Open Studio!
3700 Otis Street
Mount Rainier, Maryland!
Get Driving Directions
Get Metro Directions
Noon- 5 PM
Washington Glass School
Flux Studios
Saturday, December 07, 2013
Open Studio Holiday Party! Saturday December 14th Noon-5 PM
If you are in the DC area on December 14th, please come out to the Open Studio and Holiday Party at the Washington Glass School and Flux Studios in Mount Rainier Maryland.
Open Studio!
3700 Otis Street
Mount Rainier, Maryland!
Get Driving Directions
Get Metro Directions
Noon- 5 PM
Washington Glass School
Flux Studios
Open Studio!
3700 Otis Street
Mount Rainier, Maryland!
Get Driving Directions
Get Metro Directions
Noon- 5 PM
Washington Glass School
Flux Studios
Monday, September 16, 2013
The Luxury of Dreams at The Dunes October 4th
The Luxury of Dreams
October 4- October 31
Opening Reception: Friday October 4th 7-10 PM
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| The Malarial Adventures of Jess |
I would like to invite you to the reception for my upcoming exhibit The Luxury of Dreams at The Dunes in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
Last winter, as the City of DC cut funding to homeless shelters, there were increases in the demands for these services. A number of articles brought light to these struggles and I had even heard of shortages of blankets for those in need. The issue was also on my mind for another reason.
I live in the middle of Washington, DC, and am a regular user of a bus stop at North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue in my neighborhood of Bloomingdale. It's always been a bit of a sketchy bus stop. A hidden community liquor bottle, drug dealing, lots of just sitting around all day. For a handful of years there was a particularly memorable man that sat on one of the benches and stared across the street at nothing in particular. He was often in a ski suit, well into warmer weather. Sometimes he'd stand up and almost fall into traffic along Florida Avenue. Every once in a while, I would catch him before he fell. He never spoke, but would look at me, smile, and raise both his arms slightly. THAT was the extent of our communication, for a very long time. One day after a guy was accosting me at the bus stop, my snow suited friend, yelled out "he's all right!" and that seemed to quiet the other guy down. We talked a bit, he offered me some of the liquor, and food that he had on him. We talked for a while till my bus came, but only brokenly so. He was very, very hard to understand. So last winter, reading all these stories about cuts in services, increases in demand, I recalled that I hadn't seen my bus stop friend in a while. One night, literally an hour after I was talking about him to someone, I got off of the bus at this intersection and I hear, in a very clear, articulate, sober voice, "it's good to see you, it's been a while". I couldn't believe it! Because of services provided to those in need, this guy had gotten cleaned up, had a place to live, and was actively seeking to improve his life. We talked for a while, and I see him now and again. The turnaround for this guy was staggering. But it is a daily struggle for him.
With all these things in mind, I began thinking about artwork based on blankets, on beds, and on shelter. I then wondered if the level of security of having a place to sleep affected how we dream. I was thinking about how we all enter the world of dreams, regardless of where we sleep. I thought that I would create a series of works based on the dreams of others. Through conversations with the amazing Deidree Bennett from The Dunes about art and social issues, my idea for The Luxury of Dreams series was born. I started soliciting dreams from friends, colleagues, collectors, other artists, and social media connections.
As I was dealing with an uncomfortable issue in the inspiration of this series, and a new way of developing content within my work, I wanted to take a new approach to the creation of the work itself. I decided that I would utilize photography and drawings into glass. After receiving many dreams from friends and strangers I began conceptualizing how I would approach the pieces. At first I thought I would layer photos and drawings with castings of glass Beds and Blankets. I may still create a series in that direction, but I decided for this first series on dreams that I would pick imagery from the dreams that I felt most connected and relate it to my way of storytelling. Atypical of how I approach a series, each piece will feel different and have different shapes and sizes. I usually like for my series to read like a book, often with each piece the same size and scale; another new way of making work for me.
