We couldn't have hit the desert at a better time. We were just looking forward to seeing the Kaplan-Ostergaard Collection (at the Palm Springs Museum - The Galen, in Palm Desert), but we got more than we counted on! Thank you to the collectors David Kaplan and Glenn Ostergaard for sharing their incredible collection of glass art with the public.

Tina Oldknow states in the Crocker Museum's book on the Kaplan-Ostergaard collection Glass for the New Millennium, "painting is the source of the couple's understanding of their collection". The works on view at the museum in Palm Desert were masterworks from dozens of glass artists: from Klaus Moje, to Karen LaMonte, Richard Whiteley, Bertil Vallien, and Clifford Rainey, April Surgent, Anne Wolfe, Steve Klein, Cristina Bothwell....too many to list here. We were treated to an intimate and fascinating tour of the work by our friend and museum docent Patrick Blythe. We thank you Patrick for your time, story telling, and inspirational ideas on approaching making.



In addition to the museum visit, we planned to visit Austin Art Projects, also in Palm Desert. Several of us had visited before and knew it would be a treat. Upon contacting David Austin regarding our plans to visit, he invited us to a special opening that was taking place that evening! Wow, little did we know that we would be meeting the artists Toots Zynsky, David Willis, and April Surgent as well! Our timing couldn't have been better! We expected to meet the maestro of the glass arts Lino Tagliapietra too, but as it turned out he was unable to attend. But we arrived looking our wonderful best and added a festive and celebratory mood to the event.

The opening was pure elegance. Just walking into a room full of Toots Zynsky's breathtaking pieces, after being greeted by some phenomenally seductive dresses by Karen LaMonte, then with what capacity for awe remained wandering into a room full of Lino Tagliapietra's new works, it was purely uplifting. David Willis' full scale figures were stunning as well, and he was most gracious as we surrounded him with questions. Toots was tireless throughout the evening talking with collectors and those of us who were in awe of her and her gorgeous work. She was delightful. Were you aware that she was a founder of Pilchuck and Urban Glass?  She was a student with Dale Chihuly at Rhode Island School of Design and she worked alongside the guys making immense contributions to the glass arts on both coasts. Did I mention there was a full bar and hor d'oerves? Thank you David!!



For those of us who made the trip, 33 of us in total, it was a day to remember. For those of you who weren't able to join us, now looking at these images of their work, I encourage you to take some time to look them up online and fill your mind with new perspectives and knowledge and beauty. We are quite fortunate to be a part of the glass arts community in today's world of 3-D printers printing out glass sculptures, to be able to conjure up images and transform them with one or more of the myriad forms glass takes in the hands of individuals. All of the works shown here were made by hand. Making connects us all! Enjoy and carry on!