Steampunk is alive and well in Grapevine, Texas, where it’s the theme of an annual fundraiser put on by Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery. Featuring a “twisted version of a live auction,” Glass On The Tracks will take place Saturday, November 7, from 7–10 pm.
Funky costumes, pyrotechnics, and irreverent fun characterize the evening’s program. Highlights include a fire performance by Jenin Gonzalez, a demonstration by blacksmith artist Will Frary, flame effects from specialist Greg Schaatt, and more. Plus, all glass art that’s not sold at auction gets smashed in Vetro’s glass guillotine, a 200 pound plate of steel that descends from the ceiling for maximum destruction (see it in action at GlassOnTheTracks.com)
Though Vetro has been open for fifteen years, founder David Gappa told the GLASS Quarterly Hot Sheet that its annual fundraiser used to have different theme, but it has stuck with Glass On The Tracks for the last five. “We used to just have a live auction and a silent auction,” he said. “But it got to the point where it felt like we were begging people to spend money on the artists’ work. No artist wants to feel like that.”
A portion of the proceeds from Saturday's event go to Theocentric Guild and Outreach, a nonprofit that provides resources to artisans hoping to create a business from their work. But the bulk of the funds raised “goes to feeding our artists,” said Gappa, adding, “It’s really about giving back to the artists.”
Founded by Gappa in 1999, the glassblowing studio and gallery aims to create fine glass art while educating and engaging the North Texas community.
Tickets for Saturday’s event are available in advance at the studio’s website or at the door.
IF YOU GO:
Glass On The TracksNovember 7th, 2015 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Vetro Glassblowing Studio and Gallery – 701 South Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
817.251.1668
Price: $40 online – $50 at the door per ticket (includes hors d’oeuvres & beverage)
vetroartglass.com