I also wanted this series to act as a fundraiser and to help raise awareness of how we all may help out. I reached out to THRIVE DC for the work that they do with those in need.
Last winter, as the City of DC cut funding to homeless shelters, there were increases in the demands for these services. A number of articles brought light to these struggles and I had even heard of shortages of blankets for those in need. The issue was also on my mind for another reason.
I live in the middle of Washington, DC, and am a regular user of a bus stop at North Capitol Street and Florida Avenue in my neighborhood of Bloomingdale. It's always been a bit of a sketchy bus stop. A hidden community liquor bottle, drug dealing, lots of just sitting around all day. For a handful of years there was a particularly memorable man that sat on one of the benches and stared across the street at nothing in particular. He was often in a ski suit, well into warmer weather. Sometimes he'd stand up and almost fall into traffic along Florida Avenue. Every once in a while, I would catch him before he fell. He never spoke, but would look at me, smile, and raise both his arms slightly. THAT was the extent of our communication, for a very long time. One day after a guy was accosting me at the bus stop, my snow suited friend, yelled out "he's all right!" and that seemed to quiet the other guy down. We talked a bit, he offered me some of the liquor, and food that he had on him. We talked for a while till my bus came, but only brokenly so. He was very, very hard to understand. So last winter, reading all these stories about cuts in services, increases in demand, I recalled that I hadn't seen my bus stop friend in a while. One night, literally an hour after I was talking about him to someone, I got off of the bus at this intersection and I hear, in a very clear, articulate, sober voice, "it's good to see you, it's been a while". I couldn't believe it! Because of services provided to those in need, this guy had gotten cleaned up, had a place to live, and was actively seeking to improve his life. We talked for a while, and I see him now and again. The turnaround for this guy was staggering. But it is a daily struggle for him.
With all these things in mind, I began thinking about artwork based on blankets, on beds, and on shelter. I then wondered if the level of security of having a place to sleep affected how we dream. I was thinking about how we all enter the world of dreams, regardless of where we sleep. I thought that I would create a series of works based on the dreams of others. Through conversations with the amazing Deidree Bennett from The Dunes about art and social issues, my idea for The Luxury of Dreams series was born. I started soliciting dreams from friends, colleagues, collectors, other artists, and social media connections.
As I was dealing with an uncomfortable issue in the inspiration of this series, and a new way of developing content within my work, I wanted to take a new approach to the creation of the work itself. I decided that I would utilize photography and drawings into glass. After receiving many dreams from friends and strangers I began conceptualizing how I would approach the pieces. At first I thought I would layer photos and drawings with castings of glass Beds and Blankets. I may still create a series in that direction, but I decided for this first series on dreams that I would pick imagery from the dreams that I felt most connected and relate it to my way of storytelling. Atypical of how I approach a series, each piece will feel different and have different shapes and sizes. I usually like for my series to read like a book, often with each piece the same size and scale; another new way of making work for me.
I also wanted this series to act as a fundraiser and to help raise awareness of how we all may help out. I reached out to THRIVE DC for the work that they do with those in need.
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| The Secret Room on the Landing |
The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
The Dunes is located at the intersection of 14th Street NW and Meridian Place. It is on the second floor.
There is a parking lot in the DC USA building, and the Columbia Heights Metro Station is just a few blocks away.
There is a parking lot in the DC USA building, and the Columbia Heights Metro Station is just a few blocks away.
Contact:
Deidree Bennett
Director of Fine Arts
The Dunes
A portion of proceeds from sales will go toward helping to support THRIVE DC.
Originally founded in 1979 as the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, Thrive DC works to prevent and end homelessness by providing vulnerable individuals a comprehensive range of services to help stabilize their lives. We are unique in providing the last available safety net for people facing economic crisis and housing instability while also providing the first step toward independence for people experiencing extended periods of homelessness.
1525 Newton Street, NW Suite G1
Washington, DC 20010
202-737-9311
thrive@thrivedc.org
For general inquiries, please contact us at 202-503-1525 or thrive@thrivedc.org.
