Artist Walk - Hot Italian Glass

OVERVIEW

Browse Sitka’s finest galleries while watching local artists create imaginative works of art in silver, wood, ceramic and glass. Once known as the “Paris of the Pacific,” Sitka claims to have had the first opera house, performing arts theater and grand piano on North America’s west coast. Sitka still zealously supports its artists, many of whom you will see at work in the cultural district. As you meander through the galleries, you will most likely see artists creating magnificent pieces in glass. Some of their techniques are similar to those used by the Italian artisans on the Venetian island of Murano, although the Sitka artists use kilns not roaring furnaces. If you feel inspired to work with glass yourself, ask one of the artists to get you started. It’s a common request, so don’t be shy. As you will see in many of the finished works, the inspiration was Sitka’s natural beauty.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch artists masterfully creating works of art in various media.
• See how the artists emulate the glassmakers in Italy.
• Try your hand at glassmaking, if the occasion arises.
• Purchase fine art from the galleries, if you choose.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.