Glass is a fascinating medium of artistic expression that has inspired creativity in those who shape it—and wonder in those who see it—for centuries.

Glass Alliance-New Mexico brings together all those with an interest in glass art, from beginners to experts. We welcome everyone who has an interest in learning about glass art, whether you are a collector, artist, gallery, or "just curious."

We invite you to browse this website, and we encourage you to become a member. Membership in Glass Alliance-New Mexico is the portal through which you will enter the fascinating, ever-changing world of glass art. You will have an opportunity to learn about the medium, take classes, meet artists, and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the glass art world. 

Glass artist Dori Settles was our featured speaker at Globe Fine Arts on Saturday, July 20. She charmed and intrigued those in attendance with a detailed description of the process by which she creates glass shoes from originals sent, loaned, found, and commissioned by people, each of whom has a story to tell. 

After an introduction about her path through many media on the way to pate de verre, Dori presented details about the evolution of her technique for casting and creating the varies shapes of shoes. Sneakers are different from baby shoes, and both differ from high heels in not only final form, but in how one gets to that form.

For Settles, the real story is the story that goes with each shoe. Sometimes these are stories of joy, sometimes they are stories of lost, and sometimes they are memories of key life events. 

Dori was an energized and inspiring speaker who was undaunted by a power failure that disabled her slideshow accompaniment halfway through the presentation. Look closely at the photos above and you will see that in the second photo, the large-screen TV is blank (other than light reflections). Without missing a beat, Settles simply held her iPad up and became the large-screen TV stand-in as well as featured speaker.

You can see Dori's glass shoes and other creations at https://dorisettles.com/ 

We thank Globe Fine Art for once again hosting a Glass Alliance presentation.

DeVargas Exhibit Opens

All four cases at the north entrance to DeVargas Center are now filled with glass art created by Glass Alliance members. Art for the last three cases was installed on Friday, July 19. Final signage with the artists' names in place will be done in the next 1-2 weeks, along with a brochure or rack card to accompany the display.

Everyone is encouraged to stop by and see this wonderful display of creativity in person. Tell your friends to do the same. It is an opportunity to see a wide array of glass art created using different methods including fusing, casting, blowing, and flameworking. The 4x8 foot cases are at the entrance adjacent to Office Depot, directly across from the back entrance to CVS. Or, for those who are food-focused, the display is opposite the pizza place.

New work will be periodically rotated into the exhibit, so go by often to see what's new. 

DeVargas management is VERY pleased to have this great display of artistic talent at the entry to the mall, and we are very pleased to have another public venue in which to display the work of our artist members.

Our thanks to curator Ellen Premack, tireless installers Dorian Bouhuys and Harry Pollitt, and glass wrestlers/aides Harry Miller and Steve Harris for bringing the DeVargas exhibit to life.

And our thanks to the 22 artists who contributed their work to this exhibit. Those participating include Elodie Holmes, Lavae Aldrich, Leslie Walker-Hirsch, Linda Mae Tratechaud, Nina Mastrangelo, Rosa Silbert, Connie Sanchez, Theresa Cashman, Al Ness, Cynthia Hartling, Doug Gillis, Gurudaya Khalsa, Luetta  Donalds, Rita Fabrizio, Susanne Pinkham, Amy Griffin, Donna Nova, Dorian Bouhuys, Ellen Miriam Premack, Lois Manno, Mary Shaffer, and Yahne McLemore.