6th Annual Bird Lovers Weekend.  Iittala master glassblower Arto Lahtinen will work with the Hot Shop Team demonstrating the creation of a selection of Birds by Toikka designs.

                                Paul Cunningham began his career in glass at Seattle's Glass Eye Studio in 1984.  He creates elegant, blown glass vessels using ancient Venetian glassblowing techniques.  He credits his friends and contemporaries Dante Marioni and Benjamin Moore-both who are masters of Venetian techniques-for making his career in glass possible.

                                Richard Royal has been an integral part of the Studio Glass movement for three decades. He was the first artist-in-residence at the Waterford Crystal Factory in Ireland (1998-1999) and is recognized as one of the most skilled and talented master glassblowers in the United States.  He is best known for large, abstract, blown shapes that combine broad areas of complementary color.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2009 Media Contacts: Susan Newsom, Communications Manager, 253.284.4732, snewsom@museumofglass.org Julie Pisto, Director of Marketing & Communications, 253.284.2129, jpisto@museumofglass.org Museum of Glass Calendar Highlights for October, 2009 All events are included with admission to the Museum unless otherwise noted. Calendar listings are subject to change. For updated information, please visit our website at www.museumofglass.org or call the information line at 253.284.4750 or 1.866.4MUSEUM. FALL-WINTER-SPRING HOURS Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Third Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day Museum Store also open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibition Opening Kids Design Glass Organized by Museum of Glass Exhibition sponsored by Russell Investments, The News Tribune and Click! Cable TV; program sponsored by Key Bank / Key Foundation and the Muckleshoot Charity Fund October 31, 2009 - February, 2011 Kids Design Glass is a new exhibition that celebrates children's imagination with 52 glass sculptures designed by kids and crafted by professional glass artists in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop. Kids Design Glass was conceived as a temporary educational program to highlight the symbiotic relationship between designers and glassblowers who make works of art in glass. A child draws a design-generally a fantastical creature-names it, and writes a brief explanation or story. The Museum's Hot Shop Team selects one design every month and transforms the two-dimensional drawing into a three-dimensional sculpture. As the designer, the child directs the artists as they make two sculptures-one for the child to take home and one for the Museum's Permanent Collection. The original drawings, artist statements and photographs from the Hot Shop will be displayed with each piece. Member and Artist Reception Kids Design Glass Saturday, October 31, 9 - 11:30 a.m. Free for Museum of Glass members; $15 non-members Ongoing Exhibitions Contrasts: A Glass Primer Organized by Museum of Glass CLOSES October 11, 2009 Sponsored by the Ben B. Cheney Foundation and the Gottfried and Mary Fuchs Foundation A captivating introduction to the medium of glass, Contrasts includes international, historically important and visually stunning works of art that are grouped to illustrate opposing ideas, techniques and styles. The exhibition provides a visual feast of 65 objects and challenges visitors to observe and describe the artwork before making value judgments. Contributing artists include René Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Stanislav Libenský, Jaroslava Brychtová, Harvey Littleton, Dale Chihuly, Richard Marquis, Ginny Ruffner, Dante Marioni, Sonja Blomdahl, Flora Mace, Joey Kirkpatrick, Susan Plum, and Robbie Miller, among others. A multi-sensory tour experience is available, which provides audio descriptions of the artwork along with glass elements that visitors can touch to illustrate specific attributes of the glass. Preston Singletary: Echoes, Fire, and Shadows Organized by Museum of Glass Presented by Alaska Airlines Sponsored by Leonard and Norma Klorfine Foundation, Windgate Foundation, JoAnn McGrath, Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass, The Seattle Times, City Arts Magazine, KUOW Public Radio and Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund Through September 19, 2010 Echoes, Fire, and Shadows is a mid-career survey of Preston Singletary's work which combines two of the Northwest's most prominent artistic influences-traditional Native American designs and the medium of glass. For nearly two decades, Singletary has melded the symbols, patterns and legends of his Tlingit heritage with the dynamism of the Studio Glass movement, creating a distinctive and powerful body of work. The exhibition comprises 54 works including icons of Singletary's oeuvre and examples of his significant collaborative experiences. The signature piece of the exhibition is Clan House, a 16 x 10 foot cast-glass triptych commissioned for the Museum's Permanent Collection. Incoming! Selections from the Permanent Collection Sponsored by the Guendolen Carkeek Pletstcheeff Fund for Decorative and Design Arts and ArtsFund Through June 27, 2010 Incoming! is the first in a series of exhibitions devoted to documenting the continuing evolution of the Museum of Glass Permanent Collection. It showcases twelve signature works-superlative in form, execution and concept-by both emerging and established artists. The objects are organized into categories of landscape and portraiture and reference how humankind and nature endure as powerful, universal sources of inspiration. Made at the Museum: The Visiting Artist Collection Organized by Museum of Glass Ongoing The Visiting Artist Program brings artists from the region and around the world to the Museum of Glass to work with the Hot Shop team to explore, invent and create with glass. After each residency