Glass is beautiful, captivating and delicate as an art. Swirls and organic shapes draw the eye to experience the whole of a blown piece. A window of leaded glass will create pools of color through a room, while unique beads adorning the wrist of a woman will enhance her splendor. Glass, from the mundane to the extraordinary, is an element that is with us every day.

Going to Extremes

As prevalent as glass is in everyday life, the stunning creation of a glass artisan is a sight to behold. To work with glass one must be both delicate and daring. A precise touch is required for even the simplest of pieces, and as the art becomes more advanced willingness to work with extreme temperatures is required. To create the swirls and orbs of a blown or lampworked piece the glass must always be in motion; to pause for even the briefest moment will allow the molten glass to take on a shape of its own. To join the pieces of a window or lamp the artist must be careful to heat the metal to form the join, while not allowing the glass to crack.

A Captivating Paradox

Perhaps it is the paradoxical nature of glass that makes it such a breathtaking form. The material itself is extremely delicate, while it takes extremes of finesse and temperature to craft it. The artist must also understand the needs of the medium, a knowledge that can take years to develop.

It is with the intent to celebrate this captivating form of art that we at Mill Fine Art are pleased to welcome the artisans of the New Mexico Glass Alliance Invitational. Opening August 3rd, 14 glass artists from across the state will have their one-of-a-kind pieces shown in our gallery. We are honored to be able to showcase their talent in this demanding field, and look forward to seeing the reaction as you see the results of their passion. Join us for the juried show and opening reception the evening of August 3rd, and then visit as often as you like throughout the exhibit until it closes on September 24th.