Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta to Honor White House Artist Philip Moulthrop and Wife Renee at Gala Benefit
March 6, 2008
ATLANTA, March 6, 2008 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) will honor Renée and Philip Moulthrop on Thursday, March 13, at the American Craft Council’s Opening Night Preview Party. The party is hosted at the Cobb Galleria and sponsored by Gas South.
Moulthrop is an Atlanta native and esteemed American turned-wood artisan whose work, (“mosaic vessel,” pictured below), is part of the permanent White House Collection on Fine American Craft. In addition to the White House, museums such as the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, the Yale University Art Gallery and the National Museum of American Art all count Moulthrop’s work among their permanent collections.
“I know firsthand the impact a mentor can have on a child’s life,” Moulthrop said. “I am honored to be working with BGCMA. It’s been a wonderful experience to share what I love with the next generation of artists and watch them grow and evolve.”
The Moulthrop contribution to American fine crafts spans three generations. Moulthrop’s father, Ed, was a pioneering wood-turning artist whose work helped transform the genre into a widely respected art form. Additionally, Moulthrop’s son, Matt, is an emerging turned-wood artist, who has exhibited nationally and been featured in publications such as Southern Living.
The preview party is being co-chaired by Swan Coach House Curator Marianne Lambert, and Spruill Center for the Arts Board President Tania Becker. “The preview party has been a much-anticipated tradition in the Atlanta arts community,” Lambert said. “Tania and I are thrilled to bring back this beloved opening night event, which benefits such a great cause.”
The Opening Night Preview Party will include a benefit raffle, featuring one of Philip’s signature bowls, and a special book signing of Moulthrop: A Legacy in Wood. All proceeds from the Opening Night.
Preview Party will benefit BGCMA’s art & cultural enrichment programs. Event tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.youthartconnection.org.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta operates 24 Clubs in 12 metro counties in addition to Camp Kiwanis and Youth Art Connection, a gallery and workspace for young artists. A trained and professional staff serves more than 17,000 youth annually by offering specialized programming and a safe haven for at-risk and underprivileged children and teens. Memberships cost only $35 per school year but scholarships are available for those who need assistance. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org.
About the American Craft Council
The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a 2006 leadership conference on craft, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, a specialized library, workshops and seminars. More than 200 new and established artists will present their latest handcrafted jewelry, clothing, furniture, home décor, and more at The American Craft Show in Atlanta at its new venue – Cobb Galleria Centre.
About Gas South
Gas South is a locally owned and operated natural gas company, serving over 165,000 residential, business, and governmental customers in the state of Georgia. Gas South strives to help its customers “Get Comfortable” every day, with outstanding service and great rates. For more information, visit www.gas-south.com.