Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Artist Lynn Leahy describes the process she uses to create her
From left, Sherry Lugwig, Christine King, Steve King and Beverly Thordarson talk at the opening reception of the Galaxy of Glass show on Sept. 6.
Blown glass martini glasses created by Michael Hermann and Gina Luna of San Clemente.
Merrill Everett, founder of the Galaxy of Glass show, talks about the history of studio glass at the opening reception for the show on Sept. 6 at the Fallbrook Art Center.
Clear daisy pieces made of blown glass by Mad Art Glass, Vista. The items with the red dots were sold during the opening event.
Tornado vase, blown glass by Paul Counts, San Marcos.
Pictured at left is
Harlan Fischer, left, chats with blown glass artists Gina Lunn and Michael Hermann of San Clemente.
“Our training teaches someone to make each piece different from the one before, a richer experience, a stronger form – not to be tied to a tradition, but to look at the tradition and understand it, to move somewhere else, if you want to.” --Harvey Littleton (1922-2013), founder of the American Studio Glass Movement*
Merrill Everett is every bit as fascinating and intriguing as his glass creations. It’s a credit to the community that this talented, 27-year Fallbrook resident wanted to share his interest in the fine art medium by founding the ‘Galaxy of Glass’ show here. Now in its 17th year, the show continues to soar to new levels.
“It’s real gratifying; I like artists and people that like to buy art,” Everett said, with a grin.
The show centers around American Studio Glass, a glass art movement launched in the mid 60’s by Harvey Littleton of Ohio. Littleton grew up in the shadow of Corning Glassworks, since his father was employed there as the head of research and development in the 1930s.
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Everett achieved his master’s degree from Claremont Graduate School and after initially focusing on fine art ceramics, realized he had found his passion in glass.
“After we graduated, those of us who were lucky enough to teach could build glass studios,” said Everett, who went on to teach workshops in studio glass at Scripps College, Cal State Fullerton, Orange Coast College, and Palomar College.
And so it started; Everett became instrumental in the early Southern California American Studio Glass Movement.
In addition to that, Everett can be credited as one of the individuals who has quietly and steadily made significant contributions to the growing of Fallbrook as an art community. Of his involvement, Everett said modestly, “There are a lot of supportive people here.”
With the 17th annual Galaxy of Glass show having opened this past Sunday, Sept. 7, local residents will have an opportunity to view the work of many studio glass arts, including Everett’s. He and his son, Chris, have created a series of blown glass totems for this year’s show that range in height from two- to six-feet. Brilliant in color and design, he explained that there are about 160 individual pieces that make up the eight totems. And the works of the other artists are just as original and captivating.
“We are celebrating the evolution and uniqueness of the American Studio Glass Movement,” said Mary Perhacs, executive director of the Fallbrook Art Center. “This exhibition and sale showcases the work of 18 West Coast scene glass artists working in a broad spectrum of processes including blown, torched, slumped, fused and cast to create sculptures, vessels, functional ware, and jewelry.” Over 200 pieces are featured in the show.
One of the two major shows held each year at the center, Perhacs said the Galaxy of Glass is one of the center’s longest-running annual shows and “has continued to attract new artists.”
One of the new artists welcomed this year is Akoko Okeyo, a native of Kenya, now living in Newport Beach.
“She brings a unique perspective of etching natural themes on crystal,” said Perhacs. “Also new to the show this year are husband and wife Jason and Nicole McQuaid from Laguna Beach with wonderful blown glass works.”
The fine art glass pieces are being placed on newly acquired display platforms in the gallery, designed to serve as a softly muted backdrop for the vibrant splashes of color.
“People will be amazed at the glass techniques in this show,” said Perhacs. “This is glass fine art, but very accessible price-wise.”
The Galaxy of Glass show is open daily through Oct. 19; Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m .; Sundays noon to 3 p.m. Admission is $6 with art center members, active duty military and children under 18 free. The Fallbrook Art Center is located at 103 South Main Ave., Fallbrook. Visit http://www.fallbrookartcenter.org.
*Oral history interview with Harvey K. Littleton, 2001 March 15, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
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