The Pilchuck Expereince - Apply Apply Apply

There's a place near Seattle, half way round the world from our rainy little island, that's synonymous with glass art: Pilchuck Glass School.

Every year Pilchuck serves as melting pot (pun intended) for glass art enthusiasts worldwide. The school offers summer intensive classes from May through to September and several artist residencies throughout the rest of the year. 
A trip to Pilchuck is a truly unique experience where you learn far more than the syllabus of your chosen class; It is an unequalled opportunity to make international connections and see in one place the vast diversity and scope of the international glass art practice. Once you have an open mind and a desire to learn, you are never to old or too inexperienced to enjoy a trip to Pilchuck.

Money. We all wish we had more of it, I won't lie Pilchuck course fees are expensive and travelling from Ireland will cost the guts of a grand for flights. There are however a range of options to help with the costs including scholarships, campus internships and teaching/artist assistant positions. 

Almost one third of Pilchuck students receive some kind of financial assistance through scholarship programmes. Some are full scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation and travel to Pilchuck. Half scholarships, which are more numerous, cover half the cost of tuition and accommodation but do not cover the cost of travel. Those with studio experience in glass can also apply to work as Artist or Teaching Assistants: TAs and AA's receive accommodation, meals and covered or subsidised travel to the Pilchuck campus. 

The iconic hotshop 

All staff on campus, from the ones who clean the bathrooms to those who process the paperwork, are practising artists. Artsits can apply to work in a range of positions (kitchen staff, maintenance staff etc...) for two or more of the summer sessions. Staff get accommodation, meals, a small subsidy and some time to do some personal work between sessions. Mainly though, working as seasonal staff is a great opportunity to meet and connect with the visiting artists and students, make some great friends and have some great experiences. As it is not a paid position, Irish applicants can go on a travel visa (avoiding the great expense of an american work visa). 

Two NCAD glass students went to Pilchuck in summer 2013. I asked them for a few words on their experience: 

Gwyn Grace

'Gwyn Grace went to Pilchuck Glass School in August 2012 on a Partner half-scholarship through NCAD having just finished 3rd year. Her course was lost-wax kiln-casting ‘Shape into form’ with Joel Hurlbert and Karin Tornell - glass artists working in Stockholm, Sweden. There were 9 on the course, a mix of students and established artists and teachers. Kiln casting is a long process so time for finishing and cold-working was short as most of the pieces were only ready a few days before the end however most of us were able to take our work with us to complete once we'd returned home. All the class worked long hours, often well after midnight preparing for a kilnfiring but we had lots of fun as well. The pace of the kiln-casting class gave us lots of opportunity to see demonstrations happening in other classes and meet the rest of students.  She summed up here experience with a toast: “ Here's to fond memories, future plans and heart-felt thanks to everyone's generosity of spirit!”'

Looking at the casts with the class 

Jesse Gunther

Jesse Gunther travelled to Pilchuck on a scholarship after finishing his BA in Glass in NCAD, summer 2013. Jesse proves that you never know what a trip to Pilchuck might bring. Here's what he had to say about it:
 
'For starters it was an amazing experience! I took Tom Rowney's class; ‘Cups with Cane’ and focused on making different styles of cane, ranging from straight to very intricate twisty cane. After that we learnt how to turn these canes into straight cups and footed vessels. In the last week we started using the garage to make more complex goblets. Our entire class were all newcomers to Pilchuck, and the skill level was very even throughout the class, which made for a great experience for everyone.

Tom Rowney's cane seahorses

I got really lucky after Pilchuck; I had a while before my return flight and I got to help out Jeff Ballard in the Tacoma Museum for two days where he was Artist in Residence, that was a great experience! Then two days later I also got to work one day for Martin Blank in his studio who was just preparing for a big exhibition, amazing stuff..'

Some of Jesse's work from the class

Deadlines for scholarship/assistant/staff applications are coming up in FEBRUARY. See their website for more details and remember guys, if you do go, the GSoI wants to here all about it!! 

Written by Meadhbh McIlgorm

GSoI Media and Communications Officer

RESEARCH SEMINAR AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND – CALL FOR PAPERS

The National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts and History is holding a research seminar on Saturday 16th February 2013 and are currently welcoming papers from researchers, historians, and practicing artists working on any aspect of the decorative arts and history collections to participate. Interested participants are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 300 words.

