Chicagoween
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Franken Plaza
(Daley Plaza)
chicagoween.us
To view more of Jeff's work:
www.theartofthemask.blogspot.com
For more information about mask making classes:
www.maskartists.com
Jeff Semmerling- Mask Artist
One of perhaps a dozen experts in the art of mask making, Chicago's Jeff Semmerling is an internationally renowned artist, international presenter and historian of masks and their relation to world cultures.
In 1981, after graduating from Northwestern's Theater School, Jeff traveled to New Orleans where he discovered his art. Tragically, since Katrina, most of New Orleans' original mask art and artisans have been lost.
Each mask is a one-of-a-kind creation and requires as many as 12-14 steps to complete. Semmerling begins by custom shaping a piece of fine leather into a full or partial face plate. Expertly molded, his masks are so comfortable they are easily worn all night.
Many additional steps of design embellishment can include painting, embossing and adorning the leather with fur, feathers, jewels and/or beading.
Semmerling designs for both men and women. His red devil mask is especially popular with men as is his black leather Star Wars style warrior mask and wolf and snake masks that have separate, hinged jaw pieces.
Prices range from $25 for his signature "Smile" mask to $200 for some feathered creations. By request, Jeff designs couture masks for the most elegant galas, costumes and fashion shows. He is available for design consultation.
Semmerling has produced commissioned pieces for a variety of users including The Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park and The Goodman Theater. His "Smile" mask was worn on "Americas Next Top Model."
Semmerling presents regularly to children at Chicagoland schools and teaches mask-making classes to kids and teachers at his Ravenswood art studio.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Franken Plaza
(Daley Plaza)
chicagoween.us
To view more of Jeff's work:
www.theartofthemask.blogspot.com
For more information about mask making classes:
www.maskartists.com
Jeff Semmerling- Mask Artist
One of perhaps a dozen experts in the art of mask making, Chicago's Jeff Semmerling is an internationally renowned artist, international presenter and historian of masks and their relation to world cultures.
In 1981, after graduating from Northwestern's Theater School, Jeff traveled to New Orleans where he discovered his art. Tragically, since Katrina, most of New Orleans' original mask art and artisans have been lost.
Each mask is a one-of-a-kind creation and requires as many as 12-14 steps to complete. Semmerling begins by custom shaping a piece of fine leather into a full or partial face plate. Expertly molded, his masks are so comfortable they are easily worn all night.
Many additional steps of design embellishment can include painting, embossing and adorning the leather with fur, feathers, jewels and/or beading.
Semmerling designs for both men and women. His red devil mask is especially popular with men as is his black leather Star Wars style warrior mask and wolf and snake masks that have separate, hinged jaw pieces.
Prices range from $25 for his signature "Smile" mask to $200 for some feathered creations. By request, Jeff designs couture masks for the most elegant galas, costumes and fashion shows. He is available for design consultation.
Semmerling has produced commissioned pieces for a variety of users including The Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park and The Goodman Theater. His "Smile" mask was worn on "Americas Next Top Model."
Semmerling presents regularly to children at Chicagoland schools and teaches mask-making classes to kids and teachers at his Ravenswood art studio.
