pinchgallery

Summer Sale starts at pinch

2009-07-10T16:19:00.005-04:00

Our Summer Sale has started with 30-50% off selected merchandise. Stop into pinch to see beautiful pottery, gorgeous leather handbags from Latico, limited edition prints, jewelry from David Aubrey & Wasabi, silk skirts & blouses, hand-printed shirts from Brooklyn, wallets from Maruca & Queen Bee, and more, all at least 30% off!

Gorgeous plates, bowls, and vases from Yogagoat Pottery in Vermont.

Latico handbags, wallets, and clutches in citrus-y

colors

Purses and wallets from Maruca.

Jewelry from Tashi, Kendra Roberts, Wasabi and more.

Re-paired at pinch

2009-06-13T14:58:00.004-04:00

Thanks to a fabulous turnout and two fabulous artists, pinch's latest Arts Night Out show was a success! Nan and Abby's show is running through the 29th of June, so make sure to stop by pinch to check it out for yourself!

Re-paired at pinch

2009-05-28T18:55:00.005-04:00

Re-paired

Found Object Art by Abby Rieser & Nan Fleming

June 9 – June 29

Opening Reception: Friday, June 12, 6-9 pm.
wine, water and snacks will be served

Abby Rieser Artist's Statement

A 1983 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in metalwork and surface design, I have served since 2003 as a Gatekeeper, managing the recycling center in Northampton, Mass. Over the years I have accumulated innumerable found objects which now form a vast library of materials I draw from for my sculptural pieces. Although the materials I use in my assemblages are quite diverse, they share in common a beautiful patina, soft edges, and worn surfaces. My current work incorporates the influences of Joseph Cornell and my lifelong mentor Varujan Boghosian. I maintain my studio in Northampton.

www.abbyrieser.com

Nan Fleming Artist’s Statement

I discovered metal as an art form while at UMASS in 1992 when taking a
welding class on a whim. Always a hoarder of the discarded and used, I
was drawn to the shapes and patinas of the broken farm equipment and
rusted gears rather than the shiny sheets of new metal available in the
foundry. Manipulating a shape with heat continues to be pure magic for
me.

I combine these worn metal elements with other materials such as wood,
paper, clay and small found objects to create both functional and purely
sculptural pieces. Usually a single shape will suggest a gesture or the
beginning of an idea. I tend to work on 2 or 3 pieces at the same time,
solving problems and sometime waiting for months to realize the final
detail needed to complete a sculpture.

www.nanfleming.com

Twist artists to show at Pinch

2009-04-28T15:44:00.002-04:00

In addition to helping sponsor the Twist Fair, Pinch is showing the work of the following Twist artists. In order from left to right, top to bottom, the new artists at Pinch are: Raeburn Ink, Happy Owl Glassworks, Murdock Design, Twigs & Heather, Meghan Burch, BMW Ironworks, Zeal: Handmade Home, Excely Jewelry, AWC Designs, Sarah Ahearn, and Donnabelle Designs.

Pinch sponsors Twist Fair

2009-04-28T15:36:00.003-04:00

About Twist

Twist is an exciting event showcasing original handmade goods and art, held twice a year (May and November) in Northampton, MA. The show features a multitude of talented and unique vendors, a live DJ, entertainment, and refreshments in a fun and lively festival atmosphere. For more information about Twist, and a list of artists showing there, please see www.twistfair.com.

Location

Northampton Center for the Arts
17 New South Street
Northampton, MA

Show Dates and Hours

Friday, May 1, 2009 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, May 2, 2009 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

About the Directors

Cory and Lexie Barnes are the founding directors of Twist. Lexie is a nationally recognized author, designer, and entrepreneur. Her first book, Sew What! Bags, from Storey Publishing, was released in February 2009 and is available online and in bookstores worldwide. She is currently working on the 2010 lexie barnes handbag collection and her next book. Cory is the owner of Spire USA, a highly regarded manufacturer of laptop bags and backpacks. Originally from Chicago, the couple now lives in Western Massachusetts with their four sons.

New at Pinch: Kitras Art Glass Hummingbird Feeders

2009-04-16T19:00:00.002-04:00

Hummingbird Feeders

Bring life to the garden with sparkling colour combinations dancing across the surface of Kitras Art Glass hand-blown Hummingbird feeders. Each one is an original and functional token of everlasting friendship.