E: eobrien@museum.ie

THE GOLDEN FLEECE AWARD

The Golden Fleece Award aims to support and promote the diversity of contemporary Irish creativity in the arts and crafts. Its mission is to help artists of innovative talent, needing support at strategic stages of their careers.

The Golden Fleece Award is an artistic prize fund established as a charitable bequest by the late Helen Lillias Mitchell. The Award was launched in 2001, and is now widely seen as a stamp of merit in the realm of Irish art. Applicants will normally have been born on the island of Ireland and must maintain a strong connection with Ireland. They should be artists or researchers working in the area of figurative visual art or of the traditional crafts. (Researchers planning a submission should consult the Guidance for Research Applicants).

The areas of figurative visual art includes painting, sculpture, and other visual media such as etching, drawing and printmaking. Traditional craft refers to work with a basis in traditional skills and materials. These include woven textiles, spinning, dyeing, glassmaking, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, stonework and woodwork, etc. Further details, requirements and how to apply can be found on The Golden Fleece Award website. The deadline for applications is the 23rd of November 2012.

W: www.goldenfleeceaward.com

EBELTOFT GLASS MUSEUM EXHIBITION OPEN CALL

Ebeltoft Glasmuseet is proud to announce an open call for an international group exhibition entitled Bodytalk to take place from 5th April to 2nd November 2014.

The call is open to artists at any career stage. Objects can incorporate various materials but must contain an element of glass. The aim is to curate an exhibition of works interpreting various aspects of body, sex and gender. Throughout history, concepts of body and sex have had a significant impact; from ancient idealization of the harmonious, athletic body to the 1960’s ‘liberated’ body and gender perceptions to the more recent depreciation of the ‘natural’ body in favour of the ‘modified’ eternally young body. The selection of work from the applicants will be based on their relevance to the theme of the exhibition. Each artist can submit up to three pieces of work for consideration. It is also possible to send sketches and descriptions for works in progress and proposed works. The deadline for applications is 1st December 2012. The results will be sent by email to each applicant in February 2013. Selected applicants will be announced on the website and notified by email with further information and deadlines.

T: 00 45 86 34 17 99
E: sfb@glasmuseet.dk
W: www.glasmuseet.dk

TALENTE APPLIED ARTS COMPETITION, MUNICH

The new generation in applied arts and technology will have the opportunity to show their work in the international competition TALENTE 2013 in Munich, Germany during the course of the International Trade Fair for the Skilled Trades from 6th – 12th March 2013. In an area of 600 m², the works will be shown to a wide audience, with an international jury selecting the winners of the TALENTE prize. An illustrated catalogue will be published.

The aim of TALENTE is to promote young people with a particular manual talent. On the other hand, the audience will be shown the enormous potential which lies in the new generation in crafts and trades. The works will be the outcome of formal or technical considerations and experiments, showing something new and exceptional.

Participants are chosen from any section of crafts and technology. They will have made the artefact by their own hands. Age limit is set at 33 in the domains of crafts, and at 35 in the domain of technology. The deadline for applications is 15th October 2012.

W: http://www.hwk-muenchen.de/74,0,5211.html

NEW GLASS REVIEW – DEADLINE EXTENDED

The Corning Museum of Glass invites artists, craftspeople, designers, and architects worldwide to submit images of new works using glass. In late November or early December, a jury selects 100 images from the submissions. New Glass Review is published every spring by The Corning Museum of Glass in conjunction with Neues Glas (New Glass), published by Ritterbach Verlag, Frechen, Germany, and GLASS: The UrbanGlass Art Quarterly, published by UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, New York.

Participants are requested to complete the entry form, submitting a total of three digital images illustrating one work per image. Three images of different pieces are preferred, although participants may send multiple views of one or two pieces. Digital photographs must be of actual objects designed and made between October 1, 2011, and October 1, 2012. The deadline for submissions is 15th October 2012.

W: http://www.cmog.org/research/publications/new-glass-review

CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS RESIDENCY OPPORTUNITIES

The Corning Museum of Glass is currently accepting proposal to participate in a studio residency. Proposals with all supporting materials included must be received at The Studio by October 31st 2012. No late submissions will be considered. Residencies will be held in March, April, May, October, and November. One or two individuals will be selected for each month. Residents are expected to make their own work during a residency.

