Cinema | J. Fred Woell: An American Vision

A new documentary film directed by Richard Kane, J. Fred Woell: An American Vision celebrates the pioneering metal artist who created work with wit, satire, and meaning. This screening, which marks the film’s New York premiere, will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and special guests Glenn Adamson, Helen Drutt, and Paul J. Smith, moderated by MAD’s Assistant Curator Barbara Paris Gifford.

In 1965, J. Fred Woell took his cast silver jewelry to New York City galleries and was turned down flat. “Use gold or forget it,” they said. A confirmed contrarian, Woell vowed to make jewelry from material of no value, inspiring the term “anti-jewelry.” Nearly fifty years later, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

J. Fred Woell: An American Vision chronicles Woell’s life and artwork, which is now housed in permanent collections across the country and internationally, including at the Museum of Arts and Design. Woell has inspired generations of students through positions at Boston University, the Swain School of Design, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and SUNY New Paltz, as well as through his many workshops and mentorships.











When: Thu., Mar. 29, 2018 at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Museum of Arts and Design
2 Columbus Circle
212-299-7777
Price: $15 general / $10 members and students
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A new documentary film directed by Richard Kane, J. Fred Woell: An American Vision celebrates the pioneering metal artist who created work with wit, satire, and meaning. This screening, which marks the film’s New York premiere, will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and special guests Glenn Adamson, Helen Drutt, and Paul J. Smith, moderated by MAD’s Assistant Curator Barbara Paris Gifford.

In 1965, J. Fred Woell took his cast silver jewelry to New York City galleries and was turned down flat. “Use gold or forget it,” they said. A confirmed contrarian, Woell vowed to make jewelry from material of no value, inspiring the term “anti-jewelry.” Nearly fifty years later, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of North American Goldsmiths.

J. Fred Woell: An American Vision chronicles Woell’s life and artwork, which is now housed in permanent collections across the country and internationally, including at the Museum of Arts and Design. Woell has inspired generations of students through positions at Boston University, the Swain School of Design, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and SUNY New Paltz, as well as through his many workshops and mentorships.

Buy tickets/get more info now