Student Art Comes to SEAD

One way the SEAD Gallery is connecting to the community is through building relationships not only with other downtown businesses but the students and schools throughout the Brazos Valley. The Student Art Glass Show is a collaboration between Brazos Glassworks and area students who have had the opportunity to dabble in art glass in their local classrooms. Working with glass as an artform is not easily accessible in a standard classroom, so the folks at Brazos Glassworks have made it their mission to open their doors to teachers and students who want to pursue this unique art form.

The Student Art Glass show is the brainchild of Barbara Peevey and Debbie Jasek, owners of Brazos Glassworks, and open to any area students in grades 1-12. In honor of Youth Art Month (YAM), the show has found a home in the SEAD Gallery’s library space during the month of March. Bright pieces of handmade glass in an array of colors, shapes and sizes are on display for the public. Judging of the pieces has already occurred so you can come see which students took home a prize. Forms range from wind chimes to sushi dishes, with whimsical themes from horses to school pride.

When speaking to Barbara about how students were able to express themselves, the idea of how a kid can take raw material and make it into a masterpiece of their own visibly excites her. She explained how art glass is a dying art and to create a showcase like this is one way she can try to infuse her love of the craft into budding young artists.

All entries must be composed of glass and includes pieces that are fused, slumped, stained, or mosaic. Not only do winners of the competition receive ribbons but prize packages for their teachers’ classrooms.

The SEAD Gallery has been pleased to have many young people come through the door to see their masterpieces and find out who placed. The wonderful ladies of Brazos Glassworks are happy to have a place to allow students to show off these whimsical creations and feel the pride of having one’s creation on display, hoping that maybe just one of these contenders will someday pursue art glass as a pleasurable endeavor, whether professionally or as a rewarding past time.