Glassº of the National Shardsamerican glass cluB www.glassclub.org Founded 1933 A Non-Profit Organization Winter 2013 Art Nouveau Museum of Glass Exhibition: Translucence at the Morse Museum Translucence: Benjamin Moore, a new educational director. Moore went on Lifelines—Forms and Themes of Art exhibit organized by Museum of Glass to pursue his MFA at the Rhode Island Nouveau, a new exhibit beginning in conjunction with University of School of Design. Unsatisfied with the February 12, 2013, at the Morse Washington Tacoma Interns, will run American style of glass training where Museum of American Art. from February 16 to October 2013. students follow the instructor’s exam- Art Nouveau was an art phenome- ple, Moore moved to Venice, Italy. He non that found enthusiastic support began his apprenticeship at the Venini virtually everywhere in Europe and, with Checco Ongaro working as a to a lesser extent, in America from glassworker and was soon asked to roughly 1895 to 1915. It touched art contribute his own designs. In 1980 and architecture, as well as ceramics, he brought the Italian master Lino furniture, and the other decorative Tagliapietra to Pilchuck. Influenced arts. In French, Art Nouveau literally by Venetian traditions in glass, he re- means “new art,” and at the turn of lies on simple, clean shapes in pure the 20th century, this new art looked color and very little surface decoration. different, felt different, and reflected Translucence: Benjamin Moore. Benjamin Moore was a key player in different values and ideas. Today it establishing Seattle as a center for con- still feels new. Art Nouveau artists For over 30 years, Studio Glass temporary glass. His work is part of sought to fundamentally change the pioneer Benjamin Moore has explored look of the objects we use in our lives. three series of vessel forms: Interior In their work, line frequently seems Fold, Exterior Fold, and Palla. Cele- driven by its own internal life force— brated for his combination of Euro swirling and whipping, swerving and pean design with American inventive- curving, creeping along one minute ness, Moore’s newest work continues then racing forward the next. In this to leave color and embellishment be- exhibition of objects from its collec- hind as he explores new heights of tion, the Morse explores the hyper- austerity, simplicity, and minimalist Selenium Red. Benjamin Moore, 2011. organic line of Art Nouveau as it com- perfection. Translucence presents a municates the style’s major themes of selection of Moore’s masterpieces that public and private collections in Italy, nature, femininity, and metamorphosis. simultaneously evoke aspects of his- Bavaria, Denmark, Sweden, and the The works, a number never before ex- torical tradition with the refinement United States. hibited, are certain to both enlighten of a unique contemporary aesthetic. and delight. Benjamin Moore is a pioneer in Museum of Glass American glassblowing. He was in- 1801 Dock St. Morse Museum of American Art troduced to glass at the California Tacoma, WA 98402 445 N. Park Ave. College of Arts and Crafts while museumofglass.org Winter Park, FL 32789 studying under Marvin Lipofsky. In (407) 645-5311 1974 he became Dale Chihuly’s first Some information in this article was taken morsemuseum.org assistant, and from 1974–1987 was from the web page of Foster/White Gallery, Pilchuck Glass School’s creative and Seattle, WA: www.fosterwhite.com. Glass Shards • Page 2
President’s Letter will have a more leisurely day of lec- added costs at this time. We hope that tures and will conclude with a banquet most of you are receiving your issues Dear Friends, at our hotel. in satisfactory condition, but please We had beautiful fall weather for the The recipient of the Distinguished report the problem to me or any other semi-annual NAGC Board meeting in Member Recognition scholarship hon- Board member if you are not. Corning, NY, in October. I am happy oring Doug Reed and Nancy and Bill We had a good response to my re- to announce that plans for our 2013 Sheriff was Laura Coffin, Assistant quest in the previous newsletter for Seminar have been finalized for May Director of The New Bedford Muse- volunteers to serve as NAGC officers 8–10, 2013. The Mt. Washington & um of Glass. We combined the NAGC and directors in 2013. We will need to Pairpoint Glass Society has agreed to funds with the memorial contribution elect replacements for three directors join us at this Seminar. With its strong from the Amelung Chapter in honor- and all of the officers except the Secre- New Bedford ties, MWPGS is an ideal ing Barbara Lessig and Dorothy tary. Please