CONVERSATION: Susie Peck discusses her inquiry into the sensuality of glass in an upcoming performance-art project

Artist, educator, writer, and curator Suzanne Peck has been fascinated by the push and pull of molten glass for years. Drawn to its hot glow and honey-like qualities out of the furnace, she was equally aware of its very real danger. Investigating this dual nature is a central theme in her upcoming performance project entitled Half A Bubble Off Plumb, which will channel the seductive nature of glass through similar materials such as honey, soap bubbles, and cotton candy. Before her performance coming up on Saturday, January 26th at UrbanGlass, the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet spoke with Susie about the creative process that went into preparing for the performance. (Disclosure: The Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet is published by UrbanGlass.)

Memento Mori Chandelier Dress by Susan Taylor Glasgow.

Wednesday January 23, 2019 | by Ivana Pencheff

CONVERSATION: Susan Taylor Glasgow talks about exhibiting in her local gallery and the inspiration for her chandelier dress

Through January 26th, Sager Braudis Galleryin Columbia, Missouri, is hosting a group exhibition that includes work by glass artist Susan Taylor Glasgow. Her diverse media sheds light on the feminine ideals passed down to her by her mother. In an email exchange with the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet, Glasgow explains: "I pursue beauty and sensuality in my work giving the viewer a reason to examine it more closely and find their own personal meaning." Her drive to create arose from her love of aesthetically beautiful objects. She loves to problem-solve and build things."Sculptural glass and mixed media is perfect for how I like to work. It requires a lot of engineering, trouble-shooting, and patience," says Glasgow.

Artists-in-Residence at The Studio.

Wednesday January 23, 2019 | by Ivana Pencheff

The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass Announces 2019 Artists-in-Residence and Researchers-in-Residence

The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass has announced its Researchers and Artists-in-Residence for 2019. Twelve artists selected from around the world were invited to utilize the studio and indulge in their craft for one month

Thursday January 17, 2019 | by Ivana Pencheff

Fundraiser launched for artist and educator Greg Owen who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer

Northwest Coast glass artist Greg Owen has been diagnosed with brain cancer, and an online fundraiser with a target of $50,000 to help him meet his medical expenses has already passed $30,000. An accomplished artist, Greg is currently the lead educator and program manager at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, where, since 2013, he's managed the "Hot Shop Heroes: Healing with Fire" program for soldiers and veterans. With a BFA from California College of the Arts, Owen's worked for Dale Chihuly and Pilchuck, and also developed his own artist practice. On New Year's Day, Owen came down with an unrelenting and brutal headache. Seeking answers, he finally checked himself into a hospital where the diagnosis was not good: a tumor the size of a grape was discovered in his brain. He chronicled his search for answers in a series of brutally frank Facebook and Instagram posts starting with a Janurary 7th posting sharing that he discovered the cause of his headache was the tumor.

Michèle Lapointe laureate of the 2018 Jean-Marie-Gauvreau Award

Thursday January 17, 2019 | by Ivana Pencheff

Quebec glass artist Michèle Lapointe wins $10,000 scholarship for installation that deploys blown glass for visual interaction

The artist behind the current installation Mettre la tête où l’on pense, on view in Montreal through March 16, 2019, Michèle Lapointe was presented with the 2018 Jean-Marie-Gauvreau Award in December. An annual award presented by the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec, the prize was created in 1976 in honor of the founder of the Salon des métiers d’art du Québec and is considered to be one of the most important distinctions of the fine-craft community of Québec. A professional craftsman must have at least 10 years of practice to be considered, and the winner receives a $10,000 scholarship for the success of a work created within the past five years. The work must stand out by it’s uniqueness, and Lapointe's work seems to have done so effectively.

Friday December 7, 2018 | by Ivana Pencheff

A multi-layered relationship between three prominent artists explored in an exhibition and artist talk on Saturday

"We're like three rocks on the same beach getting tossed around by the ocean together for 30 years - we can't help but round each other's edges"- Dick Weiss. Traver Gallery's ongoing exhibition"Old Friends, New Work," showcases the work of three artists who share a deep friendship: Charlie Parriott, Cappy Thompson, and Dick Weiss. Each artist has contributed independent work to be displayed together, revealing the relationships and influence they have had upon one another. In an email exchange with the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet, gallery owner Sarah Traver said that “This is the first time that we will have exhibited these three artists together.” She explained how each artist created individual bodies of work, not explicitly intended to explore their decades-long friendship, but with insights into their long-running affections for one another an inevitable byproduct. “They are displayed together in the gallery collectively so that those connections can be revealed and discovered organically,” said Traver.

A 2018 NASA photograph of a supernova.

Thursday December 6, 2018 | by Ivana Pencheff

Astronomers trace the source of the basic ingredient of glass to ancient supernovas that dusted the universe with silica

"Every time we gaze through a window, walk down the pavement, or set foot on a sandy beach, we are interacting with material made by exploding stars that burned millions of years ago," says Haley Gomez, a professor at Cardiff University's School of Physics and Astronomy.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges recently presented the first statewide Community College Distinguished Alumnus Award to Salem Community College Alumnus Paul J. Stankard. From L to R: The association's president Aaron Fichtner, chair Helen Albright, honoree Paul Stankard, Salem Community College board chair Dorothy Hall, and Salem's President Michael Gorman.

Thursday November 29, 2018 | by Ivana Pencheff

AWARD: Artist Paul Stankard honored by academic association

Flameworker Paul Stankard was honored by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges in a November 16, 2018, ceremony. The award recognizes New Jersey community college graduates that have made honorable contributions to their respective professional fields. In a telephone interview with the Glass Quarterly Hot Sheet, Stankard said that, "Salem Community College offered me a beautiful platform to stand on and build a career." He credits his 1961 enrollment in what was then named the Salem County Vocational Technical Institute’s scientific glassblowing program for instilling not only a strong technical foundation but also where he found an emotional connection to glass art. Interacting and sharing with other glassworkers is what he holds of most importance. "Sharing can be a two-way street. Interacting with young people and sharing my philosophy and process helps me articulate what is important to me," Stankard said.