About Kitras Art Glass

Stephen Kitras began work as a glass blower in 1988. He studied at Sheridan College located in Oakville, Ontario Canada. For five years he worked alone handling all the production and administrative tasks. He and his wife Elke then shipped the product out from their dining room table.

In 1994 Kitras Art Glass was formed. Stephen and Elke became founding partners of the corporation. At this time, the single most important factor in the company's growth was the start of exports to the United States.

By 2001 company sales had increased and a new facility was built to accommodate increased production demands. In 2006 Stephen and Elke's eldest daughter, Sophie, joined the company and she now manages all of the sales and marketing. Stephen continues to be involved in the company, overseeing all new product development, the training of new staff, and when he has time, work on his own art projects.

In 1999, the company suffered the loss of Elke Kitras to Leukemia, but the vision that she and Stephen developed for the company continues to thrive.

New at Pinch: Pewabic Art Pottery

2009-04-16T18:39:00.002-04:00

About Pewabic Products

Pewabic has hundreds of gift tile and pottery designs to choose from and all are made on site in our National Historic Landmark building in Detroit. All are made with Pewabic’s own clay and renowned glazes using handcrafted techniques that make each piece unique. Tiles are pressed and vessels are thrown or cast using Pewabic molds. Every Pewabic tile is stamped on the back with the trademark "Pewabic Detroit" logo stamp and the year it was pressed. Frequently, tiles bear the stamp of the individual staff artist who pressed the tile. Each tile and vessel is then kiln fired in Pewabic’s National Historic Landmark building. Most of our gift tiles are reproductions of historic Pewabic tile images found in our archives. We do add to our gift tile line but we always keep within the traditional Arts & Crafts feel. All of our vessels are reproductions or inspired by original Pewabic designs.

A Brief History

Pewabic is a century-old American Art pottery founded at the height of the Arts & Crafts movement in 1903 by Michigan artist Mary Stratton. Since 1907, Pewabic has been housed in its National Historic Landmark building located in the Indian Village historic district of Detroit. Pewabic is nationally renowned for its gift tile and pottery in unique glazes.

New work at pinch

2009-03-30T11:23:00.004-04:00

We are proud to introduce you to two new lines here at pinch. Elisabethan: Clothes with a History, by designer/recycler Elisabeth Delehaunty of Western Colorado and Sugarboo Designs by the husband/wife duo, Rick and Rebecca Puig, of Buckhead, Georgia. Delehaunty says of her designs, "The nature of our raw materials makes each Elisabethan piece unique. Fabric, trims, and buttons are harvested from existing items. They may have previously been a dress, drapery or vintage yardage stashed in your grandmother’s sewing room." Rebecca and Rick describe their mission to "make handmade products that add soul to a home."

Stop by pinch to check out our new artist's work and our recent interior paint job!

FIELD OF VIEW reception

2009-03-29T15:20:00.004-04:00

Our March 13th Arts Night Out reception for local architect and photographer Rachael Alexander Chase was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came out. If you missed the show, do not worry, pinch still carries a wide variety of Rachael's work. Stop on in to see them!

Pictured: pinch owner Jena Sujat with lady of the hour, Rachel Alexander Chase.

March Arts Night Out -- FIELD OF VIEW

2009-03-09T15:31:00.003-04:00

FIELD OF VIEW: Photographs by Rachael Alexander Chase

Opening Reception THIS FRIDAY March 13th 6-9 p.m.

We are pleased to present the alluring photography of Rachael Alexander Chase whose digital photo prints, with their lush colors and air of mystery, bring an original and haunting view of our rich local landscape.

Join us to meet the artist and for the opening reception of her work on Arts Night Out, Friday, March 13, 6:00 - 9:00. We'll be happy to see you.

About her recent photography, Ms. Chase has this to say:

"Owning a dog connects me with the land around me in significant ways. Each morning and each evening I walk a path behind my house, and experience the changing green of the landscape and the changing light of the day and season. Going back to the same place each day has become a ritual; about two years ago I started recording the experience with photographs that documented the space and time. As an everyday occurrence, the camera on my phone was the most accessible tool, and one I always had on me. I found that the lower resolution blended the colors and shapes into images that truly reflected my experience in their magical qualities. The images are printed directly from my phone, with no manipulation of colors or blurriness. I love that a high tech tool from modern life can take images that become painterly in their low tech representation."

