Studio Glass

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of studio glass. It is being celebrated all over the country with museum shows, lectures and conferences. Harvey Littleton is considered its founder. He presented a glass blowing workshop in 1962 with Dominick Labino. The movement skyrocketed internationally in the 1970’s and 80’s. Although glass vessels and manufacturing of glass had been in existence long before, studio glass refers to artists making one of a kind objects in studios and sharing knowledge and ideas.

Within the hills and valleys of Humboldt County are glass workers and supporters. If you are not yet among them, perhaps you soon will be! Walking by the window of the Jack Sewell Gallery on F. St. you can’t help but admire the beautiful glass art in the window. Fire and Arts is a center of activity for both glass and ceramic art.

During open studios, there are a number of artists working with glass,who would love to share information with you if you would like to learn more. Their studio locations are on the north coast open studio artists directory. In 2011, glass artists included (click here to see the 2011 Artist Directory):

• Susan Bloch of Bloch Studios
• Lorraine Lindley
• James Shelton of
• Melissa Zielinski of Mill Creek Glass
• The Fire Arts Center
• Unauthorized Art
  

The 2012 list of glass artists is not yet finalized, but will be posted soon!

Once connected to the glass movement and aware of its activity, you feel its pulse no matter where in the world you live. It’s a vital world-wide group of artists connected through public studios, networking and conferences. Here on the west coast we are close to many hubs of glass activity including Portland, Eugene and San Francisco, Seattle. The Glass Art Society is a group based in Seattle that brings glass artists together from around the world. Its conference this year will be in Toledo, Ohio, the center of the birth of the studio glass movement.

A huge world exists open for discovery and enjoyment. I’d easily go on endlessly. Rather, I’ll encourage you to visit or collaborate with local glass makers, or learn about glass working (there are myriad types). If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Susan Bloch, Glass artist, NCOS Steering Committee Member

Deadline to Register for NCOS is tomorrow!

Don't miss out on participating in this great event…… the deadline to register for North Coast Open Studios is just around the corner!

Make this the year you join all the other local artists flinging open their studio doors to the public in June. It’s a feel-good, inspirational, educational, empowering, fun time. You’ll only know how good it is by taking the plunge! You can download an application on our website at www.northcoastopenstudios.com. Applications can be dropped off at the Ink People Center for the Arts (517 Third Street, Suite 36, Eureka - in the Clark Building) Tuesday - Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

Have a question or concern about your application? Contact Taffy Stockton, NCOS Coordinator at (707) 834-6460.

Why I Do Open Studios by Susan Bloch

Interacting with people at open studios is fun. I highly recommend it.

It is a casual weekend event. People get to choose the locations they go to and are genuinely interested in the art and artists at those locations. It feels comfortable and relaxed.

It puts a little pressure on me to evaluate what I’m doing and to think about my studio in a more public way.

My art routines begin to include visitor aware activities. I notice unnecessary items in my studio and move them out. I see things in a different light. It reminds me to move beyond the enjoyment of process and into the entire activity of being an artist. This means different things to different artists and becomes part of the dialog.

I appreciate the community more including:

• people who come out to support the arts
• people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the arts going
• arts leaders and volunteers
• non-profit agencies in our community that become more and more creative with less and less funding
• all other artists
• the media who continue to write and broadcast art events
• educators --- and everyone else.

Why does open studios make me aware of all this? Because my studio is generally a private place, usually only open by appointment. It causes me to think in an expanded way. I’m more aware that artists are opening their studios around the country and world. It’s almost like a holiday, a tradition that takes on meaning because we are all doing it together, year after year. The more people that participate by opening or visiting studios the more exciting it is for all of us.

Susan Bloch, Glass Artist, NCOS Participant

Why You CAN Do North Coast Open Studios

Are you a local artist or fine crafts person? Have you thought about doing North Coast Open Studios, but decided you couldn’t because your studio is in your home, or you don’t have a business license or reseller’s number, or you just aren’t sure if it will work for you?

