PRESS RELEASE: New Glass / New England Opening at the Worcester Center for Crafts

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.