Worcester, MA—Thirty-six talented glass artists will be showcased in New Glass / New England, a new exhibition opening at the Worcester Center for Crafts’ Krikorian Gallery on Thursday, September 26th. Curated by Jim Schantz of Schantz Galleries,
the show’s evening reception will be held that day from 5:30-7:30 pm,
and will continue to be on view through November 7th. Gallery hours are
Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5pm, and admission is free and open to
the public.
“Showcasing a wide range of technique and background, balanced with diversity and imagination,” New Glass / New England represents the work of both emerging and established glass artists who all hail from the New England area.
Featured
in the show are: Melissa Ayotte, Emmett Barnacle, Josh Bernbaum,
William Carlson, Dan Clayman, Shaun Conroy, Eric Cruze & Tomo
Sakai, Dan Dailey, Owen Dailey, Robert Dane, Martin & Erik Demaine,
Bernie D’Onofrio, Robin Grebe, Peter Houk, Sidney Hutter, Claire
Kelly, Aron Leaman, K. William LeQuier, Susan Shapiro & Andy
Magdanz, Martin Rosol, Thomas Scoon, Gale Scott, Josh Simpson, Randi
Solin, Debbie Tarsitano, Natalie Tyler, Jennifer Violette, Adam Waimon,
James Watkins, Steven Weinberg, Mark & Michiko Weiner, and Toots
Zynsky.
“We
have a vast wealth of talent and ability in New England,” says
curator, Jim Schantz, “which clearly identifies the quality of our
academic and technical programs, as well as establishing this part of
the country as a region for creative growth. This artistic vigor
reflects the strength of such programs at RISD, Mass Art, MIT, Salem
State, and the Worcester Center for Crafts, as well as the numerous
private glass studios. I hope this exhibition will continue the
dialogue about the identity of a region that has great sources in
education and environment for artists.”
In
further celebration of the glass arts, the Worcester Center for
Crafts’ New Street Glass Studio will host a special demo and slideshow
talk by featured and visiting artist, Jen Violette on Friday, September
27th from 6:00-9:30 pm. This event will also be free and open to the
public, and is located at 35 B New Street, Worcester, MA.
“It
has been an honor to work with Jim Schantz, and to share in his
enthusiasm and commitment to the arts,” says Candace Casey, the
Krikorian Gallery director. “We are delighted to celebrate work of such
caliber and we hope to share with the community our appreciation for
the complexities of glasswork.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Candace Casey, ccasey4@worcester.edu.
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About the Worcester Center for Crafts
The
Worcester Center for Crafts (WCC) is one of the oldest non-profit
institutions for craft study in the United States. Founded in 1856 as
the Worcester Employment Society to help immigrant women produce and
sell handcrafted wares to support their families, the Center evolved
into New England’s leading center for craft education, exhibition, and
entrepreneurship. In 2004, the organization expanded and opened the New
Street Glass Studio- an off campus, 8000 square foot state-of-the –art
multi-studio glass facility. The WCC offers the only comprehensive
glass studio program in New England available to the public. Through an
affiliation begun in 2009, the WCC is home to the Worcester State
University’s visual arts studios.
The
Craft Center’s mission: The Craft Center's mission is "to inspire and
build a creative community" by providing high-quality craft education
and training, by supporting craft artists in their professions, and
through advocacy and public education initiatives including adult
education classes and workshops, exhibitions showcasing the work of
established and emerging artists, artist residencies, lectures, family
events, studio rentals, Gallery Store, its Youth Craft + Creativity
program and major events. The WCC is a member of the Worcester Cultural
Coalition and receives funding from the Massachusetts Cultural
Council.