Transportation, as well as room and board, will be arranged for those invited to participate in these month-long programs. All basic supplies will be provided, and the facility will be made available whenever classes are not in session. Residents will have access to the Rakow Research Library and the collection of The Corning Museum of Glass.

If you are interested in being considered, please submit your application including 10 digital images of your work, two letters of recommendation, a written proposal (including detailed information on your residency plans; necessary supplies, equipment, and assistants), the best months for you to participate, and a résumé.

W: http://www.cmog.org/glassmaking/studio/residencies

JERWOOD MAKERS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Jerwood Makers Open is designed to commission and showcase new work by emerging artists working in the applied arts. Emerging applied artists working across craft disciplines are invited to apply for Jerwood Makers Open 2013. The deadline for applications is 5pm on the 12th of November 2012.

Five commissions of £7,500 will be awarded to artists to create new work, which will then be exhibited as part of the Jerwood Visual Arts programme at Jerwood Space, London 10 July - 25 August 2013. Artists will be chosen by an independent selection panel and must be UK resident and within 10 years of graduating or setting up their practice.

W: http://jerwoodvisualarts.org/3088/Artist-Opportunities

W: http://craftni.org/opportunities/jerwood-makers-open-2013-call-for-entries/

NEW GLASS REVIEW CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Corning Museum of Glass invites artists, craftspeople, designers, and architects world-wide to submit images of new works using glass. The deadline for submissions is 1st October 2012. In late November or early December, a jury selects 100 images from the submissions. New Glass Review is published every spring by The Corning Museum of Glass in conjunction with Neues Glas (New Glass), published by Ritterbach Verlag, Frechen, Germany, and GLASS: The UrbanGlass Art Quarterly, published by UrbanGlass, Brooklyn, New York.

Participants are requested to complete the entry form, submitting a total of three digital images illustrating one work per image. Three images of different pieces are preferred, although participants may send multiple views of one or two pieces. Digital photographs must be of actual objects designed and made between 1st October 2011 and 1st October 2012.

W: http://www.cmog.org/research/publications/new-glass-review

CCOI MALTHOUSE DESIGN CHALLENGE – OPEN CALL

The Crafts Council of Ireland in association with The Malthouse Design Centre are seeking applications from multi-disciplinary teams of craftspeople, product designers, industrial designers and graphic designers to participate in a two day Design Challenge workshop led by John Jenkins, Design Manager at Heals, UK. Teams must consist of a minimum of two people and must include one craftsperson. Teams must download and complete an application form that responds to the design brief as outlined.
The workshop will take place on October 11th and 12th 2012 at The Malthouse Design Centre, Dublin.

W: http://www.futuremakers.ie/2012/09/03/ccoi-malthouse-design-challenge-open-call/

CRAFTFORMS 2012 CALL FOR ENTRIES, USA

The 18th international Craft Forms juried exhibition is dedicated to enhancing the public’s awareness of contemporary craft, while providing a venue for established and emerging artists alike to share their functional and sculptural creative endeavours. The exhibition will take place between 30th November 2012 and 26th January 2013. The deadline to submit is 13th September 2012.
 
All work must have been completed within the past two years and may not have been previously exhibited at the Wayne Art Center, PA, US.

W: http://www.wayneart.org/exhibition/craft-forms-2012

GLASS SOCIETY OF IRELAND COMMITTEE REFORMATION – APPLICATIONS INVITED, IRL

The Glass Society of Ireland provides a network for makers, collectors, students, historians, writers, and enthusiasts in the field of contemporary glass practice. The Society acts as a communication tool, offering people news on glass and related fields. We also hold lectures with glass practitioners and organise larger events every number of years.

As part of the ongoing development of the volunteer-based organisation, the Glass Society of Ireland is currently enlisting members for the reformation of its committee. Each position will be held for a two year period.

The Glass Society of Ireland welcomes expressions of interest from applicants across the country as we venture to build on the Society’s existing objectives and to expand our community and audiences.

The positions available are:

Treasurer
(Financial accountability)

Education Officer
(Co-ordinating, facilitating, & developing Glass Society of Ireland events)

Student Representative
(Liaising between Committee and student bodies)

Membership Co-ordinator
(Building strong relationships and recruiting members)

Development Officer
(Grant application writing)

Media Communications Officer
(Sending fortnightly bulletin and updating blog & social media sites)

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement explaining which position you are interesting in taking by 31st August 2012.

