Summer of Glass
The Summer of Glass is an annual showcase of the world’s most brilliantly executed studio glass. This trio of exhibitions includes the 44th Annual International Glass Invitational Award Winners and solo exhibitions by glass sculptors Albert Paley and Davide Salvadore.
44th Annual International Glass Invitational Award Winners
Organized by Habatat Galleries, this exhibition is the oldest and largest annual contemporary glass show in the country. Selected from an array of glass masters, this exhibition features the best studio glass artists in the world. In its 44th year, the invitational presents contemporary glass sculpture in the greater context of international influence with unconventional forms and processes. Courtesy of Habatat Galleries, Michigan.
Albert Paley: Forging the Invisible Reality
Paley is the first metal sculptor to receive the coveted Institute Honors awarded by the American Institute of Architects, the AIA’s highest award to a non-architect. “The allure of Paley’s art comes through its intrinsic sense of integration of art and architecture,” as one noted architect stated. Paley, Distinguished Professor, holds an Endowed Chair at the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Paley’s steel and glass sculptures are the manifestation of his exploration of form as it relates to the human experience. His attraction to 3D forms relates to his interest in engaging with the viewer from multiple perspectives: his forms, although architectural in style, are inspired by the human condition and the invisible reality we all share.
Commissioned by both public institutions and private corporations, Paley has completed more than 50 site-specific works. Some notable examples are the Portal Gates for the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, Synergy, a ceremonial archway in Philadelphia, the Portal Gates for the New York State Senate Chambers in Albany, Sentinel, a monumental plaza sculpture for Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as a 65-foot sculpture for the entry court of Bausch and Lomb’s headquarters in Rochester, NY.
Davide Salvadore: Dalle Fornaci di Murano
Salvadore was born in to a family of glassworkers in Murano, Italy. At a very early age he began following his grandfather into Murano’s furnaces, learning how to build kilns and work glass. In 1987 he founded his own studio, where he operates kilns he built himself, mixing lamp-work and furnace techniques in new ways. As a result of his ingenuity and the inventiveness of his creations,Salvadore’s glass design became instantly noteworthy, and he has since worked at prestigious glasshouses and collaborated with designers and artists across the globe.
The Summer of Glass is sponsored by Parkview Health and Petroleum Traders Corporation.
July 14, 5-7:30pm
2nd Thursday: Glassblowing Demonstration with Eran Park
Celebrate the Summer of Glass with this annual favorite! Fort Wayne glass artist Eran Park will demonstrate live the time-honored techniques of glassblowing with his modern day influences. Free admission. Sponsored by Gladieux Consulting.
August 4, 12:15-1pm
Curator’s Tour
President & CEO and Chief Curator Charles Shepard will take you on a gallery tour of the Summer of Glass. From his specialized and personal point of view, Shepard offers a unique perspective as the visionary for all exhibitions at FWMoA. Tours are free with gallery admission.
August 5, 7-9pm
Summer Party
Celebrate the Summer of Glass with a night of art, music, food, and friends! Enjoy gourmet edibles by Cs3, cash bar, and live music by Metavari. Sponsored by Galecki Financial Management. $5 members / $12 non-members. Includes admission to all galleries.
August 11, 5-7:30pm
2nd Thursday: Glassblowing Demonstration and Trunk Show
Celebrate the Summer of Glass with more of the well-loved glassblowing demonstrations with Fort Wayne glass artist Eran Park, and a trunk show of Mike Brumbaugh’s and Matthew Paskiet’s gorgeous glass sculptures. Sponsored by Waiter on the Way.