1col

Susan Plum, “Goblet,” glass, gift of Aviva and Jack Robinson. Photo courtesy Aviva and Jack Robinson.

 image requested e-m Patrick 10-12

FOR 10/26

‘CHEERS’ WILL CELEBRATE GOBLETS AT MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN w/1 cut

avv/gs set 10/15 #

NEW YORK CITY — The Museum of Arts & Design, to celebrate its half-century birthday and new home at Two Columbus Circle (opening in September 2008), is assembling a collection of celebratory goblets in all mediums — glass, metal, clay, fiber, wood and mixed media.

These vessels will be displayed prominently in the museum’s new building, beginning with the grand opening. Part of the goblet collection, however, will be given a “sneak preview” this fall as the museum’s present home on 53rd Street in a special exhibition, “Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets,” opening November 8 and running through March 9.

A drinking glass with a foot and a stem — what could be simpler? Within this definition, however, exist myriad variations of form, color and decoration. The exhibition features an engaging and diverse selection of vessels made by more than 100 artists from around the world.

Works by such renowned artists as Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly and Ginny Ruffner are included, as well as cutting-edge works by emerging artists. Many pieces were created expressly for the exhibition, and are on public display for the first time. “Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets” is based on the promise gifts of artist-made goblets of Jack and Aviva Robinson, along with gifts from collectors and artists from around the world.

“Celebration and ceremony are intertwined with the history of goblets,” says David Revere McFadden, the museum’s chief curator.

“Whether a champagne flute raised on New Year’s Eve, or a casual toast between friends, goblets are the indispensable props in the theater of daily life. The goblet form has been around since Egyptian times. Over the centuries it has been rediscovered and reinterpreted by artists and designers who have created memorable, dramatic, engaging and whimsical forms that delight the eye.”

One section of the exhibition features works inspired by historic examples. Glass artist Lucio Bubacco builds on the Venetian tradition of elaborately ornamental goblets that dates back to the Renaissance.

The exhibition will also include examples of classic design, such as the Tulip Goblet designed by Swedish artist Nils Landberg for Orrefors in 1953.

Many of the works are nonfunctional, and use the vessel format as a jumping-off point for investigations of form and concept.

The museum is at 40 West 53rd Street. For information, www.madmuseum.org or 212-956-3535.