Partnership between VWC and Chrysler Museum gives students unique access to world-class glassblowing studio
By Leona Baker | January 30, 2012
Virginia Wesleyan students are encouraged to “bring a spark, light a fire” as they embark on their educational journey at VWC, one designed to promote a lifelong passion for learning. Thanks to a new formal partnership between VWC and the Chrysler Museum of Art, they will have an opportunity to “get fired up” in a whole new way.
Beginning in January 2012, VWC students will have access to the Chrysler Museum’s world-class Glass Studio, which opened its doors adjacent to the Museum in Norfolk in November 2011.
Students enrolled in the spring semester art course “Topics in Studio Art: Glass ” will travel to the Glass Studio twice a week for an introduction to the practical mechanics of glassblowing as well as the conceptual approaches to glass as an art form and the history of the medium.
At a recent special event honoring the newly forged partnership, representatives of the College and the Museum looked on as Glass Studio Manager Charlotte Potter and several assistants skillfully demonstrated the beautifully choreographed ballet that is the glassblowing process.
“It is a pleasure and an honor to be working with Virginia Wesleyan College students,” she told the crowd as she deftly wielded a series of metal pipes tipped with glowing orange orbs of molten glass. “I think we’re definitely going to light their fire.”
The hot glass is pulled from the furnace at a balmy 2,150 degrees before being inflated with air, turned, twisted, shaped, cut or merged with other materials. It’s a creative process that is collaborative by nature.
“Glassblowing is a team sport,” said Potter, who will serve as an adjunct professor for Virginia Wesleyan as part of the partnership. “That’s something we hope to impart to VWC students. There are things you can do on your own, but there’s so much more you can do with a few friends.”
Twelve students are enrolled in the inaugural VWC glassblowing class, which meets for the first time on January 31. Among them is senior art major Andrew Menefee, who is looking forward to the new experience.
“I’ve never worked with glass,” Menefee said. “It’s only something I’ve seen done at places like Disney World. I thought it would be amazing to try it.”
Carolyn Riley enrolled in the class through the VWC Adult Studies program. As president of the Peninsula Glass Guild, Riley is no stranger to the medium, but this was an opportunity to explore further and to do it in a brand new state-of-the-art facility.
“It is pristine,” Riley said, “and to think we have it here in Norfolk in our own backyard—for anybody who is into glass it’s mindboggling. I am so excited.”
As part of the celebration marking the partnership between Virginia Wesleyan and the Chrysler Museum, Studio Manager Charlotte Potter and her team created a sculpture embedded with the College’s flame logo. Potter presented the finished piece to VWC President Billy Greer.
“We are truly making history here,” Greer noted. “This is not only a wonderful idea that brings together two dynamic institutions, but a cross-pollination that represents the essence of a liberal arts education. It’s a tremendous opportunity that will benefit our students and enrich the community in a variety of ways.”
The Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Studio is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday with free glassblowing demonstrations from noon to 1 p.m. and additional demonstrations at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.