Lampwork Glass At Brookfield Craft Center

BROOKFIELD — A new group exhibition entitled “Passing The Torch: Contemporary Art Glass Lampworking” will open in the Lynn Tendler Bignell Gallery at Brookfield Craft Center on Sunday, April 9. It will remain on view until May 21.

Discovered over 3,500 years ago, glass has fascinated Man with its versatility. The centuries-old craft of melting and forming glass in the flame of an oil lamp has been updated with today’s gas torch. Work by the artists in this show, curated by Connecticut lampworker Cynthia Liebler Saari, represents some of the finest examples of sculpture, vessels, beads and glass jewelry being created in the United States today.

All of the exhibitors are recognized in the field of lampwork glass for their contributions to keeping this ancient technique on a continuum, rejuvenating the almost lost art into a thriving art form.

Participating artists include Michael Barley, Tom Boylan, Bandhu Dunham, Kate Fowle Meleney, Bronwen Heilman, Jason Herring, Caitlin and Marshall Hyde, David Licata, Kristina Logan, Mike Mangiafico, Cynthia Liebler Saari, Susan Breen Silvy, Nancy Tobey, Pati Walton, Beth Williams and Lewis C. Wilson.

An reception open to the public will be held on April 9 from 1 to 4 pm, with a special gallery talk by the curator at 3 pm.

Brookfield Craft Center is at 286 Whisconier Road (Route 25), just east of the four corners intersection with Route 7/202. For further information call the Center at 775-4526 or visit BrookfieldCraftCenter.org.

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, noon to 5 pm.