BRATTLEBORO-Artists Chris Sherwin, Nick Kekic, and other members of the Vermont Glass Guild will transform two children's drawings of imaginary creatures into glass sculptures during a live demonstration on Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Presented by the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) in connection with the exhibition "Glasstastic," the event will take place at Sherwin's and Kekic's adjoining studios at 33 Bridge St. in Bellows Falls.
This family-friendly event offers viewers an opportunity to witness the art of glassblowing and to see imagination come to life in molten glass.
The artists will sculpt two creatures dreamed up by children: "Gerald," a penguin in a blue top hat, drawn by 11-year-old Charli Berger of Charlotte, Vermont, and a candy corn–shaped monster named "Scooper Dooper the Third," as imagined by Jayden Bolduc, also 11, of Starksboro, Vermont.
During the demonstration, viewers can walk between the two studios as the artists work, come and go as they wish, or watch the process from start to finish.
"Glasstastic" is BMAC's biennial celebration of youthful creativity and artistic ingenuity. On view until Nov. 1, the exhibition features 21 sculptures of creatures dreamed up by children in grades K–6 and rendered by professional glass artists from across New England.
It includes such characters as the colorful "Fefe," who is part cat, part dragon, and part unicorn; "Larry," an unusual avocado who moved to New York City seeking fame and fortune; and a magical critter named "Red Cat" who eats only strawberries. More than 1,000 children's drawings were submitted for consideration, and each one is included in the exhibition - either displayed on the walls or in binders available at the museum.
Sherwin has participated in "Glasstastic" since its launch in 2011. He says the exhibition is all about bringing kids' visions to sparkling three-dimensional life. "I love the drawings, the stories, and the imagination that the kids bring to this project- it's a great reminder of what's really important," Sherwin said. "It makes me feel great about what I am doing if I can bring a little more joy into the world by realizing a child's imagination in glass."
Admission to the demo is $10 for adults/teens, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6 and for BMAC members. Purchase tickets in advance at brattleboromuseum.org or by calling 802-257-0124, ext. 101. Tickets may be purchased at the door, subject to availability.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.