Again, apologies for the loss of data from the middle of this talk - Jenna discussed the involvement and influence of the California Labor Movement on the founding members of MAG

“Public sentiment for anything associated with the communist party rapidly lost favor”

“In July of 1947, hearings were held before the house of representatives” 

“In the spring of 1951, a small group of jewelers met in SF to discuss the idea of creating a group dedicated to the metal arts”

“Having already faced many obstacles, including being blacklisted by the US government…” “De Patta recalled that the desirability of an organization was there”  ”The main consideration should be given to quality of work” “This included being an all inclusive organization” 

“The founders wanted a more accurate name for the organization, and therefore did not want ‘Jeweler’ in the title” here she discusses how they brainstormed a name that would be all inclusive of every metal worker. 

“Margaret De Patta was really our goddess in this”

“We were all very much in awe of Margaret, as she was so well known” “She was a beacon that everyone followed” from some of the other founding members

“MAG established professional standards for it’s members to follow” “These guidelines empowered the artists as they knew they had the backing of the guild” “The guild’s aim was also to empower the individual artist” “The guild letter gave an interplay about the communication between the guild over the years” “Meetings were held in various guild members homes” here she talks about how some of the founders explored and demonstrated new techniques to the other members

“MAG members also continued their education with senior members who taught at local institutions” 

“MAG organized and participated in many local exhibitions and fairs”

here she discusses the San Francisco Art Festival

“MAG used the platform of the SF Art Festival as it’s first venue for its inaugural exhibition”  ”Photography was part of the exhibition” “The entire exhibit presented a very effective display” “This translated into a great success” 

here she shows some of the work displayed at these exhibitions

“The guild created traveling shows to showcase members work throughout the country”

6000 Years of Jewelry - The first traveling show 

“The Metal Arts Guild played an important role in the advancement of American Modernist jewelers”

“Major modernist exhibitions are once again recognizing the Metal Arts Guild’s influence on the movement”

here she discusses the influence of MAG on several upcoming Modernist exhibitions which feature MAG founders / members work