The Handmade Tile Association (HTA) congratulates the American Swedish Institute (ASI) on the Grand Opening of the Nelson Cultural Center (NCC) on June 30 and welcomes this opportunity to congratulate HTA member, North Prairie Tileworks on their stunning tile installation for the center.
The ASI commissioned North Prairie Tileworks to create the tiles using their famed Turnblad mansion Swedish wood stoves as inspiration. “There is a wealth of classic design features displayed on the Swedish stoves,” according to Roger Mayland of North Prairie, “but the challenge for Charlie Henriksen, as the primary designer on this project, was to bring out the few key elements that unite the past with the new tiles.” Henriksen hand sculpted each of the designs in clay, created the molds and oversaw the precise and potentially temperamental firing and glazing processes. The tile installation is an ideal representation of the unique artistry and creativity present throughout the HTA’s membership.
The Handmade Tile Association (HTA) is one of the nation’s premiere tile artist collectives. Based in Minnesota, it boasts a membership of more than 100 tile makers nationwide, with about half the membership working locally. HTA members are active nationwide creating public and private installations, participating in juried art shows and tile festivals throughout North America, and showing their work in galleries and museums. The 11th Annual Minnesota Tile Festival will be held later this year at the American Swedish Institute on September 15, 2012. It is one of largest in the country, attracting tile artists from all over the United States.
Please contact Josh Blanc at Josh@handmadetileassociation.com for more information or www.handmadetileassociation.org. Phone: 612.781.6409