Washington, DC 20010
202-737-9311
thrive@thrivedc.org
For general inquiries, please contact us at 202-503-1525 or thrive@thrivedc.org.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Explaining My Work: Seeing Beyond
Part 3 in an ongoing explanation of the thoughts that go into my pieces. I've previously discussed Humpty Dumpty is a Rabbit Hole and Sharing What Is Held Close.
Please let me know what you think.
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| Seeing Beyond 25"x30" glass, paint, steel, led sean hennessey |
I've explained my thoughts on locks in a previous post. When I made Promises that Remain Unbroken,
I wanted to give a counterpoint and to more viscerally feel a sea of locks. A swarm. I wanted to be a bit overwhelming. Daunting.
I always loved science. And all the science classes I took. I've played with imagery that involved things that affect and augment sight. Glasses, googles, telescopes, microscopes, magnifying glasses etc... .
I think there is something powerful in that. Unsettling and settling. It speaks of how independent we really can be. It speaks of opportunity and possibly of trust. It also speaks of desire. Of the compulsion to move beyond and experience more. The use of the old plastic lab safety googles from science classes of my childhood was a perfect inclusion for this piece. Experimental, exciting, eye and world opening.i wanted to express a device and means for a person to look beyond the mere obstacles that might be present and see into the place that they want to be.
But it's also about hope and determination for me to get beyond my own hang ups. I sometimes feel burdened by details, and while I strive to maintain my sense of the present, to be mindful of what's around me, and conscious of how I feel about it, I often lose something in that. I forget to look ahead, to plan, to make far reaching goals. I have a strong sense that every moment could be my last. This piece is to remind me, and others to be mindful of where we are heading.
I bounced back and forth for awhile about color, and possibly the use of imagery behind the goggles. I wondered if a video behind the goggles was the way to go. It will be in future pieces, I'm sure, so keep an eye out for those. They're coming soon.
I also wanted a lack of color in this piece. A clarity and a focus. Sometimes I'm not 100% sure why I make my decisions. This is the case. It just felt right.
I'm In An Exhibit in England!
I was in the exhibition International Glass + Clay earlier this year in DC. That show has now traveled to the UK!
The exhibition is in Sunderland England from now until September 29th!
If you are in North East, please go check it out!
International Glass & Clay
August 22 - September 29, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Explaining My Work: Humpty Dumpty Was A Rabbit Hole.
This is the second post in what i hope to be an ongoing series sharing a glimpse into how i see the work that i create. Please let me know what you think.
During a summer artists retreat at the beach, i brainstormed some new ideas and was looking to come up with a way to create a longer narrative that included video and lighting along with a variety of materials. A mixed and multimedia series. I happened to bring along Alice in Wonderland for some fun reading and decided that this was perfect source material for an entire exhibit.
I immediately envisioned two pieces, The Mad Tea Party scene, and A large cracked concrete egg of Humpty Dumpty. The piece had to fall in line with a very cohesive outline that i had constructed. It needed to be a certain size... I wanted the series to feel somewhat like pages in an old book... the same size, sepia tones
Once the concrete was cured, i stained it green and gold leafed the insides. I know i wanted it to seem precious. A hardened stoic exterior to a warm glowing interior. At first i thought i would have a cracked heart inside, maybe on a spring so that it seemed quivering. That piece may still come. The form of this is something i still want to play with. I really let it sit for a while as i decided what was the thing that would be the essence of humpty dumpty. Sometimes creativity is a momentary flash, sometimes it takes a long time to mull over, to decide if it's the right fit, supports my vision, is tasteful and interesting. But then it dawned on me that Humpty Dumpty as a metaphor of ego, pride and arrogance, also represented the Rabbit Hole that Alice fell into. A vortex of trying to find your true self through trials. A form or purgatory almost. I envisioned people being hurled into the rabbit hole on their own journey to whatever end they find there. reconciliation, humility, nothingness, nirvana. I also felt that the reward is that we all can see ourselves in this state, in this piece. We all all susceptible to Humpty Dumpty. but i think we can all be put back together.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Explaining my Work: Sharing What is Held Close
I'm going to start a series of posts that share a glimpse of what i'm thinking about in making the works that i create. I do love when people bring their own explanations to works but i feel that a little behind the scene thinking from the artist is valuable too. let me know what you think!
