Muskegon Museum of Art shows Sonja Blomdahl

Wednesday, 02 January 2008 20:08

Muskegon, MI - The Muskegon Museum of Art will feature an exhibition of works by the highly recognized and respected contemporary studio glass artist Sonja Blomdahl, of Seattle, from February 7 through April 20, 2008. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Thursday, February 7 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Blomdahl will present a talk about her work starting at 7:00. Event admission is free.
 
This exhibition of 35 of Blomdahl’s incalmo vessels, with their trademark double-bubble and overlay techniques, is part of the MMA’s ongoing program of exhibiting and collecting contemporary glass—four of Blomdahl pieces are currently in the museum’s collection—and coincides with Michigan Glass Month in April.
 
The term incalmo translates from the Italian as “calmly” or “in calm.” It is also a name for the “double bubble” process of making glass that Blomdahl learned from Italian glass masters. She takes two glass orbs and blows them on pipes, opening both to the same exact dimensions, and then joins them. The process requires working with great calm and concentration.
 
This exhibition underscores Blomdahl’s achievement as a mature glass artist by tracing the evolution of her exploration of technique. The selected works include her gracefully contoured vessels inspired by classical Greek container forms that she infuses with contrasting color. As a skilled technician, she strives for centered beauty, creating simple, elegant forms and glowing color. Her signature works evoke a sense of fullness and completion and radiate light and energy.
 
The Muskegon presentation of this exhibition is underwritten in memory of Bob and Corky Tuttle by John Knott Tuttle and the Tuttle family. Media sponsor is WGVU Public Radio. On exhibition February 7 through April 20, 2008.
 
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., next to Hackley Public Library. General visitor information is available at 231/720-2570 or by visiting www.muskegonartmuseum.org.