An Invitation to Preview the Jan 30-Feb 2
2nd International Ashes to Art Exhibition
A Preview of 17 original artworks selected from
among 150 pieces that will be featured during the
second international juried Ashes to Art exhibition
is now available at http://www.funeria.com, along
with full details about the show.
While providing a glimpse of its charm and surprises,
the Preview only hints at the extraordinary range
and unique opportunity this show represents when
it opens January 30 with an evening reception and
continues for three days through February 2, 2003
at San Francisco's Fort Mason Center Conference
Center in Landmark Building A. The Best of Show
award, underwritten by Alice and John Micklewright
of San Francisco, and further awards will be
announced at the opening.
An Important Emerging Genre That Sets New
Standards in Personal Memorial Art
Ashes to Art is foremost a vibrant international art
event that is attracting collectors to an emerging
genre of contemporary fine art and fine craft urns,
vessels, reliquaries and other sculptural containers
for funerary ashes. In presenting Ashes to Art,
Funeria is also creating a light-filled gallery setting
in which visitors have the opportunity to see
reflections of their own mortality - fearlessly -
within the context of personality-rich art and
beauty. In a quest for personal memorial art -
specifically urns and vessels intended for keeping,
burying, transporting or scattering the cremated
remains of ourselves and our loved ones - there
is no comparable venue.
A number of superb entries from throughout the
world made the upcoming Ashes to Art exhibition
even more competitive than the 2001 debut event.
The difficult jurying process was aided considerably
by a panel that included master ceramist, sculptor,
and educator Nicholas Kripal and innovative Paris-
based architect Gino de Valerio.
Among noted artists whose work will be available in
San Francisco are glass master William Morris who
was invited to show three pieces from his Cinerary
Urns series; Jeffrey Mongrain and his elegant,
minimalist, ceramic pillow, glass and ash 'Cathedra';
plus work by artists who apprenticed with such
luminaries as Louise Bourgeois, Andy Goldsworthy,
and others and have since acquired mastery in their
own milieu.
The upcoming event also marks the debut of
Changing Stages - an information and resources
center and tabletop exhibit area adjacent to Ashes
to Art. Featured public and private organizations
and groups include those that are helping individuals,
families and communities find the means to a better
end - including end-of-life care and legacy planning.
Information will be available from a number of
sources including Good Grief (www.goodgrief.net),
Tannery Creek Press, the national Last Acts
coalition (www.lastacts.org) - of which Funeria is a
Partner, and two more Last Acts Partners -
Compassion in Dying (www.compassionindying.org)
and the Zen Hospice Project (www.zenhospice.org).
Changing Stages Exhibitor applications and other
sponsor information remains available at:
http://www.funeria.com/opportunities.pdf
About Funeria
Ashes to Art and Changing Stages are
presented by Funeria - an exhibitions and on-line
art venue and bridge between those who create
beautiful funerary art, specifically urns and
vessels, and those who seek art as a means to
honor a beautiful life.
About Fort Mason Center
(http://www.fortmason.org) is a national
historic landmark and vibrant cultural center
that is easily reached by public and private
transportation.
Contact:
Maureen Lomasney
Director, Funeria
http://www.funeria.com
