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How to Learn More
about
Contemporary Studio Glass
If you are new to contemporary studio glass, and want to find out more
about it, this page is designed to give you some sources of help. Note
that there is no technical information here.
- Contents of this page:
-
- Where should I go to see examples of contemporary
studio glass and learn more?
-
- Many large urban art museums carry some glass art in their permanent
collections. There are also frequent special glass exhibitions
at these museums.
- The National Liberty Museum, located at 321 Chestnut Street
in historic Philadelphia, is dedicated to promoting tolerance
and understanding by celebrating America's heritage of freedom.
Glass art is featured in every exhibit to serve as a metaphor
for the fragile nature of liberty.
- There is a growing number of galleries devoted exclusively to
the exhibition and sale of contemporary studio glass. You can
find those that have websites on our links page.
- The websites of these galleries, as well as many other sites,
have photographs of glass art. Though generally photographs do
not do justice to glass, they are a way of seeing a much larger
variety than can normally be seen in one location.
- If you are a member of the AACG, be sure to take every opportunity
to visit individual private collections through our Visitors'
Network.
- If you are in Chicago in the fall, Miami in the winter, or
New York City in the spring, attend the SOFA (Sculpture Objects
and Functional Art) exhibitions in these cities. A large number
of international glass galleries show some of the best-known
and emerging artists at these exhibitions. For information, visit
the SOFA website at
http://www.sofaexpo.com.
- GlassWeekend, at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Millville, NJ, in the summer
of odd-numbered years, is co-sponsored by AACG and the Creative
Glass Center of America. For more information about GlassWeekend, see
the page on this site, and/or visit the Creative
Glass Center of America web site.
- Pilchuck Glass School, outside of Seattle, is probably the best-known
glass school in the country, and Seattle is a center of the glass
"universe". though the school is not open to public visits, there
is an annual Pilchuck Benefit Auction every fall, and a 3-day
weekend for out-of-town collectors is planned around this event.
Participants in this weekend visit the school, other public exhibits
and galleries, and private collections in the Seattle area.
- If you are a member of AACG, you may participate in the annual
trip to some city in which galleries, museums, and private collections
are visited. Participation is limited to a small number of AACG
members, and is sometimes determined by lottery. These trips are
announced on the news page of this website, as well as by letter
to AACG members.
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- How can I find current and forthcoming exhibitions
of contemporary studio glass?
- A number of periodicals about glass feature lists of
gallery shows, exhibitions, and other events of interest. See
the list of periodicals below.
- See also the list of current and coming events on our calendar
page. We do not list gallery shows, but do try to keep our listings
of museum exhibitions and other glass events current.
- The Corning Museum of Glass also maintains a calendar of past,
present, and future glass exhibitions. See it at http://www.cmog.org/exhibitionsdatabase/ .
top
- What books will help me to learn more about
contemporary studio glass?
There are many sources of specialized books on glass. The Corning
Museum of Glass has an on-line list of books for sale at http://glassmarket.cmog.org/browse.cfm/2,93.html.
The catalogs of glass exhibitions, particularly at the first-rank
museums, usually contain fine photographs and informative discussions
of contemporary studio glass. Some of these catalogs are available
from national booksellers, while others can be purchased by calling
the museum. Many galleries keep a small inventory of glass books
available
for sale. [Suggestions of books to be added to this list are welcome.]
The following list is by no means exhaustive, or even comprehensive.
It is compiled primarily from suggestions made by collectors. Note
that it includes a number of exhibition catalogs.
-
- 20th Century Glass by Mark Cousins,Chartwell Books
- The Art of Craft: Contemporary Works from the Saxe Collection,
by Timothy Burgard. M.H. De Young Museum, San Francisco, 1999.
- Artists Confronting the Inconceivable: Award Winning Glass
Sculptures. Published by American Interfaith Institute, this
is collection of glass sculptures which commemorate the Holocaust.
May be obtained from the National Liberty Museum: Barbara Boroff,
215-925-2800, ext. 108.
- Australian Studio Glass: the Movement, Its Makers and
their Art, by Noris Ioannou. Craftsman House, Sydney, 1996.
- Clearly Glass. Pilchuck's Glass Legacy, by Lloyd Herman.
Whatcom Museum of History & Art, 1992. [The story of this seminal
glass school/studio/expertimental workshop in words and photos.]
Contemporary Art Glass, by Ray and Lee Grover. Crown Publishers,
New York, 1975 [No longer contemporary, but important information
about what was happening in the early '70's.]
- Contemporary Glass, by Susanne K. Frantz. Henry N. Abrams,
New York, 1989. [The magnum opus of its day. Includes an extensive
bibliography.]
- Contemporary International Glass, by Jennifer Hawkins
Opie. Harry N Abrams, New York, 2004.
- Dictionary of Glass Materials & Techniques by Charles Bray,
A&C Black, London, England.
- Glass, by William S. Ellis, Avon Books, New York, 1998.
- Glass Art by Peter Layton,University of Washington Press,Seattle,WA
- Glassblowing: A Search for Form, by Harvey K. Littleton.
Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1980
- Glass Today: American Studio Glass from Cleveland Collections,
by Henry H. Hawley. Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH, 1997
- Glass Today by American Studio Artists, by Jonathan L.
Fairbanks and Pat Warner. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 1997.
[Introductory essay by Jonathan Fairbanks and essays about individual
artists.
Has good biographical and bibliographical information about the
artists.]
- Masters of Contemporary Glass: Selections from the Glick
Collection, by Martha Drexler Lynn. Indianapolis Museum of
Art, 1997
- New Glass: A Worldwide Survey. Corning Museum of Glass,
Corning New York, 1979. [Includes preface by Thomas Buechner,
a commentary by Anthony Snow, an overview by William Warmus,
an
essay on 1959-1979 by Russell Lynes, and jury statements.]
- Pilchuck: A Glass School tells the story of the founding
and development of the Pilchuck School, which really represents
one branch of the story of contemporary glass sculpture. The
price
is $60. Order by telephone at (206) 621-8422.
- Venezia Aperto Vetro. International New Glass. by Attilia
Dorigato and Dan Klein. Arsenale editrice, Venice, Italy, 1996.
[Essays on: Glass in the US by Susanne K Frantz, Czech Glass
by
Sylvia Petrova, British Glass by Dan Klein, German Glass by Helmut
Ricke, French Glass by Jean-Luc Olivie, and Murano Glass by Attilia
Dorigato]
- Sculpture, Glass, and American Museums, by Martha Drexler Lynn,
2005.
- Looking at Glass: A Guide to terms, Styles,
and Techniques,
by Catherine Hess and Karol Wight, J. Paul Getty Museum, 2005.
A glossary of glass terminology, illustrated with samples of
Roman, Renaissance, Victorian, and modern glass.
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 |
Giles Bettison |
- What periodicals are available about contemporary
studio glass?
-
- The AACG Newsletter is provided free to members of AACG.
- Glass
Focus is a newsletter of glass events, with an extensive
gallery listing.
Subscriptions are $30 for individuals and
$18 for students. For subscription, write Beverly Copeland,
9323 Olcott, Morton Grove, IL 60053-1752.
- Neues Glas/New Glass is a quarterly magazine in English
and German devoted to contemporary studio glass. It carries articles
about individual artists, exhibitions, collectors, and the glass
scene in general. Subscription price in the USA is $48/year.
Subscriptions
and address changes to: German Language Publications, Inc., 153
S. Dean St., Englewood, NJ 07631.
- Glass: The UrbanGlass Art Quarterly is published by UrbanGlass,
the New York Contemporary Glass Center. Subscriptions are $28
(+$5 in Canada and Mexico; +$20 elsewhere).
- Vetro is a three-times-a-year publication of the Centro
Studio Vetro, an Italian non-profit cultural association dedicated
to the promotion of the culture and art related to glass. Vetro
is published in Italian and English and carries articles about
glass artists and events (not just Italian), with excellent photographs.
Subscription comes with membership in Centro Studio Vetro. "Ordinary"
membership is $100. Address: Centro Studio Vetro, Fond. S. Lorenzo,
17-18/b, 30141-Murano, Venice, Italy. e-mail: csvetro@gpnet.it.
- American Craft is published bi-monthly by the American
Craft Council. It carries frequent articles about studio glass.
The magazine is available at newsstands. Membership in the Council
is $40 (+$15 for Canadian and foreign members), and includes a
subscription. Subscription correspondence should be addressed
to: American Craft Council, P.O. Box 3000, Denville, NJ 078334.
- Glasswork is a bimonthly web magazine on glass. It is
at http://www.glasswork.ne.jp
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- Where else can a beginning glass collector
or other interested person find information?
-
- The glass section of the website of The
Guild has
useful information for beginners.
- Glass
Encyclopedia is a great source of all sorts
of information.
- Tune in to Glass
Talk Radio, an on-line webcast; live Tuesday
11 - 12 Pacific. Past broadcasts are archived on
the website.
- Murano
Magic is a website related to Murano: history,
artists and artisans, companies and workshops, reference
books, technical terms.
- Czech
Art Forum contains information about many Czech
glass artists.
- The introduction to Collector's
Guide: Glass Art in Northern New Mexico has some
excellent general information.
- Studio
Glass Info is a general contemporary glass
site, with a calendar, links, news. Emphasis is on
European glass.
In French.
- "Paths of Glass: Choosing Your Collecting Strategies".
A Panel Discussion. At Glass Weekend at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in July,
1999, there was a panel discussion directed toward "emerging collectors".
Members of the panel constituted some experienced collectors and some
who had only recently begun collecting. The moderator was Leatrice
Minzter, President of AACG. The discussion were some of the points
made.
-
- Definitions of "collectors" varied somewhat among the panelists,
but seemed to include owning at least a few pieces, intending
to purchase more pieces, and having a passion for contemporary
studio glass. Many collectors, but not all, had collected other
art or craft before starting to collect glass. In fact, many began
collecting something (baseball cards, matchbooks, etc.) as children.
