News SCOPEVol. 30 No. 1 A newsletter for designers, collectors and lovers of kaleidoscopes Winter 2015

25. 2015 – Covington, KY: The Art of Kaleidoscopes: May 28‐31 24. 2014 – Sacramento, CA: Konstrucon Juncon 23. 2013 – Freeport, ME: Kaleidoscopes: Reflecons in History 22. 2012 – , GA: I’d Like to Buy the World a Scope 21. 2011 – Covington, KY: Happy Colors 20. 2010 – Santa Clara, CA: Kaleidoscope Reflecons 19. 2007 ‐ Charleston, SC: Light Waves 18. 2006 ‐ Albuquerque, NM: Fiesta of Color 17. 2005 ‐ Nashville, TN: Convergence 2005 (Symmetry & Harmony) 16. 2004 ‐ Portland, OR: Highlands Rendezvous 15. 2003 ‐ Asheville, NC: Brewster Blueridge Reunion 14. 2002 ‐ New Orleans, LA: Kaleidoscope Karnival 13. 2001 ‐ , CA: Kaleidoscope Jubilee 12. 2000 ‐ Davenport, IA: Kaleidofest‐2000 11. 1999 ‐ Kennebunkport, ME: Waves of Color 10. 1998 ‐ Orlando, FL: Kaleido Galaxy 9. 1997 ‐ Seale, WA: World of Color 8. 1996 ‐ Corning, NY: Kaleido‐Magic 7. 1995 ‐ , IL: Brewster 95 6. 1994 ‐ , CA: Convenon 94 5. 1993 ‐ Louisville, KY: Brewster Society Convenon V 4. 1992 ‐ Rockville, MD: Brewster Society Convenon IV 3. 1991 ‐ Louisville, KY: Brewster Society Convenon III 2. 1990 ‐ Louisville, KY: Kaleidoscope Convenon II 1. April 28 – 30, 1989 ‐ Louisville, KY: Kaleidoscope Convenon River Cruise for 2015 Convenon 1

The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society Mission Statement: The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society is an organization which provides a forum for artists, collectors, and retailers to promote and perpetuate kaleidoscopes as a unique art form.

NEW PASSWORD Brewster Kaleidoscope Society To access the Members Only PO Box 917, Wake Forest, NC 27588 Section on www.brewstersociety.com NEWS SCOPE is published quarterly Username: member2014 Password: 2014scopefan Membership & Yearly Subscription U.S. $60/yr ; $100/2yrs International $70/yr ; $120/2 yrs New User Name and Password System Renewal date is January 31 or 1 year from new sign-up

The new Brewster Society website allows each member to BKS Board Members Hal Yeager (President) have their own personal listing to promote their art, store, Bob Ade (Vice President) and/or collecting passion for all things kaleidoscopes. Using Pat Seaman (Secretary) the beauty of the internet, you will be enabled to manage Sharon Sandstrom (Treasurer) your personal listing with an individual user name and Mary Boll (membership/convention) password. You cannot change your username in the future Emily Wert (newsletter) without losing all of the material you may have entered Debra Wilson (at large) associated with that username so choose wisely. By now Skip MacLaren (at large) you should have received an email with instructions for Junko Aragane (international) registering on the new website. If you did not receive this [email protected] email or other BKS emails please contact Mary Boll, www.brewstersociety.com membership chairperson at [email protected] or call 740-352-2310. Founder Cozy Baker (1923-2010)

Call for BKS Board of Directors Nominations

The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society operates as a non-profit corporation, which is managed and operated by a Board of Directors selected by the general membership of the Society. We are asking the membership to help us fill open positions in 2015 by nominating members or self nomination. The Board of Directors is comprised of nine (9) members. The term of office is 2 years. The Board of Directors meets monthly via teleconference.

This year in 2015 the following six (6) board positions are up for election: President, Treasurer, Secretary, Convention Coordinator, Director at Large-International, Director at Large. The election will take place before the convention. The newly elected board members will be announced May 31, 2015 at the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society annual meeting held at the convention and on the website at brewstersociety.com. The new board members will officially take office effective July 1, 2015.

