Jan 14, 2007

BAGI invites patrons to 'Sneak a Peak'

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

The Bay Area Glass Institute's "Sneak a Peak" party provided an opportunity for guests to preview one-of-a-kind glass sculptures, attend a talk by Timothy Burgard (curator of American art at the de Young Museum) and meet some of the glass institute's talented artists.

Steven and Allison Aldrich, co-chairs of the upcoming Great Glass Auction, welcomed more than 50 artists, collectors and patrons to the Jan. 5 party at Alza Corp.'s corporate offices. It was both a kickoff to the Jan. 26-27 annual fundraiser and an educational evening that gave an overview of the postwar studio glass movement in the context of American contemporary art.

Burgard said the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the de Young and Legion of Honor, have the fifth largest membership in the United States, and described the de Young as a "global survey museum."

He said curators should ask, "What will stand the test of time?" when making purchases, advising that curators select the best objects and rotate the pieces in their collections.

Of special interest that evening were photographs of pieces from the extensive collection of BAGI patrons George and Dorothy Saxe. They also allowed their sculptures to be shown throughout the museum, and it was interesting to see the complete installation. The Saxes were in attendance and received congratulations from longtime friends and fellow collectors Judy and Jerry Rose and Darle and Patrick Maveety.

It was interesting as well to meet the artists whose pieces will be featured in the Great Glass Auction, including Carol Lawton with her cast glass and ceramic "House on the Fault" and Mitch LaPlant with his blown glass "Rainier Cherry." LaPlant said he changes the names of his signature glass fruit and vegetable sculptures to reflect the geographic location of the exhibit.

Seen admiring the pieces were Linda and Neal Goldstein, Anne Gregor and Fred Rose, James Della, Barbara Poole, and Nancy and Fred Hom.

The auction catalog was on display so guests could chat about the photographed works with artists Kathleen Elliot, Ted Lagreid, Ilona Lindsay, Shirley Roberts, Jon Scally, Randy Strong and Tom Upchurch.

For the second year the Great Glass Auction will be held at the Fourth Street Summit Ballroom in San Jose.

For ticket information, call 408-993-BAGI.