contact Chairman of the partner to share in the planned educa- Camp to provide funds for Laura to Nominating Committee, Mary Cheek tional and social activities. Our hotel attend her first seminar, the 51st An- Mills, if you have an interest in serving will be the Fairfield Inn, 185 Mac nual Corning Seminar “Celebrating 50 as an officer or director or have any Arthur Dr., New Bedford, MA 02740. Years of American Studio Glass.” questions about serving. In order for You may call (774) 634-2000 for reser- Mary Cheek Mills, chairman of the this transition to go as smoothly as vations and mention “National Ameri- Distinguished Member Recognition possible, we need your assistance in can Glass Club” to receive the special Program is seeking new applications finding capable and willing members rate of $119 (including continental for future glass research projects wor- to serve in leadership positions. breakfast). Please make your reserva- thy of funding in honor of distinguished As the year 2012 draws rapidly to a tions as early as possible since the NAGC members. close and we reflect on the blessings number of available rooms is limited. For those members who have re- we have enjoyed, many of us are also We plan to send out a Seminar reg- ceived destroyed or badly mangled receiving reminders of the need to istration package to all of our mem- copies of the Glass Club Bulletin or make special contributions to support bers in January and to post the agenda Glass Shards through the mail, re- those glass organizations that we be- and registration form on our website. placement issues are available from lieve best inform and educate ourselves The activities scheduled so far include Karen Petraglia. Our tireless Web and others about our hobby. Please re- bus trips to the Newport mansions and master Francis Allen is also posting spond to those requests you think are The New Bedford Museum of Glass the current issue of the Glass Shards meritorious with a generous spirit. Best on Wednesday and the Rhode Island on our website. The Board considered wishes for the holidays and 2013. School of Design and Toots Zynsky special packaging for our publications Studio on Thursday. On Friday, we but decided not to incur the significant — Ken Depew, President
NCC 2013 Auction
The National Cambridge Collectors dated schedule will be on the NCC page. A link to the full catalog in PDF Auction will be held on March 2, 2013, home page around the first of January format is also provided. The Miami at the beautiful Pritchard-Laughlin (www.cambridgeglass.org). Valley Study Group has spent many Civic Center, 7033 Glenn Highway, A final catalog will be printed in the hours with our Auction Committee tak Cambridge, OH. Previews begins at January issue of the Crystal Ball news- ing individual photographs of Auction 9am and the auction begins at 10am. letter. It will also be available on our items and you’ll find a link to their al- On the Friday evening before, in con- web site. Anyone can participate; you bum as well. junction with the NCC Quarterly Meet do NOT have to be an NCC member. Bid high and bid often. ing, a special preview of the auction We welcome and invite you to join us takes place. “Come and hear what the in Cambridge. We realize many are experts have to say.” After a brief or- not able to attend the auction in per- ganizational meeting, show ’n tell son. But that doesn’t mean you have glass will be presented. Come make a to miss out on all the fun. We do ac- weekend of it! While you’re here, be cept absentee bids as well. sure to visit the renowned National You can view photos of groupings of Museum of Cambridge Glass (136 S. similar items (e.g. Crown Tuscan, Am Ninth Street, Cambridge OH 43725; ber, Rose Point) being offered for sale 740-432-4245). A complete and up- in the auction on our 2013 Auction The Amber selection. Glass Shards • Page 3
Evans’ Auction: 19th- and 20th-Century Glass
Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc. will present a winter catalogued auction of 19th- and 20th-century glass on
