Student glass projects on display in KC gallery

An exhibition of the work of 14 students from ESU's glass-forming program opened in Kansas City's downtown gallery district Feb. 7.

"This is a diverse selection of work here tonight, which is a credit to ESU's glass program," said Christian Mann, owner of Millenic Glass, which will display the exhibit to the end of February. The exhibit was such a hit, that Mann says he'll show work from ESU every other year.

"It's a significant event for students to be able to show their work in a major city gallery district," said assistant professor Patrick Martin, who teaches the glass-forming courses at ESU. "They'll see the type of gallery they could be working with once they graduate, and get a head start making contacts with collectors, gallery owners and other artists."

"Transformation: Works by Emporia State University Glass Students" was an idea Martin had been informally discussing with Mann for some time. The show, however, was fast-tracked when another installation was unexpectedly cancelled.

The student work represents the wide range of techniques offered in the ESU program. On display will be glass vessels, sculptures, solid castings and "slumps" - created in a kiln by allowing plate glass to melt into a mold.

ESU has the only university glass-forming program in the state. Martin encourages students to go beyond the pitchers, goblets and salad bowls produced by commercial studios. "We're not learning production, we're learning to work with experimental glass forms - but all glass-forming techniques can translate into the more traditional products."

Graduates of the program are prepared to start their own glass studios, work for other artists or continue with graduate study, said Martin.

Participating students:

Shelley Ayers, Emporia

Lane Barnes, Leavenworth

Lindsey Barnes, Leavenworth

Nicholas Davis, Newton

Bret Ebberts, Tecumseh

Jason Forck, Paola

Sarah Geller, Wichita

Mike Hernandez, Emporia

Jacob Holt, Abilene

Jon Murray, Hutchison

Philip Prewitt, Emporia

Stephen Protheroe, Emporia

Amanda Shotts, McPherson

Kristin Taylor, Emporia

Last Updated July 2, 2007>