The nominating committee is seeking nominations from the membership. Nominations will be accepted until April 20, 2015. The nominating committee members are Sharon Sandstrom [email protected] and Pat Seaman [email protected]. Nominations may be emailed to either Sharon or Pat, or mailed to Brewster Society, PO Box 917, Wake Forest, NC 27588

Remember : This is your newsletter. If you would at anytime wish to

Please feel free to submit any interesting kaleidoscope related stories. This is the place to express your opinion —positive share your love of scopes and kaleidoscope experience with the rest of the membership. or negative, concerning any Please keep submissions more than 20 words and less than 500 words. Pictures are always activities of the BKS, please feel welcome, in color if possible. Pictures should be at least 2” x 2” and 300 dpi for best reproduction. We reserve the right to edit based on available spaceSubmit articles and free to contact any BKS board photos to [email protected] member.

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BKS Membership News Highlights from The 2014 Brewster Membership as of December 29, Hal Yeager, 2014 represents over 425 BKS members with 345 BKS paid household memberships. We have 80 President memberships listed for couples and families. Over 162 members have been members for over 10 years It is again time to start thinking about with 70 new members this year. Our membership represents 133 artists, 32 retailers and 215 collectors. electing members to the Board of Directors. In 2013, we finished the year with 327 paid Read more about it on page 2. memberships. We currently have 231 members who have renewed for 2015. As often mentioned, we are an organization All current 2014 members, have had their renewal of volunteers and our success depends on date set for January 31. If you have not yet renewed members volunteering time and talents to for 2015, your membership will end January 31, formulate and achieve our goals and 2015. If you have renewed for 2015, your membership will be good until January 31, 2016. If objectives. you renewed for two years, your membership is good Pat Seaman and Sharon Sandstrom are through January 31, 2017. leading the nominating committee and will With the new website, you can sign up for auto- solicit members willing to serve the various renewal of your membership. You will receive an email notifying you that your membership will be positions that will be open. If you have an renewing with the credit card or account that you interest in serving please contact them. used with your last online renewal when you selected auto-renew. If there are no changes, your registered Hal Yeager account will be automatically charged for the renewal without interruption of your BKS membership. Please email me any changes in mailing addresses or emails and I will update our contact list or you may go online and update your profile yourself. Feel free to contact me if you are having any problems accessing the new website. If you are not getting emails from the BKS, please let us know your email and we will add you to our list. Please also remember that even though the computer is taking over many of the membership data chores there will Check out the new website! It is a great always be a human in charge, so if there are any start to sharing our love of kaleidoscopes membership problems, please contact me. with the world. It is only as good as we as ~ Mary Theresa Boll, BKS Membership/Convention Coordinator members make it. Provide feedback. Tell A fascinating link submitted by Shirley Ragsdale: us what you like or want to see available human kaleidoscope--"a constantly changing pattern or on the site. Help us by providing new sequence". Something artistically different.--E/T content, updated content and expansion of https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/8oqPR5-GLuA?rel=0 content. Within the site you will find links 1990’s Kaleidoscope Collection for sale where you can tell us what you want and Mint Condition, many collector scopes, will sell individual where you can provide new content. scopes. Special Sale ** will entertain any offers **

Paul Larsen (865/932-6172/ [email protected])

3 OFF TO COLLEGE WITH A KALEIDOSCOPE by Bob Coleberd Kaleidoscopes are customarily given as presents for birthdays, graduations, Kaleidoscope anniversaries, holidays and to those who serve us. Why not as a sendoff for freshmen going Myriad colors to college? Barbara and I had the pleasure of facets of life giving scopes to five students at our church, two glass disks First Presbyterian twirl around. Church, Granada Parallel planes Hills, CA. Three of independent, yet them are triplets: the connected through centers three M's--Megan, to the defining base. Melissa and Matthew

Leo. How many Ever changing times have you seen triplets recently? Megan and Matt go to through movement Colgate University in New York, Melissa to together, at point in time, Whitworth University in Washington. Allie produce one view. Bolton goes to UC Santa Barbara and Micah But, no! Anthony to Westmont College, California Designer Chesnik, schools. Dormitory classmates handed the with other plans, scope have commented: fascinating, very cool. Perhaps these captured different perspectives. young scholars will experience the therapeutic value of the kaleidoscope. If they get uptight about tomorrow's exam they can pick One moment, two views, up the scope and it will experienced calm them down. yet not understood, separate us. Measured distance, immeasurable distance, through another prism in the base, concealed.

