The Ornamental Plumb Bob is a solo exhibition of objects and brooches by San Antonio metalsmith Gary Schott. Stemming from his 2011 series of brooches, Schott's new body of work continues to explore the plumb bob, a tool used by many craftspeople to denote a vertical line of reference. Adorning the wall and the body respectively, Schott's large-scale objects and human-scale brooches serve a functional purpose, while also calling attention to their ornamentation.

Like much of his previous work, Schott infuses these pieces with mechanical and interactive qualities. When suspended from a wall or body, each plumb bob becomes interactive through its kinetic potential, while establishing the vertical axis of the wall or wearer. At the same time, the decorative plaques placed behind the objects direct the viewer's attention to the geometric weights and lustrous materials of the plumb bobs. The pieces boast lathe-turned wooden weights that dangle from sumptuous, red brass fixtures, like ornaments on a tree.

Artists talks are at 5:30 p.m. On view through July 27.