Hello Friends,
In keeping with easier, more fun communication technology, I will be phasing out of this blog and switching over to the below sites. Not that I've been very consistent with this one, but hopefully the new sites will be better and more regular.
For general information: https://harrybertoiafoundation.myshopify.com/
For stories on recent happenings: https://social.shorthand.com/Harry_Bertoia/
For a while, I'll post a directional notice here until this blog dies.
Thank you!
Celia
Sunday, October 16, 2016
The Pickers Guide to Real Bertoia Chairs
For all you pickers, estate sale nuts, and general Bertoia chair fans,
We now have an article that lines out the main details to look for in an authentic Bertoia for Knoll chair. See:
https://harrybertoiafoundation.myshopify.com/pages/chairs
We now have an article that lines out the main details to look for in an authentic Bertoia for Knoll chair. See:
https://harrybertoiafoundation.myshopify.com/pages/chairs
Bertoia lecture in Tucson
Hello Friends!
I'll be speaking about my father Harry Bertoia, the history of the chairs, and an overview of his other works. We'll have limited edition jewelry and books available. Bring your friends! We always have a good time.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Harry Bertoia presentations in Florida
Celia will speak on her father's work and life, and especially chairs, at:
Design Within Reach (sponsored by Knoll)
Wednesday, September 14, 5:30 to 7:30
230 Clematis St
West Palm Beach, FL
561 833 1799
OR
Knoll Miami
Thursday, September 15, 5:30
200 S Biscayne Blvd, Ste 1700
Miami, FL
305 571 0900
RSVP to Janine:
jcleveland@knoll.com
We'll have The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia books and limited edition jewelry available for sale.
See you there!
Design Within Reach (sponsored by Knoll)
Wednesday, September 14, 5:30 to 7:30
230 Clematis St
West Palm Beach, FL
561 833 1799
OR
Knoll Miami
Thursday, September 15, 5:30
200 S Biscayne Blvd, Ste 1700
Miami, FL
305 571 0900
RSVP to Janine:
jcleveland@knoll.com
We'll have The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia books and limited edition jewelry available for sale.
See you there!
Monday, June 13, 2016
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BERTOIA SCULPTURE
Let's say you have an original
Bertoia sculpture. First off, congratulations on your good taste and wise
investment! Secondly, you may wonder how to best care for your piece. It
depends on what's going on.
DUST & GRIME: Unless you have a fragile delicate piece, most Bertoias can stand a gentle spray of plain water. Take it outside, turn on your spray hose and wash it down. Make sure to dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. You won't want to leave water spots or give it a chance to rust. If it's still really grimy, take a dab of mild dish soap (such as Ivory Liquid) and mix with warm water. With an old toothbrush or gentle brush, lightly scrub your sculpture. It may be difficult to reach inside or deep in the curves, but just do your best. Then rinse with plain water, and then dry it off. Most metal sculptures are fairly robust. Unless you use intense chemicals, you probably won't hurt it.
DISCOLORATION, RUST, WHITE SPOTS: HarryBertoia foundation recommends a cleaning product called CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust) to remove light spots. Follow instructions on the container. Don't let it sit on the surface for too long as it may begin to eat away at the metal or the patina. Do NOT use sandpaper or a metal brush – it is too rough and will destroy the surface of the metal. If your sculpture has acquired an undesirable greenish coating, the above should help.
NON-PATINATED METAL: If you have, for example, a sounding sculpture that was once shiny and bright but has darkened considerably, it is OK to shine it up again, in our opinion. If you plan to sell it soon, or place it in an exhibition, or display it publicly, it would be best to check with your auctioneer or museum director, as they may have other ideas. The metal polish called MAAS (available at www.maasinc.com) works really well. Follow package directions. Make sure you get all the polish off and rub with a soft clean cloth.
CENTENNIAL TABLE TONAL: These limited edition sculptures are not patinated, so you can polish them as desired, as specified above for non-patinated metal. If your piece has collected dust or pet hair between the rods, take a strip of cloth or Q-tip and slide it back and forth until the dust is removed.