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| Sharing What is Held Close Glass, Paint, LED, Steel 24"x30" 2013 |
This piece began with my thoughts of locks. As both a means of protection and an obstacle keeping you away. I've done a number of pieces that are explorations of this ambiguity. I considered how to develop a narrative around this. I have an absolute love of Mediterranean decorative tile work, but also appreciate the symbology of patternwork. there is an activation of space, an excitement with color pattern displays, but internally we find the patterns of how we deal with others. This dualism appealed to me. I wanted to make it very personal. I've become increasingly aware of my inability to let others know me. the patterns of my own protections. my walls. my desire to know others without letting them in. a repetition of that pattern. i've only really let people know me through my work. And even that has been very cryptic. While still a struggle for me to really be open with others, I am trying. This piece represents that attempt. But even within that, when i reach out to others, there is always the fear that i've been too open, too outgoing, too personal and I visualize my arms being chopped off. Thats the risk, the possibility that i may lose the desire to reach out altogether. I think this is why i have gravitated toward artwork. i can make things, express myself, and others can choose to witness, partake, engage in their own way, at their own time, or simply walk away. i can put my things out there and let them be. I have no fear of interacting that way, but i did have a fear of something deeper.
This piece is about a reciprocity of fear, and the attempts to overcome the impersonal. Both are scared, both have protections and things we are hesitant to share. It is about the process of overcoming these patterns of interactions and fear. Sharing the things we hold close.
I've been doing this more and more. with mixed results. even this post makes me feel like i'm pushing my self into the faces of others. but i'll give it a try. and at least i still have my arms. (knock on wood)
Monday, August 19, 2013
Anacostia Art Romp
Art Romp 2013
Anacostia Arts Center and curator Molly Ruppert are excited to bring the notorious group show, “Art Romp” to Anacostia. The exhibition will feature over 60 artists from all sides of the river, exhibiting many modes of artistic expression--including painting, photography, quilting, performance art, new media, and sculpture.
Opening reception: August 23, 5-9 pm
Exhibit: August 24-September 15
Opening reception: August 23, 5-9 pm
Exhibit: August 24-September 15
http://anacostiaartscenter.com/section/371127_Art_Romp_2013.html
Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Road, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Luxury of Dreams-tell me about yours
I'm working on a new series called The Luxury of Dreams with the intention to exhibit the pieces at The Dunes in DC this October. A portion of the sales of the pieces will go to services for the homeless in DC. To make this happen, I need your help! I want to know about your dreams and where you dream.
If you have the time and inclination, and will let me use the text you write in my pieces, send me just a few paragraphs about what you dream about when you sleep. Any element you want to focus on is fine by me, there are no wrong approaches. Also, tell me a little bit about where you had the dreams that you are sharing, the bed, the sleeping bag, the yurt, the room, anything you think about.
Please email me at Art @ Wheresmycoffee .com
If you have any questions about the project, I'd be more than happy to answer them.
Please share this request, if you would.
thank you,
Sean
If you have the time and inclination, and will let me use the text you write in my pieces, send me just a few paragraphs about what you dream about when you sleep. Any element you want to focus on is fine by me, there are no wrong approaches. Also, tell me a little bit about where you had the dreams that you are sharing, the bed, the sleeping bag, the yurt, the room, anything you think about.
Please email me at Art @ Wheresmycoffee .com
If you have any questions about the project, I'd be more than happy to answer them.
Please share this request, if you would.
thank you,
Sean
Friday, June 21, 2013
Lumen8 in Anacostia This Weekend
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Saturday, June 15, 2013
Openings at the Katzen Art Center Tonight!
