New Exhibition Pays Tribute to Lino Tagliapietra at Museum of Glass

Living Legacies: Homage to a Maestro
March 28 – September 7, 2008
Organized by the Museum of Glass

Tacoma, Wash. (February 11, 2008)— The Museum of Glass announces a new exhibition, Living Legacies: Homage to a Maestro, opening on March 28, 2008.  This exhibition was organized to complement  Lino Tagliapietra in Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass, which opens on February 23.

Living Legacies presents a selection of sculptural work in glass by fifteen distinguished contemporary artists who have an historic and enduring association with glass master Lino Tagliapietra. These artists have utilized traditional glassmaking techniques to craft individual and inventive works of art that embody the essence of innovation and creative expression epitomized by Lino—his artistry, generosity of spirit and dedication to his craft.

“The three generations of artists whose work is represented in Living Legacies attest to the extraordinary influence of this one artist on the development of the glass movement,” comments Susan Warner, director of public programs.  “Visitors will be able to enjoy a rich visual experience while making links to the maestro’s work.

Lino is recognized throughout the world as a master of Venetian glass techniques. He possesses an  encyclopedic knowledge of glass and its potential to develop singular bodies of work. In her essay for the Lino Tagliapietra In Retrospect: A Modern Renaissance in Italian Glass exhibition catalog, curator Susanne K. Frantz writes, “Thanks largely to [Lino Tagliapietra] the technical standard of the craft was raised worldwide and the former greatness of Murano lives on in a variety of innovative and evolving incarnations in Seattle, Amsterdam, Canberra and countless other sites…In addition to his role as an educator, [Lino] is recognized for combining perfect craftsmanship and glorious tradition with an intelligent and advanced vision for glass—his own, Murano’s and beyond.”
Artists represented in the exhibition include Nancy Callan, Dale Chihuly, Paul Cunningham, Dan Dailey, Jen Elek, Flora C. Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick, Dante Marioni, Richard Marquis, Benjamin P. Moore, James Mongrain, Janusz Pozniak, Richard Royal, Preston Singletary, and David Walters.  Each of these accomplished artists has worked with Lino in some capacity during their careers, and their ability to manage the intricacies and challenges for working with molten glass has grown exponentially.  The artworks in Living Legacies have “translated” traditional Italian techniques into a thoroughly fresh and contemporary American language shown through singular works and installations.

Living Legacies is organized for the Museum of Glass by guest curator Margery Aronson.  It will be displayed throughout the Museum exhibition spaces, including Art Alley, the Hot Shop and the Grand Hall.