E: glasssocietyofireland@gmail.com
W: glasssocietyofireland.blogspot.com

THE GOLDEN FLEECE AWARD

The Golden Fleece Award is an artistic fund established as a charitable bequest by the late Helen Lillias Mitchell. The award aims to support and promote the diversity of contemporary Irish creativity in the arts and crafts. Its mission is to help artists of innovate talent needing support in their careers. Details of all the candidates shortlisted for consideration over the years, and the eventual winners and examples of their work can be seen on the website. The Golden Fleece Award is currently calling for applications for the 2013 award which has a closing date of 23 November 2012. Application forms can also be downloaded via the website. If there are any queries please contact Catherine Martin, Administrator of the Golden Fleece Award.

W: www.goldenfleeceaward.com
T: 086 4087920
E: cmartin@algoodbody.com

DAVID MANLEY EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

The David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Award nurtures the enterprising spirit across the spectrum of the Arts, Business and Social sectors. The Award celebrates its 10th year this year and continues to go from strength to strength. It was established by a group of David Manley’s friends in the Dublin Chamber of Commerce to honour his contribution to, and encouragement and mentoring of entrepreneurs during his short life time.

The overall award winner will receive in excess of €100,000 in consultancy and cash. Each runner-up will also receive a €1,000 cash prize. All nine shortlisted entrepreneurs will receive payroll and accounting software and mentoring support. The deadlines for the receipt of applications is Friday 7th September 2012.

E:mitchell@newmarket.ie
W: ­www.davidmanleyaw­ards.ie­

GLASS SOCIETY OF IRELAND COMMITTEE REFORMATION – APPLICATIONS INVITED, IRL

The Glass Society of Ireland provides a network for makers, collectors, students, historians, writers, and enthusiasts in the field of contemporary glass practice. The Society acts as a communication tool, offering people news on glass and related fields. We also hold lectures with glass practitioners and organise larger events every number of years.

As part of the ongoing development of the volunteer-based organisation, the Glass Society of Ireland is currently enlisting members for the reformation of its committee. Each position will be held for a two year period.

The Glass Society of Ireland welcomes expressions of interest from applicants across the country as we venture to build on the Society’s existing objectives and to expand our community and audiences.

The positions available are:

Treasurer
(Financial accountability)

Education Officer
(Co-ordinating, facilitating, & developing Glass Society of Ireland events)

Student Representative
(Liaising between Committee and student bodies)

Membership Co-ordinator
(Building strong relationships and recruiting members)

Development Officer
(Grant application writing)

Media Communications Officer
(Sending fortnightly bulletin and updating blog & social media sites)

To apply, please email your CV and a brief statement explaining which position you are interesting in taking by 31st August 2012.

E: glasssocietyofireland@gmail.com
W: glasssocietyofireland.blogspot.com

AVAILABLE PLACES AT NORTH LANDS, SCOTLAND

Due to cancellation, places have become available on the following classes at Northlands:

Angela Jarman
‘From the Outside In’
29th August to 6th September 2012
Fee: €880

Jacqueline Poncelet
‘Give and Take’
29th August to 6th September 2012
Fee: €800

Susan Stinsmuehlen-Amend
‘Painting in the Space of Glass’
11th to 19th September 2012
Fee: €800

2012 Conference ‘Give and Take
8th to 9th September 2012
The conference will explore conceptual and stylistic exchanges over time between different cultures and media. Speakers will include the Master Class leaders and a diverse range of guest speakers, demonstrations, and an evening party. As part of their conference programme, North Lands are also hosting the SGS exhibition ‘Cultural Exchange’ and a number of events will run during the conference as part of the national campaign Glass Games 2012.

W: www.northlandsglass.com

CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART STUDIO ASSISTANTSHIP, USA

The Chrysler Museum Glass Studio is accepting applications for its October 2012 to January 2013 Studio Assistantship term. Applications are due by 10 a.m. on 12th September, 2012.

Volunteer Assistantship
The Studio Assistantship is an educational opportunity designed for students who have completed an initial course of glass study (B.F.A./A.A. or multiple workshops) and are looking to gain practical, professional studio experience in a Museum setting. Studio Assistants will help the studio team with public glass demonstrations, classes, and general operations of the Studio for up to 10 hours a week for four months. The assistantship is unpaid, but offers many benefits including the opportunity to build skills, perform, and teach; studio time; significant discounts on classes; working with world-recognized visiting artists, and the opportunity to participate (commission-free) in the studio’s quarterly art sale. Studio assistants must have prior experience working with hot glass.