© Joy Martin 2002

4 Meet your Board of Directors

SKIP MACLAREN, Member-at-Large DEBRA WILSON, Member-at-Large

I was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania as Frank MacLaren; later to practice Architecture professionally as F. Hazen MacLaren. I received a Bachelors of Art in

Pre-Architecture and later a Bachelors of Architecture from Stanford University. After serving 4 years with the U.S. Navy, I returned to the San Francisco Bay area around 1964 to begin a career in Architecture. BY the early 70’s I was disenchanted with doing primarily large educational facilities for the likes of Stanford and Santa Clara Universities along with major acute –care hospitals throughout the ; I left my firm and ventured to Mendocino on the northern California coast in hopes

of more challenging design projects. I have been collecting scopes since 2000 when I Unfortunately Mendocino did not have sufficient clients found my first kaleidoscope in Anchorage, Alaska to sustain a viable architectural practice. It was at this while moving my son into his college dorm at the point after doing the restoration of a major local University of Alaska. I have been involved with BKS historical building I switched gears and became involved since 2010 when I was introduced to the organization in a gallery promoting American Crafts by Bob and Grace Ade. I attended my first In about 1983 Peach Reynolds talked me into carrying convention in Covington in 2011. our first kaleidoscopes. Shortly kaleidoscopes became I retired from Kraft Foods in 2013 after 31 years. I an important part of the over-all product mix. Our ended my career as an IT program manager for gallery, The Melting Pot, joined BKS in about 1988 and I international acquisitions and divestitures. I have attended my first convention in San Francisco in 1992, done extensive international travel (both professional then taking in conventions probably every other year and person) and had the opportunity to live in Europe until I liquidated the businesses in 2000 in thoughts of for 3 years with my husband, Walter. retiring! My professional life was always hectic but I survived During the ensuing 7 years after retiring, I probably by coming home and looking at my scopes. In fact I attended every convention and ended up with a small introduced kaleidoscopes to my colleagues and team collection of about 50 kaleidoscopes. I realized I was not members and had them doing the same. During one faring well being retired and needed to return to the project that had us working 18 hours a day I would gallery business … With those 50 scopes, Reflections get emails from a colleague that stated she was taking Kaleidoscopes was born, a gallery promoting American a break from the work and just looking through her Handcrafted Kaleidoscopes and BKS, complemented by scope. an environment of American produced Art Glass, Mirrors and Glass Since I retired my husband and I have been spending Jewelry. our time visiting the US National Parks, learning stain glass and enjoying cooking. When I am not In 2011 I joined involved in these activities, I volunteer for a domestic the BKS steering safe house where I cook 2 meals for the residents. It committee assisting the is very rewarding to give back after Walter and I have reorganization and been so blessed. served as vice president for one year reverting to I am very excited to be a member of the BKS board currently a member-at- and looking forward to continuing the great traditions large on the Board. of BKS.

5 !!! New Brewster Society Website !!! We have a new Brewster Society website which launched in early January. The web committee and Spring Mountain Solutions (owned by our own BKS member, Jay Archibald) have been hard at work creating a website that shares the wonderful world of kaleidoscopes. The contract was signed on September 9, 2014 and since then the committee has been busy learning a lot about websites and how to create content under the direction of Spring Mountain. It took us 20 weeks but we now have a website that introduces the world to kaleidoscopes. It also has many new features you the membership has been asking for and the ability to add new features and content in the near future. This new foundation allows us to continue to make this the web site of choice for all kaleidoscope enthusiasts and those who are just finding kaleidoscopes. Here are some highlights of the new web site:  It supports all currently supported browsers, tablets and smart phones – all devices that connect to the web can now view the website effectively.  It provides the ability for all members (artists, galleries and collectors) to maintain their own listing information.  It allows content to be updated and new content added with ease.  It allows kaleidoscope related images to be loaded by all members.  It has individual member security. No longer will the generic user id and password be published in News Scopes. Each member will create a unique user name and password. Each member should have received an email providing instructions on how to create your user name and password. If you have not received the email or have questions please contact Debra Wilson or Mary Boll.  It has an improved membership module that should reduce the number of issues we have experienced in previous years for maintaining membership data.  It has an event calendar where members can add events concerning kaleidoscopes. This can include conventions, where artist will be displaying their kaleidoscopes, gallery activities, classes, etc…..  It has an improved artist and gallery listing section where the content is controlled directly by them.  It has a collector listing section. The individual collector will determine if their collections are viewable by the public or for members only  In the member only section there is now a list of members with their email and regional location.  In the member only section there are copies of the News Scope.  In the members only section there is a section on the society and the board including the current bylaws, policies and board meeting minutes. Future items that will be coming are:  What we call the “Scope Library Card”. It will allow members to enter information on their individual kaleidoscopes to create documentation of kaleidoscopes that exist.  A “Friends We Remember” section. Now that we have launched the new web site, the work is not over. The web site needs all of us to continue to add content and images. We can only remain the web site of choice for kaleidoscopes if we are updating our content and images. The web committee understands there may be questions on the features and we want to hear from you. You can give us feedback and provide input whenever you want through the forms and email links provided on the web site. We have scheduled sessions at the upcoming 2015 convention in Covington, KY, where you can learn about the web site and learn how to make future contributions. Please enjoy our new look!

