The Glass Experience

Last Sunday Bob and I decided to head out and actually DO something instead of sitting at home and watching TV all day :)

We first headed out to Oak Park for an art fair, but once we got there, uh...there were about 5 booths with art. There were some food vendors and the Avon lady, but other than that? Not much. So we decided on our second choice--The Glass Experience at the Museum of Science and Industry.

We had talked about getting a membership to the museum since we've already been there twice in the last 6 months so when we got there (after parking on the street for free! Hurrah!) we went to check out the costs. And lucky for us, it was 25% off that day! So we got a year's membership plus free tickets to every upcoming exhibit and free IMAX ticket for $6 more than if we had paid for one day. Total score! And on top of that? We stumbled onto a "member's only" lounge (more like a room with couches, coffee, and a bathroom) and got a free t-shirt as well. Bonus.

After getting our membership, we headed up to the exhibit to check out the glass. Since Bob is a glass artist, the exhibit was even more interesting since he could give even more insight to all of the things we were seeing. They had a "hot glass" presentation where the two artists made a sculpture-like piece, showing how you blow into the tubes, make gathers, add color, and sculpt the glass into shape. Very cool. Every once in a while Bob would lean over and give me a little more info about what they were doing. While he works primarily in stained glass, he's blown some pieces and I could see that he was getting the itch to try the hot glass again.

There were also a number of piece up from Frank Lloyd Wright, Chihuly, and other famous glass artists. There was even an area showing fiberglass, how glass can transform how you view things, and bullet-proof glass. Overall, it was a really neat exhibit.

After the glass exhibit (you should go. Really. It's only until September 1 so hurry) I made Bob go check out the baby chicks with me to see if the monster was still in the case with them. He wasn't--it must have just been a star wars thing.

And now, a couple pictures. I should have gotten the camera out during the hot glass presentation, but...I didn't. Maybe I can convince Bob to rent some studio time and I can take his picture while he crafts something. :)