BENT ROD: If a rod of a tonal has accidentally been bent out of place or pushed in, disrupting the orderly placement, you can bend it back with patience and gentleness. Simply pull, or push, about halfway up the rod, in the opposite direction slightly further than the original position. If it’s in the middle and you can only reach the top of the rod, then go ahead and put your finger on top of it and push slightly past the right place. Make sure you don’t mistakenly pull along a straight rod. If it's still not right, do it again. Do it in small increments. Once you are satisfied with the position, that’s all there is to it. If they are too damaged you will need to have a professional handle it. If the rod is bent at an angle, chances are slim that you will be able to repair it because it may break before you can get it back in position.
DUST & GRIME: Unless you have a fragile delicate piece, most Bertoias can stand a gentle spray of plain water. Take it outside, turn on your spray hose and wash it down. Make sure to dry thoroughly with a clean cloth. You won't want to leave water spots or give it a chance to rust. If it's still really grimy, take a dab of mild dish soap (such as Ivory Liquid) and mix with warm water. With an old toothbrush or gentle brush, lightly scrub your sculpture. It may be difficult to reach inside or deep in the curves, but just do your best. Then rinse with plain water, and then dry it off. Most metal sculptures are fairly robust. Unless you use intense chemicals, you probably won't hurt it.
DISCOLORATION, RUST, WHITE SPOTS: HarryBertoia foundation recommends a cleaning product called CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust) to remove light spots. Follow instructions on the container. Don't let it sit on the surface for too long as it may begin to eat away at the metal or the patina. Do NOT use sandpaper or a metal brush – it is too rough and will destroy the surface of the metal. If your sculpture has acquired an undesirable greenish coating, the above should help.
NON-PATINATED METAL: If you have, for example, a sounding sculpture that was once shiny and bright but has darkened considerably, it is OK to shine it up again, in our opinion. If you plan to sell it soon, or place it in an exhibition, or display it publicly, it would be best to check with your auctioneer or museum director, as they may have other ideas. The metal polish called MAAS (available at www.maasinc.com) works really well. Follow package directions. Make sure you get all the polish off and rub with a soft clean cloth.
CENTENNIAL TABLE TONAL: These limited edition sculptures are not patinated, so you can polish them as desired, as specified above for non-patinated metal. If your piece has collected dust or pet hair between the rods, take a strip of cloth or Q-tip and slide it back and forth until the dust is removed.
BENT ROD: If a rod of a tonal has accidentally been bent out of place or pushed in, disrupting the orderly placement, you can bend it back with patience and gentleness. Simply pull, or push, about halfway up the rod, in the opposite direction slightly further than the original position. If it’s in the middle and you can only reach the top of the rod, then go ahead and put your finger on top of it and push slightly past the right place. Make sure you don’t mistakenly pull along a straight rod. If it's still not right, do it again. Do it in small increments. Once you are satisfied with the position, that’s all there is to it. If they are too damaged you will need to have a professional handle it. If the rod is bent at an angle, chances are slim that you will be able to repair it because it may break before you can get it back in position.
PROFESSIONAL REPAIRS: If your art is badly damaged or in need of
serious conservation, there is hope. There may be capable metalsmiths or art
conservators in your area, but we have found experienced Bertoia repair
sources:
Good luck!
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Give Big Gallatin Valley May 3rd
GIVE BIG GALLATIN VALLEY (BOZEMAN, MT)
On May 3rd, the Bozeman Area Community Foundation is
supporting local foundations with a community-wide fund raising effort, Give
Big Gallatin Valley. Perhaps you’ve heard it on the radio, seen it in the paper,
or noted it on Facebook.
HarryBertoia Foundation is participating for the first time
in this wonderful local event. If you enjoy the HarryBertoia Foundation’s
offerings and support their work, this is your chance to show it.
The DONOR LOUNGE OPEN HOUSE is from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at 2791
Butch Cassidy Drive, Bozeman, MT, in Outlaw Subdivision (near the airport).
