Long Time No See...or Write!

It's been a while since I've made a blog entry. I'm embarrassed that so much has happened that I just couldn't put it into words. I guess I'll start with BECON 2007, which took place in August.

It was one of the most interesting educational experiences that I've had in the glass world. There were several social events as well as education seminars about architectural glass installations, large scale public art projects in glass, and profiles of specific international projects in various stages of completion. All of the presentations were interesting. Highlights included Gordon Huether's presentation on his career, Richard Parrish's presentation of his work, and Narcissus Quagliata's profile of a multi-million dollar project he is completing in Asia. One highlight of our trip was that Stacey, Nicole, and I had a private dinner with Narcissus. It was total happenstance, but an enlightening time was had by all. Narcissus is an absolute gem! He is kind, introspective, funny, and a gentleman! After 30 something years in the glass world/business, he is still so enthusiastic about what he does and who it's done for. We couldn't say enough great things about him. He was a pleasure and we all felt very privileged to spend time with the "rock star" of glass.


Next came "The Bullseye Sale" in September. That event is always exciting and overwhelming. This year we had 29 cases of glass shipped in by truck and 29 cases of glass gone (purchased) in 2.5 days. Glass Artisans came to San Antonio from all over with their trucks, uhauls, and hatchbacks, just to "take it all away." Ahh...Good Times! It took us all about a week to recover, but we're always glad we did it!

Our October happening was our visit from Kerry Transtrum, a very talented glass artist and instructor. It was Kerry's third year here at Wired Designs, and it's always eye opening and fun. This year Kerry taught "Casting the Human Form." I got covered with all kinds of goop, from Alginate to plaster to rubber mold making materials. The students had a ball and they all came out with fantastic glass hands, feet, faces, and other body parts which shall remain undescribed! We can't wait for Kerry to return!

That brings us to November and our visit from Johnathon Schmuck. His coldwork class was one of the hits of the year. Students learned the glass lathe and intaglio cutting, they learned how to use every coldworking machine on earth! They also learned hand lapping with grit. I was a real non-believer prior to this class because of the mess, etc. Johnathon made it so easy, that I have been converted! We learned dozens of tricks with the tile saw, lap wheels, sandblaster, hand pads, and more. Beside all of the fantastic knowledge he shared, he was so much fun to hang with. He is the "master of zen." Nothing shook his calm, no matter how crazy! He'll be back in February for his famous "roll-up" class. We can't wait!

I think you are relatively up-to-date now! I promise I'll be better at being timely. Stay tuned...There is always something fun happening!

Next year I am teaching for the Southwest School of Art and Craft. www.swschool.com I'm really excited at the opportunity to join this esteemed institution's roster of instructors. I'll also be teaching at the Glass Craft Expo in Las Vegas in April. www.glasscraftexpo.com That is another exciting opportunity. 2008 promises to be a great year!

San Antonio Glass Art Guild Show

San Antonio Glass Art Guild CALL FOR ENTRIES

We are excited to be a part of San Antonio Art Glass history. The San Antonio Glass Art Guild, San Antonio's official Guild for glass art enthusiasts, is accepting entries for its First Annual Show and Exhibition at beautiful Artisan's Alley on Nov. 3, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

A wine tasting, silent auction and live auction will be held in
conjunction with this event, which benefits Wings. WINGS (Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, Sharing) is a non-profit Texas Corporation whose mission is to provide comprehensive breast health care services to women in Central and South Texas who would otherwise not receive the needed care and treatment for breast cancer. A local personality will emcee the live auction.

There will be considerable effort and publicity to optimize the success of this first show. All participants in this first show, will be guaranteed a slot and input in next year’s show.

Participating Artists must sell only hand-crafted pieces; no glass beads, pendants or jewelry from imported/outside sources. No resale of wholesale items. San Antonio Glass Art Guild membership is required of all participating artists. Annual dues are only $40. Various table and booth options are available beginning at only $50.

For more information or to download applications, please visit the Guild's website at: www.saglassguild.org Additional enquiries may be directed to: saglassguildshow@yahoo.com

Deadline is August 1, 2007 for completed show application.

Selling Work Online

Another exciting turn of events! Last week we were accepted into two new online gallery venues. We are proud to say that we have been accepted into the Electronic Cottage Gallery and WholesaleCrafts.com. Both sites feature original art and craft available on a wholesale and semi-retail basis. These on-line galleries represent over 1,000 artists worldwide. These are our first exciting steps into the world of wholesale internet sales. Let us know what you think!

www.electroniccotttage.com
(We are listed under Gail Stouffer)

www.wholesalecrafts.com
(Use our artist number: 24176 and vistor password: wdwholesale)

A Week of Surprises!

After the book thing happened, I didn't think that lightning would stike twice in the same place....ever, but another good thing happened this week.

About a month ago, Neil Ryan, the guy who started www.contemporaryglassintexas.com
called me and asked why I hadn't submitted for "Texas Juried Glass 2," The juried glass competition for Texas artists presented by the Galveston Arts Center. I had a list of bogus reasons why I hadn't submitted. The real reason for the long list was my belief that I'd never get accepted into the show, so why shoud I bother? Some might call that humility, I'll admit it's insecurity. Neil is a persistant man and very sweet and encouraging of my work. He convinced me that I needed to step out of my own shadow and let the work be judged. So...I sent it in. Again I was sure rejection was the only outcome I should expect.

So...fast forward to June 1st. A friend asked me if I'd heard from Galveston Arts Center about my submission. She shared that she had recieved the "thanks but no thanks email from them." I searched my email, my company email, the bulk file, the spam file, and nothing from GAC. So, I called and spoke to the Center's Director and somewhat indignantly asked, "where's my rejection email?" His response floored me. He said, "We sent out emails to only those who were not accepted to the exhibition, YOUR LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE was sent out yesterday." I actually asked him to repeat that again.

Still in disbelief, I went to the mailbox and there it was. A letter from GAC with my name on it. Okay...still not believing...I open the letter and damned if he wasn't right, It said Congratulations! Again...WOW!

A good portion of my self-esteem still believes that this week of surprises is an elaborate practical joke. I guess I'll just count my blessings and see what happens next. Recognition, respect, acknowledgement, as Martha Stewart says, It's a good thing."

Best Of Glass Artists and Artisans Vol. I

About three months ago, I was invited to submit a few photos for inclusion in a juried book entitled "American Glass Artists and Artisans Vol.1". I submitted my work thinking that it was clearly a mistake, and that they had sent me the invitation by accident. I sent in my submission and forgot all about it. I mentally filed it in the "nothing ventured - nothing gained" category.

Last week, I received an e-mail saying that I was selected to be in the book. I opened the link and looked through the draft manuscript slowly, again thinking that this must be a mistake. But there it was, And, on page 66... my work...in a book. WOW! I suppose that good things do come to those who wait.

Click on the link below to check out page 66:
Best of America Glass Artists and Artisans Vol.1

Welcome to our Blog!

As many of you know, we are currently under going a bit of a transition. During the months of July and August, we will be phasing out beading, wire, and soldering workshops and the associated supplies to make room for bigger, better glass and PMC workshops and supplies.

Glass is our passion and we are excited to share with you all of the exciting happenings that will occur at Wired Designs Studio. We are both looking forward to a long and prosperous Blogging relationship!

Happy Blogging!

Stacey & Gail