John Rais

= Background =

John is a blacksmith known for his architectural work, vessels, and furniture. John primarily works in steel, titanium, and copper, and is best known for his firescreens. John was born and raised in Burlington, Massachusetts, the youngest of seven children. John was introduced to blacksmithing in a sculpture class at the age of 18. He went to college at the Massachusetts College of Art, graduating in 1995. John received his masters degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art, after which he worked at Peters Valley Craft Center as a department head. He has run his own blacksmithing studio since 1998, and now lives in Massachusetts.

Teaching

Senior Lecturer, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA (spring 2006)
Adjunct Professor, State University of New York at New Paltz (2005)
Adjunct Instructor, County College of Sussex (2003)
Departmental Head of Blacksmithing, Peters Valley Craft Center (1997-2001)

Publications include

Departures magazine
Ritz-Carlton magazine
Metalsmith
American Craft

Awards

Residency, John Michael Kohler Art Center, Kohler, WI. (2006)
Artists Choice Award, Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington, D.C. (2004)
Best Metals Design, Philadelphia Furniture and Furnishings Show, Philadelphia, PA (2002)
Residency at Peters Valley Craft Center, Layton, NJ (1998)
Albert and Peggy DeSalle Merit Award (1997, 1996)
Pace Gallery Award (1995)

References

*John Rais Studios. http://www.johnraisstudios.com.
*Interview with John Rais by Krista Gromalski. http://www.northeastblacksmiths.org/ashokantext/galleryindex1000rais.htm.
*Biography, New England School of Metalwork. http://www.newenglandschoolofmetalwork.com/blacksmithing/index.php?page=new-forms-in-steel.
*Additional information provided by John Rais, e-mail, 09/26/08.