The exhibition, new ideas in medallic sculpture, which began as an annual gallery event in 1998, has continued for eight years. It is one of several projects at Medialia that encourages the young generation to express ideas in medallic sculpture. Exhibitions comprised of young medallic sculptors have been an essential part of Medialia¹s philosophy from the beginning.

After several years of teaching a class in stone carving at The University of the Arts, I created the new ideas in medallic sculpture exhibitions to encourage students to become professionally involved with art. The collaborative exhibition, new ideas in medallic sculpture, is supported by a combination of three participating universities, individual patrons, and a non-profit organization, New Approach, Inc. The purpose of New Approach is to promote emerging artists, as well as to encourage public awareness of medallic art.

Until 2000, new ideas exhibitions were comprised of students from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia (U. Arts), and one other university. Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade de Lisboa (U. Lisboa), joined U. Arts annually starting in 2001. Professor João Duarte has established a medal course at U. Lisboa which is influential to the future of contemporary medal art in Portugal. This new direction gives more dynamic stimulus and technical competence to emerging artists. This year, the exhibition, new ideas in medallic sculpture includes Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage, Brazil (EAV). The exhibiting artists from EAV have been selected by Professor João Carlos Goldberg from his 30 years as an instructor at EAV. The artists from U. Lisboa and U. Arts are current students or 2005 graduates.

EAV is currently celebrating the 30th year anniversary since its inception. It is our honor that this eighth exhibition, new ideas in medallic sculpture becomes part of their celebration. At the conclusion of the Medialia exhibit, the exhibition will travel to the three universities in 2006.

At the conclusion of the Medialia exhibit, the exhibition will travel to the three universities in 2006.

The University of the Arts, Philadelphia : March 6 - April 1 Faculdade de Belas Artes da Universidade de Lisboa : July 1 - July 31 Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage, Brazil : October 5 - 26