Glass program at BSU to feature visiting artists

Ball State's Department of Art will host two visiting glass artist lectures and demonstrations this fall, featuring Dante Marioni and CUD, a collaboration between John Drury and Robbie Miller.

Staff Report

MUNCIE, IN - Ball State University's Department of Art will offer two visiting glass artist lectures and demonstrations this fall that are free and open to the public. Both events will take place in the Art and Journalism Building, Room 225, followed by glass demonstrations at the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass.

The glass program is the newest discipline in the department's degree offerings, providing its students with an education in the technical and conceptual process for creating forms and sculpture with glass.

Brent Cole, Ball State associate professor of glass, said the aim of the visiting glass artist lecture series is to share the inspiration and work of world-renowned glass artists with students, faculty and the community.

 "There is a rich industrial heritage of glass in this area, and many Muncie families have been impacted by its production," Cole said. "Now glass has come into its own as an artistic form of expression, and we want to showcase that."

Featured glass artists visiting campus this fall include:

Dante Marioni, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17

Marioni is an exceptional glass artist, combining classic Venetian forms with contemporary design and colors. His work has gained national and international recognition and is featured in major collections and museums throughout the world. He was honored in 1995 when his work was chosen for the cover of "The White House Collection of American Crafts." His visit is sponsored by the Office of the Provost.

CUD, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13

CUD is the collaborative team of glass artists John Drury and Robbie Miller. The pair has worked together for 24 years and traveled to teach art students around the world. CUD's nontraditional glasswork highlights collaboration, concept and reflection of place while emphasizing the recycling and repurposing of material. The lecture is sponsored by the College of Fine Arts.