Wagga Wagga Art Gallery learning and engagement officer Astrid Reed and gallery director Dr Lee-Ann Hall next to Dr Hall’s favourite piece from the exhibition. Photo: Erin Hee.
The triennial Glass Chrysalis II exhibition has returned to the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, featuring work from glass artists across Australia to mark gallery director Dr Lee-Anne Hall’s last exhibition before she jets off to JamFactory in Adelaide.
Glass Chrysalis II launched today (27 September) at 11 am and was curated in collaboration with JamFactory Adelaide and Canberra Glassworks.
Dr Hall said the exhibition brought together six of the most promising emerging glass artists across the country.
“Often people think of glass as beautiful and fragile,” she said.
“It is that. But there’s some wild pieces here too, such as stained glass.
“Normally we’d associate stained glass with institutions or churches or private houses, but what we’ve got here is stained glass by Jordan Benson, which look at the everyday experiences of people such as going to the ATM or going to the bottle shop.
“Although their practices are influenced by the history of the studio glass movement, they push the boundaries of contemporary techniques and influences.”
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery learning and engagement officer Astrid Reed said the Glass Chrysalis II launch would be accompanied by a packed day of public programs.
“It’s really great, and we’re thrilled to be working with Canberra Glassworks and JamFactory on this,” Ms Reed said.
From 11 am on Saturday, those in attendance can hear from the six artists featured in the exhibition: Jordan Benson, Madeline Cardone, Calum Donaldson, Hamish Donaldson, Carman Skeehan, and Isobel Waters.
This will be followed by a panel discussion at 2 pm featuring guest speakers Madeline Cardone, Dr Denis O’Connor, Kirstie Rea, Calum Donaldson and Aimee Frodsham.
At 3 pm, the official launch of Glass Chrysalis II will include Ms Rea and be followed by a performance of Ukrainian bandura music by Larissa Kovalchuk.
“We are very excited to have Larissa join us at the launch event to give us a special performance,” Dr Hall said.
“Originally from Ukraine, Larissa has performed throughout Europe and Australia, and she now teaches bandura at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.”
Aside from through school groups or programs, Dr Hall said children didn’t often visit the National Art Glass Gallery.
“We love to see families in this space; we don’t often see a lot of children, but we welcome them and have a very strong school program that children come in,” Dr Hall said.
“The important thing for any art is to respect that a person made these pieces.
“We’re really looking for respectful presence, but we’d love to see families.
“Please come here – very good school holiday activities.”
The Glass Chrysalis II is free to attend.