6 “Collaboration Process – Gold and Gray”

There is always so much that goes into creating a work of art, especially a collaborative piece like “Searching the Horizon”, that I often wonder how much of this “background information” is apparent to a viewer of a finished piece. Does a collaborative sculpture of this nature provide insight into the emotional and spiritual commitment of artists? There is such joy in creating something different but there are also frustrations due to the limitations of materials and time and also concerns about working with other artists and how their decisions will affect the project. Since several people have asked me about my working relationship with the Gold Brothers and, since I find all of this fascinating, I would like to share our collaborative process with you. I was intrigued by the Gold brothers’ sculptures and unique mechanical imagination so I was curious to know if we could work together. My previous collaborative ventures with other artists have not worked out for various reasons, so I only allowed myself to be reluctantly excited. There is a moment when an idea is the insight to the whole project, it was either Eric or Brian that created an initial sketch. For me, that sketch was the starting point, the spark that worked. The drawing contained a broken rim and I thought that I could work with that. We wanted to be able to express ourselves in an authentic way and let our creative talents come forth but not overpower or monopolize the project. We also wanted this project to be a combination of our individual expression, a combination that was truly intertwined with intention and not something that looked like we just stuck two or three different things together and called it a day. The mystery of creation has always seemed to me to be a very spiritual and personal experience so to open this process up to include three artists was a step outside of my comfort zone. I am here to say, however, that working this sculpture and doing it in combination with other artists has been one of my most rewarding experiences in a long time. I’m amazed and grateful to have had this opportunity I’m looking forward to continuing in the collaborative spirit. For the full article and more photos go to this site http://www.sgwoodstudios.com/the-story-of-our-collaboration/ ~ Steven Gray

An Update from Marcia Clark: Wonderful change for me! I moved to Naples, FL on Octo- ber 29, 2014 and am delighting in the warm weather and most of all my family who live here. My new address is: Marcia Clark, 8240 Ibis Cove Circle, Naples, FL 34119

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Scoops on Scopes

Artist Name: Charles J Sorg Scope Name: Snowflakes One of a kind work of art Mirror system: two mirror, 6 point system Object case: Dry, all glass with a slumped top. It contains torch manipulated transparent and opaque glass in an array of colors and textures to produce spectacular images. Exterior features: All glass. Iridescent white glass was used so that the main stars would have some iridescence to them and also be whiter than the other stars, thus creating more depth. Next, a layering of blue was added then more snowflakes until I ended up with a blizzard of snowflakes. Both front and back are also slumped. Dimensions: 12” height x 8 1/2 “ width x 4” depth

Artist Name: Terue Matsuda Scope Name: NIJIIRO Limited Edition Mirror system: tapered 2 mirror systems Object case: Dry object cell moves with a motor Exterior features: Stained glass and wood Dimensions: approximately 12.6” x 6.7” x 13.8” Suggested retail price: $3000 This kaleidoscope is currently exhibited at the “Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum”.

Artist Name: Eric Gold, Brian Gold, Steven Gray Scope Name: Searching the Horizon One of a kind Mirror system: Tapered two mirror. The optics in this piece are a combination of magnifiers and reducing lenses that can be arranged in various combinations. The lenses are held in place with magnets so the viewer is able to easily rearrange them to produce many different effects. Object case: Liquid‐filled image cell that includes lamp‐worked glass, gears and springs operated and a geared gizmo that sits inside the mirror system that is operated with a small gear next to the viewing window. Exterior features: This scope incorporates a large selection of media including recycled items such as gears, sprockets, optics and gauges, combined with steel, brass, copper, bronze, walnut crotch, spalted maple, curly maple, ebony, brier burl, blackwood, glass and mirror. Various mechanical components are used to mechanically transfer motion with a right angle transfer through a universal joint linked to a chain sprocket drive that then turns the image cell. In this manner, a simple turn of the crank will move the image. The primary structure of the piece is a filigree steel armature which is used to hold all of the components together. Suggested retail price: $12,000