Travelling Assistantship
During each four-month session, the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio accepts one Travelling Assistant. The traveller typically comes from afar to participate in this certificate program. The Museum provides a free apartment for this Assistant during the duration of their assistantship. The Traveller has additional responsibility and is expected to have slightly more glass studio experience. Please make a note in your letter of interest if applying specifically for this position. We are now accepting applications for the February – May 2013 term Travelling Position.

W: http://www.chrysler.org/about-the-museum/glass-studio/studio-assistantships/
E: cpotter@chrysler.org

WHEATON ARTS FELOWSHIP, PHILADELPHIA

The CGCA Fellowship Program at WheatonArts is a professional level program providing focused and self-directed artists working in glass with a concentrated period of time to work alongside their peers. Fellows work toward a common goal of advancing their careers through the perfection or refinement of techniques needed to develop a new or expanded body of work. The CGCA program is an environment where we provide the facilities, equipment and a technical orientation; however we do not have technical assistance on hand.

Artists have the use of private studios and excellent facilities within a respectful sanctuary of concentrated time. This is an exceptional opportunity for artists to utilize one of the finest facilities of the glass medium, known internationally. Not only do artists get exceptional access to these facilities and various process mediums, 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, all on a beautiful 65-acre campus that is truly a creative sanctuary, just 45 minutes south of Philadelphia.

The application is simple and the jury process exceedingly sensitive and fair. Only ten C.G.C.A. fellowships are given per year but the process is free, easy and surprisingly open. The deadline is 25th October 2012.

W: http://www.wheatonarts.org/creativeglasscenteramerica/fellowshipprogram

CONTEMPORARY GLASS SOCIETY INVITES SUBMISSIONS TO EXHIBIT, UK

Two important new exhibitions of world-class glass art are about to mark a renewed interest in a medium that beautifully blurs the boundaries between fine art, craft and design.

Hot Glass: new work from the furnace will be dedicated to the best in contemporary blown, hot-worked and sand-cast glass and takes place at London’s Contemporary Applied Arts (CAA) gallery next spring. Hot Glass, a collaboration between CAA and the Contemporary Glass Society, will present a dynamic mix of new work from some of the world’s most talented artists.

New Glass: Ancient Skill, Contemporary Artform will focus on the skill and creativity of today’s glassmakers in an exhibition at the stunning Blackwell Arts and Crafts house in Bowness-on-Windermere. New Glass, jointly organised with the Lakeland Arts Trust (LAT), will run from January to April next year. It will showcase the best of glassmakers’ skills and artistic vision in synergy with the house and its history. The exhibition will also reveal something of the hidden processes that underpin the glassmaker’s art. Drawings, models and photographic documentation of processes will be presented alongside the work selected for the show.

Both exhibitions are being organised by the Contemporary Glass Society as part of Glass Skills – the second stage of a two-year project to put contemporary glass on the map. The programme began this summer with more than 70 glass events inspired by the Olympic games. Glass Skills follows on with a year-long celebration of the imagination and talent of contemporary glassmakers and their role in keeping ancient skills alive. Artists are now being invited to submit work and proposals.

W: www.cgs.org.uk

AESTHETICA ART PRIZE

The Aesthetica Art Prize is a celebration of excellence in art from across the world and is hosted by Aesthetica Magazine, an internationally recognised art and culture publication. With a portfolio of prizes including a place in the Aesthetica Art Exhibition in 2013, editorial coverage in Aesthetica Magazine, publication in the Aesthetica Art Anthology and up to £1000 in cash, the Prize is an excellent opportunity for artists at all stages of their careers to share their art with a discerning worldwide audience and raise their profile in the international art scene.

Four shortlisted artists and four student artists will be selected for exhibition in spring 2013. Artists working in across all disciplines are welcome to submit work and the categories for entry include Photographic & Digital Art, Three Dimensional Design & Sculpture, Painting & Drawing, Installation & Performance.

Entry costs £15 and permits the submission of two pieces into any one category. There are no age requirements for the Aesthetica Art Prize and no formal qualifications needed. Art does not need to have been exhibited previously, nor do previous exhibitions preclude your work from selection; however, work submitted must be available for an exhibition in the Spring of 2013. The deadline for entry is 31 August 2012.
 
W:  http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/artprize.htm