Glass show to offer variety of gifts, pieces on display at Doss

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September 19, 2012

Glass show to offer variety of gifts, pieces on display at Doss

Brian Smith Weatherford Democrat The Weatherford Democrat Wed Sep 19, 2012, 07:57 AM CDT

WEATHERFORD — For the first time ever, Texas Glass Artists Association members are hosting their Glass Spectacular annual show and sale at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center’s Heritage Hall from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 29.

Many of the show’s exhibits can be seen prior to the actual show as they are part of the “Through the Looking Glass” exhibit going on through Oct. 3. The exhibit features 26 glass artists, many from Parker County.

The artists will be able to display their wares in a booth-style format and talk about their art and what makes them tick, according to museum curator Amanda Rush. Association President Phylis Vaughn, who has turned the downstairs of her home into a teaching/working studio called Fayedra Designs, said the organization has people of all experience levels.

“Many of our less experienced artists won’t be taking part in the show,” Vaughn said. “Right now we have 24 artists confirmed to be taking part.”

Several different styles of glass art will be on display and for purchase during the sale, including diffusing, jewelry, fused, mosaic and more. Free admission to the exhibit will be part of the day’s activities.

“Take the display and downsize it. That will be the show,” Vaughn said. “We’re really trying to gear a lot of the items toward Christmas.”

Vaughn herself is getting into the holiday spirit, working on some stained glass angels. Another artist will be featuring some stained glass bowls that are very functional as well as having some ornaments for sale.

Having glass items that are pretty but also functional is another area Vaughn is trying to focus on with the show. Vaughn said the show is normally held in Fort Worth and the artists tend to work toward the yearly show as one of three big events for the group.

“Since we already had the big exhibit at the Doss during that time, we decided to have our show there as well,” Vaughn said.

The goal of the organization is to inspire excellence in glass art through venues such as monthly meetings, lectures, charity events, and art sales. Vaughn said the hope is heighten public awareness in the beauty and variety of art glass that is available today such as stained glass, fused glass, etched glass, lampworking, flameworking, glass blowing, jewelry, and mosaics.

The organization was formed in early 2003 and continues to grow today with more than 60 members. The organization is open to professionals as well as the casual glass artist, according to the organization’s website www.tgaa.org.

Plans are to continue involvement with the community as well as educate members on new techniques and ideas in the form of art glass. For information on the exhibit visit www.dosscenter.org. For information on the Texas Glass Artists Association, visit www.tgaa.org.