Hyannis Port dealers Alan Granby and Janice Hyland share privitly held masterworks (both fine and folk art) in their new book Flying the Colors. The result is a rich survey of material never before unveiled to a public audience. Contributors include Stuart Frank, senior curator at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and Dr. Samuel Laufer. The volume is published by Mystic Seaport Museum in association with Hudson Hills Press.

Full review in this weeks Bee.

The fourth in a series of bienial exhibitions honoring the creativity and talent of craft artists living today, Staged Stories presents 58 works by four artists. Included are ceramic artist Christyl Boger, fiber artist Mark Newport, glass artist Mary Kline, and ceramic artist SunKuh Yoo. Each of these artists side stepss functionality and instead focuses on using their chosen medium to create narrative art.

Staged Stories is on view at the Renwick until January 2010. For more head to the website.

Further examples from the exhibition after the jump.

New from Double Dog Studios, an Iphone Application ready to serve architects, craftsmen, and furniture collectors. I.D. Wood gives full information on 50 different woods providing species name, botanical name, origin, common uses, and more. A well devised reference tool for those on the run, and also those perplexed by Bruce Hoadley’s work.

Sample screen shots follow.

For some people, it is never too early to think about finding the perfect Christmas gift. London’s Design Museum follows this logic and has released information on a number of solid design products that will be available through the museum shop. Among the offerings the Wooden Desk Stationary Set designed by Kenjiro Sano and hand produced in Indonesia is a favorite. Other good looking items include the Eco Tool Set from Green Toys and Hans Hilfiker’s Swiss Railway Wall Clock.

All items will be for sale at designmuseumshop.com.

Crafts Collection 13 is the thirteenth (no surprise there) in a series of celebrations of home grown craftsmen by Danish Craft. The material is marketed internationally, bringing new audiences to the people behind the designs. This year’s theme focuses on the emotions. 23 Danish designers explore how thought plays into handcraft. The objects will first go on view at Maison & Objet in Paris. (via Frame).

More Danish craft after the jump.

Ryuji Mitani is a leader in Japanese handcraft. His work began in earnest in 1981, and has continued to build and develop. His interest in preserving traditional handcraft and technique led to the recent publication of Handcraft in Distant Towns celebrating all that is made by human hand in three cities – Fukui, Kyoto, and Matsumoto. To promote the books release, a complimentary exhibition has been mounted. On view now at Sfera, Kyoto, the assemblage of material is (as one might imagine) beautifully simple. On view until month’s end. (via Wallpaper*).

More images follow.

Kouta Fukunaga fashions birch tree trunks into glorious wine coolers and sake bottles. These creations were recently awarded the 2008 Takaoka Craft Competition 1st prize. Fukunaga comes from the island of Hokkaido, which is known for its natural rolling hills and cows and now home to a growing community of artisans. They, like Fukunaga, are inspired by the surroundings. (via Daily Icon).

More images follow.

David Wakeley’s 20th Century Furniture is hinged on a desire to perfectly balance design, function, and visual impact. Wakeley’s inspiration comes from the furniture of the early to mid-20th century (hence the name), finding excitement in everything from the Mission Style to the mass produced design work of Saarinen.

The Boomerang bench (above) is part of 20th Century Furniture’s music offerings. With organic lines and natural finish, the bench is designed so that a pianist may reach for music in the drawer while remaining seated. The piece also comes with an upholstered seat if desired.

More of David Wakeley’s work, including tables and magazine racks, after the jump.

On Thursday, July 23, 2009, Eldred’s Auction Gallery (in East Dennis, MA) hosts its annual Marine auction. Also included a selected pieces of Chinese Export. Among the highlights is a selection of ephemera from the S.S. President Harrison of the Dollar Steamship Line, circa 1930 (shown above). A lovely reverse painted glass sign from the Chatham Coast Guard and a number of whaling related pieces will hit the block too.

Check out a few favorites after the jump. View the entire catalog and place bids at Eldred’s.

Delaware Art Museum’s outlook series is currently focused on the State’s Folk Art. Out of the Commonplace includes utilitarian art work, pieces imbued with cultural and political belief, and items celebrating history. Whether found objects or beautifully carved works the collected material in Out of the Commonplace neatly encapsulates a moment in one regions Folk Art history.

Above is American Flag (2001) by Betty Eyler Link. Head to the jump to view Brooms and Canes (2000) by Billy Hammond.