Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery: February 8-May 14, 2023
Curated by shoemaker and artist Amara Hark-Weber, Hand Made in America: Contemporary Custom Footwear features 11 accomplished shoe and boot makers working across the United States today. These makers build upon tradition in the creation of modern bespoke footwear. In conversation with historic shoes from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection, the work featured ranges from sculptural to practical, from traditional to conceptual. Their work highlights the wide range of styles, techniques, and approaches in current practice. This exhibit celebrates a small world of incredibly skilled craftspeople, who labor in relative obscurity.
This exhibition features shoe and boot makers Daphne Board, Greg Carmack, Rachel Corry, Sarah Madeleine T. GUERIN, Paul Krause, Lee Miller, Jesse Moore, Marcell Mrsan, Lisa Sorrell, Francis Waplinger and Amara Hark-Weber.
About the Curator
Amara Hark-Weber is a shoemaker, artist, and educator based in St. Paul, MN. Amara began making shoes while completing her MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She continued to study western boots with DW Frommer, hand-sewn shoes with Janne Melkersson in Sweden, Hungarian master Marcell Mrsan, and high heels with Chris Francis. She is the recipient of the 2017 Rare Craft Fellowship from the American Craft Council (ACC), and has participated in several ACC shows and showcases. In addition, Amara has received grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metropolitan Council, and Jerome Foundation, and was a merit scholar at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
This project was made possible with financial support from the Anonymous Fund.
Related Events:
Shoemaking: Artistry, Craftsmanship, History, and Future, February 9, 2023, 4-5pm
Opening Reception, February 9, 2023, 5-7pm
Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 12–4 p.m.
By Appointment: cdmc@sohe.wisc.edu
