Live Glassblowing Demonstration Coming to Downtown Quincy on Oct. 2

QUINCY � Glassblowing is coming to downtown Quincy this October when the Springfield Art Association�s mobile glass unit makes a stop at The Art Gallery on Sixth for an evening of live glassblowing Friday, Oct. 2. From 4 to 9 p.m., the public is invited to visit The Art Gallery on 6th, located at 127 N. Sixth St., to see glassblowing up close and learn more about this unique art form.

Led by Springfield Art Association Glass Studio Manager Mario Clarke, the demonstration will show how molten glass is gathered, shaped and transformed into handmade objects. Visitors will have a chance to watch the glassmakers work and see the techniques involved in creating pieces such as cups, vases, and glass pumpkins.

The mobile glass unit brings a fully equipped glass studio on the road, giving communities an opportunity to experience glassblowing outside of a traditional studio setting.

In a press release, Elizabeth Swick, director of exhibitions at Quincy Art Center, explained, �This is a great opportunity for people to see the procedure of glassblowing from close range and experience the combination of heat, skill and creativity that goes into making a glass object.�

The October 2 demonstration is part of a two-day visit from the Springfield Art Association�s mobile glass unit. On Saturday, Oct. 3, the unit will move to The Art Center, 1515 Jersey St., where people in the area can sign up for hands-on glassblowing experiences with SAA glassmakers. Hands-on sessions are $55 per person, with registration available through The Art Center. There is currently a waiting list for these spots.

The mobile glass unit visit is brought to the community by Quincy Audiology and Glass One, along with The Art Center�s generous annual sponsors.

For more information about the Mobile Glass Unit visit and Saturday�s hands-on glassblowing opportunities, visit www.quincyartcenter.org.