ARTIST PROFILE: ELKE WESTEN

(Irishtown Garda Station, and detail; images via IAF and www.elkewesten.com, click to enlarge)


Welcome to the Glass Society of Ireland's first artist profile, which takes a look at the work of Elke Westen. Elke began her studies in Germany at Fachochschule Dortmund and completed an MA in glass at NCAD in 2002. She has lectured at NCAD, National University Bogotá, Columbia and University “Hildesheim", Germany and has won a number of architectural commissions in Ireland, such as Carlow Credit Union (pictured below), Carlow, Letterkenny Inistitute of Technology, Donegal, Irishtown Garda Station (pictured above), Dublin and Ulster Hospital Renal Unit, Belfast (pictured below). She has also been directly commissioned to make work for a number of State buildings, such as the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. For more information on Elke and her work, visit her new website, www.elkewesten.com



(Carlow Credit Union, images via www.elkewesten.com)



(Ulster Hospital Renal Unit, images via www.elkewesten.com)

THE 2010 STEVENS ARCHITECTURAL GLASS COMPETITION: CALL

The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and WorldSkills UK are pleased to announce
The 2010 Stevens Architectural Glass Competition. The location of the Competition is CHURCHILL COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY (a window to enhance the Entrance to the Archives centre through an innovative design for the window [W1430mm x H3422mm] above the entrance door).

This year the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass has teamed up with WorldSkills UK to make the Stevens Architectural Glass Competition a nationally recognised competition. Publicity and entry arrangements have been improved, and it is now possible to view the competition brief on www.worldskillsuk.org/competitions as well as on the Company's website, www.worshipfulglaziers.com

Competition entrants need to register online with WorldSkills UK by 19 March 2010. On registration you will be given a Registration ID for use on the Entry Form and on the entry itself. Please make sure you register your interest with WorldSkills UK at the earliest opportunity. Registration itself does not commit you to entering the competition.

A site visit to Churchill College is a requirement of the Competition. Specific dates have been agreed with the college, when a College Fellow will conduct a tour of Churchill College and its artworks, and the Director of the Archives centre will conduct a tour of the Archives Centre. Please see the Competition Description for further details of this rare opportunity.

In additon to the £3,000 in competition prize money awarded by the Panel of Judges, Churchill College has also offered, at their discretion, the possibility of a commission to the value of £15,000 to the entrant of their choice.

Deadline for receipt of entries at Glaziers Hall: Friday 9th April 2010.

Judging will take place at Glaziers Hall on Tuesday 13th April 2010.

The Student Seminar and the Prize Giving will be held on Tuesday 4th May 2010.

For more information, visit the sites listed above, and a copy of entry requirements etc will be attached to the next Glass Society of Ireland e-bulletin. To subscribe, send us a mail at glasssocietyofireland@gmail.com


(Source: Alan J. Poole)

CONTEXT GALLERY, DERRY: CALL

Context gallery invites any artist at any stage in their career to submit a proposal for three A0 sized lightboxes. The content/subject matter is open, with image and/or text-based work considered and submissions can propose three duratran-based images or specially created one-off images using any medium inserted into the Lightboxes. The lightboxes are double-layered, Plexiglass screened and can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the artist’s desires.

The gallery will host a series of commissions over the coming year where the work will be in place for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of three months. The lightboxes will be mounted directly outside the gallery, accessible to the public both during and outside of regular gallery hours.

The first commission from this call will be presented in mid December 2009. Proposals should be submitted by November 12th 2009.

Proposals can be sent by mail (no original artworks please) to
Context Gallery 5-7 Artillery Street, Derry, N. Ireland, BT48 6RG
or emailed to director@contextgallery.co.uk with the subject header LIGHTBOX COMMISSION. All submissions should be accompanied with a short biography, Curriculum Vitae, an artist’s statement, along with the written proposal and a short selection of jpgs illustrating the proposal. Please keep the submissions to a reasonable length and be concise. Selected artists will be awarded a fee of £250 and materials budget of up to £500 towards production costs. A small budget for travel costs will be considered.

For any additional information on the commission please contact the gallery at
P: 028 71373538
E: director@contextgallery.co.uk

STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE, DUBLIN

Studio space available at Mill Street Studios, Dublin, from the end of January 2010 until the end of June 2010. For more information, contact:
P: 087 6485856

MASTERCLASSES WITH KARL HARRON

NI-based glass artist Karl Harron is facilitating a number of masterclasses in kiln-formed glass in his studio in Newtownards and abroad. Thus far, he has completed workshops in Stourbridge, Zurich and Newtownards, and the dates and locations of his upcoming workshops are listed below. For more information, contact Karl at:
W: www.theglasstudioireland.com


May 2010 “Reaction and Interaction” GlassForum Averoy Norway.
Apr 2010 “Creative Interactions” The GlasStudio Newtownards Northern Ireland.
Nov 2009 “A Finite Form” The GlasStudio Newtownards Northern Ireland.