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Scoops on Scopes Artist Name: Bob Ade Introducing a collection of scopes made with a new marbleized art glass I am using for both flat and slumped cases. The colors vary from honey to gold to amber to desert orange. Glass pieces in the chambers compliment the case color. Scopes shown are: Upper left: ”Jewel,” 8” long cylindrical, 2 mirror with stand; Upper right: ”Playtime,” 8” long oval, 3 mirror with stand; Lower left: Mini‐ wand, 5” long triangular, 3 mirror. Thoughts on the Japanese Tsunami—3 Years Later It has been almost 3 years since the disaster caused by “The Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami”. We at the Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum, greatly appreciate the kind support offered by BKS members since right after the disaster. Also, we would like to extend our profound gratitude to those who attended the ceremony of our 15th anniversary celebration, as well as the artists who exhibited their work at the contest organized by our museum. We are particularly thankful to Mr. Charles Karadimos who came over all the way from the US as one of the honorable judges for the contest and also as a guest for the ceremony. Our exhibition started in 2011 to encourage and bring hope to the people affected by the disaster. However, we are well aware that there are still many people who need help. We would like to continue to support them by sharing the pleasures and happiness through our kaleidoscopes. Following is an excerpt from the article written by Mrs. Kimiko Teruki who planned the ” Kaleidoscope Exhibition of Rose” , which was held just after the disaster in 2011. This article touched my heart so much that I really would like to share this with everyone. It is entitled, “Overcoming the Eastern Great Earthquake”. “The exhibition ”Kaleidoscopes of Roses“ started on June 18th, just a hundred days after the Eastern Japan Great Earthquake. To be honest, I once thought of cancelling the exhibition. It seemed that there would be no possibility of opening it. Sendai Kaleidoscopes Art Museum officially announced that there was no decisive damage. In fact, many of kaleidoscopes were found broken, and also the building had been considerably damaged. Without any supply of electric power, nor gas, nor water, and no means of telephone nor mobile, nor transportation service, people had to withstand fears of an aftershock. One of the Museum staff says that she had to spend several nights with her children in a freezing cold car. Without any supply of food, she could do nothing but be frightened of an aftershock. The other staff says she could not stop crying when she first talked with her parents in Ishinomaki, 1 week after the Earthquake. Fortunately, none of the staff and their family lost their lives and none of them were badly injured. Even more fortunate, none of them lost their houses. However, some of them had a narrow escape from death. The situation of the Museum at that time was quite serious, and everyone thought it would be difficult to keep the Museum. Meanwhile, the owner of the Museum declared that he was determined to keep on going, and he promised his support for the staff. I was very impressed by his courageous remarks, so I decided to get started on the preparation for the exhibition “The Kaleidoscopes of Roses” My determination was to encourage people of Tohoku and help them to take the first step of reconstruction. I asked a friend of mine, Ms. Tokiko Kato, a famous singer in Japan, to sing and talk for the concert without payment. She agreed us immediately. I asked her to sing her greatest hit song “One million roses” at the concert. The Museum decided to donate all admission fees, although they themselves also are the victims of the Earthquake. The concert took place in the small hall of the Museum on 19th June. That was the most wonderful and impressive time we ever had. The concert hall was small but still 80 people attended. It was filled with heartwarming atmosphere. Many of them were victims, but they enjoyed the concert very much. I was very pleased to see them. Tokiko's heartwarming song moved the audience' heart. Many of them cried with tears. The artists participating in the exhibition made excellent kaleidoscopes of roses. They were just like beautiful roses blooming in rubble. We all know that they have had a painful experience, and they are still under difficult circumstances. However, they had a lot of heartwarming encounters. We say that the people of Tohoku are very patient, but it is not actually true. They do not show their great sorrow to others. They hide away tears in their bosom. Now they are just beginning to walk towards the reconstruction, but they still have to withstand the grief towards the lost ones. Please keep supporting and be with them! ~ Ms. Kimiko Teruki, Coordinator & Advisor, The Kaleidoscope Exhibition of Roses All of our staff cried while reading this article. Because many of us are still confused, trying to realize what actually happened as everything occurred so fast. We still feeling like staying in the long dark tunnel. However, we have been very encouraged by the exhibition and all the warm messages from the artists every day, literally “ Through the Kaleidoscopes!” Honestly, this is what we are feeling with all our senses now. ~ Ms. Itsuko. Hatano, Manager, Kaleidoscopes Art Museum

9 The Kaleidoscope for Hope Contest at the Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum By Charles Karadimos Thirty four kaleidoscopes were submitted for the ”Kaleidoscope for Hope Contest“ held in October at the Sendai Kaleidoscope Art Museum. The entries were almost exclusively from Japan, with one entry from Germany and one from the United States.

