This article appeared in the Dec. 8, 2005 Jewish Advocate.

Menorahs on display at B.A.C.:

Center showcases spirited work of Vermont artist

SUSIE DAVIDSON

It is often said that surgeons are artists at heart. Piper Strong

observed the wonders of touch while growing up on a working horse farm

in New Hampshire, where her father, a renowned horse doctor, had an

equine practice. She went on to design hand-finished Judaic art pieces

of brass, copper and steel, which she painted with vibrant, water-based

enamel surfaces. From Dec. 1-18, her custom gift works will be premiered

at the Brookline Arts Center’s Crafts Showcase. She also displays work

at Kolbo in Brookline.

“Piper creates unique and functional sculpture for the home - from

candlesticks to tables - as well as a variety of beautiful Judaica,”

said Susan Navarre, the Center’s Executive Director. “We are very

honored that Piper intends to make some custom pieces uniquely for our

show,” added Isabella Frost, who chairs the annual Showcase.

Based in Walden, Vermont, Strong, who heads Strong Metal Works, attended Berwick Academy in Maine, holds a B.F.A. from the Portland School of Art, and an M.F.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. “My student work focused on myth and its meaning through the ages,” she said.

“This evolved into my fascination with belief and how it helps us to

celebrate and shape our lives.” She carried this focus into her work

when she began crafting menorahs 15 years ago for the Nancy Margolis

Gallery in Portland, Maine. “I wanted them to be art,” she said,

“and as alive as the stories that had been told for generations. I try

to define The Festival of Lights with a spirit from the past, and a

reflective joy.”

Strong also creates art objects that celebrate everyday life. She

actually draws in metal, explaining that over the last ten years, metal

work has evolved into a limitless medium, one that, for her, defies

gravity. Strong also believes that Judaic art has only recently broken

free from its longtime perception as practical and functional ceremonial

piecework. “I am particularly interested in the new approach to

ceremonial items, such as menorahs, mezuzahs, tzedakah boxes, seder

plates and Elijah's cups, as imagery art that can be displayed and

enjoyed year round,” she said.

The B.A.C. will host a Preview Reception, where guests can get a start

on holiday purchasing, on Nov. 30 from 6-9 p.m., with food from Paris

Creperie, Zaftig’s, Choice Catering & Events, wine from the Wine

Gallery, and music by the Charles River Clarinet Quartet. During the

Exhibit’s run, a Dec. 11 Jazz Brunch with Tom Pendergast will also be

held from 10 a.m.-noon, with donated food from Whole Foods Market,

Starbucks, Shaw’s and Stop & Shop. During the brunch, artists Barnett

Berliner and Katie Shotzbarger will receive “Treasure” awards,

honoring their work with the Center.

The Brookline Arts Center is located at 86 Monmouth St. in the St.

Mary’s section of Brookline. Admission to the exhibit is free;

Reception tickets are $20 per person or $25 at the door; Jazz Brunch

tickets are $35 per person. Showcase hours will be Thursdays, noon-8

p.m. and Fridays and Sundays, noon-6 p.m. For more information, call

617-566-5715 or visit www.Brooklineartscenter.com.

The programs of the Brookline Arts Center, which is funded in part by

the Massachusetts Cultural Council, are partially sponsored by the

Brookline Commission for the Arts and the Brookline Community

Foundation.