August 21, St. Joseph, MICH. - Krasl Art Center will welcome two new exhibitions on September 4. Artists as Influencers: Pathways in Glass will be on view in the main galleries, and Shelter-in-Place in the artlab from September 4 - November 29. Both exhibitions offer in-person and virtual ways to be involved with the arts.
In the 1960s, glassblowing moved from the factory floor of industry into the artist’s studio via the Studio Glass movement. This evolution shifted perceptions of the medium and birthed generations of artists working and innovating in glass.
Artists as Influencers: Pathways in Glass features a personally selected roster of 14 artists by guest curator and founder of Water Street Glassworks, Jerry Catania. Catania’s impact on education and the arts in this region was immense. It was his desire to demonstrate the value of mentorship within the glass community and its significance to the evolution of contemporary glass art through this exhibit. In honor of Jerry, a selection of his sculptural glass will also be displayed.
Featured Artists:
Herb Babcock, Brianna Barron, Tim Belliveau, Raghvi Bhatia, Percy Echols, Mundy Hepburn, Justin Hunting, Wes Hunting, David King, Charles Manion, Theresa Pierzchala, Kait Rhoads, Cassandra Straubing, Edgar Valentine, Eli Zilke; plus an honorary selection of artworks by curator Jerry Catania.
For many, recent shelter-in-place executive orders have significantly affected how and why they create art. As part of an intimate group exhibition, KAC’s artlab gallery will showcase select regional artist projects created as a result of the 2020 executive orders for shelter-in-place.
The works will reflect innovations in materials due to limited access to supplies; shifts in content or concepts as a direct result of shelter-in-place; and an increase in time available to devote to artistic practices, resulting in new work.
Interact with these exhibitions during KAC’s new open hours, Friday - Monday 11 AM - 5 PM (Saturdays from 9 AM - 5 PM) or by attending one of these exciting events tied to the exhibitions. Follow the KAC and Water Street Glassworks Facebook pages for other exciting ways to interact with the artists in both shows.
KAC SPECIAL EVENT WITH PARTICIPATING ARTIST EDGAR VALENTINE
FEATURED ON THE NETFLIX SERIES BLOWN AWAY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Members Only
Advance registration at krasl.org/education/adult/classes
Join participating artist Edgar Valentine and KAC Curator Tami Miller for an intimate introduction to Artists as Influencers and Valentine’s artwork. Virtual and in-person tour formats are available:
Virtual Gallery Tour With Edgar Valentine
5 - 5:30 PM
FREE on Zoom
In-person Gallery Tours With Edgar Valentine
6 PM, 6:45 PM, and 7:30 PM
$15
In-person Glass Demo With Edgar Valentine At Water Street Glassworks
8:30 PM
Details will be posted on Water Street Glasswork’s Facebook page.
VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR
WITH SPECIAL GUEST LYNNE CLAYTON OF WATER STREET GLASSWORKS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 12 PM
FREE on Kac’s Facebook Live
Join Lynne Clayton, Executive Director of Water Street Glassworks and Tami Miller, KAC Curator for an insightful virtual tour of the exhibition.
THIRD THURSDAYS IN THE GALLERIES
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON, TIMES VARY
Advance registration required at krasl.org/education/adult/classes
Watch and discuss film clips, hear first-hand accounts from artists, or engage in a conversation about the art on view in KAC’s galleries each month.
Shelter-in-Place Virtual Party
Thursday, September 17, 7 - 8 PM
FREE Zoom Event
Glass Artist & Water Street Glassworks Studio Manager Eli Zilke
Thursday, October 15
6 - 6:30 PM: VIRTUAL GALLERY TOUR (FREE on Zoom)
7 - 8 PM: IN-PERSON GALLERY TOUR ($15)
Glass Artist Wes Hunting
Thursday, November 19
6 - 6:30 PM VIRTUAL GALLERY TOUR (FREE on Zoom)
7 - 8 PM: IN-PERSON GALLERY TOUR ($15)
Note: All events are subject to change based on CDC and state health recommendations. Updates to events details will be posted online on Krasl Art Center’s Facebook page.
