When Charlotte Potter left the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, last fall, her outsize role as the museum's Glass Studio manager and program director was filled on an interim basis by longtime assistant manager and technician Robin Rogers. Now the Chrysler has made it official and removed the "interim" from Rogers' title as the Perry Glass Studio manager and program director. In a prepared statement, museum director Erik Neil said he was pleased with Rogers’ performance filling in for Charlotte, adding that Rogers was “very effective in his interim role, increasing participation in classes and programs.” Not only that, but Neil also praised Rogers’ artistic practice.
As the new Glass Studio manager and program director, Rogers will continue the Chrysler’s many regular events including the popular free noon demonstrations as well as classes for children ages 5 and up. Eager to begin thinking of new events that will attract other artists and visitors, he acknowledged what a great of an honor his new position is and, in the same prepared statement, said that he looks forward to the Chrysler’s bright future.
Rogers got involved in glass in 1995 and holds an MFA in glass from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a BFA in glass and painting from Columbus College of Art and Design. With experience as an instructor at the Pilchuck Glass School, Rogers has gone on to serve as the co-chair of the Glass Art Society Conference. This past January, Rogers and his wife, Julia, were visiting artists at the Corning Museum of Glass and gave a demo at its Amphitheater Hot Shop.
The Perry Glass Studio is an innovative facility on the Museum's campus. It offers vast opportunities for all artists, whether they be aspiring ones or masters of their craft. There are programs in glassblowing, coldworking, flameworking, neon, and fusing. The Studio was the host of 2017's Glass Arts Society Conference.
Rogers’ permanent role heading the Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum of Art is yet another change to the team, where it was announced last month that Carolyn Swan Needell was replacing Diane Wright as the new Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass. In a prepared statement, museum director Neil said that all of the Chrysler is “excited to grow our team with remarkable and talented people,” emphasizing the importance of art and the revitalization that accompanies its arrival in communities.