Here’s your chance to ask questions and find out whether or not Open Studios will work for you! NCOS participating artist and Artist Marketing Extraordinaire Victoria Ryan will facilitate this workshop along with local jewelry artist and style maven Christina Swingdler.

Find out what is required to participate in Open Studios, get tips and suggestions on how to arrange your home based studio to open it to the public, learn how NCOS can help you market your art, and much more. NCOS Coordinator Taffy Stockton will also be on hand to answer questions.

The workshop will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 6:30-8:30 pm att the Ink People Office (517 Third Street, Suite 36, Eureka). Questions? Want to reserve a spot? Call (707) 834-6460 today. You can also reach us by email at contact@northcoastopenstudios.com.

North Coast Open Studios 2012

It's time to start preparing for the 2012 North Coast Open Studios!

The 14th Annual North Coast Open Studios will be Saturday & Sunday, June 2-3 & 9-10.

Want to participate in NCOS? Visit our website: www.northcoastopenstudios.com to download the application form and directions. The deadline to apply is March 20th.

NCOS participation includes a full color listing in our annual guidebook, the option to participate in the Preview Art Show & Reception, access to artist marketing workshops and personal marketing assistance and much more for only $95!

Not sure if Open Studios is right for you? Have questions on how to participate in Open Studios or whether or not you are eligible? Attend out workshop “You CAN do Open Studios” with on Tuesday, February 28th. Here’s your chance to ask questions and find out whether or not Open Studios will work for you! NCOS participating artist and Artist Marketing Extraordinaire Victoria Ryan will facilitate this workshop along with local jewelry artist and style maven Christina Swingdler.

Find out what is required to participate in Open Studios, get tips and suggestions on how to arrange your home based studio to open it to the public, learn how NCOS can help you market your art, and much more.

Do you have questions? Want to find out more about Open Studios? View our facebook group page, website or contact NCOS coordinator Taffy Stockton by email at contact@northcoastopenstudios.com or by phone at (707) 834-6460. Remember to check back often for more on what's going on with NCOS 2012!

North Coast Open Studios Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 North Coast Open Studios Benefit Drawing:
Lora C. won a painting by Julia Bednar
Rachel S. won a wire sculpture by Elizabeth Berrien
Bob F. won a trio of vases by Peggy Loudon

We would also like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the attendee and participant surveys! As a thank you, there are two lucky survey winners as well:

Orr M. won a wood lazy susan donated by Arcata Exchange
Elizabeth B. won a free listing for the 2012 North Coast Open Studios

Congratulations to everyone, and thanks so much for all of your support for Open Studios! We will see you at Open Studios 2012!

Open Studios Continues This Weekend!

The Thirteenth Annual North Coast Open Studios (NCOS) continues this Saturday & Sunday with Weekend 2! NCOS showcases local artists and art businesses, drawing thousands of local and regional visitors to the many studios, workshops, galleries and businesses.

Missed last weekend? Want to see more art? This is your chance to meet the artists firsthand... explore types of work that are both familiar and new to you... and purchase work directly from the artists! Artist are open throughout the county, from Trinidad to Redway.

During this free showcase for the arts, mid-career and emerging artists working across a broad spectrum of fine art styles and craft media – including painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, glass, fiber, jewelry, furniture and ceramics – will display and sell their work to the public.

For a complete list of participating artists, visit our website www.northcoastopenstudios.com. Or pick up one of our 2011 guidebooks at arts friendly businesses throughout the county. For more information, contact Taffy Stockton, NCOS Coordinator by email at contact@northcoastopenstudios.com, or by calling (707) 834-6460.








Top Image: Gigi Floyd in her studio in her Arcata studio & a piece of her artwork. Gigi, NCOS artist #57, will open her Arcata studio for Weekend 2 of North Coast Open Studios.

Bottom image: John Wesa is his studio. “Fernbridge” serigraph by John Wesa. John, NCOS artist # 81, will open his McKinleyville studio for Weekend 2 of North Coast Open Studios.