An unprecedented exhibition of metals work from across the continental United States, “Amalgamate,” was hosted by Slocumb Galleries on Wednesday.
The name of the exhibition, which is defined as “the merging of metals as in an amalgam,” was a national gathering of metalsmiths at ETSU.
“We wanted the theme to convey a merging of the different metals, and different approaches used in the work,” said Alison Pack, director of Slocumb Galleries.
Individuals attending other universities currently enrolled in metals programs were invited to join in the exhibition.
“For this show professors around the country nominated students to participate in the show, and students personally chose which piece they wanted to exhibit,” Pack said.
With an astounding amount of variety from the many participants in the show, Amalgamate included jewelry, hollowware, sculpture and combined mixed media.
The show was an opportunity for metal professors across the country to select students and recent graduates from both B.F.A. and M.F.A. programs that were doing outstanding and cutting edge work in the field.
Many of ETSU’s own metals majors were excited about the exhibition. “The work is incredible as a whole,” said Melissa Stallard, senior. “It’s something that I’m really amazed with.”
Overall, the exhibition was an excellent overview of the different aesthetic and technical approaches that are currently taking place in university and college metal programs throughout the country. The show will be on display in Slocumb Galleries, in Ball Hall, until Oct. 23.
Untitled work pictured above by Gary W. Mark and photographed by John Palmer Gregg.

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