SCOTTISH GLASS SOCIETY AGM AND CONFERENCE, EDINBURGH

The Scottish Glass Society's AGM and Conference will be held in Edinburgh on Saturday 31st October from 10.30 until 4.30. For more information, and to download an application form for the conference, please visit:
W: www.scottishglasssociety.com,

GATHERING LIGHT, SWANSEA

A major new exhibition of international contemporary stained glass comes to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea until 24 January 2010.

Following critically acclaimed showings in Liverpool and Paris, courtesy of Swansea Metropolitan University's Welsh School of Architectural Glass (which is now celebrating its 75th anniversary), the work of twenty of the world's leading female glass artists, all part of the Women's International Glass Workshop, five of whom are Swansea Metropolitan University alumni will be on display, including the work of Irish artist Mary Mackey. The exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the workhop and the 75th anniversary of the Welsh School of Architectural Glass at SMU.

While Gathering Light is going on, the Bullseye Lecture Series is on in Swansea on the 30th October, so plenty to see and do if you're in the area.

For more information, visit
W: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea/

IRISH CONCRETE SOCIETY 2009 SCULPTURE AWARD: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS, AND NOTE DEADLINE

The Irish Concrete Society is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the Irish Concrete Society 2009 Sculpture Award. This award scheme aims to acknowledge excellence in the design/construction of a sculptural project completed in concrete. Eligible entries should use concrete as the main visual element in the sculpture.

The Irish Concrete Society is sponsoring a cash prize of €1000 for the winning sculptor and adjudication will be carried out by an independent jury convened by the Council of the Society. Nominations for the award may be made by sculptors or others directly involved in the nomination. Nominations must refer to work completed since 1 August 2007 which is currently in Ireland and which can be made available for inspection by the jury later in the year, if requested.

All entries will be displayed at an Awards Evening held in early 2010 at which the winner will be announced. Nomination forms may be obtained from Emma Flood at:
P: Irish Concrete Society, Platin, Drogheda, Co. Louth
T: 041 9876466
E: secretary@concrete.ie
W: www.concrete.ie

Deadline for nominations: 30 October 2009

CGCA 2010 RESIDENCY PROGRAMME: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS, AND NOTE DEADLINE

The Creative Glass Center of America residency program affords artists a break from the pressures of the external world, allowing them to work on ideas and projects that one might not be able to risk otherwise.The facilities are some of the finest internationally, broad in scope and able to support vast possibilities. Artists get exceptional access and freedom with these facilities, but they also receive generous stipends, private studios, technical assistance, comfortable housing and institutional support. In addition, they are embraced by a dedicated and warm staff, just 45 minutes south of Philadelphia.

10 residencies are awarded per year, with 2010s residencies starting in April. To apply, visit:
W: www.wheatonarts.org/creativeglasscenteramerica/fellowshipprogram

The deadline for applications is 26th October 2009.

RING SAW FOR SALE, DOWN

Taurus 3 Ring Saw with spare blade and grommet set.
New £490 Will accept £245 if collected. (Newtownards Co. Down)
Please contact Karl Harron:

T: 0044 (0)7979365829

E: info@theglasstudioireland.com

BROADFIELD HOUSE MUSEUM SAVED

Thanks to an overwhelming show of support from people across the UK, Ireland and around the world, Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford, near Stourbridge will remain open. To read the full story, visit:
W: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/content/articles/2009/01/15/broadfield_house_feature.shtml

(Source: Alan J.Poole)


Addendum:

The Scottish Glass Society's annual exhibition, Migrate, will show in Broadfield House from 14th November 2009 until March 2010. Click the image below to enlarge and save in a new window (source: SGS):

BULLSEYE UK ARTISTS LECTURE SERIES, OCTOBER 2009

Bullseye Glass Ltd and the University of Wolverhampton invite you to consider an “Inspire & Inform” series of lectures by international artists. On October 28th US artists Catharine Newell and April Surgent will spend a full day at the University as part of a national tour, discussing their finished work and conceptual and technical processes.

