artVenture 2012 Fused Glass Plates

"Garden Plaid"

This year's group of Girl Scouts met me at Architectural GlassArts again for our fused glass collaborations. Girls age 8-16 years old participated, with most of the girls being in the 10-12 year old range.

artVenture Collaboration with the Girl Scouts

During the month of February, I was able to participate in a program with the Homestead Girl Scouts in Lincoln. I was once a Homestead Girl Scout myself, and would have loved to participated in an art program like this one!
I met with a group of sixteen girls on a Friday night. I explained the process of glass art, a bit about the considerations to keep in mind while working with glass, some safety information, and then they started working.
Together, we made four different collaborative pieces for the auction, then each girl got the chance to make a sun catcher and fused glass pendant to take home!


From the application..."artVenture is an annual art auction fundraiser for the Girl Scouts-Spirit of Nebraska Council A unique feature of the artVenture auction is the collaborative artwork created by local artists and area Girl Scouts working together. Girls learn a new skill, see how an artist works and collaborate with the artist and other Girl Scouts to create a piece of art for the auction. Artists get to demonstrate their skill and technique, expose future artists to a new medium, share what it means to be a working artist and have fun in the process!"

Black & White Platter, 8" x 8", Hannah, Tawny, Gracie and Elyssa

Green Platter, 8" x 8", Gracen, Annie, Sarah, and Madison

Black & White Coasters, 4" x 4" (set of 4), Allie, Julia, Anna, and Reagan

Red Platter, 8" x 8", Katelyn, Audrey, Mia, and Paige

The Homestead/Prairie Hills – Lincoln Auction will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from

3:00-5:00 pm at the Lied Center for Performing Arts (12th and R Street).

I'll see you there!

Sculptural Stained Glass Mirror Project

I've volunteered to participate in an upcoming fundraiser for The Independence House (a care facility in Lincoln, Nebraska) and the Nebraska Alzheimer Association for their arts program, which engages the residents with various art projects. We, the artists, have each chosen a piece of artwork created by a resident and will be creating a companion piece to be auctioned off at the spring gala.

I had a few different ideas for the project, but it wasn't until I found the mirror (via FreeCycle - donated by a generous family whose aunt is struggling with dementia) that I was able to pull the pieces together.

I gathered my materials together: the antique mirror (dated 1947 on the backside), a fused glass flower cast with frit (donated by a fellow glass artist, Ed Breed), and some stained glass (also a donation from a high school friend, who had to clean house for a friend who died of cancer).


After playing around with the materials, I came up with a general idea for placement.


Jump ahead to post cutting and grinding the glass. I foiled it while watching re-runs of the new Battlestar Galactica. Then, even though I had a rough pattern, the only way that made sense for me to continue was to assemble the leaves into garlands.


So, I soldered and built the garlands, one leaf at a time.





Next, I need to wrap the mirror in lead and figure out the pattern for the glass frame. Keep an eye out:)

Mosaic for a Cause...

will be taking place Saturday, April 12th (1:30pm-5pm workshop)

and Sunday, April 13th (10am-12pm option to grout in studio) at M.Mitcavish Glass Studio, 68 Coombs St. Studio O1, Napa, CA 94559 (www.mitcavish.net)
The workshop will be taught by Marisa Casa.

The cost for the workshop/fundraiser is $50, and is tax-deductible.
In this mosaic workshop, you will learn:

• Types of Tesserae
• Tools and Protective Equipment
• Cutting Techniques
• Design Techniques
• Adhesion Techniques
• Grouting
• Workspace Setup & Organization

Come meet new people, start a new hobby, and donate to a worthy cause!