Cooper-Hewitt Announces Design by Hand Series Supported by Van Cleef & Arpels
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum will launch the programming series Design by Hand, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, from fall 2013 through spring 2017. This new series of bi-annual educational conversations and workshops will focus on the craftsmanship, innovations and merits of contemporary global designers. Each week of immersion programming will spotlight a pioneering design organization, beginning with the iconic Finnish brand Marimekko in fall 2013. Other featured firms throughout the series include Heath Ceramics (spring 2014) and the jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels (fall 2014).
"We are thrilled to partner once again with Van Cleef & Arpels following the outstanding success of the museum's 'Set in Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels' exhibition and the corresponding sold-out public programs," said Caroline Baumann, director of the museum. "With our world immersed in technology, this series reaffirms the important role the human hand plays in the design process, from watercolor sketching at Marimekko to hand-thrown prototypes at Heath Ceramics."
"Pioneering techniques and designs, combined with exquisite hand craftsmanship, are at the core of Van Cleef & Arpels' jewelry," said Nicolas Bos, global president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels. "We are delighted to work again with Cooper-Hewitt to provide instruction and insight on design techniques and processes from various industries, from fashion and graphic design to product design."
Special programs will be developed to reach each of the museum's core audiences—university students, high school students, adults and families. The main programming component for each week will feature a teen hands-on workshop, adult workshop, college workshop, public lecture and family workshops.
All programs require advance registration at www.cooperhewitt.org/designbyhand.
Design by Hand is made possible by the support of Van Cleef & Arpels.
About Cooper-Hewitt
Founded in 1897, Cooper-Hewitt is the only museum in the nation devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. The museum presents compelling perspectives on the impact of design on daily life through active educational programs, exhibitions and publications.
About Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels was established in Paris' Place Vendôme in 1906, following Alfred Van Cleef's marriage to Estelle Arpels in 1895. Van Cleef & Arpels has become a worldwide reference through its creative designs, its choice of exceptional stones and its virtuoso craftsmanship.
SOURCE Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum
Share this article