ArtSpace/Lima announces the opening of ArtSpace/Pops 2013: A Fine Craft Invitational in The Ellen Nelson Gallery, Friday, Aug. 2.

ArtSpace/Pops features all new works by 22 area craftsmen and women in a joint showing, which builds on the success of its predecessors in 2011 and 2012. Several of the artists are from Bluffton or have local connections. 

Artists on display work in wood, metal, clay, paper, fabric, and various jewelry-oriented combinations of metals and beads.  Artists for the show include: Sarah Baechtle, Kay Boiarski, Joseph Bonifas, Bruce Chesser, Melissa Eddings, Ed Corle, Judy Decker, Jack Earl, Anna Fisher, Jodi Knoch, Mike Kozumplik, Kim Leopold, James Mellick, Robert Minto, Yasue Sakaoka, Taylor Schlabach, Luke Sheets, Steve Smith, Kaname Takada, Sumiko Takada, Les Thede and Marvin Thorp. 

All of the craftspersons in the exhibit are from Ohio and several have been award-winners in earlier ArtSpace shows.

The emphasis of the exhibit is on “fine” crafts:  work that exhibits the same imaginative creativity, the same attention to detail and the same understanding of medium as any art must do.   

The exhibit will run through Sept. 14.

There will be a reception for the artists on Saturday, Aug. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

ArtSpace/Lima is a not-for-profit arts organization with a mission to promote the arts in northwest Ohio and to provide artists with a venue to present and to sell their work.   ArtSpace/Lima is supported in part by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council.  For further information on ArtSpace/Pops 2013 or information regarding other ArtSpace/Lima programs, please call Bill Sullivan, Operations Manager, at ArtSpace/Lima 419-222-1721.