On Sunday I leave for Pilchuck Glass School. Pilchuck was founded in 1971 by Dale Chihuly and patrons Anne Gould Hauberg and John H. Hauberg, and has become the most comprehensive educational center in the world for artists working in glass.
Early in my career, I had the pleasure of studying at Pilchuck three summers in a row. The school is equipped with a wealth of work spaces, tools, materials, and people to help in every manner of working with glass, as well as wood and metal shops.
Next week a group of 10 flameworkers will meet for a week-long self-directed residency. Our purpose has nothing to do with making a bunch of work. We are gathering to discuss art, career and business, the future of glass in the arts, the future of our own work and careers, to experiment with new techniques or projects, and mostly to learn from each other. Steve Klein is leading a group of glass casters at the same time, so there will be opportunity to cross-pollinate ideas and thinking.
I am greatly looking forward to this opportunity to learn from and contribute to my colleagues. I give thanks to artist Elizabeth Mears, for organizing our reisdency!