subject: Gamble on the Future of Glass Arts [print this page] Gamble on the Future of Glass Arts Gamble on the Future of Glass Arts
Urban Glass and Steuben Join Forces for Casino Night Fundraiser
Steuben's glass gallery changes its character depending on the type of event it happens to be hosting. In September, the flagship store became a chic auction house hosting a silent auction on behalf of the African Wildlife Foundation. In early November, the glass art gallery and showroom became a world-class art museum upon the opening of Ross Bleckner's "Artworks in Glass", a collaboration with Steuben's master glass craftsmen. Bringing Mr. Bleckner's interpretation and energy, allows crystal and glass arts achieve a whole, new level of aesthetic possibility. Then the very next night, Steuben became a festive Monte Carlo casino sponsoring a fundraiser for the non-profit Urban Glass.
Urban Glass and Steuben Join Forces for Casino Night Fundraiser
Steuben's glass gallery changes its character depending on the type of event it happens to be hosting. In September, the flagship store became a chic auction house hosting a silent auction on behalf of the African Wildlife Foundation. In early November, the glass art gallery and showroom became a world-class art museum upon the opening of Ross Bleckner's "Artworks in Glass", a collaboration with Steuben's master glass craftsmen. Bringing Mr. Bleckner's interpretation and energy, allows crystal and glass arts achieve a whole, new level of aesthetic possibility. Then the very next night, Steuben became a festive Monte Carlo casino sponsoring a fundraiser for the non-profit Urban Glass.
Gathering to Supporting Glass Artists
Steuben, makers of the world's finest Crystal, has fantastic gallery space located below the main floor of its flagship store on Madison Avenue and makes for a great party space. The Urban Glass fund-raising casino was in the European Monte Carlo tradition; guests were in the spirit and dressed the part, proving again that crystal need not be stuffy.
Art Glass Fuses with Casio Losses and Everyone Wins!
As a gathering for glass artists and their patrons, the evening was festive affair! Gaming tables were set up, dice rolled, and Avion tequila flowed. Everyone was merrily losing money to benefit a great arts organization. At one point, all the dealers stopped the games and the lights grew dim. Out came the Bourbon St. sound of the Tin Pan Band, let by trumpeter Jesse Selengut, followed by three can-can dancers wearing glass corsets.
The "Lady Luck" dancers were remarkable in hand rolled and embossed solid glass sculpture encircling their torsos, each one unique and form-fitted by Urban Glass artist, Ivan Lee Mora.
The four piece band, in their pork-pie hats and zoot suit swagger played music that has been described as "a cross between Ray Charles and Tom Waits" Dancing ensued and more money "lost".
Giving to the Glass Arts Supports Us All
In supporting the arts, community causes and non-profits, Steuben gives opportunities for glass artists and glass art-lovers to support and maintain their beloved arts resources. We love the organizations such as Urban Glass that continue the glass arts and act as a hothouse for contemporary glass talent where artists come from all over the world to learn and grow. These emerging artists are the up-and-coming energy for the world of art glass and will ultimately influence the future look of crystal design as pioneered by Steuben. It is through collaborations like this, Steuben contributes its own unique century-old tradition of excellence to the future of American art. Steuben thanks Urban Glass for the opportunity and an excellent night of fun!
