THE NATIONAL AMERICAN GLASS CLUB

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

 

Updated October 6, 2008

Back issues of The Glass Club Bulletin are available for $4 each and a complete set (1938 – current) for $400.  Copies of the Index (1-179) are available.  Bulletins that are out of print have been reproduced.  For the complete Index of Bulletins see www.glassclub.org. 

The Video and Slide Programs are loaned to members for $15 and the borrower pays return postage.  These fees cover shipping and video program maintenance.

Please contact:   Karen Petraglia, 17 Smithfield Lane, Bedford, NH 03110,        Phone: 603-472-5998         Email: kp0828@aol.com

   

Video Programs  (All are Video tapes in the VHS format unless noted as DVDs.)

 

Alchemy in Light: Making Art Glass        DVD

Produced by Kenneth Grimes, 1995. This excellent film permits the viewer to experience the creative work of three contemporary glass artists, Ann Corcoran, David Lindsey and Michael Nourot. 29 minutes in DVD Format.

 

Candlewick: Volume I: At Home, In any Home, “Imperial Beauty”

Produced by Imperial Glass Collectors Society, 1993. The title of this film is deceiving. The majority of the film is about the History of the Imperial Glass Company, its workers and products. Only the end of the film deals with displays of Imperial’s Candlewick pattern from the Society’s 1993 convention. 120 minutes.

 

Candlewick: Volume II:

This video is footage of two authors at the 1993 convention discussing “Candlewick”. 68 minutes.

 

Cane Working with Lino Tapliapietra, Master Class Series, Vol. I, The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass

Viewers follow the renowned glassmaker as he makes canes and uses them to decorate his own intricate blown vessels at the Studio. He discusses the state of glassmaking in Murano and his own philosophy of glassmaking. 30 minutes.

 

Dale Chihuly: Glass Master

Produced by Ringe/Rydman Productions, 1987. Dale Chihuly and his glassworking team are shown working at Harvey Littleton's studio in January 1987. Chihuly discusses the development of his glass skills, the team concept he follows, and the various glassworking techniques he employs. His narration is supplemented by the comments of each team member and by wonderful footage of the team in action. An extremely informative film about one of the most renowned "personalities" in contemporary glass. 26 minutes.

 

Defying Gravity with Josh Simpson       DVD

The fascinating PBS documentary about the making of the world’s largest paperweight (107 lbs.).  Josh Simpson was commissioned by the Corning Museum of Glass to create a Megaplanet Paperweight and this documentary of “defying gravity” shows each step of this challenging project.  60 minutes in DVD Format, 2007.

 

Designs in Miniature: The Canes of Murano, 1835-1924

Produced by The Corning Museum of Glass, created by Gianni Moretti and Giovanni Sarpellon, 1995. This film, which accompanied The Corning Museum exhibition “Designs in Miniature: The Story of Mosaic Glass” informs the viewer about the production of miniature pictures in glass. (In spite of its short length, this is an excellent video on the making of canes and mosaics. Editor) 15 minutes.

 

Dominic Labino: The Man & His Art         DVD

Produced by WBGU–TV, Bowling Green State University, 1980. Interview with Dominic Labino, who helped introduce the studio glass movement through his technical advice at Harvey Littleton's famous 1962 Toledo workshop. After 35 years as an engineer in the glass industry, Labino retired in 1965 to work full time as a studio glass artist. Labino is shown at work in his studio as he describes his life long involvement with glass. 30 minutes in DVD Format.

 

Dorflinger Glass

Produced by New Hampshire Public Television. George Michael interviews Helen Barger, a noted collector and historian of Dorflinger glass, in the PBS program series "Antiques and American." Mrs. Barger surveys the general characteristics of Dorflinger glass, which was produced in Brooklyn, NY, and later in White Mills, PA, from 1852 to 1921. She discusses many examples from her own collection, including outstanding colored overlays with Brilliant style cutting and items that descended in the families of factory workers. 30 minutes.

 

Dwight Lanmon and the World's Greatest Paperweights

Produced by Corning Community College, 1978. An interview with Dwight Lanmon, then Deputy Director of Collections at The Corning Museum of Glass, done in conjunction with the museum’s special exhibition "Paperweights: Flowers which clothe the meadows." Lanmon discusses the history of glass paperweights, the various techniques employed in paperweight making, and the formulation of the museum's exhibition, including planning procedures and selection criteria. 30 minutes.

 

Engraving on Glass - Jirí Harcuba, Master Class Series, Vol. III, The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass, 1999

A leader in the field of glass engraving, Mr. Harcuba talks about his life and work and also comments on some of the engraved and carved glass at the Museum. The videotape shows Mr. Harcuba creating his innovative portraiture in glass with the highest level of craftsmanship. 30 minutes.

