The Arts Group of Union Avenue (AGUA) welcomes you to the GRETCHEN BRIGHAM GALLERY
DUO IN GLASS
Fused Glass Art
The Gretchen Brigham Gallery is pleased to invite you to visit the exhibit the closing reception on Saturday , January 25, 2024 11:45-5:15 pm.
The gallery is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Enter Lighted Parking Lot from Enright Ave.
Child’s Dress
Fused Glass Creation by Doretha Washington
DORETHA WASHINGTON
The seed for a love of art was planted as a child through visits to the Saint Louis Art Museum. I could not understand how the amazing art was created. That same awe and amazement led to a journey in glass art. Initially, blowing glasswas my goal. However, after experiencing the process, the appreciation for blown glass continued but not anenjoyment of the creative process.
Subsequently, I became aware of kiln fired fused glass art. A passion for this art form was created after taking anintroductory glass fusing class at Third Degree Glass. The discovery of the amazing fluidity, uniqueness, and versatilityof glass created in a kiln ignited a desire to continue learning and exploring this form of art. That desire is ongoing andcauses me to constantly challenge myself through experimenting with new techniques.
My creative process and concept for a piece is varied. Sometimes, the glass determines design, other times the focusis on a specific technique, or it may be the requirements of a commission. However, after design planning, glass cutting, kiln firings, coldworking, and sandblasting the joy of seeing the results of your concept is priceless.
As a self-taught glass artist, my artistic journey has been surprising and rewarding. Sharing my passion through teaching glass art and having my art invited into gallery shows has been an important part of the journey. I want my artto remind us that glass is not just functional for daily use but one of many art forms that enrich our lives.
Flow #2 BY DORETHA WASHINGTON
Top: MELT #8. MELT #9 FLOW #3
Bottom.: DEEP DISH SQUARE. BLACK PAINT THREAD
Fused Glass Creations by Doretha Washington
PANEL SWIRLS (Fused Glass Creation) by Doretha Washington
8 Glass Dichroic on Blue-50
Fused Glass Creation by Daniel Leach
Daniel Leach
I was born into a creative family. My Grandmother was an artist who used both oil-paintand pastels. Dad was a woodcarver and liked to dabble in stained glass. He also cast gold and silver jewelry. Mom sewed and crotched. My sister, Susan, painted using watercolor and acrylics, and my brother, Steve, is a woodworker and cabinetmaker. There were always items of family art and craft all around our home, sometimes on a rotating basis. I dabbled in other crafts and hobbies until starting with fused glass a few years ago. I am now all in with fused glass!
Working in fused glass started somewhat accidentally. After moving to the Creve Coeur area, I joined the nearby Jewish Community Center (sometimes called "the J"). In reviewing the J's catalog of available classes, I found one for making a "mezuzah" which is a sign of faith posted on the door frame of Jewish homes. The class sounded interesting because it involved working with fused glass to create art. However, because the class wasn't scheduled to begin for several months, I searched the Internet for "fused glass classes" and found Third Degree Glass Factory located only a couple of blocks from Union Avenue Christian Church where I'm a member. Beginner classes at Third Degree were scheduled to start soon, so I signed up. After completing the beginner course, I took the second and third level classes and I've been busy with fused glass ever since.
My method of fused glass work is similar to quilting fabric. Instead of a sewing machine to bring the fabric together, I use a high temperature kiln to combine the colors and textures ofglass. Mostly, I create eight, ten and 12-inch glass plates. This format allows me to focus ondelivering a variety of color palettes and pattern geometries. I'm inspired by colors and patterns I see locally and in my travels. Some pieces in this show are accompanied by a picture of the inspiration.
Dichroic Strata Blue Streaky-60
Fused Glass Creation by Daniel Leach
If you'd like to visit during the week, use our Private View option. Visit www.union-avenue.org/agua to pick your time to visit knowing that someone will be there to buzz you in. Or, stop by from 10 am – 3 pm and our staff can buzz you in then as well. Our lighted parking lot is off of Enright Ave., and the entrance to the gallery is from the parking lot.
Left: "Black Coffee and Cream"; Top Center: "Coffee and Cream". RIight: "Brown Coffee and Cream".
Bottom Center: "Tan Coffee and Cream":
Fused Glass creations-by Daniel Leach
“I'm inspired by colors and patterns I see locally and in my travels. Some pieces in this show are accompanied by a picture of the inspiration.”
We invite you to learn more about the arts at Union Avenue Christian Church by clicking the button below.