A Pinch Peace Offering!

2008-12-17T14:19:00.004-05:00

Come enjoy our PINCH PEACE OFFERING Holiday Special! 30% OFF* every other piece you purchase!

*30% off item of equal or lesser value, now through Dec 24th. Offer not to be combined with other discounts.

Shown here: Tamara Baskin fused glass menorah and clay necklace by Louise Fischer Cozzi.

Thankful at Pinch!

2008-11-25T13:57:00.004-05:00

Join us in the coming days to see new work by familiar artists and by artists new to Pinch which is ready and waiting to bring some joy. As I stand here writing this someone says to her companion, "this is a happy store - I love to come here." We love to have you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Three clique tiles from Ed & Kate Coleman

Scraffito bird platter by Molly Cantor

Oxidized sterling silver and pearl flower pendant by Kathy Frey

September Arts Night Out!

2008-09-10T11:37:00.003-04:00

The season is turning and our town is stirring in response to autumn, unmistakable, in the air. We have new work arriving at Pinch every day and look forward each day to opening boxes, unwrapping pieces and finding the perfect places for them throughout the store. Come and see.

I’m really excited about our first Arts Night Out of the season this Friday, September 12, from 6-9 p.m. We’re showing the work of Rhode Island School of Design-trained Loren Chen of Three Wheel Studio, whose art we are happy to carry at Pinch. These are some excerpts from Loren’s artist’s statement:

"I was born in a little farming village in the southern part of Taiwan into a family that encouraged my artistic endeavors. My greatest childhood dream was to become a bohemian painter working on the streets of Paris. It is to my greatest surprise that I now find myself to be a studio potter living in New England...Recently I have become more comfortable calling myself a studio potter. It happened because one day when I opened up my kiln I found an almost perfect little tea bowl with just the right glaze. To a potter, that was a perfect day."

Loren will be bringing functional work from both his Leaves and Dots & Checkers series along with more non-functional sculptural pieces that will surprise and delight us.

Featured artists at Pinch!

2008-07-11T09:58:00.010-04:00

Recycled vintage tea, tobacco and food tins are refashioned into one-of-a-kind jewelry by Kari of Fat Cat Studio, Texas.

Handmade ceramic switchplates and outlet covers from All Fired Up of Canada.

Frances Smersh's pigmented concrete and pearl necklace. Real Girls Wear Concrete and Pearls.

Local Northampton artisan Donnabelle Designs' unique enamel pendants and earrings.

Michael McCarthy Ceramics

2008-04-23T13:13:00.005-04:00

Showing at Pinch May 9 – June 22

Reception with the artist
Friday, May 9
6-9 p.m.

Pinch will be featuring the functional ceramics of Cummington, Massachusetts-based potter Michael McCarthy from May 9 – June 22. An array of forms will be shown, including delicate mugs, large serving bowls, covered jars and elegantly-handled vases. McCarthy works in a variety of glazes in both stoneware and porcelain clay bodies.

McCarthy, born in 1974 in Albany, New York, refers to a 1995 trip to Greece as an important event in his pottery career. The utilitarian unadorned Greek pots impressed McCarthy, as compared to pots typically appreciated by historians and collectors. This appreciation for form and usefulness is apparent in McCarthy’s pottery now, thirteen years later.

From 2000 to 2003, McCarthy apprenticed with Mark Shapiro, where he both assisted Shapiro and spent long hours developing his own technique and style. In contrast to Shapiro’s decorations, McCarthy’s only additions are horizontal bands or ridges that succeed in highlighting the pot’s form.

McCarthy was featured in the February 2008 Ceramics Monthly, where writer Scott Norris, describes his own experience with McCarthy’s pottery,

A small porcelain bowl, with a pale celadon glaze and walls that are translucent in the light, is the first bowl I use every day. Made by Michael McCarthy, the bowl is shaped by four evenly-spaced thumb prints pressing outward below the rim. The distortion is subtle, yet it transforms the bowl from a round object into something approaching but not quite reaching, a square. The bowl hovers between regularity and irregularity, delicate in appearance and comfortable in my hand.

