June 01, 2006

SIUC to host international glass artists June 12-14

by Sun Min

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- World-renowned glass artists will showcase their talents during the International Pre-Conference Glass Workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The School of Art and Design’s glass program is sponsoring the event, set for June 12-14.

“I’m very excited,” said Jiyong Lee, director of the workshop and assistant professor in the School of Art and Design. “My hope as an educator is that the students can be exposed to these international artists and have close contact with them. It’s only a few days but they’ll be really inspired by these artists.”

Frantisek Janak of the Czech Republic will teach glass cutting and engraving. Mel George of Australia will hold a kiln casting class and David Levi of Seattle will teach glass blowing. The classes will meet all three days from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. in the glass studio, located in the industrial wing of Pulliam Hall on the first floor.

Each artist will also present a lecture incorporating slides of his work in the University Museum Auditorium. Janak’s presentation is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, June 12; George’s presentation begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13; and Levi’s presentation is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 14.

“This will be the best chance to expose our program and for our students, this is the best chance to see their professional field and meet professional artists. Glass is not just as a craft medium. It is an artistic medium,” said Lee.

 

In conjunction with the conference, the University Museum will host a special showing of master glass artists from Korea on June 12-13.

All events are free and open to the public. Members of the public may come to Pulliam Hall each day of the workshop between 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 2 and 3:30 p.m., and an instructor will take them to the classes. More information on the workshop is available by calling 618/453-7772 or by emailing jiyong@siu.edu.

Leading in research, scholarly and creative activities is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.