In These Shoes Opening

In some previous posts I mentioned this exhibit and how I would have some photographs included with the delightful assortment of handmade shoes and boots.  See all the details listed below, including the opening reception scheduled for this coming Saturday, June 22.  Stop by and take a look!

Paul Opperman

Anne Marika Verploegh Chassé

In These Shoes, Bespoke Footwear in America

Opening reception, Saturday June 22, 7-9 p.m.

Quigley Gallery, Clarke University, Dubuque, IA

In These Shoes is an art event featuring bespoke shoemakers blurring the boundaries of fashion, art and craft.  Featuring handmade to order footwear, from couture to cowboy, these shoes are made by craftspeople…artists…fashion designers…or better yet, “sculptors working in shoes.”

The difficulty of a single shoemaker sharing the craft of building custom designed and fitted, handmade shoes is a longstanding problem.  To help market and preserve the craft, the members of the Honorable Cordwainers Company, a U.S. guild of historical shoe and boot makers, conceptualized an art show to educate the art buying public about commissioned footwear.  This show, conceived and curated by Dubuque boot maker Paul Opperman, is the result of that effort.

Stephanie Funke, photograph

Artists featured in the show include Paul Opperman, Amara Weber, James Sommerfeldt, Anne Marika Verploegh Chassé, Paige Sorrell, Sissy Puccio, and Daphne Board. Photographs of contemporary footwear, byStephanie Funke, will also be on view.

For a sneak peak at what’s in store at the art event, click here.

In These Shoes was made possible by a grant from Art Gumbo Dubuque and with help from IMPACT Fine Arts