There are two exciting shows opening tonight at the Katzen Arts Center of the American University.
1.
Sleepwalker
This exhibition tells the history of Washington art from the 1940s through the 1980s. Some 80 artists were selected to represent what was best of Washington art over five decades. This documentation is based upon the book 'Washington Art Matters, Art Life in the Capital: 1940-1990', written by Jean Lawler Cohen, Elizabeth Tebow, Sidney Lawrence, and Benjamin Forgey.
1.
Sleepwalker
The opening of a collaborative show of video, photo and glass by Tim Tate,Pete Duvall & Richard A. Schellenberg at American University's Katzen Arts Center - June 15th to Aug 15th featuring collaborations with Pete Duvall and Richard Richard A. Schellenberg. Opening is June 15th from 6 to 9pm.
"For years, Tim Tate has established himself as a skilled glass artist, and one whose work seems to draw more from tattoo art and the science lab than from the history of blown and cast objects. His latest work is a curious hybrid, an unexpected combination of craft and technology, what he calls “self-contained video installations.”
Over the last three years, this Washington D.C.-based artist has attracted critical attention for his group of sculptures that look at the past through the lens of new media. These objects are intimate glass reliquaries that each contain a tiny video screen with a short looped film, along with ambient soundtrack.
For the Katzen project, Tate is working with collaborators Pete Duvall and Richard Schellenberg (both of whom he met through Artomatic), to create a video experience, drawing the viewer deeply into the world of the Sleepwalker. The center piece of the show is the room size installation entitled “The Waking Dreams Of Magdelena Moliere”.
This large scale installation is surrounded by numerous new videos involving the viewer in the dream world that exists in these artists minds.
These videos will include works referencing early film noir, continuing Tate’s, Duvall's and Schellenberg's interest in dreamers, film and the subconscious."
"For years, Tim Tate has established himself as a skilled glass artist, and one whose work seems to draw more from tattoo art and the science lab than from the history of blown and cast objects. His latest work is a curious hybrid, an unexpected combination of craft and technology, what he calls “self-contained video installations.”
Over the last three years, this Washington D.C.-based artist has attracted critical attention for his group of sculptures that look at the past through the lens of new media. These objects are intimate glass reliquaries that each contain a tiny video screen with a short looped film, along with ambient soundtrack.
For the Katzen project, Tate is working with collaborators Pete Duvall and Richard Schellenberg (both of whom he met through Artomatic), to create a video experience, drawing the viewer deeply into the world of the Sleepwalker. The center piece of the show is the room size installation entitled “The Waking Dreams Of Magdelena Moliere”.
This large scale installation is surrounded by numerous new videos involving the viewer in the dream world that exists in these artists minds.
These videos will include works referencing early film noir, continuing Tate’s, Duvall's and Schellenberg's interest in dreamers, film and the subconscious."
Tim Tate: Sleepwalker
June 15 – August 11, 2013
2.
Washington Art Matters 1940s–1980s
This exhibition tells the history of Washington art from the 1940s through the 1980s. Some 80 artists were selected to represent what was best of Washington art over five decades. This documentation is based upon the book 'Washington Art Matters, Art Life in the Capital: 1940-1990', written by Jean Lawler Cohen, Elizabeth Tebow, Sidney Lawrence, and Benjamin Forgey.
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| Robert NewmannFor Pierre L'Enfant 1978 Subtractive mural, 1328 New York Ave and 13th St, NW |
I'll be there!
6-9 PM
4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Friday, June 14, 2013
DC Glassworks at Montpelier Arts Center
I'm not in this exhibit, but i wanted to recommend it to everyone.
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32nd Annual Sculpture Exhibition: DC GlassWorks
June 13-August 18
Main Gallery, Montpelier Arts Center
We're excited to have more than a dozen DC GlassWorks and Sculpture Studios artists participating in this show at Montpelier Arts Center highlighting contemporary work that uses processes such as blown and cast class.
