OMA Home > Exhibits > Convergence Exhibit runs April 16 through June 12, 2005 Eight furniture makers from Tasmania and eight furniture makers from North America present the most recent designs in contemporary studio furniture. ‘Convergence’ – (converge: to meet at a single point) ‘Convergence’ is an exhibition of contemporary studio furniture that highlights the special relationship that exists between Tasmania - Australia’s smallest state - and North America. The national reputation and international recognition of contemporary Tasmanian studio furniture began in 1976 when the first Woodcraftsmen’s Association was created in Australia in Hobart, Tasmania. The distinction was cemented when Canadian Donald Lloyd McKinley spent a year in Hobart as craftsman-in-industry with IXL – the sole licensee to mill Huon pine at that time. Since then, Tasmania has become established as a center of unique and innovative studio furniture design, still respectful of the North American contributions made during the early years of development that lead to its status today. A number of influential furniture makers from the United States have continued their dialogue with Tasmania over the years with artist-in-residencies, teaching positions, visiting lecturers, workshops, exhibitions, and post-graduate examinations. This has encouraged a vigorous exchange between the two countries with Tasmanian furniture makers involved in American residencies, exhibitions, teaching positions, workshops, and more recently, student exchanges. Furniture makers who visit Tasmania cannot fail to recognize, and indeed be touched by, the special relationship many Tasmanian artists have with their environment, and the fact that these artists are living in a wilderness area. This ‘genius loci’ often influences their work through a variety of expressive means. ‘Convergence’ brings together two groups of furniture makers from opposite sides of the globe to illustrate that the common factors of their practices transcend time and space to meet at a single point. The Furniture Society’s 9th Annual Conference in San Diego in 2005 is the occasion for this convergence. ‘Convergence’ is a celebration among old and new friends that reflects the common thread that connects them all to the Tasmanian experience. Programs | School of Art | Calendar | Museum Store | Newsletters | Membership About OMA | News | Exhibits | Volunteer | Scrapbook | Guest Book © 2005 Oceanside Museum of Art Contact Us