 

Fenton: The Glassmaker's Art

Produced by Riverside Productions, 1987. Employees describe blown and pressed glass production at the Fenton factory as the camera captures each process on film. Unusual techniques such as swinging, ringing, and handle twisting are particularly interesting to see. The documentary also covers the production of metal molds, the operations of the decorating shop, and the history of the factory, which was established in Williamstown, WV, in 1906. Extremely well produced. 25 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Flameworking with Cesare Toffolo, Master Class Series, Vol. V, The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass, 2002    

Venetian flameworking master, Cesare Toffolo, has developed a distinctive style that is both traditional and modern art.  In this video, he shows and explains the balance of techniques, the desired heat from the flame and the exact timeliness needed to manipulate the glass.  Considered by many to be the world’s finest technical flameworker, we observe his skill as he creates a beautiful bowl and an intricate goblet.  28 minutes.

 

The Fragile Art: The Midwestern Heritage of Glassmaking

Produced by WBGU–TV, Bowling Green, Ohio, 1986. This film documents the fascinating story of glassmaking in Ohio and surrounding states from the mid 19th century to the present. Dynamic imagery shifts back and forth between contemporary production scenes, 19th century photographs and prints, early 20th century film clips, and interviews with such authorities as Ken Wilson, James Measell and Carl Fauster. A fast paced, colorful and often poignant look into the lives and times of some of the nation's most interesting artisans. 60 minutes.

 

Glass Artistry in the Making: Fenton Art Glass

Tour of the Fenton Art Glass Company’s production of their handcrafted glassware.  The video clearly explains and shows the materials, equipment, and many techniques used by the press shop, the glassblowers and hand-decorating department to create each unique piece of glass.  1992.  25 minutes

 

Glassblowing with Bill Gudenrath

Produced in 1992 by Andy Hudson, this film records a glassblowing demonstration presented at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Gudenrath exhibits his consummate skills at glassmaking in the Venetian style. Working without assistants, he shapes simple spheres, carafes and an elegant tazza in the first hour long portion of the film. Running commentary is difficult to hear over the roar of the furnace, but actions speak volumes! The second portion, which lasts 50 minutes, demonstrates the production of a dragon stemmed goblet. The third portion, a 40 minute “chalk talk” lecture by Gudenrath, covers the artist’s interest in glass, the development of his techniques, and his study of ancient glass and glassmaking.

 

Hearts of Glass: The Story of Blenko Handcraft

Produced by West Virginia Public Television, 1998.  This is the story of Blenko’s struggle over the past 100 years to survive as one of the few remaining factories where glass is made entirely by hand.  The film follows the early development of its brilliant colors used in making stained glass windows that are still used in their new glass pieces.  The use of some wonderful archival footage shows how the making of hand-blown glass remains the same today.  70 minutes

 

An Introduction to Venetian Techniques, Master Class Series, Vol. II, The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass

William Gudenrath, the resident advisor for the studio, takes the viewers through the processes of Venetian glassblowing. An authority on historical hot glass working techniques from ancient Egypt through the Renaissance, we watch Mr. Gudenrath create his own Venetian inspired glass pieces.  30 minutes.

 

Journey Through Glass: A Tour of the Corning Museum Collection

Produced by The Corning Museum of Glass, 1992. A concise survey of some 4,000 years of glassmaking conducted by Dr. David Whitehouse, Director of The Corning Museum of Glass. Whitehouse places the various categories of glass, from ancient Mesopotamian, Roman and Islamic to Venetian, European, English and American, into fascinating historical context. He describes the characteristics of each and shows how these characteristics can be influenced by the social, political and technological conditions of the day. A remarkably clear and comprehensive overview illustrated with spectacular glass treasures from the museum's collection. 20 minutes

 

Kilm Formed Glass – Rudi Gritsch, Master Class Series, Vol. VI, The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass 

Rudi Gritsch, the Austrian kilnforming artist and instructor takes viewers through many of his processes involving the kiln.  We follow Mr. Gritsch as he takes his work from the initial phases of design through the detailed setups, firings and finishing processes, to completed works of art.  He also takes us on a historical kilnworking tour of the Corning Museum of Glass.  2002.  30 minutes.

 

L’Arte Vetratia – Josh Simpson

Produced and directed by David Lazar, 1993.  The acclaimed glass artist discusses his personal history and the technical, creative processes involved in his use of glass as his medium of expression.  This is interspersed with excellent scenes showing the glass making process and techniques including those used to make his wonderful and unique glass planets.  26 minutes

 

A Legacy of American Craftsmanship: The National Heisey Museum

The glass company of Colonel A. H. Heisey was founded in Newark, Ohio, in 1895. Over the following 61 years, it produced an astonishing variety of pressed, blown and etched glass, first in imitation cut glass patterns, then in the colonial style, and finally in patterns and forms of modern inspiration. This video surveys the many distinct forms and colors of Heisey glass and the impressive accomplishments of dedicated Heisey collectors. Produced by Heisey Glass Collectors of America, 1994. 26 minutes.

 

Living Glass: Patterns of the Depression Era

Produced by RoCliff Communications, 1993. This two volume set deals with the production of Depression Era glass exploring over 100 machine-made patterns.  Volume I contains over 50 patterns of molds of Anchor-Hocking, Jeannette, and Hazel-Atlas.  98 minutes.  Volume II presents 40 patterns made by Federal, MacBeth-Evans, Indiana, and Imperial.  91 minutes.

