Vermont Glass Guild: Inspired by the Past

In 2017, BMAC—a non-collecting, contemporary art museum—accepted a gift of 314 objects spanning 4,000 years of history and originating from dozens of cultures across the globe. We did so with the express purpose of putting those objects to use as an educational resource for contemporary makers—not by displaying them behind glass, but by allowing today’s ceramicists, woodworkers, sculptors, and glassblowers to touch and hold the objects, to explore the work of their creative ancestors with their very own hands. We hoped they would come away from that experience inspired to try something new (or something very old) in their own work.

Inspired by the Past represents our first foray into this realm of era-spanning collaboration. For the exhibit, 13 members of the Vermont Glass Guild have created new works informed by objects created centuries ago. Shown side by side with their historical counterparts, the newly created works showcase the myriad ways in which contemporary glass artists manipulate their medium to make objects of function and beauty. The participating artists include Josh Bernbaum, Marta Bernbaum, Robert Dane, Robert DuGrenier, Zak Grace, David Leppla, Angela Nephew, Alyssa Oxley, Lori Pietropaoli, Matt Seasholtz, Chris Sherwin, Josh Simpson, and Randi Solin.

— Danny Lichtenfeld, Director

We extend special thanks to Robert DuGrenier and Patricia Johnson for their leadership in developing this exhibit.

RELATED EVENTS

November 21, Sunday, 2 p.m. — Vermont Blown Away
February 10, Thursday, 7 p.m. — Studio Tour & Demo: Robert DuGrenier

RELATED RESOURCES

Virtual tour
Installation shots
Ask the Artist!