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Glass Artist Puts On A Show For Visitors To Studio

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

TAMPA - Once a year, on Thanksgiving weekend, glass artist Susan Gott opens her Phoenix Glass Studio and Gallery to the public.

"Holiday Glass Show - New Work by Susan Gott" runs from Friday through Sunday. Visitors can wander through the working studio and the gallery, seeing fresh-from-the-fire creations and watching demonstrations of glass techniques.

It's the kind of backstage drama that can only be imagined when looking at the finished work: fiery furnaces, artisans blowing glass into beautiful balls and vases; molten glass falling from hand-held ladles into waiting molds.

The opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and includes a casting demonstration at 7:30 p.m. Glass-blowing demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. All events are free.

A glass artist for more than 20 years, Gott is best known for her figurative sculptures, often done in large scale. But her studio's giftware line, as Gott calls it, includes small-scale sculptures, hand-blown ornaments, oil lamps, vases and bowls. There also are paperweights made by Gott's 9-year-old daughter, Samantha. All the items will be available at the weekend event.

The exhibit includes an installation not previously displayed, and Gott's recent creations include her family series.

"It's my ongoing investigation into the imagery and icons of male and female, mother and child, friends and family, and what that means to me," she said.

Her figures are inspired by her long-standing interest in mythological imagery and traditional symbols from ancient cultures.

She pours molten glass from the furnace into a rigid sand mold that has been prepared with objects in it and possibly "painted' with powdered glass images. While the glass is still molten, Gott adds other objects.

When hard, the piece is finished with polishing or sandblasting and enamel, gold leaf or other embellishments.

"I encourage people to bring their children or people who have never seen glass blowing before, so I like to say it's educational," Gott said. "I used to be a teacher so I get a kick out of explaining things and demonstrating. Normally I can't do that while we're working."

The studio and gallery, 811 E. Knollwood St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For information, call (813) 237-3473 or go to www.gott glass.com.

Jewelry Exhibit Sparkles For A Day

Six local artists skilled in the art of designing and making jewelry will exhibit and sell their creations in a one-day event.

"Meet the Artist" is from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Beads, 1543 S. Dale Mabry Highway.

"We have high-end Swarovski crystals and gemstones, lamp work beads, wire-wrap jewelry, sterling silver and bead weaving," said owner Holly Hancock, also one of the featured artists. "There's a lot of labor involved in these pieces."

The other artists are: Bobbie Chumack, wirework and silver; Lea Davis, crystal and gemstone; Marilyn Earhart, bead weaving; Joy Frost, crystal and gemstone; and Jillian LeGrand, lamp work beads.

Call Beads at (813) 258-3900 for information.

Gallery Returns With New Focus

Remember Hyde Park Fine Arts, the gallery at Morrison and Howard avenues that closed five years ago? Well, it's back with the same name but a new home and focus.

Formerly a showcase for local artists, the spotlight now is on the masters.

After his gallery closed, owner Tim Waad assembled a private collection of original graphics that are signed and numbered or part of a limited edition by well-known artists. Represented are the likes of Andrew Wyeth, Dali, Erte, Peter Max and Andy Warhol.

Opening Friday at 1608 Snow Ave. in Hyde Park Village, the gallery provides a balance to the gallery down the street, Tampa Artists Emporium, which showcases local artists.

Call (813) 251-4596 for information and hours.

Correspondent Esther Hammer can be reached at (813) 835-2108 or ehammer@tampatrib.com.

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