The Glass Wheel Studio, which recently held its official Grand Opening, is featuring in their first exhibition through January 17, 2016, works by glass artist Jon Goldberg, mixed-media artist Natalie Abrams, and a 71-piece neon installation by Liz Berk. “This is just the beginning,” said Director Cheryl White. “Provenance is the first of many exhibitions that will undoubtedly cultivate an appreciation for contemporary art in glass and beyond.”
Employing both hot and cold glassmaking techniques, Goldberg suspends thickets, water formations, geodes and even the traits passed from parent to child in glass sculptures.
North Carolina-based Abrams manipulates layers of wax and acrylic paint to create compositions inspired by coral reef formations and microscopic life studies. The delicacy of her work also references the precarious state of our contemporary waterways.
Brooklyn-based Berk’s installation was inspired by studies of crop circle formations, the nearly 20-feet long installation floats and glows like a surreal version of Baroque wallpaper.
These artists all explore the space between humans and nature. Whether working in glass, paint or neon, their artworks capture the creative potential present when technical skill meets beautifully-honed concept.
During the official opening, artists from the inaugural Studio Artist Program were awarded to: Ali Feeney, Charlotte Potter, Evelyn Robertson, Maggie Bush, Jennifer Sleeper, Caitlin Blomstrom, Neal Robinson, Mercedes Ortiz, Heidi Peelen, Amanda Page Stephens, Hannah Kirkpatrick, Gayle Forman and Sarah Vaughn. “The Studio Artist program is an opportunity for these artists to ground and deepen their practice. It also promotes the importance of the creative class here in Norfolk,” said White.
In addition on view is the “Hense” mural and two new art installations by Robin Rogers and Hannak Kirkpatrick.
About
Glass Wheel Studio is a contemporary art facility located in the heart of The NEON, Norfolk, Virginia’s Arts District. The recently renovated 8,500-square-foot space features two rotating galleries and affordable artist studios. Through stimulating exhibitions and an active Studio Artist Program, Glass Wheel Studio will cultivate a deep appreciation for contemporary art in glass and beyond. It serves as an incubator for extraordinary ideas and aims to encourage artists across all disciplines to pursue and elevate their craft. www.GlassWheelStudio.com