Masonry Magazine October 2003 Page. 6
From the Editor
Taking the Art of Masonry Literally
Jennie Farnsworth, managing editor
jen@lionhrtpub.com
This month, masonry will be taken from the streets of everyday America and showcased at the National Building Museum's "Masonry Variations" exhibit for its artistic nature, historical value, all around versatility and, despite the beliefs of some, its ability to be utilized in architectural innovations. Curators, press, mason craftworkers, architects, engineers and the public will all gather in the nation's capital on October 18th to begin a celebration of what we know as the art of masonry.
The word "museum" conjures up visions of old, dusty antiquities that are unused and outdated in the present time. In the case of this museum, this is hardly true. Opened to the public in 1985, the National Building Museum strives to illuminate the building process and to document changing styles and techniques in the building arts. Although they will honor the history of this centuries old trade, the focus will mainly be on masonry's rightful place in the modern and futuristic building community.
For the main exhibit, the Museum has commissioned works by four cutting-edge architects working in teams with master craftworkers to explore the unique potential of each material. These innovative and creative installations will be displayed in a series of galleries. Accompanying this main exhibit, the Museum along with the "Masonry Variations" sponsors, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and the International Masonry Institute - will offer several opportunities to take part, explore and observe various aspects of the art.
One aspect of the opening-day exhibit, the Masonry Mania Family Festival, also stresses that masonry has something for everyone, no matter the age. At this free, all-day event, visitors can join the staff of the International Masonry Institute as they provide graphic displays and hands-on activities designed to educate the public about masonry crafts. Hands-on demonstrations will allow participants to work with brick, stone, marble, tile, terrazzo and plaster. Masons will also explain the techniques used in working with these varied materials and have samples of the materials on hand. In a "Construction Zone," children can build with both large and small bricks. Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own masonry sculptures and participate in other educational activities.
Finally, in addition to the interactive displays, the International Masonry Institute will hold its International Apprentice Contest at the Museum on that day. Festival visitors will be able to watch 30 apprentice contestants from across the United States and Canada, representing the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, complete projects in six masonry craft areas.
Much like the Masonry Showcase, being held in Las Vegas, March 21-25, the National Building Museum exhibit stresses the importance of masonry-the strength of its past and the strength of its future.
The National Building Museum "Masonry Variations" Exhibit
October 18, 2003 April 4, 2004
Located at: 401 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
For more information:
Call (202) 272-2448 or visit www.nbm.org
MASONRY
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
President William McConnel
Vice President G. Alan Griffin
Secretary Frank Campheli
Treasurer Tom Daniel
Regional Vice Presidents
Rob Greer John Spencer
Edgar Boettcher Mike Sutter
Mackie Bounds Bob Barkshire
Jen Hensley Mark Kemp
Roy Swindal
Exncutive Director
Michael Adel
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Director of Engineering Rashed Johnson
Director of Government Affairs Marian Marshal
Director of Workforce Development Melissa Polivka
Manager of Professional Development Colin Faul
Manager of Website Development Timotly W. O'Toole
Controller Li Fidonk
Administrative Assistant Renee Stevens
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Robert L. Nebon (Robert L. Netson & Associates, Inc.), Jeff Greenwald (NOM
David Jollay (01. Jollay, Inc.), Johe Chrysler (MA), Ah Melander (PCX, DIN
Hill (Pettit Construction Co., Paul Odom (Pand 5 Masonry), John 1. Smith (lo
1. Smith Manonry Co., Brian Grant (Gront/Jack's Masonryl, Jerry Painter Pink
Masonry, Inc.), Doug Nichols (Doug Nichols Ent
Contracting, Inc.), Tom Daniel (GBC Concrete and Masonry Contruction, inc)
Exncutive Office
33 South Roselle Road
Schaumbung & 60193
Phone: 847.301.00018005362225
Fax 847.301.1130
MASONRY is the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association America (MCAA) and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association (CMC. The magazine acts as a sounding board without approving, disapproving guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. Opinions repressed by officers do not necessantly reflect the official views of MICA CMCA. The appearance of advertising or new product information doesn't constitute an endorsement by MCIA or CMCA of product featured
MASONRY ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL OFFICE
Send all advertising and editorial submissions for Masonry ta
Lionheart Publishing l
506 Roswell Street, Suite 220. Marietta, GA 30000 USA
let 770.431.0867 Fax 770.432.6060 Emalt pilonhub.com
Publisher John Dewellynewclub.com)
Editer Jennie Fanworth(ep.com)
Features Editor Tom Inglesby (pomeditor.com)
Art Director Alan Brubaker (abrubaket.com
Production Designer Donna Maral (donnamin.com)
Online Projects Manager Pation McGinley (pattonitpub.com)
Advertising Sales Marvin Diamond (maninetpub.com)
Reprints Mamie Wrenn (mowrentpub.com)
206.624.2224
www.masoncontractors.com