Festival to inspire new glass collectors
Young visitors to this year's International Festival of Glass have the chance to win a unique piece of artwork.
Haughty Hawk, the creation of artist Stewart Hearne, has been specially commissioned for the Stourbridge event's flagship show- the British Glass Biennale.
Sixty-two contemporary artists based in Britain and working abroad will battle it out for one of the much-sought after prizes with an award ceremony taking place on August 24.
Most awards will be presented on the night but there are also a number of voting categories which will be announced at the closing event at the Ruskin Glass Centre on September 9.
They include the Young Collector’s Prize, which will see youngsters select their favourite artwork during the festival.
The names of all of the voters will be put in a hat and the one pulled out receives Haughty Hawk to start off their own collection of glass.
Director Janine Christley said: "We would love as many children as possible to come along to the festival and vote.
"It's all about encouraging a new generation of glass collectors and maybe even future glassmakers.
"Haughty Hawk is a lovely, one-off piece which children will love."
Admission to the festival is free for under-16s
For the first time, there will also be a Biennale shop allowing visitors to purchase a smaller piece created by artists in the exhibition, ranging in prize from a few pounds up to £2,000.
Curator Matt Durran said: “At the last Biennale, a lot of people said they weren’t in a position to buy a really expensive piece of glass so this gives them the chance to purchase a smaller piece by the same artist.”
The festival runs from August 25 to 28 and includes a host of exhibitions, demonstrations and chances for people to have a go at glassmaking and other crafts.
They will be taking place at the Ruskin Glass Centre, Red House Glass Cone and the White House Cone museum of glass as well as other venues throughout the Stourbridge Glass Quarter.
Visitors can view the Biennale exhibition until September 9. The International festival runs from August 25 to 28.
Festival passes are £6.50 each day or £18 for four days. Admission is free for under-16s