Both Newell and Surgent are widely recognized for figurative work in glass—Newell for “painting” with frits and powders and Surgent for cameo-engraving fused layers. To view some of their artwork and read about their processes, you may follow these links:
Catharine Newell
April Surgent

Date: 28th October 2009.
Location: University of Wolverhampton, School of Art & Design, MK Building, City Campus North.
Times: The lecture programme will begin at 9:30 and end at 16:30-17:00, with a break for lunch.
Tickets: Entry will be by prepaid ticket only: student ticket £23, inc. VAT; full ticket £40, inc. VAT. Tickets may be purchased online at Bullseye Glass or by contacting Karen Davies directly. They may also be purchased from Warm Glass UK , Creative Glass UK , and RetroGlass .

Contact for more information:
Karen Davies
Bullseye Glass Ltd.
P: The Square, Whaligoe, Ulbster, Caithness, Scotland, KW2 6AA
T: 01955 651742
E: karendavies@bullseyeglass.com
W: www.bullseyeglass.com


Addendum:

The Bullseye Lecture series also runs in a number of other venues, including the University of Ulster, Belfast. Click the image below to enlarge and save in a new window:

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BLOG!

Hello and welcome to the Glass Society of Ireland blog! This site is designed to be a resource for members, full of information on events, opportunities, lectures and exhibitions. If you have anything you'd like posted, please don't hesitate to email me at glasssocietyofireland@gmail.com. Any suggestions for ways to improve the site? Things you think members need to know? Send them all this way!

Enjoy the site,

Best wishes,
Aideen

WATERFORD TO REVIVE CRYSTAL MANUFACTURING

This week, Waterford City Council announced that it is to invest €20 million and create 100 new jobs developing “a major new visitor centre, manufacturing and retail outlet for Waterford Crystal”. The site, at the old ESB offices on the historic Mall, will be renovated and ready to open in time for next summer’s tourist season. The council said that the new jobs will be split “roughly equally between manufacturing and retail/tourism”.

The council is still involved in negotiations over the operation of the planned new facility with WWRD Holdings, the company that now owns the Waterford Crystal brand. However, a council spokesman said that, “while confident of the company’s commitment, in the event of the failure of negotiations, the council is determined to deliver the project in any case”. Initial funding for the scheme has already been secured from the European Regional Development Fund.

To read more, visit:
W: www.irishtimes.com

(Source: The Irish Times)

BLOG DESIGN WORKSHOP WITH LIZ LENNON, DUBLIN

Liz Lennon will be presenting a Blog Design Workshop for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs at Kohn restaurant in Dublin from 1 to 6pm on 8 November 2009. The workshop will show you how to build a free blogsite so you can promote yourself and your work online. Info pack and chocolates included.

For more details and bookings please contact:
E: focusedsolutions1st@gmail.com

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

2-DAY BRONZE CASTING WORKSHOP, KINSALE

h2studio is running a 2-day introductory bronze casting workshop covering wax work, mould making, casting techniques and self made equipment on 7 and 8 November 2009. Cost: €250 with 10 percent discount with early booking. The workshop is suitable for all levels. Small groups.

h2studio also offers tailor made workshops and consultations to groups or individuals on their own premises. For booking and further information please contact Helle Helsner on:
T: 021 4708950 or 086 3256689
E: hellehelsner@gmail.com

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

DIT ART & DESIGN SOCIETY SEEKS WORKSHOP FACILITATORS

DIT Art and Design Society in Dublin is seeking artists and craftspeople to facilitate workshops that will run on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings for 1 to 2 hours. Activities which are currently being run successfully include fabric badges, knitting, crochet and jewellery. Keen on using recycled and found fabric/objects, as well as prints, wood carving and textiles, etc. All workshops suggestion welcome.

Modest budget available, all materials will be provided. If interested please get in touch with Kathryn Payne, Chairperson Art and Design Society, at:
E: kathryn.payne@student.dit.ie

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

E-MERGE 2010: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

e-merge 2010, the Bullseye Glass biennial, juried kiln-glass exhibition for emerging and intermediate-level artists is now accepting applications. Hosted this year for the first time at Bullseye Gallery, e-merge acknowledges the specialized field of kiln-glass sculpture and those who are rising through its ranks. Students, early-career artists, and those whose glass work is not regularly represented by top galleries are encouraged to apply.


In addition to the chance to show work at Bullseye Gallery, entrants can compete to win awards, over $5000 in Bullseye gift cards and scholarships (to BECon 2011), and publication in a beautifully produced full-color catalog. A reception and awards ceremony will cap the exhibition festivities.

