We kicked off our Gallery show "Firefox & Co." on August 11th. We had a wonderful reception for the artists, Danielle Blade of Gartner and Blade Glass and Paul Allen Counts. Stephen Gartner, the other half of Gartner and Blade wasn't able to make the trip out from their home base of Ashley Falls, MA. The show was well attended, especially considering the economy, and our guests were delighted to see and hear Danielle and Paul talk about their inspirations, techniques, and history with glass. Danielle was born on The Isle of Wright, England. Here father is a glass blower as well as her two brothers. Danielle visited the United States in 1985 and decided to stay. She met Stephen Gartner while she was working as a glass blower in Arkansas. Shortly after they left to start their own studio. After a few years of blowing glass on their own in Arkansas they decided to move North to Ashley Falls. Their work is a collaboration. Danielle blows the forms and Stephen does all the sculptural work. They are constantly evolving and creating new forms and introducing new colors and patterns. Danielle had a large quantity of worked shipped out for the show.
Paul Allen Counts is a Southern California native. He began glass blowing at Palomar Junior College and received his Masters in Fine Arts-Glass at California State College Fullerton. He has worked and studied with the masters of the world including Venetian giants Lino Tagliapiertra, and Pino Signoretto.Paul is well known for his whimsical teapots, fish, and vases. One glance of his work will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Paul resides in Southern California with his wife and children.
The show was a great success, although the turnout was less than expected. Actually these days we didn't really know how many to expect. Everyone one had a wonderful time discussing techniques with the artists and art glass in general with one another. Sales, while not the most important aspect of the show, were much higher than anticipated and set a record for all the shows.
With a great selection of these artist's work in the gallery we look forward to continuing interest.
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