View numerous original Bertoias, sit in a Bertoia chair, purchase a signed copy
of The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia, and get a better idea of what we do and
what he did. Don’t feel pressured to donate if you just want to see what’s
happening – please come visit!
Here is how it works. Three ways to give big:
1. Give online: Go to www.givebiggv.org and find HarryBertoia and give big!
Enter HarryBertoia in upper right and click on give big.
2. Give a gift of cash or check: Go
to our Check Donation Station (new this year!)
from 10am - 4pm at First Interstate Bank (202 W. Main St.) on May 3rd only. Make out your check to BACF (Bozeman
Area Community Foundation) with HarryBertoia in the memo line.
3. Donor Lounges: Go
to the Donor Lounge, give online and get a free incentive for giving! A
win-win! Our Donor Lounge is from 3 – 5
pm at 2791 Butch Cassidy Drive. Go out the Frontage Road toward the airport
and turn north on Nelson Road, then right into Outlaw Subdivision.
Hope to see you there!
Monday, April 4, 2016
Tempe Talk on Bertoia, April 21st
Daughter Celia Bertoia will speak about her father’s life and work with the aid of photos and a few original pieces and furniture. She will be signing her books, The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia; the Man, the Artist, the Visionary, and will also have some limited edition Bertoia jewelry items for sale.
There will be ample chance to ask questions and mingle. Sponsored by Knoll and held in their showroom in Tempe. Booksigning 5:30 pm, lecture 6:30 pm on April 21st. Note the time change - it begins at 5:30, not 5:00 as stated on some flyers. 74 E Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 300, Tempe, AZ.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
More on Real vs. Knock-off chairs
Soon, I will post a blog that gives a lot more tips on finding the real deal in chairs. Someone asked when the Knoll inscription began on the frame. It was sometime in the mid 90's is what I've heard, but am trying to verify that with Knoll. More coming...
Friday, December 11, 2015
Knoll label on chairs
You ask if the "Knoll" can be worn off of the chairs. Knoll began imprinting their brand name on the frame sometime in the 1990s. Before that time, there was no imprint. It is doubtful that it would wear off by normal use, as it is fairly robust, but it could be filed off, I suppose. Don't know why anyone would do that. Good luck!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
New Link to Phoenix event
Oops, they changed the link to the Phoenix Museum link:
http://www.phxart.org/event/a928edfe-ed22-c07f-6252-7d2889332bce
http://www.phxart.org/event/a928edfe-ed22-c07f-6252-7d2889332bce
Monday, November 23, 2015
PHOENIX Art Museum Bertoia Lecture
Come to a presentation on...
Wednesday December 16, 7:00 pm at the Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004-1685 (602) 257-1880
From the Backbone of Italy to the Icon of Design
Celia Bertoia speaks of her father Harry Bertoia and how his childhood country Italy influenced his psyche and career.
This will be a different perspective of my father's work; that of how a rural hardworking village effected his development. Harry loved Italy and was able to return only one time after he left at age 15. One of his dying wishes was for his sister to carry his message back to San Lorenzo and tell them how much he appreciated growing up there and had never forgotten them. Hope to see you there!
http://tickets.phxart.org/public/default.asp
Wednesday December 16, 7:00 pm at the Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004-1685 (602) 257-1880
From the Backbone of Italy to the Icon of Design
Celia Bertoia speaks of her father Harry Bertoia and how his childhood country Italy influenced his psyche and career.
This will be a different perspective of my father's work; that of how a rural hardworking village effected his development. Harry loved Italy and was able to return only one time after he left at age 15. One of his dying wishes was for his sister to carry his message back to San Lorenzo and tell them how much he appreciated growing up there and had never forgotten them. Hope to see you there!
http://tickets.phxart.org/public/default.asp
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Bertoia Events in Denver September 11, 12
Join me for a book signing and also a presentation in Denver to learn more about the man behind the designs. Plus we'll have a few Bertoia originals to view and touch. Come say hello!