Please join Michael McCarthy for his opening reception at Pinch, on Friday, May 9 from 6-9 p.m.

New work. New ideas.

2008-04-15T18:05:00.006-04:00

New line of clocks, card holders, bottle openers, key chains and bracelets, all made from recycled bicycle parts on a farm in Oregon.

New ceramics from Ed & Kate Coleman of North Carolina feature small and large "clique" tiles and mugs. All handmade and one-of-a-kind!

Made in NYC by Josh Bach, these are neckties you'll want to wear. Featuring the following designs: the How to Tie a Tie tie, Paper Airplanes, Space Invaders, Pirate, DaVinci & Black Sheep.

Springtime at Pinch

2008-03-06T13:47:00.003-05:00

New from Metal Monk of New York. Handmade vintage-inspired jewelry
featuring plastic, sterling silver and semi-precious stones.

Just in! The Spring 2008 collection from Maruca, handmade in
Colorado. Exciting new prints and new bag designs.

New pottery! Handmade by Chris Campbell of North Carolina, these porcelain vessels are made using the ancient millefiori technique of layering colored clays, then slicing and shaping. They cast a beautiful translucent glow with a tealight inside.

Pinch on Holiday!

2007-12-08T17:03:00.001-05:00

Lovely glass ornaments from Poland and the Czech Republic.

Adorable bird boxes based on the designs of Wendy Addison.

For your beach-themed tree, flamingos, beach chairs and palm trees.

December features at Pinch

2007-11-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Meet our new favorite pottery! Stoneware with glaze-painted animals, insects and sea creatures, with pops of color. By Hanna Niswonger, Massachusetts.

Come to Pinch for handmade ornaments! These beautiful ones are artist-designed and handpainted with beautiful nature and holiday themes.

The Tea Party returns to Pinch!

2007-09-13T15:02:00.000-04:00

The Tea Party returns to Pinch Friday, October 5th. “The Tea Party Revisited: Focus on Function” is curated by former Pinch owner Donald Clark and hosted at Pinch by new owner, Jena Sujat. Donald and Jena invite you to an opening reception with the artists Friday, October 5th from 6 – 9 p.m. The show will run through December 31st.

Pinch Pottery held its first teapot show in 1979. The teapot was a good way to bring together the varied work of many artists in a show held together by a similar form. The enthusiastic response to that show from both the participating artists and visitors led to the annual teapot exhibitions that attracted growing attention from artists, the public, the press and collectors.

The teapot form has always been a staple in the production of the clay artist. Its rules: to create a vessel with a cavity, spout, lid and handle are always a challenge and motivator. Between 1979 and the present hundreds of artists have shown their work in the annual “A Tea Party” exhibitions at Pinch Pottery and then P!NCH. These survey shows served to chronicle the growth and development of the teapot form. The strong response of collectors to the form spurred artists on to new heights. The teapot form often evolved away from function yet always remaining conceptually correct with a cavity, spout, lid and handle.

In this show we have brought together a group of teapots made by potters who have continued to make teapots that are totally functional. Many of these potters have made a life long commitment to studio pottery and to creating beautiful functional objects for daily use. We are confident you will enjoy their work.

Donald Clark, Curator
Jena Sujat, Pinch

This year's show will include functional teapots by the following ceramic artists: Stanley Mace Anderson, Dan Bellow, Molly Cantor, Dwo Wen Chen, Solveig Cox, Angela Fina, Ellen Grenadier, Anita Griffith, Gary Grosenbeck, Megan Hart, Heerspink & Porter Pottery, Tom Homann, Kristen Kieffer, Loretta Lanquet, Michael McCarthy, Donna McGee, Rob Parrott, Brenda Quinn, Michael Roseberry, Bill Sax, Mark Shapiro, Eric Smith, Michael Terra for Terra Cottage, Heather Van Horn and Eric Hendrick for z-pots, Barbara Walch, Tom White, Bruce Winn.

Teapots featured above, clockwise from top: Molly Cantor, Dwo Wen Chen, Brenda Quinn, Donna McGee.