Saturday, January 26, 2013. The auc- Some of the items being tion will begin at 9am ET. featured in the Jeffrey The auction features the first install- Evans auction, to be held ment from a selection of over 4,000 on January 16, 2013. pieces from the late Richard “Dick” and Mary Ann Krauss collection of Clyde, OH; the Priscilla McBride collection of Wells, NY; the collection of Virginia and Vladimir Weiss, • A fine collection of Phoenix Glass • American cut glass, including Audubon, PA; the collection of the Co. wares including many extremely Dorflinger and Pairpoint late Cora H. Teter, Forest Hill, MD; rare pieces • Lotton and other studio glass the Helen M. Collins collection of • Collections of Locke Art, North- • The Weiss collection of stemware, Baltimore, MD; a Pittsburgh, PA es- wood blue Chrysanthemum Sprig, including Moser, Seneca, other tate collection; plus others. The high- and New Martinsville Muranese engraved, and more. lights include: • A good selection of Victorian glass, • Glass reference volumes including water pitchers/sets, shak- • Mt. Washington, including eight ers, syrups, cruets, tumblers, tooth- The complete catalogue will be pieces of Lava/Sicilian pick holders, pickle casters, and posted online by January 16, 2013 • Other art glass, including Tiffany, more. (www.jeffreysevans.com). Durand, Steuben, cameo, Loetz, • Kerosene lighting, including several Note: The Krauss collection of salt and C. F. Monroe, dresser articles, etc. rare miniature lamps sugar shakers will be sold on July 27, • Findlay, including rare Floradine • The Collins collection of celery 2013. and Onyx in various colors and vases of all types 50 pieces of Amberette/Klondike • EAPG, including Greentown, gob- The auction will be held in conjunc- • An outstanding 60-piece collec- lets, ruby stained, etc. tion with the Antique Glass Salt and tion of Imperial Free Hand and • The Teter collection of children’s Sugar Shaker Club’s (AGSSSC) 2013 Lead Lustre art glass toy glass Convention in Harrisonburg, VA.
Corning Museum 51st Annual Seminar
On the cool and crisp morning of The seminar’s opening was bitter- aesthetic boundaries even as their Thursday, October 18th, a large turn- sweet. After a warm welcome and vi- medium undergoes technological ad- out of glass enthusiasts gathered in brant slide presentation of Corning’s vances. Martha Drexler Lynn also Corning for the Museum‘s 51st Annual important recent acquisitions, execu- explored the growth of studio glass, Seminar on Glass and to celebrate the tive director Karol Wight made the drawing parallels between it and its 50th anniversary of the American stu- sad announcement of Jane Spillman’s predecessor, studio ceramics. dio glass movement. Scattered among impending retirement from her posi- That afternoon held a riveting panel the many familiar veterans of the glass tion as Curator of American Glass. discussion of experienced collectors community were several unfamiliar This news was followed by a short representing both public and private faces, many of whom were first time presentation honoring Spillman’s con- collections. The focus shifted from attendees of the Corning seminar. A tributions to the advancement of glass what made studio glass relevant to great portion of these were studio art- studies throughout her illustrious ca- collectors to the building of a collec- ists, some of whom were local stu- reer at Corning. In the following lec- tion. The day ended with a visit to Lino dents, others hailing from across the ture, William Warmus posed the ques- Tagliapietra’s studio. Like magicians, country. Between the various scholars, tion: is new glass old glass? Yes and he and his team transformed a white artists, and collectors, it was a pleas- no, he explained; although the studio hot, amorphous mass into a stunning antly diverse crowd of individuals glass movement is in its 50th year, vase before a captivated audience. whose paths might not often cross, artists are developing along with (and Friday morning opened with Tina even in the world of glass. often preceding) society and pushing Oldknow discussing the early days of Glass Shards • Page 4
Rare Blown Pitcher
The Corning Museum of Glass has acquired a rare, early 19th-century American blown-glass creamer for its comprehensive glass collection that spans 35 centuries. The small light blue creamer, which measures 12.6 cm high and 5.5 cm in diameter (rim), includes a knop (hol- low bubble in the stem) enclosing a 1794 U.S. cent coin—a feature rarely found in American glass of this period. Often, coins included in hand-made Crystal Blocks by Steffen Dam. glass objects were meant to commem- orate a special date such as an anniver the Pilchuck Glass School, one of the Zynsky spoke on the contributions of sary or, birthday. great building blocks of today’s studio female glass artists, highlighting more The creamer was given to Frank W. glass community. John Carpenter than 50 examples from around the Hill by his grandmother, Abigail Ware shifted the focus from past to future world and across the centuries. Follow- Foote (b. 1819) on January 16, 1860. by demonstrating stunning examples ing lunch, Beth Hylen discussed the According to family tradition, it was of the