 

Lyricism of Swedish Glass

Filmed for the Pikes Peak Library District, 1994.  With an emphasis on Orrefors Glass, William Geary, President of Nordic Art Glass, discusses Swedish glass design and production, including the techniques of Graal and Ariel glass.  This well structured and informative video shows the contributions made by Swedish glassmakers between 1900-1980 as well as the creative pieces designed by contemporary artists.  48 minutes.

 

Murano: Fantasy in Glass

A visual journey of the Murano art glass made by today’s master glassmakers.  The video presents beautiful images of the glass artists as they blow, engrave, and decorate their extraordinary pieces of glass.  12 minutes

 

19th Century American Glass

Produced by New Hampshire Public Television. George Michael interviews Lowell Innes, historian of Pittsburgh glass and honorary curator of the Currier Gallery of Art (Manchester, N.H.), in the PBS program series "Antiques", 1980. Using American examples from the Currier's outstanding permanent collection, Innes considers issues of function, attribution, quality and technical production. 30 minutes.

 

 

The Paperweight Artists of Lundberg Studios

Produced by ALP Video of Santa Cruz, Calif., 1991. Exceptional film sequences of artists Steve Lundberg and Daniel Salazar as they create illusions of great depth in their paperweights. The effects, which have come to be known as the California paperweight style, involve a combination of lampworking, pick manipulation, and implantation, as layers of a design are built up one on top of another. An extremely well produced film. 30 minutes.

 

Pâte de Verre with Shin-ichi and Kimiake Higuchi, Master Glass Series, Vol. IV, The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass

Glass artists, Shin-ichi and Kimiake Higuchi, show how they create their work using a process that they reinvented – the old, delicate and time-consuming technique of pâte de verre.  They demonstrate all the steps in this process by making two beautiful glass pieces, a cabbage leaf and a mosaic bowl.  2000.  30 minutes

 

The Rockwell Museum - June 2000

Documentary by the Friends of Carder Glass on the Carder Steuben glass collection as it appeared before being moved from the Rockwell Museum. The videotape shows  each gallery and case with close-ups of each piece of glass. Includes a short section on the toy and western art collections. 35 minutes.

 

Paul Stankard: Inventing Illusions

Produced by K. Bates-Renaurd, 1996. This new film best illustrates the remarkable work and aesthetic philosophy of glass artist Paul Stankard. There is excellent footage of Stankard working, along with interviews of a collector, a gallery owner and a museum curator. 46 minutes

 

Sandwich Glass

Produced by New Hampshire Public Television, George Michael interviews Raymond Barlow, author and historian of the Sandwich glass industry, in the PBS program series "Antiques & Americana", 1982. Barlow surveys the history of the factory, recounts colorful anecdotes about the glassworkers, and displays some spectacular Sandwich glass and Sandwich factory artifacts. 30 minutes.

 

A Toast to Drinking Glasses

Produced by the Dorflinger Study Group, NAGC 1988. A brief survey of the uses and forms of glass drinking vessels. Still image format. 25 minutes.

                                                                                                                                               

Venetian Glass

The famous works of Barovier, Moretti, Seguso, Venini and others are examined and discussed by authority Rosa Barovier Mentasti in this adaptation of her book Venetian Glass, 1890-1990. Bold color, innovative form and superlative craftsmanship typify the bold work of the Venetian glasshouses. An excellent survey. Published by Key Pictures, Inc., 1994. 34 minutes.

 

Where the Earth Meets the Sky – The Glassworks of Josh Simpson

Produced and directed by Keith Clark, 2001.  The video explores this glass artist’s lifelong fascination with space, his creative process and his novel glass legacy.  It illustrates how his constant experimentation with the unique properties of glass has inspired him to produce a remarkable variety of art glass.  There is excellent footage showing the technical difficulties and the adept teamwork involved in making one of Simpson’s Megaplanets from start to finish.  40 minutes

 

Whimsies & Curiosities

Produced by the Dorflinger Glass Study Group, NAGC. A look at the whimsies and curiosities produced by glassworkers, both for sale and their own amusement. Still image format. 25 minutes.

 

Windows to a View: The Work of Glass Sculptor Christopher Ries

Produced by WVIA, 1993. This film gives the viewer a unique opportunity to witness the talent and skill of glass artist Christopher Ries. His monumental clear glass sculptures, made from Schott optical glass, illustrate his impressive work in glass carving.

 

The World of Paperweight Masterpieces

Produced by Gloria Wax for The Corning Museum of Glass, 1991. A fascinating survey of paperweight history and paperweight making. Narrated by Dwight P. Lanmon, this film examines some of the superlative creations of the mid 19th and early 20th centuries. It then brings the viewer into contemporary studios and glass factories to witness the production mysteries of sulfide encrustations, millefiori canes, Trabucco lizards, Stankard botanicals and Millville roses. Outstanding documentary. 45 minutes.

 

Slide Programs

 

American Pattern Glass

Produced by Harriet Roberts, NAGC. Traces the history and use of pressed pattern tableware, 71 slides.

 

Open Master Salts –

Produced by Dr. Edward Tinney, NAGC. Traces the history of the use of salt in our civilization and the vessels, especially glass, used to dispense salt. 75 slides.