At one time the art world drew hard distinctions between the fine arts (painting, sculpture, works on paper) and crafts (ceramics, glass, wood, metal, and fiber). But in the last half century–since the founding of the American Craft Council, which is holding its 50th-anniversary celebration here this weekend–those distinctions have increasingly blurred.
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Functionality has traditionally divided craft from art: craft items are typically things we can use–vessels, furniture, cutlery, apparel, jewelry–and fine art is something we admire hanging on a wall or perched on a pedestal. “Beauty” is another point of comparison: craft artists are sometimes disparaged as preoccupied with the beautiful, decorative side of their work. Perhaps a more valid distinction has to do with intent: craft artists generally set out to explore materials and process, whereas fine artists may be more concerned with ideas.
This weekend Chicago hosts a veritable feast of craft-related activities. The most accessible work can be seen at the Chicago International New Art Forms Exposition at Navy Pier October 7-10. Now in its eighth year, CINAFE features applied and decorative arts from 68 galleries in America, Australia, Canada, France, Holland, Germany, and Japan. Tickets are $7-$10; $20 for a three-day pass. Call 787-6858 for information.
