Temple Treasures "Tops on my list... their Filet Mignon" Temple Israel Sisterhood's annual art fair features new examples ofJudaica. SUZANNE CHESSLER Special to the Jewish News udaica carved from wood in Native American style, or formed from clay to capture a person or family, are among the works featured at Art Fair 2001, arranged by Temple Israel Sisterhood for April 28-30. Gabe Bass, a graduate of Andover High School who went on to study at Hampshire College, and Shoshanna, a one-name-only ceramics specialist who studied at the Art Institute of Atlanta, are new to the fair this year and amono- b 40 exhibitors showcasing a mixture of wall hangings, photogra- phy, jewelry, furniture, bas- kets and pottery. Thirty-four vendors also will participate in boutiques of clothing, gifrware, jewelry and purses in an event co- chaired by Dorothy Collens and Sara Hoffman. "I learned to carve from a native man on the Musqueam reserve in Vancouver, and with much research and practice adapted my carving skills to a unique style of Jewish woodwork," says Bass, 24, who offers candle holders, chal- lah boards and seder plates as well as larger structures for synagogues. Bass, who has been carving for five years, started working on Judaica almost two years ago. His introduction to artistry was unexpectedly found during a different kind of study- program on the reserve, where he was taught w'th yellow cedar but went on to experiment with many other types of wood. "I don't know how to do any other kind of art," says Bass, a Seattle resi- dent who will inscribe his work, whether ceremonial or decorative. Shoshanna, who chose one name to avoid being confused with another artist who had her full name, doesn't think about inscriptions because her designs are highly personalized. "It's all about the people receiving IT "The best Pizza in Metro Detroit" John Tanasvchuk, Detroit Free Press, January 8th, 1999 • Pasta Specialties • Pizza • Steaks• Chops • Poultry • Seafood • Cocktails the artwork, not about me," says Shoshanna, 40, who works out of a studio on her Alabama property "Every piece tells a story." Shoshanna, who uses the business name Shoshanna Art, did a menorah for a family that remembered OPEN DAILY - LUNCH & DINNER OPEN WEEKDAYS UNTIL 2:00 AM WEEKENDS UNTIL 3:30 AM C 011109S Italian-American Family Restaurant Woodward at 9 Mile • (248) 548-5005 Above: Gabe Bass: Judaica in wood. Left: As in this ceramic mezuzah, Shoshana captures family images in art. having food fights when the children were quite young. That kind of scene was designed into the piece. Sometimes, she will work from photos and carve likenesses into the Judaic forms. Although she has been interested in art since first grade, her Judaic work started 10 years ago. She is represented at art fairs by her parents, Max and Millie Rosenthal. "I also have some standard pieces that I base on Kabbalah readings," Shoshanna says. THE GALLERY RESTAURANT 1 BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER 1 ) 04\ OPEN 7 DAYS: MON. SAT. 7 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. SUN. 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. West Bloomfield Plaza • 6638 Telegraph Road and Maple • 248-851-0313 - (L A em ft m bbam. • • 4)( 4.11e r.rt ❑ The art fair at Temple Israel runs 8-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday April 28-30. $3 at door Sunday and Monday/for ticket informa- tion on Saturday's preview, call the temple at (248) 661-5700. 1 Enjoy gracious dining amid a beautiful atmosphere of casual elegance r74/41 (;iiitei ey19> keirtel-Cnt., ,ei feitell71:rteityei,(7 e- .14 //!/