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American Indian Artist, Virgil Ortiz, to Collaborate with The Rockwell Museum and The Corning Museum of Glass

CORNING, NY—The Rockwell Museum and The Corning Museum of Glass will welcome internationally-renowned ceramicist, fashion designer, and graphic artist, Virgil Ortiz, to Corning from October 19-25 for an interactive, weeklong exploration of a material new to him—glass. From Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, Ortiz strives to use art to blend historic events with futuristic elements in provocative and edgy designs to ignite contemporary interest in the stories of his Pueblo culture. Ortiz will work with the Hot Glass Demo Team at The Corning Museum of Glass to experiment with new ideas in glass, furthering his well-known Pueblo Revolt series. 

 “Virgil is committed to using art as a catalyst for teaching young people,” said Kristin Swain, executive director of The Rockwell Museum. “With a shared vision, The Rockwell is delighted to bring him to Corning to present an authentic educational and cultural experience to our community.” 

Ortiz’s works in clay are exhibited in institutions around the world, from the National Museum of the American Indian in New York to Foundation Cartier in Paris. This partnership with The Rockwell Museum and The Corning Museum of Glass marks the latest in a series of collaborative projects for Ortiz, most famously with fashion mogul Donna Karan to develop his own clothing line. 

“I am excited to come to Corning to explore the aesthetic potential of glass to express my ideas in different ways than I can with ceramics,” said Ortiz. “The versatility of the material intrigues me, and I look forward to seeing how it enhances the way I tell stories through my work.” 

While Ortiz is in town, The Rockwell Museum and The Corning Museum of Glass will offer multiple opportunities for the public to see him at work and to hear him speak about his process and vision.  Specific program dates to be announced.  

October 19 – October 24
Public Demonstrations with Guest Artist, Virgil Ortiz

Amphitheater Hot Shop of The Corning Museum of Glass
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., daily
Regular museum admission rates apply 

“We are excited to partner with The Rockwell Museum to bring Virgil Ortiz to Corning to explore glass as a new medium for his artistic expression,” said Karol Wight, president and executive director of The Corning Museum of Glass. “This collaboration is the first of its kind between our institutions, and we are pleased to combine our resources to present such a high-caliber experience to our visitors.” 

Hi-Res Images and Artist Bio:  

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h8k6dwhqajabpqg/AADqicswh2BaJoSLizewHl4Ca?dl=0

 

ABOUT THE ROCKWELL MUSEUM 

The Rockwell Museum collection tells the story of the American experience through a display of stunning American art. Founded in 1976, The Rockwell is an evolving community center which showcases the best of America through compelling exhibitions and imaginative programs.  The diverse collection includes a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures, landscape paintings and other works that embody America. Housed in the beautifully restored 19th century Old City Hall building, The Rockwell is active in the local community and holds special events and educational programming with area public schools. The Rockwell provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience. 

ABOUT THE CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS 

The Corning Museum of Glass is home to the world’s largest and most important collection of glass, including the finest examples of glassmaking spanning 3,500 years. Live glassblowing demonstrations (offered at the Museum, on the road, and at sea on Celebrity Cruises) bring the material to life. Daily Make Your Own Glass experiences at the Museum enable visitors to create work in a state-of-the-art glassmaking studio. The campus includes a year-round glassmaking school, The Studio, and the Rakow Research Library, the world’s preeminent collection of materials on the art and history of glass. The Museum recently opened a 100,000-square-foot Contemporary Art + Design Wing, which includes a new 26,000-square-foot contemporary art gallery building, as well as one of the world’s largest facilities for glassblowing demonstrations and live glass design sessions.

 

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