the Museum and the artist select one work of art to be included in the permanent collection. These objects are rotated on and off display throughout the year as new works are created. Joseph Gregory Rossano (American, born 1962) Mirrored Murrelets, 2008 Mirrored hot-sculpted glass, steel, mold-formed fiberglass Through April, 2010 Mezzanine Plaza Reflecting Pool Joseph Rossano's Mirrored Murrelets highlights the impact of a changing environment on the Marbled Murrelet, a small sea bird that nests primarily in the old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The installation comprises 275 mirrored glass birds, created in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop in January, 2008, that "float" just above the surface of the Museum's mid-level reflecting pool. The mirrored surfaces of the birds reflect the viewer's image, symbolically suggesting the impact of humans on the natural world. As visitors experience the installation, Rossano hopes they will "reflect on the plight of the bird as well as the beauty of its existence." Martin Blank (American, born 1962) Fluent Steps, 2009 Hot-sculpted glass, steel Museum of Glass Permanent Collection Main Plaza Reflecting Pool Martin Blank's Fluent Steps captures the essence of water. Fluent Steps spans the entire length of the 210-foot-long Main Plaza reflecting pool and rises from water level to fifteen feet in height. It consists of 754 individually hand-sculpted pieces of glass, most created in the Museum's Hot Shop during Blank's 45-day Visiting Artist residency in 2008. These forms are arranged into several islands that capture the fluidity, light, motion and transparency of water in clear glass. "Water can be placid, sublime and in an instant a tremendous surge of raw power. This installation is a visual exploration capturing the chase between the macro and micro qualities of water using glass as a conduit to translate my thoughts." - Martin Blank Events Educator Night at the Museum Thursday, October 1 5:30 - 8 p.m. Educator Night at the Museum is an annual collaboration between Tacoma's three downtown museums and more than 30 local community, arts, cultural and science organizations to showcase their educational offerings to area teachers. For more information, email education@museumofglass.org. 6th Annual Bird Lovers' Weekend October 9 - 11, 2009 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m. Sunday Free reception Saturday, 6 - 8:30 p.m. For three days in October, the Museum of Glass will go to the birds! Internationally recognized artist Oiva Toikka has designed hundreds of glass bird species for Iittala, a Finnish design company. Birds by Toikka are collected worldwide and each bird is individually hand-blown and sculpted from molten glass. Each year, Toikka designs a new, limited-edition bird for the Museum of Glass that is debuted at this event. The bird for 2009 is the Swift which will be available for purchase in the Museum Store beginning October 9. The event will feature Iittala master glassblower Arto Lahtinen working in the Hot Shop demonstrating the creation of a selection of Birds by Toikka, and an exhibition of all previous Museum of Glass Birds by Toikka designs will be displayed in the Grand Hall. Live bird visits from Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, hands-on art activities and other bird-related events will be scheduled throughout the weekend. Friday, October 9 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 2009 limited edition Swift available for purchase in the Museum Store 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Birds by Toikka bird demonstrations in the Hot Shop with Arto Lahtinen and the MOG Hot Shop team 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 215 Years iittala documentary in the Museum Theater (film rotates throughout the day). 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hands-on Art Activity: Create original wire bird designs with Larry Calkins 1 - 2 p.m. Live bird visits from Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Saturday, October 10 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 2009 limited edition Swift available for purchase in the Museum Store 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Birds by Toikka bird demonstrations in the Hot Shop with Arto Lahtinen and the MOG Hot Shop team 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 215 Years iittala documentary in the Museum Theater (film rotates throughout the day). 12 - 4 p.m. Hands-on Art Activity: Create original wire bird designs with Larry Calkins 1 - 2 p.m. Live bird visits from Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium 1 - 4 p.m. Family Day: For the Birds 6 - 8:30 p.m. Free reception in the Museum Store, featuring Hot Shop demonstration and a bird signing session with Arto Lahtinen, light refreshments and a no-host bar. Sunday, October 11 12 - 5 p.m. 2009 limited edition Swift available for purchase in the Museum Store 12 - 5 p.m. Birds by Toikka bird demonstrations in the Hot Shop with Arto Lahtinen and the MOG Hot Shop team 12 - 5 p.m. 215 Years iittala documentary in the Museum Theater (film rotates throughout the day). 