The staff of the Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum did a wonderful job putting together an exhibit with a difficult challenge for the three judges to ultimately pick 3 prize winners. Charles Karadimos, kaleidoscope artist from the United States, Kimiko Teruki, President of the Kaleidoscope Pleasure Association in Japan, and Itsuko Hatano, manager of the Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum spent a couple of days examining each piece to determine the winners based on the theme of ”Hope for Revival“ and for excellence of execution. After much deliberation a decision was finally made.

Winner of the Best Work Award was Michihiro Murakoshi with his piece entitled “Fledgling”. His inspiration is revealed by this statement. “Many buds had grown in the rice field immediately after the earthquake and tsunami disaster.”

Winner of the Excellent Work Award was Yasuko Nakazato for ”Hope for the Future“. Her description reads, “The main part of the kaleidoscope consists of two panels, one panel representing the present and the other expressing the future with hope from the past.”

Winner of the Special Work Award was Jun Kojima. The name of his kaleidoscope is “Eternal Love”. He writes, “Many flowers and messages were attached to the kaleidoscope expressing the oath of eternal love. It is a kaleidoscope of hope symbolizing a happy future.“

Even though there could be only three winners, all of the artists that participated in this very worthwhile event should be congratulated for expressing themselves with such creativity.

A reception on October 11 featured guest speakers Including Japanese gallery owners Tomoko Chiba of Vatican in Sendai, Michi Araki of Kaleidoscope Mukashi-kan in and Shinichi Okhuma of the Little Bear Museum in Tokyo. All the winners were present to accept their prizes and everyone was treated to a very special dance performance with lots of good food. The energy was enthusiastically positive.

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Two Kaleidoscope Events for Future Generations by Junko Aragane

Kids’ Kaleidoscope Contest

Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto held a Kid’s Kaleidoscope Contest in November, 2014. This contest aims to foster creativeness of the children and have a good influence on their sound development.

This is the second year and the activity was not limited to the contest in Kyoto. Several artists were asked to cooperate with this project and held kaleidoscope making classes all over Japan during summer vacation. They informed the kids in the classes of this contest and encouraged them to enter their own kaleidoscopes for the contest.

Children’s sensitivity and ideas are awesome. Kaleidoscopes are good items to realize ideas into shapes. There are various possibilities at every step of the process of making kaleidoscopes. Sometimes smaller kids need a parent’s help, but it is also a good experience. The award ceremony took place at the museum. According to Mr. and Mrs. Yoda, who were at the ceremony, the atmosphere was very heartwarming. Through the kaleidoscopes, they thought that children would feel the love of their parents and the adults involved. We hope that these children continue to have an interest in kaleidoscopes and a love for the arts. Hopefully the experience of making kaleidoscopes of their own will stay in their mind for a long time.

Preparing the Next Generation of Artists -- Koji Yamami and His Company

Koji Yamami, who is a leading kaleidoscope artist, has taught at his kaleidoscope making classes for a long time. There are several of his students who have finished the course and become independent kaleidoscope artists. Every 2 years, Koji holds a kaleidoscope show for these students, everybody from beginners to experts. The 5th show took place in November 2014 and there were many kaleidoscopes created by 51 people. The number is amazing, but the more amazing fact is that the quality and originality of these scopes were so impressive.

11 KALEIDOSCOPIA! Exhibit. The first exhibit of 2015 promises to be a spin of color, design, and delight for all ages. The German American Heritage Center will be the home to “Kaleidoscopia!” opening to the public on January 11, 2015 and will run through April, 4, 2015. This exciting exhibit will be housed in the first floor gallery and will feature the life-sized creations of local artist Tom Chouteau and BKS member. Tom has worked his magic in this imaginative world for at least two decades, and he specializes in wonderful structures that incorporate kaleidoscopic views with large recognizable forms such as the cosmic cannon, a traveling trunk, a captain’s wheel, and similar transformations. No flimsy cardboard tubes here – these are wondrous inventions to be experienced and shared by visitors from Kinder to the Kinder-at- heart. Kaleidoscopes further development and popularization in the United States was due to a German immigrant named Charles G. Busch (Bush), who arrived here from Prussia in 1847. The German American Heritage Center is excited to share the artistry of Tom Chouteau with their members and the public. Tom will maintain a small working studio in the exhibit to share his art with visitors, and the museum will be featuring workshops for enthusiasts to make their own kaleidoscopes with Tom’s guidance. He has experience in sharing his skills with children, adults and senior citizen. Why not come and color your world for 2015 at the German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa?

