RECLAIMetalsmithing from WI to NYC

My name is Adam and I am a metalsmith working with reclaimed materials. I love discovering new ways to repurpose materials that are so often discarded. My mechanical background and life-long hobby of taking things apart to see how they work has lead me to where I am now working full time for Habitat for Humanity and practicing my art/craft in the after-hours. I need your help to take the next big step out of the studio and the local art scene and into the eyes of a new audience.

My metalwork is most often in the form of sculptural vessels and jewelry most commonly made from repurposed metals such as Copper and Brass. The work I've produced has gained quite a bit of interest in what materials I use and what methods I implement to achieve volumous objects out of typically flat metal sheets.
"Window to Ankh" (window to the soul)- 2013
Raised copper, brass and tin hollowware vessel with brass zipper, award plaque, printing plate and brass tray.

Frequently, local artists, friends, family and patrons alike have often suggested that I'm in the wrong market and I should be in more "high-brow" venues and events.

Much of my trouble, aside from marketing to small town Wisconsin, is that I need to explain how my work is actually made in order to avoid the usual comments about my work as if it is ceramic or cast metal. Medievel blacksmiths used similar techniques to form metal for suits of armor and I have implemented many of these same techniques and tools to create sculptural vessels that appear dense but which are actually hollow, double-walled art objects.

I have been invited, for the third year in a row, to participate in either the American Concern for Artistry and Craftsmanship's Annual CRAFT and FINE ART FESTIVAL at THE NASSAU COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART on Roslyn Harbor, New York or I can enter into the AMERICAN CRAFTS FESTIVAL at LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS -Columbus Avenue at 64th Street, New York . I've declined the show the past two years, due to lack of money to afford the booth fee and the travel required. The minimum booth space I need is $710 and driving my display booth, along with staying the weekend in New York, isn't cheap to begin with.

My dilemma is that I don't want to risk missing the opportunity if they decide to not invite me again after turning down the invite time after time. My deadline to submit a deposit of $175 is due by January 4th 2017, this deadline has been met. I have accepted the invitation for the 41st AMERICAN CRAFTS FESTIVAL at LINCOLN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. I have until April 20th before the money needs to be in the account to pay for the $710 booth space and later to pay the gas, tolls, food, lodging and misc. travel expenses.
I really need your help to make this dream come true and to reach a new audience of affluent patrons. It is a difficult task asking people to give their hard earned money to support my goals. I don't like asking but I'm begging for help to secure this opportunity, which most likely will be the greatest learning experience in my career as a metal artist specializing in an old and dying process known as "raising".

My goal is to reach $2500 by April 20th 2017

I would like to continue, on a full-time basis, making art that reflects upon our past and also reminds us how to be good stewards of what we have been provided. No matter how rich or how poor, we can all work towards a more sustainable future and I want to spread that message to others, and would greatly appreciate your getting a foot in the door for me.

A thousand thanks for your consideration.

-Adam O.
www.adamoldre.com
Fb: art of adam oldre

"Jormungandr" - 2016
Raised copper viking ship with cast brass head, tail and steering oar, repurposed roofing copper, light fixture wire, lamp parts, copper water pipe and metal casket remnants.