Join us at Montpelier Arts Center for the Opening Reception Friday, June 14 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and the Artist Talk/Luncheon Sunday, June 16 at 12:00 pm.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
What have my wife and I been up to? May 2013 newsletter.
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![Fi[b]re of Rotation by Rania](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_t4uYUiNS65bGt1l99_E_OI8X0L-zhGRrOAK-_JuP4kQo_GixG_t9NavMijnHTeqAgEo-zJHZhj8uSSftNEu4UDE4zaan4dRnAWPSVaDNk2q_a06GwEXOzR0eRN4hR7vT50yRBXLY_jofAXpXb9vozJ68AFiGhlLqxylWc=s0-d)
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Exhibition at Duncan McClellan Glass Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida
I've got an exhibit coming up in a very cool place, the Duncan McClellan Gallery in St Pete, Florida.
Not only that, but the day after the opening I'll be speaking at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St Pete. Super Fun!
The Gallery will be hosting a show with some of the Washington Glass School Artists; Sean Hennessey, Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Erwin Timmers, and Alegra Marquart. Seems theres been a great relationship between Duncan and the WGS for quite a while. A long long time ago Duncan bought the glass school a big ole kiln to help them get started. He's that kind of guy. The cash bar at the gallery funds programs for at risk kids in the St. Pete region. Duncan's built a glass hot shop for visiting artists to work and do demos. Apparently he throws great opening parties, and i'm looking forward to finding out first hand.
While I had once exhibited with Duncan in a big glass show in Georgetown, DC, I hadn't actually met him. This past week my cousin Tommy was marrying the woman of his dreams in Tampa and I went down for the wedding. This gave me an opportunity to vist Duncan and I was thrilled to see what he has going on. His gallery/hot shop/ event space/ fruit tree orchard compound was amazing and beautiful. He told me he started his gallery so he could make sure artists were treated right. so solid.
He was showing two cool glass artists Jason Chakravarty and Eoin Breadon, who I got to meet. plus a number of other artists work were present in the gallery.
If you are in St Pete, come on by
Duncan McClellan Glass Gallery
550 24th St. South
St Petersburg Florida
Opening Night
Saturday May 11th
The exhibit runs through June 30th.
Artist Lecture
Sunday May 12th ( Mothers Day)
Noon
Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Drive N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL
Not only that, but the day after the opening I'll be speaking at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St Pete. Super Fun!
The Gallery will be hosting a show with some of the Washington Glass School Artists; Sean Hennessey, Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Erwin Timmers, and Alegra Marquart. Seems theres been a great relationship between Duncan and the WGS for quite a while. A long long time ago Duncan bought the glass school a big ole kiln to help them get started. He's that kind of guy. The cash bar at the gallery funds programs for at risk kids in the St. Pete region. Duncan's built a glass hot shop for visiting artists to work and do demos. Apparently he throws great opening parties, and i'm looking forward to finding out first hand.
While I had once exhibited with Duncan in a big glass show in Georgetown, DC, I hadn't actually met him. This past week my cousin Tommy was marrying the woman of his dreams in Tampa and I went down for the wedding. This gave me an opportunity to vist Duncan and I was thrilled to see what he has going on. His gallery/hot shop/ event space/ fruit tree orchard compound was amazing and beautiful. He told me he started his gallery so he could make sure artists were treated right. so solid.
He was showing two cool glass artists Jason Chakravarty and Eoin Breadon, who I got to meet. plus a number of other artists work were present in the gallery.
If you are in St Pete, come on by
Duncan McClellan Glass Gallery
550 24th St. South
St Petersburg Florida
Opening Night
Saturday May 11th
The exhibit runs through June 30th.
Artist Lecture
Sunday May 12th ( Mothers Day)
Noon
Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Drive N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
41st Annual International Glass Invitational & EXPOSE
I have a very exciting exhibit coming up and I wanted to share the details and a little story of how it came to be. plus a bit of my trip getting the work there.
