I just had the good fortune to visit the Corning Museum of Glass on the opening day of the new Contemporary Art + Design Wing, designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners. The new wing ties in seamlessly to the existing galleries and public spaces, and showcases a beautiful collection of contemporary art and design in glass. The new space features an innovative light-filtering system that employs light diffusing roof skylights, resulting in bright, natural light that fills the galleries. The beauty and creativity of the glass sculpture and art on exhibit, set against the austere architectural design, is surprising and stunning.
Another piece of good fortune that day was a visit to the museum’s Hot Glass Amphitheater, where world reknowned glass artist and master glassmaker Lino Tagliapietra was demonstrating his talent and expertise. It was fascinating to see Mr. Tagliapietra and his team create an absolutely gorgeous glass vase that started with a blob of bright orange glass. The practical aspects of the process, as well as the aesthetic decisions that the master glassmaker made, were fascinating. I could have watched all day!
Photo courtesy of Corning Museum of Glass (cmog.org)