12 2015 Convention Classes Phil Coghill (Kaleidoscope Class) Class Limit: 10 Price: $165 Scheduled: Sat 9-12 AM

Phil Coghill has been a professional kaleidoscope artist and wood turner for 25 years. His kaleidoscopes are lathe-turned, using mostly native hardwoods from storm damaged trees or trees cut for landscape purposes.

BANK - SEE - AHH: This kaleidoscope is made from the seed pod of the banksia tree from Australia and ebonized wood. Students will assemble a two mirror system with five points, select glass pieces and other objects to fill their dry cell and assemble the scope. To complete the scope they will attach the finial to the top of the scope. There will be an assortment of finial designs available. Jim and Rita Duxbury (Technique Class) Class Limit 10 Cost: $70.00 Scheduled: Friday 2-5 PM Traditional Kaleidoscope Construction: Lathe demonstration

During approximately a 2 hour session, Jim and Rita Duxbury will demonstrate the construction of his traditional model wooden kaleidoscope. This Traditional Kaleidoscope is designed to be turned on a wood lathe using basic tools and intermediate woodturning techniques. Participants will not be making a completed kaleidoscope during this class but will be learning the techniques used by Jim to create this kaleidoscope. Jim will show the fabrication of his unique cone jig for turning the center- less kaleidoscope barrel and end cylinder. This technique can also be used to turn numerous other center-less objects. Additionally, he will demonstrate and construct the object box, cut glass for the eye piece, and also cut the first surface mirror using his mirror cutting jig.

This kaleidoscope is the culmination of numerous turned wooden kaleidoscope designs brought together through Jim’s creativity and use of the wood lathe. This custom 3 mirror scope has an oil-filled object box and prism exterior lens contained in a rotatable end cylinder with a matching cradle.

Each attendee will receive a full set of detailed plans with instructions, cradle plan, material list, and history. Plans of other models and a DVD of step-by-step instructions will be available at an additional cost. Randy and Shelley Knapp (Kaleidoscope Class) Class Limit: 10 Price: $175 Scheduled: Sat 12-3 PM (If first class fills then a second class will be offered before convention Weds 2-5 PM)

Randy and Shelley Knapp’s team work are well documented in several major kaleidoscope collections in the United States and Japan as well as many books and magazines. Spend the afternoon making your own kaleidoscope with Randy & Shelley Knapp. Learn from their 52 years of combined experience and knowledge. Here is what you will get to do: 1 - Decorate the exterior of your kaleidoscope. 2 - Learn how to assemble a two mirror optical system using the Knapp’s tried and true mirror jig system. 3 - Learn the mechanics of how it all goes together. Some glue here, padding there, etc. 4 - Learn how to compose a kaleidoscope image by combining colors and textures for a balanced and harmonious image. 5 - Learn how to use magnification to your best advantage in a kaleidoscope.

Go home with your own “I made it myself” kaleidoscope that allows you to compose the image of your dreams. Experience the joy of being able to change the image at any time by the use of the Knapp’s clever removable magnetic object cell.

Randy Knapp (Technique Class) Class limit: 15 Price: $95 Thursday 1-4 PM Repeat Sunday 1-4 PM

Building a fluid filled object cell Learn the ins and outs of a fluid filled object cell. Master kaleidoscope artist Randy Knapp will share the technique he and Shelley have been using for 26 years to make their kaleidoscopes. Multiple techniques will be shown and discussed. So you can see one being made, jigs and fixtures will be demonstrated along with some audio/video demo.

