This year marks the 50th anniversary of the development of studio art glass in America. This summer, Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City will join with museums, galleries, art centers and other venues across the country in presenting glass demonstrations, lectures and exhibitions marking this milestone.
The history of American Studio Glass art began with two glass workshops held at the Toledo Museum of Art in 1962. The workshops were taught by Harvey K. Littleton, who, along with scientist Dominick Labino, introduced a small furnace built for glassworking that made it possible for individual artists to work in independent studios. Since 1962, the art of glass has been incorporated into art education, museums, personal collections and many indoor and outdoor installations. Glass is now accepted as an important medium within fine art.
Opening on May 26, 2012 in Michigan City, IN, Light & Flow: 50 Year Anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement will feature works by some of the most respected names in art glass, including: Oben Abright, Rick Beck, Sidney Hutter, Mark Peiser and Stephen Powell, the James Renwick Alliance's 2012 Distinguished Educator Award honoree.
Sponsored by Indiana Humanities, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass and Midwest Contemporary Glass Art Group and Bonnie Marx, the exhibition will be complemented by several unique programs, including a private collection tour on Saturday June 9, a hot glass demonstration on July 6 and a panel discussion on July 19.
A public reception celebrating the opening of Light & Flow: 50 Year Anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement, plus, Beaten & Bound: Contemporary Book & Paper Art, will be held at Lubeznik Center for the Arts on Friday, June 1, from 5-8 pm at Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St. Michigan City. Visit lubeznikcenter.org or phone 219.874.4900 for more information.
NIPSCO Education Studio:
Petroglyphs/Pictographs : Rock Art by Dorothy Graden
June 1-Aug 24, 2012
Opening Reception: First Friday June 1, 5-8 PM
Twenty five years ago, Dorothy Graden set out for an adventure in the American Southwest. She traveled through New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Colorado hunting for ancient Anasazi ruins. Climbing mesas, hiking cliffs and wading through rivers, she found many ruins with markings on walls and floors that the Ancients left. These markings are defined as “Rock Art”.
Graden’s fascination with rock art inspired her ink drawings and sculptures that will be on display in the NIPSCO Education Studio at Lubeznik Center for the Arts from June 1st through August 24th. Join us for the opening reception on the First Friday in June from 5-8 PM.
Associated programs:
Light & Flow: Private Collection Tour
Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lubeznik Center for the Arts presents this rare opportunity to tour a private collection that includes works by easily recognized names like Lino Tagliapietra and Dale Chihuly, along side an impressive list of internationally known glass artists. You'll meet in Michigan City before being transported to South Bend for a one-hour tour led by Michael Hofer, Manager of Echt Gallery. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Tickets are $75 pp, $65 for LCA Members. Space is limited, call to reserve: 219.874.4900.
Panel Discussion: Transcending Craft
Thursday, July 19
6:30 p.m.
Art critic for Artforum and GLASS magazine, James Yood, moderates this panel discussion of the contemporary studio glass movement. The panel will begin with a brief history of the Movement before covering topics including leading innovators and educators in the field, criteria for evaluating and collecting, and the elevation of studio glass from craft to art. Panelists include gallery owners Ken Saunders and Karen Echt, collector Mark Richter, as well as artist/educator Steven Powell, Professor of Art Glass at Centre College in Danville Kentucky. This program is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. Phone Lubeznik Center for the Arts at 219.874.4900 or email artinfo@lubeznikcenter.org for more information.
Photos:
- Stephen Powell, Blue Licking Jitter
- Mark Peiser, Tourmaline Single Line
- Dorothy Graden, Dancing Shaman