1 - 4 p.m. Hands-on Art Activity: Create original wire bird designs with Larry Calkins Hallowe'en Spooktacular Saturday, October 31 1 - 4 p.m. Join us for our annual fun-filled afternoon of All Hallows Eve festivities. Visitors can participate in the costume workshop and enter the contest to win prizes awarded to the most creative ghouligans. Additional festivities include mini pumpkin painting with artist Larry Calkins, face painting by Barb White Y'all and Miss Lily Flamingo the Miraculous, and a display of haunting balloon creatures by Adam Lee. Public Programs Family Day: For the Birds Saturday, October 10 1 - 4 p.m. Sponsored by City of Tacoma Arts Commission Visitors will classify their inner bird genus with artist Jennifer Adams and then design a costume and unique bird dance in honor of the Museum's 6th annual Bird Lovers' Weekend. Special appearances by Pt. Defiance Zoo and Aquarium bird ambassadors will be on hand to inspire young artists. Third Thursday ArtWalk Thursday, October 15 Free admission 5 - 8 p.m. sponsored by City of Tacoma Arts Commission and Columbia Bank Hot Shop Feel the heat as you watch art come alive! Every day, artists demonstrate the intriguing process of creating works of art from molten glass on the amphitheater stage, giving visitors a birds-eye view of their activities. Expert commentary and a state-of-the-art audiovisual system enhance the experience by providing insight into the glassblowing process as well as the science, culture and historical aspects of glass. Hot Shop Visiting Artist Program Sponsored by Courtyard by Marriott / Tacoma Downtown and City Arts Magazine The Museum's Visiting Artist Program hosts internationally known and emerging artists in our world-class Hot Shop to create new works in glass with our professional team of artists <http://www.museumofglass.org/live-glassmaking/about-the-team/> . We invite artists whose work is exhibited (or will be exhibited) in the Museum galleries or whose work is thematically or technically linked to the exhibition program. One piece created during the residency is selected by the artist and Museum staff to be added to the Museum's permanent collection. September 30 - John de Wit, Clinton, WA October 4 John de Wit has been working with glass for nearly 30 years. He combines his skills as a glassblower and painter by using high-fire enamel paints to paint between layers of molten glass, creating intricate abstract designs inspired by the organic nature of Korean and Japanese ceramics. October 9 - 11 Arto Lahtinen, Nuutajarvi, Finland 6th Annual Bird Lovers Weekend. Iittala master glassblower Arto Lahtinen will work with the Hot Shop Team demonstrating the creation of a selection of Birds by Toikka designs. October 14 - 18 Paul Cunningham, Seattle, WA Paul Cunningham began his career in glass at Seattle's Glass Eye Studio in 1984. He creates elegant, blown glass vessels using ancient Venetian glassblowing techniques. He credits his friends and contemporaries Dante Marioni and Benjamin Moore-both who are masters of Venetian techniques-for making his career in glass possible. October 21 - 25 Richard Royal, Seattle, WA Richard Royal has been an integral part of the Studio Glass movement for three decades. He was the first artist-in-residence at the Waterford Crystal Factory in Ireland (1998-1999) and is recognized as one of the most skilled and talented master glassblowers in the United States. He is best known for large, abstract, blown shapes that combine broad areas of complementary color. Hot Lunch Fridays, 12 - 1 p.m. Celebrate Friday at the Museum of Glass! Enjoy a box lunch from Gallucci's Glass Café while watching a featured or visiting artist at work in the Hot Shop. Cost: $10 per person plus Museum admission. Please call 253.572.9593 or email tiaunnah@galluccis.com to order your lunch by 3 p.m. Thursday prior to arrival. For more information, visit www.museumofglass.org <http://www.museumofglass.org/> . Studio Weekdays 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Saturdays 12 - 4 p.m.; Sundays 1 - 4 p.m. The Studio is an interactive, experiential learning space that provides visitors with creative opportunities for hands-on engagement with the ideas behind the glass. Activities are designed to engage all visitors, from toddlers to senior citizens. Each month a new hands-on art activity is presented that relates to a particular exhibition or Hot Shop application. Kids Design Glass Sponsored by Key Foundation, a foundation funded by KeyBank, and the Muckleshoot Charity Fund Ongoing Children under the age of 12 Our Kids Design Glass program invites children 12 and under who visit the Museum or are patients at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital to design a glass sculpture. Each month, one entry is selected by the MOG Hot Shop team. Two sculptures are created-one for the child designer and one for the Museum's Permanent Collection. A selection of Kids Design Glass creatures is currently on display in Art Alley. The selected design will be created in the Hot Shop Sunday, October 25. Theater Documentaries Every day, visitors can view original documentary films to expand their understanding of the artwork in the galleries, gain insight into the artistic process of a particular artist, or review the techniques and history of glassmaking. Films repeat throughout the day. The Museum of Glass provides a dynamic learning environment to appreciate the medium of glass through creative experiences, collections and exhibitions. In addition to the Hot Shop Amphitheater where visitors can watch artists work, the facilities include galleries, outdoor exhibition areas, a theater, hands-on art studio, grand hall, café and store. The Museum of Glass is sponsored in part by ArtsFund, the City of Tacoma Arts Commission and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. Hours and Admission Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Third Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Store is also open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): also open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free for members, $12 general, $10 seniors, military and students (13+ with ID), $10 groups of 10 or more, $5 children (6-12) years old. Children under 6 are admitted free. Admission is free every third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Info Line 253-284-4750/ 1-866-4MUSEUM Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street Tacoma, WA 98402 www.museumofglass.org <http://www.museumofglass.org/> For more information about the Museum of Glass: Susan Newsom, Communications Manager, 253.284.4732, snewsom@museumofglass.org <mailto:jpisto@museumofglass.org> Julie Pisto, Director of Marketing & Communications, 253.284.2129, jpisto@museumofglass.org ###