August features at Pinch

2007-08-16T14:35:00.000-04:00

New! Cherry Ceramics from Christina Cherry, Bronx, NY. Functional shapes and incredibly vibrant glazes.

New! Table linens from Pot Luck Studios, Pittsfield, MA. 100% cotton, machine wash and dry.

2007 Top Retailer Award!

2007-08-16T13:54:00.000-04:00

Pinch has won a 2007 Top Retailer Award from NICHE magazine!

The national awards program recognized 33 retailers and gallery owners this year. This award is particularly exciting for us here at Pinch because it represents the voices of the more than 18,000 professional fine craft artists throughout the U.S. and Canada, who nominated nearly 600 galleries, retail stores, arts nonprofits, museums and guilds for the NICHE Top Retailer Awards.

These awards recognize craft retailers who are committed to growing and strengthening the American craft community, which is a value Pinch embraces wholeheartedly. “I am honored to recognize this year's winners,” noted Wendy Rosen, publisher of NICHE magazine. “Their commitment to American crafts ensures the continued growth of the arts and small businesses in communities throughout the country." NICHE is published by The Rosen Group, a Baltimore-based arts marketing, publishing and advocacy firm.

A complete list of winners and the judging criteria is available at www.AmericanCraft.com.

July features at Pinch

2007-07-01T17:02:00.000-04:00

Sarah Ahearn of Ithaca, NY: Visit pinch to see Sarah's handpainted houses, original paintings and limited edition prints.

Alexandra Geller of Florence, MA: pinch is currently featuring the latest functional dinnerware, chip & dip sets and mugs. High-fire stoneware and lovely colors, microwave and dishwasher safe.

Molly Cantor of Shelburne Falls and Spencer Peterman of Greenfield: Currently featuring the latest pottery from Molly Cantor and spaulted maple cutting boards from Spencer Peterman.

You're Invited!

2007-07-01T16:57:00.000-04:00

From June 20 through July 22nd, Pinch will be featuring the ceramic wall art of Florence artist Jessica Feldheim. Pinch will host a reception with the artist on July 13 from 5 - 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Jessica Feldheim received her MFA from Syracuse University and as been an artist in residence at the La Muse in France in 2006, the Vermont Studio Center in 2002 and the Arad Arts Project in Israel in 1997. She has had numerous solo exhibitions in Massachusetts, New York and France. In addition to her mosaic, ceramic and drawing work, Ms. Feldheim owns Coloure, an Arhitectural Color Consultation business in Florence.

Regarding her current body of work currently at Pinch, Ms. Feldheim says, "The artwork that I create today is based on the tradition of the Icon. The pieces are one-of-a-kind mixed media mosaic wall-pieces for both public and private spaces. I strive to embody the spiritual into the physical, without referring to any specific religion or dogma. My goal is to bring light, beauty and color into the world with a childlike splendor. The predominant material I work with is clay, but I also use glass, metal, stone, resin and found objects. I like to use materials that are highly reflective so that when the work hangs it bounces light back as it glistens. The individual Icon pieces are cast out of jewel-like objects embedded in a crystal clear resin. The Icons are surrounded by brightly colored handmade field tile and set into a hand-carved clay frame."

You're Invited!

2007-05-29T08:17:00.000-04:00

Pinch will be featuring the flower-arranging porcelain objects from Amherst potter, Angela Fina from May 25-June 17. We will have a reception with Angela Friday June 8 from 5 - 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Angela Fina has been a full time, self supporting potter since 1979. She works in high temperature porcelain specializing in beautiful, colorful glazes. The chemistry and formulation of glazes has been her lifelong pursuit. The themes in Angela's work are simplicity of form and practical utility. Most of her work is thrown individually on the potters wheel, the rest being hand built from slabs or extrusions. Angela Fina makes pots for serving and eating food including casseroles, teapots, all sorts of bowls and dinnerware and other useful domestic ware. All are food safe. Angela Fina also makes containers for Ikebana flower arrangers as well as American style arrangers. Angela continually researches the forms and colors these floral artists need.

Angela teaches workshops at all levels on throwing porcelain, and on glazing and glaze formulation. The list of her publications and awards is in her resume. A one hour documentary DVD of Angela is available from NCECA.