“Glow” brings two exciting artists together in our first ever glass show in the Kortman Gallery,” says gallery director Doc Slafkosky. “Their works make you see glass as an art form that dazzles and challenges your imagination with the sparkle and warmth that only the medium of glass can do.”
Drew Helge is a sculptor with over 10 years experience working in glass, producing mixed media work in his studios in Rockford and Chicago.
"I am intrigued by pushing the limits of the material,” said Helge. “I work with glass, ceramics, and metal. With glass there is a beautiful interplay between form and texture, light and shadow. My philosophy as a maker is to accentuate the nature of the material I'm working in. As a designer I'm fascinated by creating dynamic spaces, and as an artist I'm driven to experiment.”
Alex Krueger has work and educational experience with Pilchuck Glass School, Seattle Glass blowing studio, Chicago Hot Glass and a 2016 scholarship recipient to study under American Studio Glass artist Therman Statoms.
“My approach to the material is pretty innocent,” says Krueger. “I work in a way that is easily available to me: glass and paint. The combination of the two creates faux finishes resembling plastic and enhances the paint through the optics of the glass.”
Krueger is also currently teaching high school level glass programs in Chicago at Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy.
The Kortman Gallery exhibit “Glow: emerging perspectives in glass” featuring art glass by Alex Krueger and Drew Helge opens Friday, November, 17th from 5:30 to 9pm and will be on display through January 6th, 2018. Kortman Gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street in Downtown Rockford. For more information call 815-968-0123.
