An examination of the critical links between Venetian and American glass artists

Venice has been a preeminent glass center since the sixteenth century, and for more than 500 years European factories and designers have tried to emulate the city's success by adapting or copying designs and techniques associated with the Venetian masters. Since the 1950s, American artists and designers have also looked to Venice for inspiration, traveling there to immerse themselves in traditional glass factory environments and working directly with Venetian masters. As the 1960s Studio Glass movement burgeoned and flourished, Venetian masters also began to travel to the United States, not only to teach but also to learn. A stimulating and exciting dialogue was born, which continues to this day. This volume examines the critical links between Venetian and American artists. Among other things, it covers early American designers, Robert Willson/Fucina degli Angeli, Americans in Venice (Dale Chihuly), Chandeliers, Venetians in America (Lino Tagliapietra), New Italians, Venini Revitalized, Josiah McElheny and Venetian Techniques.

Contributions by: Susanne Frantz
Introduction by: Matthew Kangas