symbiotic dialogue of glass art- legacy of flameworking as a traditional originally a birthday present for Hill’s istry and technology. The seminar re- glassworking method with huge im- great-grandmother, Abigail Whitaker turned to the roots of studio glass when pact on modern studio glass. A show- Ware (1781–1865) or her mother Ruth Durk Valkema spoke on the develop- ing of the inspiring film A Not So Still Whitaker. The piece was probably ment of the studio furnace. Following Life: The Ginny Ruffner Story fol- made in the early 1800s, likely at the lunch, Paul Marioni discussed his lowed, drawing parallels between the glass works in Kensington, North journey of 43 years as a glass artist unbelievable strength and fragility of Philadelphia. The name of the crafts- and the insights he picked up along glass and the human mind and body. man who made the creamer is not the way. Afterwards, there was a break That evening, tours were offered of known. Descendants of Hill sold the for gallery tours. The major special the Corning Incorporated Headquar- piece at auction in August 2012. exhibition was Making Ideas: Experi- ters. The perfect seminar ended on a ments in Design at GlassLab, featur- perfect note, with cocktails followed ing over 150 design prototypes by by dinner. nearly 50 international designers. Also Is new glass old glass? Because on exhibit were featured works by studio glass evolved outside of the Harvey K. Littleton, Dominick Labino, classic art world, it avoided many of and Erwin Eisch. That evening the the movements explored by artists in Rakow Commission was unveiled. other mediums. As Toots Zynsky put This year’s recipient, Danish artist it, although the American studio glass Steffen Dam, gave the charming im- movement has been around for 50 pression that he was equally at home years, “glass artists still have a lot of in his garden, within his studio, or up catching up to do.” The Corning Sem- on stage. The fruit of his labor were a inar on Glass was a beautiful homage series of crystal blocks with an impres- to this movement and hinted at a bright sion of sepia-toned plant specimens and exciting future in the world of within. The effect was aesthetic rather studio glass. Even more encouraging than scientific, for he purposefully left were the many new faces, who will the plant forms ambiguous, describing hopefully return for next year’s Semi- them as “plausible, but not from this nar and for many more yet to come. world.” Cream jug. United States, probably Philadel- The final day of the seminar started Kindly submitted by Laura Coffin, Seminar phia, PA, John Nicholson’s glasshouse, about off with tours of the galleries. Toots scholarship recipient 1800–1815 (2012.4.130). Glass Shards • Page 5
“It’s highly unusual for an early Mount Pleasant Glass tree ornaments, and modern glass pat- American glass object of this caliber Exhibit terns. to survive and appear on the market,” L.E. Smith came to Mount Pleasant says Jane Shadel Spillman, the Mu The Mount Pleasant Glass Exhibit in 1909. By 1910 they had purchased seum’s curator of American glass. is now open and will remain open the Anchor Glass Company of Mount “What’s even more unusual is that through the end of the year. It features Pleasant. Anchor opened in the com- this creamer was held by the same glass, porcelain, tools, and books that munity in 1907 but barely lasted a family for more than 150 years, so its celebrate the rich glass history of the year. Among Smith’s early products history is well-known. We are pleased borough. Mount Pleasant was home was depression ware and black glass. to add this important object to our to three world-famous glass factories: In 1975 they were purchased by American glass collection.” Bryce Brothers Company, Lenox, and Owens-Illinois. By 2005 the Mount The Museum’s outstanding collec- L. E. Smith Company. Pleasant factory was closed. The ex- tion of American glass dating from hibit includes candy boxes, compotes, the early 18th century to the mid-20th ruby souvenir glass, black glass, can- century includes more than 11,000 dlesticks, a collection of bittersweet works. The collection showcases the vases of the 1960s and a punch bowl, history of American glass production all in a variety of patterns. ranging from rare early blown glass to Come support us. This exhibit is mass-produced bottles and tableware, testing the waters. If you like what elaborately cut and engraved glass and you see then please volunteer. decorative art glass. For special and group tours, to do- Turkey covers by L.E. Smith Company. There are two similar early Ameri- nate or loan glassware or glass related