(Flint, MI) Small Worlds—on view April 7, 2018 through May 29, 2019— features a survey of glass paperweights from the 19th century to present day. The exhibition highlights different techniques, styles, and various types of paperweights. The 19th century was the classic period for paperweight manufacture. This exhibition features works from European glass factories, including the French crystal manufactures Baccarat, Clichy, and St. Louis. Paperweight production all but ceased in Europe by the late 19th century but was revived in the mid-20th century in both Europe and America. Independent artists experimented with new designs, techniques, and materials. Paperweights continue to be a popular object of art today, and manufacturers and artists all over the world have enlarged the scope, scale, design and fabrication of this diminutive object.
This exhibition not only features a vast collection of historical European paperweights from the FIA’s permanent collection but also a large variety of contemporary paperweights from important private collections. There are twenty-two contemporary artists whose works are included in the exhibition. Some of the earliest contemporary paperweights showcased were created by members of the Studio Glass Movement including Charles Kaziun and Dominick Labino. The collection expands to include twenty more current paperweight makers. There are many works by Paul Stankard, Rick Ayotte and Cathy Richardson to name a few that are on view in the exhibition.
About the Flint Institute of Arts
The Flint Institute of Arts is Michigan’s second largest art museum and one of the largest museum art schools in the nation. The FIA promotes the power of the visual arts by providing lifelong learning opportunities to engage and educate a diverse regional audience. The FIA is committed to making art available, approachable, and accessible to all through a broad range of interpretive programs that allow multiple ways of accessing information on the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The FIA’s mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of art for all through collections, exhibitions, and educational programs. Saturdays are free thanks to Huntington Bank. For more information, please call 810.234.1695 or visit www.flintarts.org.
Paul Stankard, American, b. 1943. Yellow Tea Rose with Loose Strife Blossoms and Blueberries, 2007. Glass. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. Private Collection.
Rick Ayotte, American, b. 1944. Terror in the Treetops, 1999. Glass. 3 x 3 3/4 inches. Collection of Gordon Park
CONTACT: Kathryn Sharbaugh, Director of Development
Flint Institute of Arts
P: 810.234.1695
E: ksharbaugh@flintarts.org