The decorative arts have been an important part of the Museum collection from the very beginning. FODA programs are entertaining and informative and provide opportunities to make new friends. Annual dues are $20, in addition to Museum membership. To join, please contact Membership Coordinator Bailey Nicholas: bnicholas@fine-arts.org or 727.896.2667, ext. 250. Non-FODA members can attend programs for $5, plus MFA admission. Carolyn Nygren is the volunteer coordinator. These programs will be held on the second Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m.

2013 – 2014 Schedule:

October 8 – Alex Klahm on various metal working techniques

Master metalsmith Alex Klahm of St. Petersburg will offer an overview of metal processes and techniques. He has designed and produced architectural metalwork for both public spaces and estate properties. He has crafted grand staircases, monumental gates, balconies, decorative railings, chandeliers, and much more.

Mr. Klahm has restored the metalwork on 24 lighthouses, as well as on other historic properties such as Vizcaya and the Miami/Dade County Courthouse. He is best known locally for the Millennial Gateway, created for the promenade of The Shops of St. Pete, formerly BayWalk. The Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has twice given him the Mellen C. Greeley Craftsman of the Year Award. He holds his BA from the University of California at Davis and his MA from California State University at Los Angeles.

November 12 – Victoria Boyko of Viktoria Richards chocolates

Victoria Boyko, founder of Viktoria Richards Chocolates in New Port Richey, will present a truly delicious program. She creates contemporary designs for her chocolates—almost miniature works of art—which look too perfect to eat, but are too enticing not to. She uses only the finest European chocolates and has developed such unique flavors as pineapple chipotle, Earl Grey lavender, chai masala, and lemon vodka nesting doll.

Ms. Boyko holds a BA in fashion design with a minor in art from The American College—London, having previously studied at The American College—Lucerne. As a bonus, her chocolates will be available in the Museum Store the week before, the day of, and the week after her program, until they sell out.

December 10 – Sally Nisenson on Walter Gropius

Sarah Nisenson, a guide at the Walter Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, will discuss the life and work of the legendary founder of the Bauhaus School in Germany and one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. He attracted major designers and artists such as Paul Klee, Josef Albers, and Wassily Kandinsky to teach and work at the Bauhaus.

Gropius designed his family home when he came to teach architecture at Harvard University. It was created around his Marcel Breuer furniture, which he brought from Europe, and remains one of the best examples of his vision. Also on view are artworks by Albers, Joan Miró, and Henry Moore, some of his many admirers and friends.

January 14 – Jim Sweeny on Art Deco New York

February 11 – Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse

March 11 – Dr. John Schloder on Asian Art

April 8 – TBD

May 13 – Assistant Curator of Art after 1950, Katherine Pill