can 19th-century creamers in the col- items, or for further information con- lection; one has a knop with Spanish Under a number of names, the Bryce tact Cassandra Vivian, Mount Pleas- coin dated 1781. The new blue creamer Brothers worked and or operated glass ant Area Cultural Trust president and is now on view in the Museum’s Amer factories from 1850. They arrived in exhibit organizer cassandra.vivian@ ican gallery. Mount Pleasant in 1896 and remained gmail.com; (724) 542-4949. in their plant on Depot Street until The Corning Museum of Glass 1965 when the name and the plant 537 W. Main St. One Museum Way were sold to Lenox. Glassware on dis- Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 Corning, NY 14830 play from the various Bryce eras in- Hours: Thursday–Saturday 11 to 5; (800) 732-6845 or (607) 937-5371 clude a circa 1860 Tulip and Sawtooth Sunday 12–4 www.cmog.org pattern covered compote, an ambidex- trous cream pitcher and 1881 patent, a prototype wine glass of the Space Museum of Glass Attention Readers Needle pattern made exclusively for Fundraiser the Seattle World’s Fair of 1962, and The National American Glass Club several etched glass patterns used in More than 300 artists and art lovers strongly encourages research, lectures, the White House and in embassies and attended Red Hot Party & Auction, and the educational endeavors of new consulates worldwide. In addition to the annual Museum of Glass fundrais- students and scholars in the field of the glass there is a display of tools er, on Saturday, September 22, 2012. glass. NAGC will bestow limited used to make blown crystal including The event featured live and silent auc- financial scholarships each year to the blowpipe. tions comprising 114 works of glass honor Distinguished Members. Schol- Lenox was founded in 1889 in New art, wine packages, jewelry, and expe- arship applications should include a Jersey. After buying Bryce they con- riences. The event raised more than description of the project that requires tinued to sell that brand while they $630,000 to support the Museum’s financial assistance and details of re- developed their own patterns. In 1970 exhibition, education and Visiting lated expenses. The Club may choose they moved out of the former Bryce Artist programs. to fully or partially fund a request. factory to a new home along Route 31 Red Hot 2012 once again featured a Questions and applications should be just outside of Mount Pleasant. The juried art auction. Jurors included in- addressed to Mary Mills at mmills2@ plant closed in 2002 and the site is dependent curator Margery Aronson; stny.rr.com or 1 Park Place, Corning, now an outlet. Lenox ware in the ex- Linda Tesner, director and curator of NY 14830. hibit includes dinnerware, Christmas the Ronna and Eric Hoffman Gallery Glass Shards • Page 6 of Contemporary Art, Lewis & Clark prize and a week-long Visiting Artist tables were liquor decanters stamped College; and Patricia Watkinson, re- residency in the Museum’s Hot Shop. with a commemorative medallion tired executive director of Pilchuck Two additional awards were pre- made by the Hot Shop Team. Each Glass School. The judges evaluated sented: Artists’ Choice, which was decanter was filled with Glass Vodka the artwork and awarded the Red Hot determined by votes from Red Hot provided by Ian MacNeil of Seattle’s 2012 Artist Grand Prize to Armelle contributing artists, and People’s Glass Distillery. Bouchet O’Neill from Seattle. Bou Choice voted by the evening’s guests. “We are overwhelmed by the gener- chet O’Neill earned a $10,000 cash Raven Skyriver from Stanwood, WA, osity of the donors, friends and artists was the recipient of both honors, earn- who support Museum of Glass,” stated ing two $5,000 cash awards and two Museum of Glass Executive Director week-long hot shop residencies. Susan Warner. “The funds we raised Evening highlights included the from this fabulous event will help us first-ever After Party in the Hot Shop, build on our success by embracing a featuring Dale Chihuly. Chihuly, along bold strategy for innovation for the with artists Joey Kirkpatrick, Flora C. next decade and beyond. Cheers to Mace and James Mongrain, created the next ten years at MOG!” a Soft Cylinder for Red Hot guests following the live auction. The piece Museum of Glass was auctioned off the pipe with pro- 1801 Dock St. ceeds benefitting the Museum. Also, Tacoma, WA 98402 Aquamarine and Scarlet Overlap. in recognition of the Museum’s tenth 866-4MUSEUM (866-468-7386)
John Kiley, 2011. anniversary, the centerpieces for guest www.museumofglass.org
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