City Stack Books & Coffee, 1743 Wazee St, Denver, The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia; the Man, the Artist, the Visionary book signing, Friday September 11, 3:00. No charge.
Denver Modernism Show, National Western Complex Expo Hall Level 2, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver near the Coliseum, Saturday September 12, 2:00. Celia Bertoia and Susan Saarinen, Daughters of Design, speak on their fathers, main stage, entry fee by the day or weekend. After the presentation, Susan and I will have a book signing.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Bozeman Book Signing August 22
The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia; the Man, the Artist, the Visionary
Celia will talk about and sign her recently released book about her father. Bozeman, Montana's Barnes & Noble will host an author event on Saturday, August 22, from 2 - 4 pm in the Gallatin Valley Mall. She will also have a few samples of Bertoia's work on display. The book is already in stock at the Bozeman Barnes & Noble, so local Bozemanites can purchase early. For those coming from other parts of the state, copies will be available.
Harry Bertoia's works were displayed last fall at Montana State University, including everything from graphics to chairs to sculpture. The biggest hit seemed to be the large single slab gong, equipped with mallet, that viewers were encouraged to play with. His sounding rod sculptures were popular with youngsters and oldsters alike. His work is like no other's and is featured in museums world wide.
The book, written in an intimate style, has details that only a daughter would know. The writing of it was an amazing process in itself, so come and find out more!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2-4 PM, 2015, Barnes & Noble Book Store, Gallatin Valley Mall, 2825 West Main, Bozeman, MT 586 5360
Celia will talk about and sign her recently released book about her father. Bozeman, Montana's Barnes & Noble will host an author event on Saturday, August 22, from 2 - 4 pm in the Gallatin Valley Mall. She will also have a few samples of Bertoia's work on display. The book is already in stock at the Bozeman Barnes & Noble, so local Bozemanites can purchase early. For those coming from other parts of the state, copies will be available.
Harry Bertoia's works were displayed last fall at Montana State University, including everything from graphics to chairs to sculpture. The biggest hit seemed to be the large single slab gong, equipped with mallet, that viewers were encouraged to play with. His sounding rod sculptures were popular with youngsters and oldsters alike. His work is like no other's and is featured in museums world wide.
The book, written in an intimate style, has details that only a daughter would know. The writing of it was an amazing process in itself, so come and find out more!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2-4 PM, 2015, Barnes & Noble Book Store, Gallatin Valley Mall, 2825 West Main, Bozeman, MT 586 5360
Monday, April 13, 2015
SONAMBIENT RE-ISSUE & CALIFORNIA & NEW YORK
The Sonambient re-issue box set will be released soon. The date is not yet determined. The set will include a history of Sonambient, quotes from Harry and other important music figures, and lots of photographs in a substantial booklet along with the eleven CDs. Cost will be $100. This is historical as well as mystical meditation music. Check details at
http://www.importantrecords.com/
Celia will be speaking at selected Knoll distributors in California sometime the first week of May. Dates and specifics will follow shortly. There will be several luncheon gatherings and at least one evening lecture. She will have her books available for purchase and signing. See you there!
Coming soon: Celia will visit New York City May 18 - 22 and may offer a lecture during that time. If you have a legitimate reason to meet with her, contact us through the website and she may fit it in her schedule. We'll let you know. Exciting!
http://www.importantrecords.com/
Celia will be speaking at selected Knoll distributors in California sometime the first week of May. Dates and specifics will follow shortly. There will be several luncheon gatherings and at least one evening lecture. She will have her books available for purchase and signing. See you there!
Coming soon: Celia will visit New York City May 18 - 22 and may offer a lecture during that time. If you have a legitimate reason to meet with her, contact us through the website and she may fit it in her schedule. We'll let you know. Exciting!
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Happy Birthday Arieto! And Cranbrook Opening...
Today is 100 years since Harry's birthday. His childhood nickname was Arieto ("little Harry") and my mother Brigitta also called him Arieto (unless she was mad at him!). The support and help that has come toward the HarryBertoia foundation is almost overwhelming, and very much appreciated. The Kickstarter project is funded, people come out of the woodwork to assist us, and life is good!
