Welcome to the Arizona Glass Alliance
A Resource for the Contemporary Glass Appreciator, Collector and Artist in Arizona.
Upcoming Events
February 4th through April 28, 2012 - Glass 30-40-50
Help to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement. There will be events in March and April. For details, see Tom Philabaum's website.
April 9 - Alex Fekete
Artist Statement (from Prism Gallery)
Translucent, fragile, fluid yet hard, free blown Glass and its magical depths became my creative friends and explorer over a decade ago. Over this time span, transparency, translucency, bottomless variety of form and unyielding nature of Glass gained my affection permanently. Maybe that’s why I allow Glass to retain its “creative license” to complete my ideas – anywhere between its extremely hot and super-cooled liquid stages. I am fascinated by Glass’ ability to take in and contain light resulting in reversed plasticity.
To be honest, I do respect Glass in its naturally polished state, however I find only occasional use for it in my creative processes. Sandblasting allows me to better define objects endowing them with more palpable volume and “readability”. If there is polished surface, I use it sparingly, mostly to highlight form-defining curves or to emphasize distance. In the deliberate absence of color, it’s the purity of form buttressed by the power of negative space takes on the center stage.
Objects I create can be characterized by simple, almost graphic representation of space and volumes. Glass in the state of flux unified with my imagination both participate in the process of creation. This way, Glass lives as an active and indispensable ingredient, in much more than just literal way.
In the creative process itself, I spend endless hours searching for what to include, but predominantly exclude, looking for that bare minimum, capable of supporting my idea before it dissipates. Testing the idea in hot and cold shops follow. Making it happen, is then only matter of hours (quite a few), some skill and luck.
Artist and Gallery News
Imagery on Glass Workshop at Desert Glasshopper Studio - April 14th
Learn the art of sandcarving images into glass in this workshop taught by Kimberly Calvert, one of our artist members.
In this introductory class, learn how to translate photographs, drawings or other applicable artwork into glass as an art form using sandcarving. Basic image processing, negative preparation, exposing the film and sandblasting the image into class will all be demonstrated and practiced.
Students will practice on small test pieces of glass in preparation for a finished 8x10 or 5x7 image of their choice. No experience required.
To enroll in this workshop call Peggy Stewart at 480-488-2425 or email GlasshopperAz@aolcom. Class size is limited.
When: Saturday, April 14th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Glasshopper Studio 7302 E Helm Drive, Scottsdale 85260
$230 includes all materials.
Susan Silver Brown has been very busy creating new work. Her work will appear in the following magazines: Glashaus - current issue contains a 2 page spread and an article about Susan. Glass Art Magazine - next issue will have a feature article about Susan. She will also have a podcast with Firelady.
Susan will have 4 pictures on a 2 page spread in a new book by Kennedy publishing called "World's Best Glass Artists", vol. 2.
Her work will be featured in the Morgan Gallery 6th teapot invitational opening in Pittsburg in 2 weeks. She is also represented by Dane Gallery on Nantuckett
She recently hosted the 5 Art Circle group at her home for a lecture and sunset cocktail buffet as part of their Art and Beyond series.
See Susan's website for photos of her work.
Glass Classes
The Mesa Arts Center offers ongoing classes in several different forms of glass art. Students work at their own pace on challenging projects in fully equipped studios with state-of-the-art equipment.
Check their current schedule to sign up for a class.
Circle 6 Studios offers ongoing classes at their Phoenix location. Please see their website for current class schedules.