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Steve and Peggy Kittelson The Art of Kaleidoscopes (Kaleidoscope Class) The 2015 Brewster Kaleidoscope Society Convention Class Limit: 6 Price: $165 Scheduled: 1st class Saturday 9-12 AM will celebrate “The Art of Kaleidoscopes”. (2nd class if needed for waiting list will be scheduled With this theme we hope to bring about the awareness Thursday 1-4 PM) that kaleidoscopes are now part of the

Peggy & Steve Kittelson have been creating fine modern fine art scene as it merges the areas of handcrafted kaleidoscopes since 1986. Their goal sculpture, kinetic, interactive and other art forms. was to create unique and distinctive scopes that are Silent Auction Theme: A Work of Art – beautiful to look at and pleasing to touch and hold. They have achieved Celebrating 25 Conventions this goal by incorporating many Thursday, May 28, 2015 facets of their glass 9:30 AM: Artist set-up begins craftsmanship. 1:00 PM: Building a fluid filled object cell-Technique class

The class will be by Randy Knapp making a scope with 1:00 PM: Improving your Artist web presence by Jay a wood turned Archibald spalted maple barrel. 4:00 PM: Buffet Dinner for all attendees The image will be 5:00 – 8:00 PM: Artist/Retailer Wholesale Show created by an eight 7:00 PM: Retailer Reception point two mirror system and the object Friday, May 29, 2015 case will be a 9:00 AM-Noon: Unveiling of first time ever seen polarized dry cell. Kaleidoscopes 12:00 PM: Buffet Lunch for all attendees Judith Paul and Tom Durden 1:00-5:00 PM: Showroom open (Kaleidoscope Class) 2:00 PM: Kaleidoscope Technique Class by Jim & Rita

Class Limit: 10 Price: $170 Duxbury Scheduled: Sat 12-3 PM 2:00 PM: Marc Tickle Retrospective

Judith is a kaleidoscope collector by addiction and a 3:00 PM: Website Update and User information by Jay kaleidoscope maker by vocation. Judith lives in Archibald th Northern California and is married to her “mirror 6:30 PM: 25 Convention Dinner Cruise – River Queen – man”, Tom Durden. Together they produce collector Ohio River quality kaleidoscopes from the finest and most unique materials. Her kaleidoscopes have won Saturday, May 30, 2015 numerous awards in international competition and 9:00 AM: Kaleidoscope Class by Phil Coghill are enjoyed in many homes and several museums 9:00 AM: Kaleidoscope Class by Steve and Peggy Kittelson around the world. 9:00 AM: Why I Buy and Why I Don’t Buy – Mary Wills Judith Paul’s students will be creating a and Sally Dryer kaleidoscope work of art based on the theme for the 10:00 AM-4:00 PM: Showroom open to Public convention. Judith Paul’s mirror man, Tom Durden 6:00 PM: Cocktail Hour will instruct and assist students in the construction of 7:00 PM: Banquet – Silver the mirrors for their kaleidoscopes. Sunday May 31, 2015 10:30 AM: BKS Annual Meeting 11:00 AM: People Choice Awards Presentation 12:00 – 4:00 PM: Showroom open to Public 1:00 PM: Building a fluid filled object cell by Randy Knapp 1:00 – 3: 00 PM: BKS Future Planning 1:00 PM: Strathmore Convention Committee Meeting 2:00 PM: BKS Web Future Functionality Planning 4:00-6:00 PM: Showroom Cleanup

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2015 Schedule of Kaleidoscopic Events

January 11—16: Phil Coghill - Turning and Designing Kaleidoscopes - John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC

January 11—April 4: The German American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa, will be the home to “Kaleidoscopia!” opening to the public on January 11, 2015 and will run through April, 4, 2015.

April 3 – 30 : “ REFLECTIVE ARTISTRY ” the 8th invitational show at Reflections Kaleidoscopes in Mendocino, California. Collectors preview ~ Friday, April 10, 11 am-5 pm; Opening Reception ~ Saturday, April 11, 5 pm. This year Marc Tickle, of ‘On Reflections,’ is designing a one-of-a-kind scope and will serve as Artist in Residence. BKS Artists are asked to submit new and one-of-a-kind work for inclusion in the show. There will be a People’s Choice, Best of Show and Honorable Mention awards. Email Skip at [email protected] or call 707-937-0173 for more details.

May 28—31: BKS Convention in Covington, Kentucky : Celebrating the Art of Kaleidoscopes, Embassy Suites, Cincinnati River Center

2016 Events April 23—June 5, 2016: Strathmore Kaleidoscope Exhibit—200 Year Anniversary of Kaleidoscopes. The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Opening artist reception will be April 28, 2016 from 7-9 p.m.

THE BREWSTER KALEIDOSCOPE SOCIETY www.brewstersociety.com P.O. Box 917 Wake Forest, NC 27588

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