Palo Alto, CA—The Association of Clay and Glass Artists (ACGA) of California has a summer treat for savvy shoppers and discriminating collectors alike — the 17th Annual Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival—running Saturday, July 11 through Sunday, July 12, 2009; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From massive stoneware urns to elegant fused-glass pendants, this free event offers a spectacular range of traditional and contemporary pieces, making it the largest clay and glass festival in the United States. Visitors can stroll through the open-air setting to find exceptional values on handcrafted glass and distinctive ceramics, as the festival returns to the beautiful, wheelchair accessible, Palo Alto Art Center located at 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto, California.
“The Palo Art Clay & Glass Festival is one of the most diverse and highest quality events of this kind in the country,” said ACGA President Barbara Sebastian. “As the artists in ACGA grow and evolve, so does the festival.” This year’s emphasis is on affordable and eco-friendly designs. Many artists are incorporating recycled materials and sustainable practices into their work, and demonstrations highlighting some of these innovative techniques—like the use of solar-powered pottery kilns—are planned.
More than 175 skilled clay and glass artisans participate in this acclaimed event. From richly textured Raku ware to delicate blown glassworks, the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival has something for everyone. Throughout the site, an abundance of natural light showcases the luminous beauty of the artists’ creations. The festival is as a treasure trove of functional and decorative delights, including: stunning ceramic and glass handmade jewelry, stylish chandeliers, ornate glazed dinnerware, whimsical teapots and impressive garden sculpture.
There are several interactive and educational workshops scheduled. Demonstrations of wheel-throwing pottery thrill audiences as artists transform clay slabs into graceful vessels, and the “Ikebana” Japanese floral arrangement demos are crowd-pleasers too. Plus, adults and children can roll-up their sleeves to create their very own ceramic pieces in the “Clay For All” workspace.
Additionally, there will be a special indoor exhibition of work by ACGA members reflecting global and colloquial trends. The refined Center gallery shows how ceramic and glass artwork can enhance the aesthetics of both interior and exterior spaces.
The Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival is presented by the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California (ACGA), and co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Art Center and KFOG-FM Radio Station. Free parking is available at the Center and along the street. Valet parking is also available. The festival is accessible by public transportation via Caltrain to the Palo Alto station, and connection to Valley Transit Authority (VTA) buses 35 or 86, which stop within two blocks of the Center.
For more information please visit www.acga.net or call (650) 329-2366. High-resolution JPEG images are available on the ACGA website or by contacting Sharon Poynor at (415) 789-9150, poynor@aol.com.
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The Association of Clay and Glass Artists (ACGA) is one of the country’s oldest and largest ceramics and glass non-profit membership organizations. With more than 500 members ACGA will celebrate its 65th Anniversary in 2010. The ACGA offers space at the festival to other organizations that support artists such as Potters For Peace, the Crafts Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), and the Clay and Glass Arts Foundation (CGAF). Several of these programs are scheduled to be at the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival in July. Visit www.acga.net to learn more about ACGA’s history, member artists, and other programs benefiting artists, art students, and art lovers.
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WHAT:
The Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival returns to the Palo Alto Art Center on July 11-12, 2009. As one of the most popular and respected festivals of its kind in the United States, this gathering attracts thousands of discriminating shoppers and collectors in an open-air celebration of clay and glass artistry. The festival also features live demonstrations and engaging hands-on art activities designed for the whole family.
The Festival is presented by the Association of Clay and Glass Artists (ACGA) of California; a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting clay and glass artists through exhibition opportunities and other programs, and is co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Art Center and KFOG-FM radio station.
This highly anticipated event gives visitors a chance to meet the artists, learn about their art and purchase affordable, original works. Many of this year’s artists are featuring eco-friendly materials and production methods.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:
A wide range of value-priced pieces—both functional and decorative—will be on display. From massive stoneware urns to elegant fused-glass pendants, there’s something for everyone.
ACGA member exhibit featuring traditional and contemporary objects that reflect global and colloquial trends in artistic expression.
“Clay For All” workshops where attendees can create their very own ceramic pieces.
Demonstrations of “Ikebana” Japanese floral arrangement and pottery wheel-throwing.
Artists using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
WHEN:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Sunday, July 12, 2009 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
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WHERE:
The Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Wheelchair accessible.
Take Caltrain to the Palo Alto station, then catch Valley Transit Authority (VTA) buses 35 or 86. Buses stop within one to two blocks of the Center.
FREE car and bicycle parking at the Palo Art Center and on the street. Valet parking also available.
2009 EXHIBITORS:
175 artists display a range of traditional and contemporary handcrafted clay and glass art:
Raku ware
Stylish chandeliers & lighting fixtures
Ornate glazed dinnerware
Whimsical teapots
Functional desktop accessories
Original sculpture, miniatures
Large-scale garden ornaments
Ikebana dishes
Stunning ceramic and glass jewelry
Hand-blown glassware
Elegant porcelain vases
Glazed and matte-finish ceramic tiles
ADMISSION:
FREE
INFO LINE:
(650) 329-2366
WEBSITE:
www.acga.net
ABOUT ACGA:
The Association of Clay and Glass Artists (ACGA) is one of the country’s oldest and largest ceramics and glass non-profit membership organizations. With more than 500 members ACGA will celebrate its 65th Anniversary in 2010.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
High-resolution JPEG images are available for download at HYPERLINK "http://www.acga.net" www.acga.net or by contacting Sharon Poynor at HYPERLINK "mailto:poynor@aol.com" poynor@aol.com.
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QUICK FACTS
CONTACT:
Sharon Poynor
Public Relations
Phone: (415) 789-9150
Poynor@aol.com
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