Dates to remember:

* October 1, 2009 – Submissions open
* December 7, 2009 – Submissions close
* March 27, 2010 – Reception and awards ceremony at Bullseye Gallery
* March 22-June 18, 2010 – Exhibition runs at Bullseye Gallery

For more information and to download an application form, visit:
W: www.bullseyeglass.com

(Source: Bullseye Glass)

TOPLOADING KILN FOR SALE

An 8 cubic ft Surefire toploading kiln including shelves and props is for sale. Runs on single phase electricity. One lady owner, low mileage. Must be collected from Cavan before end of October 2009. For more information please contact:
T: 086 2902493

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

LOUTH CRAFTMARK: 'CREATIVE REGIONS : CREATIVE ECONOMIES' CONFERENCE, LOUTH

'creative regions : creative economies', Louth Craftmark's mini-conference exploring creativity, enterprise and place, will take place from 9.30 to 1pm at The D Hotel, Drogheda, on Thursday 5 November 2009. Louth has a vibrant creative sector and the region has a growing reputation for creativity, excellence and innovation which has the potential to grow and benefit everyone living and working there. This mini-conference will look at how other regions have supported their creative industries and how craftspeople in Co. Louth and its surrounding region can learn from them. The keynote speaker will be Damini Kumar, Ireland’s Ambassador for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.

Attendance is free but registration is essential. Register your place by contacting:
T: 041 9803283
E: info@louthcraftmark.com

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

GOLDEN FLEECE AWARD: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Golden Fleece Award is an artistic fund established as a charitable bequest by the late Helen Lillias Mitchell. Applications for the 2009 Award are now invited from artists or researchers working in the area of figurative painting or traditional craft, where traditional painting refers to representational figurative painting and traditional craft refers to work with a basis in traditional skills and materials, including woven textiles, spinning, dyeing, glassmaking, metalwork, ceramics, stonework and woodwork, etc.

Award winners will be required to submit to the trustees a selection of illustrations of new creative work resulting from the award, accompanied by a written report. Applicants will normally have been born on the island of Ireland and must maintain a strong connection with Ireland. Application forms can now be downloaded from the Golden Fleece Award website at:
W: www.goldenfleeceaward.com
Deadline for submissions: 20 November 2009

HAUBERG FELLOWSHIP, PILCHUCK: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The John H. Hauberg Fellowship is named after Pilchuck cofounder John H. Hauberg (1916–2002), a philanthropist, art
collector, and important supporter of artists.
The twelve-day Hauberg residency, established to encourage collaboration among a group of outstanding artists, offers an
opportunity to create new work that utilizes Pilchuck facilities and/or is inspired by the Pilchuck environment. Visual artists in
all media as well as writers, poets, art critics, and curators are encouraged to submit proposals with a collaborative concept or
theme that makes creative use of Pilchuck’s resources and environment. This residency is limited to one group composed of a
maximum of six artists (no exceptions). Hauberg Fellows may use the vitreography studio; plaster studios; fusing, slumping, and
casting kilns; and coldworking equipment.
Proposals should address what the applicants expect to gain from living on the Pilchuck campus and outline their creative
goals. Successful applicants must be self-reliant in their creative endeavors and self-instructing in glass techniques since
limited technical assistance is available. Some members of the applicant group must have had previous experience at
Pilchuck’s glassmaking facilities. The twelve-day spring residency for six artists includes a single room in a cottage with shared
bath, meals, studio space, and limited supplies. Reimbursement for travel costs and honorarium are not provided.

Applications are due on 16th January 2010 and an application form can be downloaded from
W: www.pilchuck.com

(Source: www.pilchuck.com)

PROFESSIONAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, PILCHUCK: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

The PAiR program offers experienced professional artists independent use of Pilchuck facilities for a specific period of time
in winter or early spring. Pilchuck staff reviews applications and selects a limited number of professional artists to work on
experimental, exploratory, or challenging projects. PAiRs may apply to use Pilchuck studios in which they have previous
working experience, except for the hot shop & casting shop. On a shared basis, PAiRs may use the vitreography studio; plaster
studios; fusing, slumping, and casting kilns; and coldworking equipment.
Professional-artist residencies vary in length from a few days to a week or more. Artists are entirely responsible for their own
project expenses, which may include assistants, technical staff, housing, and food. Pilchuck may be able to assist in locating
assistants. Campus housing for PAiRs and assistants may be arranged for a modest fee. PAiRs are financially responsible for studio
supplies and equipment, utility use, and studio wear and tear. Details will be arranged by contract before each residency begins.

Applications are due between October 2009 and March 2010 and an application form can be downloaded from
W: www.pilchuck.com

(Source: www.pilchuck.com)