Expose
41st Annual International Glass Invitational & EXPOSE
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| Radar by Sean Hennessey and Tim Tate photo by Pete Duvall More Info on this piece HERE |
Saturday, April 27, 2013 to Saturday, May 25, 2013
Reception: 8:00 pm Saturday, April 27th 2013
Reception: 8:00 pm Saturday, April 27th 2013
Featuring : The most exciting artists working in glass 2013
Over 90 of the finest artists from 18 different countries exhibiting 2 sculptures each during Habatat Galleries 41st International Glass Invitational Award Exhibition. Also on display is for the first time "eXpose" displaying works of 25+ artist never seen before at Habatat!
I have been creating collaborative works with my studio mate and Director of the Washington Glass School, Tim Tate.
4400 Fernlee Ave
Royal Oak, MI
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I first learned of Habatat Gallery when my wife and I visited SOFA Chicago back in 2009. We were trying to scope out galleries and get a handle on the fine craft world. Habatat Gallery had some of the most interesting glass work and commanded an absolutely huge amount of space at the show. It definitely seemed a gallery to be reckoned with. One far out of my league. I began taking my work in glass more seriously and dedicated myself to working very hard and creating compelling pieces. I wanted to find a home in the gallery setting. My first real gallery breakthrough came with an invitation to participate in "Glass Secessionism" an exhibit at one of my favorite galleries in one of my favorite towns. Blue Spiral Gallery in Asheville, NC. The exhibit places me next to some fantastic artists. It was definitely a high moment for me and I'm very proud to have work there. A real breakthrough in my work came when i started using light and video. This lead me to get to know a lot of collectors, an invitation to be on the board of the James Renwick Alliance, an opportunity to exhibit with Maurine Littleton Gallery at the Washington Craft Show, and to show my work through the Alida Anderson Project in Aqua Art Miami. All absolutely huge things for me.
Then my good friend and studio mate Tim Tate, pitched an idea to Habatat Gallery that he and I collaborate on a few pieces in hopes of being in their annual international glass show. They liked the idea and we were invited to submit work.
We created the works and I took a road trip with a neighbor of mine to deliver the pieces. It was actually a super fun trip. We stayed a few nights in Pittsburg, a night in Royal Oak, Michigan, and a great 24 hours in Cleveland. Some of the things we saw and places we went.
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| A brewery in a church |
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| A beautiful old train station |
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| The Warhol Museum |
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| Primanti's: A fantastic sandwich shop that puts fries on everything. |
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| Saw the beautiful skyline of Pittsburgh at night |
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| A bunch of Michigan Brew Pubs |
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| Great Lakes Brewery |
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| Great Lakes Beer |
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| I learned about and saw the Guardians of Transportation |
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| Visited the Best Urban Market ever |
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| Saw The Christmas Story House |
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Visited my friend Graham Fox at his new job as a Stained Glass Artist in a freaking awesome Stained Glass Shop
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So anyway, enough of the travelogue, back to my experience with Habatat Gallery, the reason for the trip!
I was more than excited to be having the collaborative pieces in the show, but my hope was to show them a few more pieces in person, since they hadn't ever seen my own work beyond a jpg yet. And glass is very hard to photograph. When i got to the gallery, the y were just installing a solo show of Martin Janecky's work. FANTASTIC stuff!
I got to meet the staff of the gallery and they agreed to see more work. They gave me positive feedback on the work and invited me to show the additional pieces in the exhibit! I'm absolutely thrilled to be exhibiting in this huge glass exhibit with some of the huge names in the medium. Since so many of you won't be able to make it to Royal Oak Michigan to see the exhibit, these, in addition to the one above are the pieces I'll be exhibiting
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| Invisible by Sean Hennessey and Tim Tate photo by Pete Duvall More Info on this piece HERE |
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| Our Dreams Make it Possible by Sean Hennessey |
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| We Create What We Seek by Sean Hennessey |
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| Thoughts of Togetherness by Sean Hennessey |
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