Celia will speak at the opening of the Cranbrook Bertoia Jewelry show this Friday March 13th. It is for members only, but they are having a special discount if you come on Friday of $25 instead of $50. The way his jewelry led to his later sculptures is really quite remarkable. Come if you can!
http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/CAMec2.html
Celia will speak at the opening of the Cranbrook Bertoia Jewelry show this Friday March 13th. It is for members only, but they are having a special discount if you come on Friday of $25 instead of $50. The way his jewelry led to his later sculptures is really quite remarkable. Come if you can!
http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/CAMec2.html
Monday, February 16, 2015
Harry Bertoia Archival Tape Project
We have a Kickstarter project going to transfer the 350+ reel-to-reel Sonambient tapes to electronic format. It is a huge undertaking, but with your support to purchase the proper equipment, we can save these recordings. They have been sitting in the renovated Pennsylvania barn for 45 years collecting spiderwebs, but if we act now we can save them! Harry Bertoia created eleven Sonambient albums before he died and these are being re-issued in May in a beautiful box set. To help, or just see what is going on, check:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1983757235/help-archive-harry-bertoias-complete-sonambient-re
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1983757235/help-archive-harry-bertoias-complete-sonambient-re
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Upcoming Bertoia Happenings
March 10: The Italian Bertoia exhibition in Pordenone will host a Skype chat with Celia Bertoia on Harry's centennial birthday. Harry was a Pisces, flowing in opposing but coordinated directions at one time.
March 13: Cranbrook Art Museum's Bertoia Jewelry exhibition opens with a grand evening for members, including a talk and meet and greet with Celia Bertoia
Late April, dates not yet determined: Lectures and Book signings in Los Angeles and San Diego area. For galleries, bookstores, museums or modern furniture showrooms who might want to be included in the festivities, contact us through the website.
Many more events are in the works. Check back from time to time or peruse our Facebook page.
March 13: Cranbrook Art Museum's Bertoia Jewelry exhibition opens with a grand evening for members, including a talk and meet and greet with Celia Bertoia
Late April, dates not yet determined: Lectures and Book signings in Los Angeles and San Diego area. For galleries, bookstores, museums or modern furniture showrooms who might want to be included in the festivities, contact us through the website.
Many more events are in the works. Check back from time to time or peruse our Facebook page.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Florida Lectures in January
Below is more about the Florida presentations.
Celia Bertoia, youngest daughter of Harry Bertoia and Director of the HarryBertoia foundation, will give two lectures in Florida, focusing on design but expanding on the entire ouvre of her father. She will bring a few originals for show and tell.
Tallahassee:
Florida State University William Johnston Building G040, Thursday, January 15th, 5:00 pm, 6:00 reception
Sarasota:
Sponsored by the Sarasota Architectural Foundation, Conference room at the Herald-Tribune, Thursday, January 22nd from 5:30 to 7 pm
Friday, January 2, 2015
Allentown Later, Cranbrook Soon, Florida Now
There was to be a major Bertoia exhibition at the Allentown Art Museum in 2015, but due to several factors this has been postponed. We are now looking toward 2017 or 2018. It will be bigger and better and come from a different angle, probably looking into the history of sounding sculpture. How has Harry Bertoia's tonal work effected other artists? Was he the first to tread into the sounding sculpture arena? What are the scientific and musical ramifications?
In the meantime, I am getting very excited about the Cranbrook Bertoia jewelry exhibition. They obtained funding (from Wright, the Eibers and the David Klein & Kate Ostrove Exhibition Fund) for a top notch color catalogue and will have some items that have never before been seen in public. Harry's jewelry is both wonderfully playful and amazingly crafted. While he loved silver and gold, he was not averse to using copper, aluminum, brass or just about any metal. Much of the jewelry was created at Cranbrook and this is where he began to amass his broad knowledge of metals, alloys and their properties. It begins March 14 and here are the details:
http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/CAMec2.html
Keep your antenna up for two lectures on Harry Bertoia coming to Florida, one in Tallahassee at the University and one in Sarasota, both in late January. Dates and specifics to follow.
