ESU Glass-forming students showcase work in KC gallery

This piece of art done by a former ESU student is the type of pieces that are on display at Millennic Glass. Twelve ESU glass-forming students have work on display through

December 22.

Students from Emporia State University's glass-forming program works are currently on display at Millennic Glass, a Kansas City art gallery. Twelve glass-forming students have various pieces on display that show a variety of techniques that the ESU program offers.

"This is a chance for the students to showcase their work in a community gallery in a very vibrant district," said Patrick Martin, associate professor who teaches the glass-forming courses. "Lots of people will see their art and this gives them a lot of exposure."

On display are sculptures, glass vessels, solid castings, bowls and goblets. “All the work is original and the students executed the work themselves,” Martin said. “The students were also responsible for actually setting the exhibit up.”

"The exhibit provides students with an idea of what it is like to set up a show in a commercial gallery. It also gives them experience dealing with a commercial gallery, the business aspect of a show such as contracts, representation.  The also meet with collectors from the Kansas City area and gain exposure in a big city art market. Hopefully some of the students will use the connections they make to help launch their own career when they graduate," Martin said.

An exhibit opening was held, where the students had the opportunity to showcase and explain their work to more than 100 visitors. Several of the glass-forming students agree that have their work on exhibit and setting it up themselves is a good experience.

"This is good exposure and a good way to get experience,” said Jesse England, a junior glass forming student. England has two pieces in the show.

Scott Percival, senior glass-forming student, has four pieces on display in the exhibit. "It feels great," he said. 'This is definitely a good experience and allows us to showcase our work to a wide variety of people.

The ESU glass-forming program is the only college program of its kind in the state. It recruits heavily from Emporia High School, one of the few high school glass programs in the country. Graduates of the program are prepared to start their own glass studios, work for other artists or continue with graduate study.

The exhibit will be on display until December 22 and can be viewed Saturday’s noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Millennic Glass is located at 1901 Wyandotte in Kansas City, MO.

The following glass-forming students have work on exhibit: Jon Jenek, Emporia; Evan Markowitz, Emporia; Scott Percival, Lee’s Summit, MO, Jesse England, Council Grove; Harold Vilander, Emporia; Shem Campell, Emporia; Kelsey Lutz, Olathe; Tanner Clark, Emporia; Kayla Erickson, Effingham; Megan Stellies, Salina; and Sarah Sparks, Olathe.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>