Laura Beth Konopinski exhibiting at Perlow-Stevens Gallery

"Inside Your Wishing Well" Laura Konopinski

Perlow Stevens Gallery in Columbia, MO is exhibiting new works by glass and mixed media artist Laura Beth Konopinski, from January 5 – March 30, 2013.

Artist reception will be held January 12th from 6-9pm.

Laura received a BFA with glass emphasis from Bowling Green State University in Ohio with professor Lou Krueger (photography). Laura has worked in facilities such as the Pittsburgh Glass Center and the Corning Museum of Glass, which has allowed her to explore the many ropes of the glass-making processes. During 2011, Laura Beth relocated to  Columbia, Missouri to begin assisting in the studio of glass artist, Susan Taylor Glasgow while concurrently working on a local farm.  Since living in Missouri, she has continued to make glass artwork and has recently integrated her interest of organic materials. 

"Everyone's Spine" Laura Beth Konopinski

Laura's works incorporate techniques that combine sandblasted imagery complimented with enamels.

"Withholding the Pain of Discovery" Laura Beth Konopinski

Laura states that her works “address concerns of how human emotion relates with the biological world and what that means with a sense of rationale...The transparency and optical qualities of glass provides a canvas that can be dimensionally distorted and layered in depth to emphasize the parallels between these worlds. I create a place that lends itself for an examination of physical components alongside my perception.”

"Julianne’s Hidden Wishes" Laura Beth Konopinski

Laura Konopinski

2013 Winter Exhibit

Jan 5- Mar 30, 2013

Perlow – Stevens Gallery

1025 Walnut

Columbia, Missouri 65201

Master Class in Painting On Glass

Coming soon is the Master Painting on Glass class - make sure you don't miss the chance to learn from glass guru Bert Weiss!

Master Class: Painting On Glass with Bert Weiss

Instructor: Bert Weiss
Dates: President's Day Weekend - February 18, 19 & 20th, 2012
Time: 10 am - 4pm each day
Tuition: $400

Led by master artist Bert Weiss, this three-day glass painting technique class features multiple projects designed to give the student a better understanding of lass painting and its enormous potential in fused glass. Bert's techniques allow you to use vibrant colors without worrying about glass compatibility. The course will show you how to mix metallic oxide colorants with glass and create oil paint like-washes. This course is suitable for all levels of experience. Students do not need to bring anything, all the tools and materials are provided for the course - just wear suitable old clothes and sturdy shoes... oh, and bring a lunch! Bert Weiss studied traditional glass painting with Albinus Elskus and has developed and improved his techniques for the past 40 years. Bring any questions you may have had about glass fusing; within 10 minutes Bert should be able to troubleshoot!

Class 1204 - Master Class: Painting On Glass with Bert Weiss

Instructor: Bert Weiss
Dates: President's Day Weekend - February 18, 19 & 20th, 2012
Time: 10 am - 4pm each day
Tuition: $400
Click HERE to jump to the WGS class website page.

Michael Janis Goes West!

photos by Demetra Theofanous

An earlier WGS blog post mentions that our own master of glass imagery - Michael Janis - was heading out west to teach a series of workshops at California's Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI).
Michael's workshops were about integrating imagery into glass - one workshop was creating deep bas-relief and in the other workshop he taught how he does his unique frit powder drawing technique.
Below are some photos of the California workshops:

Making clear and color bas-relief samples.

The students try out working in the plaster molds.

Mark adds color to his work; a student's work shows the cast glass bristles of a paintbrush.

BAGI Executive Director Mark Murai is amazed at the detail captured by the kilnformed glass.

Michael Janis describes what goes on inside the glass during the firing.

Michael reveals all his secrets in how to use frit powder for drawing and how the layers of glass create the depth of the work.

Michael said he had really enjoyed working at BAGI's facilities: "It'd be my new home... it has that experimental vibe - where as an artist you can really respond and can take your work the next level."

Click HERE to jump to BAGI's website.

Imagery In Glass Class

Instructor Michael Janis explains how imagery can be fused into glass.

Class 1005 - Imagery in Glass was alot of fun this weekend, a great way to celebrate the end of the blizzard weather the DC metro area has been suffering thru. The class dove right in learning how to use glass frit powder, high temperature enamels, stencils, glass paints and fused glass photo-imagery.

Michael Janis outlines the sgraffito technique

Michael is assisted by artists Chris Shea and Dave Pearcy.

Hands on practice is the best way to learn any new process.
all photos by Tracy Lee