Studio Glass at 50: A Tradition in Flux

July 14- October 14, 2012

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement in the United States, and University Galleries is celebrating this momentous occasion with Studio Glass at 50: A Tradition in Flux. Encompassing all four galleries, this exhibition highlights the spectrum of glass artists from early pioneers to contemporary masters of the medium. Glass became an individualized medium as it flared away from its factory origins and kindled the furnaces of artists worldwide; this exhibition provides the context for that historical transformation. 

Featuring works by: Rik Allen, Martin Blank, Robert Carlson, Jamie Carpenter, José Chardiet, Dale Chihuly, Scott Darlington, Einar & Jamex de la Torre, Laura Donefer, Fritz Dreisbach, Erwin Eisch, Dorie Guthrie, Robert DuGrenier, Jen Elek, Slate Grove, Henry Halem, Kim Harty, Melanie Hunter, Martin Janecky, Kim Knowles, Gene Koss, Harvey Littleton, Carmen Lozar, Richard Marquis, John Miller, MOG Hot Shop Team, John Moran, Nick Mount, Jay Musler, Joel Myers, Paul Nelson, Osamu Noda, Danny Perkins, Marc Petrovic, Stephen Rolfe Powell, Stephen Proctor, Ross Richmond, Richard Royal, Davide Salvadore, Jack Schmidt, Therman Statom, Alex Stisser, Boyd Sugiki & Lisa Zerkowitz, Janusz Walentynowicz, Randy Walker, and Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen & Jasen Johnsen.

This exhibition is funded in part by the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass and the Midwest Contemporary Glass Art Group.

Programs at University Galleries are supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Demonstrations at the Glass House:

Glass blowing, enameling, and engraving demonstrations will take place at the Glass House—found at the corner of Main and Willow, West of the Ropp Agricultural Building in Normal on October 3, 4, 5, and 9. There is an "open door" policy for each of the demonstrations, with the public encouraged to visit during either morning or afternoon sessions. 

Artist Talks at University Galleries:

University Galleries is honored to present public lectures by early pioneers from of the Studio Glass Movement, as well as contemporary practitioners working with the medium. Artist talks will occur at University Galleries, beginning at noon each day.

The Artists:

As one of Harvey Littleton's first students at the University of Wisconsin (Madison), Fritz Dreisbach completed his MFA in 1967. Dreisbach has been central to the development of the Studio Glass Movement since 1964. As a founding member of the Glass Art Society (1971), he helped to direct the movement. Dreisbach has led over 300 workshops, lectures, and classes in over 150 glass art facilities throughout the world.

Henry Halem has been working with glass since 1968. He founded the Glass Program at Kent State University (Kent, Ohio) in 1969 and co-founded the Glass Art Society (GAS), where he served as the organization's first president. Halem received the Lifetime Achievement Award from GAS for his accomplishments in the field in 2008 and currently a Fellow of the American Crafts Council.

Kim Harty completed her BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design (2006) and has attended Pilchuck Glass School (2005, 2007). An emerging artist within the Studio Glass Movement, Harty approaches the medium in a performative manner, mixing hot glass processes with installation art. She has served as Visiting Lecturer for the Glass Art Society.

Jack Schmidt is recognized as Illinois State University's first Glass program graduate (1973). His work has been exhibited internationally, with his reputation earning him a National Endowment for the Arts Individual Fellowship Grant, in addition to other prestigious awards. Schmidt has served as visiting artist and lecturer at the University of Wisconsin (Madison); Pilchuck Glass School (Stanwood, Washington); Penland School of Crafts (Penland, North Carolina); Cleveland Institute of Art (Ohio); among others.

Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass and the Midwest Contemporary Glass Art Group are central organizers of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Studio Glass Movement. Similar events are taking place at museums and arts centers throughout the United States as a result of their initiatives. Studio Glass at 50: A Tradition in Flux has received generous support from both organizations.