Tacoma, Wash. (April 7, 2010)— The Museum of Glass announces the return of the History of Glass Lecture Series, a comprehensive program chronicling the evolution of glassmaking from ancient Rome through today’s Studio Glass movement. The six-part series is presented by renowned artist, teacher and historian Walter Lieberman. Sessions are scheduled for select Saturdays from 1 to 2 p.m. beginning April 17 and continuing through June 19, 2010.
Each session will take place in the Hot Shop, a fitting setting for the series. Presenting from the Hot Shop floor, Lieberman will have access to the glassmaking tools and materials—many of which were introduced during the historical periods he will discuss and are still in use today—to illustrate his topics. A prepared slideshow will also be projected on the big screen.
Cost to attend the lectures is included with Museum admission, which is free for Museum of Glass members.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Walter Lieberman earned his BFA from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, MA. A veteran of the Studio Glass movement, he specializes in painting on glass with enamels. Lieberman also collaborates with artist Dick Weiss as WD-40+. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and he has taught at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, WA and Penland School in Penland, NC. A Museum of Glass docent, Lieberman is often on the Hot Shop floor as a part-time emcee.
LECTURE SCHEDULE:
April 17 Roman Glass
This session looks at glassblowing, the central innovation that changed glass from a luxury item to part of everyday life. It follows this historic process up until the emergence of stained glass in Medieval Europe.
April 24 Venetian Glass
As Venice became a military, commercial and political powerhouse, it also dominated the world of glass. During this period, glassblowing achieved its height of technical refinement and purity of form.
May 1 Stained Glass
This session traces the history of stained glass from the great medieval churches of Europe to contemporary stained glass.
May 29 Art Nouveau
This session looks at glass makers such as Tiffany, Galle and Löetz who played a central role in this historical movement. The designs utilized stylized motifs from nature.
June 5 Art Deco
Glass makers embraced the aesthetic of the Machine Age. Modern design companies like Venini, Orrefors, Steuben and Lalique were established and produced a wealth of classic designs.
June 19 Studio Glass
Dating from the 1960s to today, the Studio Glass Movement emphasizes the individual studio artist rather than the designer in the factory. This movement has produced luminaries such as Dale Chihuly, Stanislav Libenský and Lino Tagliapietra.
For more information about the Museum of Glass:
Susan Newsom, Communications Manager, 253.284.4732, snewsom@museumofglass.org
Julie Pisto, Director of Marketing & Communications, 253.284.2129, jpisto@museumofglass.org
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Please convey to Mr. Lieberman my thanks for his fascinating lecture and slide show last Saturday. My daughter and her friends will be presenting their final project on “A History of Glass” at school tomorrow and found many things of interest in his lecture as well. If I weren’t already booked for the next two dates on the lecture series, I’d be back again for both.
Kathy Bennett