The James Renwick Alliance for Craft in collaboration with the Furniture Society and the Society of North American Goldsmiths presents an artist talk and award ceremony with blacksmith Rachel David, the winner of the 2021 JRACraft Chrysalis Award. David’s innovative forging of metal referencing bodies and landscapes provides an unexpected unique, provocative commentary on social and environmental justice issues and represents a change in the future of metalworking. Her expressive work and support for women in blacksmithing signifies our support not only for her but also her effort to affirm in a gender-biased field that “skill and craftsmanship are superior to brute force.”

Rachel David received a Bachelor of Arts from Evergreen State College in 2004 and has continued her studies through workshops at Penland School of Craft, John C. Campbell School of Craft, Nunez Community College and Haywood Community College where she recently received a machining certification. In 2019, she was featured in 40 Under 40: The Next Generation of American Metal Artists at the Metal Museum in Memphis, TN and received the Smithsonian Craft Show’s Best in Show Award and the Artists Gold Choice Award. In addition to her artistic practice, David is a founding member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths which supports inclusivity through mentorship, support and scholarships. 

The JRACraft Chrysalis Award was established in 2016 to encourage and support emerging American craft artists who demonstrate excellence and a commitment to artistic innovation but do not have major gallery representation. This award includes a $5,000 unrestricted stipend and opportunities for professional development to include a public presentation of their work. The 2021 award was juried by Executive Director of The Metal Museum Carissa Hussong, collector and former gallery owner Karen Rotenberg and metal artist Chris Shea.

Our deepest gratitude to JRACraft member Stan Asrael for sponsoring this year’s award and to our partners, the Society of North American Goldsmiths and the Furniture Society, for hosting this event.
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• Rachel David: https://www.redmetal.net
• Society of North American Goldsmiths: https://www.snagmetalsmith.org
• Furniture Society: https://furnsoc.org
• Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths: https://www.inclusiveblacksmiths.com
• Perceived Value Podcast Interview with Rachel David: https://www.perceivedvaluepodcast.com/home/2018/8/24/on-her-own-terms-rachel-david-of-red-metal

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"Incredible work Rachel, thank you." - Stephanie Moore, Executive Director of the Center for Craft, Asheville NC

​"Thank you!! Awesome and inspiring presentation - woohoo!!" - Marsha Sue Trattner, artist and owner of She-Weld, Brooklyn, NY

"The status quo needs to change, and you’re helping make that change." - John Congdon, artist and owner of King's Mountain Forge, Ohio

"Thanks Rachel, JRACraft, SNAG and Furniture Society!!!" - Mary Savig, Lloyd Herman Curator of Craft at the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC

"Thank you Rachel.  You are fabulous and so genuine and true to yourself." - Donna Shimazu, Jeweler, Honolulu, HI

"So wonderful to see your shop space and hear more about your work and journey. Thank you for sharing with us! Congratulations on your award and commissions. P.s you inspire a lot of people, stay awesome." - India Lee, Blacksmith, Cleveland, OH
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Learn about craft exhibitions happening around the world through the monthly James Renwick Alliance Newsletter or join our mailing list to get regular updates about upcoming events. ​