and one residency. A guest-house on the grounds provides housing for visiting artists and consultants. One of the finest libraries on metalwork in the region is available for in-house use by artists, scholars and architects. The Museum is located just south of downtown Memphis, on a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The 3.2 acre site, with four buildings and a cast iron gazebo, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is with great pleasure we present this exhibition and catalogue of the work of Pat Flynn. We would like to thank Susan Cummins, whose gallery assisted in the organization of the exhibit, and the collectors who participated as lenders.
Judy Wallace, Assistant Director |