In the meantime, I am getting very excited about the Cranbrook Bertoia jewelry exhibition. They obtained funding (from Wright, the Eibers and the David Klein & Kate Ostrove Exhibition Fund) for a top notch color catalogue and will have some items that have never before been seen in public. Harry's jewelry is both wonderfully playful and amazingly crafted. While he loved silver and gold, he was not averse to using copper, aluminum, brass or just about any metal. Much of the jewelry was created at Cranbrook and this is where he began to amass his broad knowledge of metals, alloys and their properties. It begins March 14 and here are the details:
http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/CAMec2.html
Keep your antenna up for two lectures on Harry Bertoia coming to Florida, one in Tallahassee at the University and one in Sarasota, both in late January. Dates and specifics to follow.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Details Update: Shows, Sonambient, Book...
Just finished the final edits on the book, The Life and Work of Harry Bertoia, whew. You other authors out there know how incredibly tedious it is to search for missing commas, misspellings, and index page numbers! But it is looking good and out of my hands now. Wrote book, check.
30 Monotypes just shipped to Italy for their show. Eleanor, do-it-all assistant of the foundation, pulled through like a champ on this project. Pick up was 4 hours late, more forms had to be filled out at the last moment, craziness all around, but got 'er done. They will also have a few sculptures and some Bertoia furniture. Those of you in Europe, don't miss it - the Pordenone Museum Bertoia show starts at the end of January. The Civic Museum of Pordenone recently named one of their galleries the Harry Bertoia Gallery - very touching and lovely of them. Italian show, check.
Monday another 30 monotypes get shipped to Susquehanna for their upcoming Bertoia show. Confirm crate weights, which address to use, any steps to loading area? All good. They will have a few sculptures as well. They recently completed a major renovation of their museum and this will be the first show in the new facility. They are very excited, as am I. PA show, check.
The vinyl edition of the re-issue of Sonambient is wildly expensive to produce, at least in comparison with electronic versions. We are seeking funding for it, and have a good lead from a reputable company. We'll keep you posted on that. Get figures together, talk to the right people, get a spiffy PDF to them. Data submitted for funding, check.
Those are just a few details from the daily life of the Harry Bertoia foundation. That's what life is; details, details, details. Do a good job with the details and it pays off in the long run. Be grateful for the gifts, and give your own gifts where possible. Enjoy life. Like Harry said, “Awareness of the miracle of life may be the purpose of life…”
30 Monotypes just shipped to Italy for their show. Eleanor, do-it-all assistant of the foundation, pulled through like a champ on this project. Pick up was 4 hours late, more forms had to be filled out at the last moment, craziness all around, but got 'er done. They will also have a few sculptures and some Bertoia furniture. Those of you in Europe, don't miss it - the Pordenone Museum Bertoia show starts at the end of January. The Civic Museum of Pordenone recently named one of their galleries the Harry Bertoia Gallery - very touching and lovely of them. Italian show, check.
Monday another 30 monotypes get shipped to Susquehanna for their upcoming Bertoia show. Confirm crate weights, which address to use, any steps to loading area? All good. They will have a few sculptures as well. They recently completed a major renovation of their museum and this will be the first show in the new facility. They are very excited, as am I. PA show, check.
The vinyl edition of the re-issue of Sonambient is wildly expensive to produce, at least in comparison with electronic versions. We are seeking funding for it, and have a good lead from a reputable company. We'll keep you posted on that. Get figures together, talk to the right people, get a spiffy PDF to them. Data submitted for funding, check.
Those are just a few details from the daily life of the Harry Bertoia foundation. That's what life is; details, details, details. Do a good job with the details and it pays off in the long run. Be grateful for the gifts, and give your own gifts where possible. Enjoy life. Like Harry said, “Awareness of the miracle of life may be the purpose of life…”
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