- Most of the panelists were exposed to contemporary glass by
seeing a piece in a gallery or show; many bought that first piece.
Panelists generally thought that a knowledge of the history of
the contemporary glass movement was important and definitely had
an influence on their glass purchases. They encouraged those who
are developing an interest in glass to learn about the history
as a way to increase their appreciation. A number of the books
in the section above include information about the history of
the movement. In a discussion about sources of help and advice
in collecting, there was general agreement that reputable gallery
directors, with whom a continuing relationship was developed,
was the most common source of guidance.
- Some collectors have a definite "focus" of their collection,
on particular geographical areas, or particular time frames, or
styles, themes, etc., while others do not. Those who do have a
focus generally did not start that way, but the focus was a conscious
decision made after the collection had started.
- Other advice for new collectors:
- Look a lot. See as much glass as you can, both "in the
flesh" and in photographs.
- Buy for the long haul. Buy pieces that you will enjoy
for many years to come (often a hard property to evaluate).
- Generally, don't buy the first piece you see by a given
artist. Learn the artist's style and range, and then buy
an excellent example of that artist's work.
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 |
Paul Nelson |
- Comments from collectors: A "bulletin board"
discussion on this site was on the topic of "What information and
advice should be given to new (emerging) collectors?" Some of the
specific information provided by responses to that question appears
in the paragraphs above. Below are some more general comments that
were also sent:
-
- Maybe I am being a little too basic but the key for me is to
collect what you like and can live with for a long period of time
and not what is the current fad or the "in" designer. This medium
is magical and with a little research and detective work, you
will find that art glass which makes your "soul" sing. (Bill Geary)
- My husband and I have found that, as with collecting anything
else, trendy, pricey, antique, etc., one starts where one feels
comfortable, in terms of present knowledge and price. As one goes
along, the "taste" becomes more sophisticated and discriminating.
I know we ALL probably look back at the beginning pieces of our
glass collections and, although we still cherish these pieces,
ask ourselves, "How or why did I ever purchase that?". We grow,
we develop, our passion for glass monumentally grows. This, to
me, is the hallmark of a true collector, whatever his or her specialty.
Any comments on this, I'd like to hear what others feel on this
point. (Mary Himlin)
- Locate your nearest collectors' group and join up even if
you cannot attend every function. It will keep you up to date
on current glass-related events in your area and, best of all,
you will have the opportunity to meet other new and experienced
collectors and learn with them as they visit each other's
homes, galleries and artists' studios. The field of contemporary
glass seems to be unique in its friendly camaraderie among
collectors,
artists and dealers. Most of these regional groups enlist speakers
at their events, be they artists, curators or critics who will
enhance your awareness, understanding and appreciation of contemporary
glass.
Attend openings of glass exhibitions where you can get to know
the dealers and the artists on a personal basis. Dealers and directors
of galleries are usually happy to explain their exhibited works
to you and introduce you to the artists, who are even happier
to explain their works!
To really get into the glass groove and develop a deeper feeling
for this seductive medium, consider trying a hand at it yourself.
There are several schools in the United States that offer short
term courses for beginners. An example of such a facility (because
I live in the Northeast and am most familiar with its curriculum)
is Urban Glass in Brooklyn, which does not involve living on campus
and offers workshops as short as a single weekend in blowing,
slumping, casting, lampworking or paperweight making. If you are
not already in awe of the amazing talents of the artists whose
work you see exhibited in galleries and museums, trying it out
yourself will raise your appreciation to new heights!
And of course, join the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass which
is, at this very moment, bringing you all of this information.
Attend our meeting and symposia at SOFA in Chicago and receive
our newsletter as part of your membership
package. Click on "About AACG" (under "AACG Information" in
the menu) for membership details and mailing address (Leatrice
Minzter) I
- If you are beginning collectors, my belief is that you should
look and look and look and look some more at glass. Wherever
you may be in your travels or at home, the more you see, the
better you are able to select for your own collection as it begins
and grows. There
are a myriad of books which will introduce you to the world of
glass. Jerry Paulson's list is excellent. I have always found
Susanne Frantz's book on Contemporary Glass to be an excellent
beginning resource whether you read it or skim it or just browse
through the pictures. Your ability to make choices will be enhanced
by learning about glass from earlier years (late 19th and early
20th centuries), which Susanne touches on in her excellent book.
In case you are interested particularly in what the Milwaukee
Art Museum has done, (I am very biased about this!) there are
two catalogues available from two glass exhibitions. One was "From
Tiffany to Ben Tre: A Century of Glass (1993...art made from
glass from late 1800s to the present...curated by Joan Barnett
and Audrey Mann). The other, "Recent Glass Sculpture: A Union
of Ideas (1997...featuring artists from all backgrounds who
have incorporated glass in their sculpture...guest curated by
Audrey Mann) In each there is an essay which might be helpful
and give you some additional information. You can contact me
if either catalogue sounds interesting. So...on your way. Have
fun and be selective! (Audrey Mann)
last update on 5 mar 2008
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