Cool Air Hot Glass is Family Fun!
Celebrate the opening of Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass
Cool Air Hot Glass
Family Fun Program
October 15 @ 10:00 am–5:00 pm
SPECIAL PRESS HOUR 11 am to Noon with Josh Simpson, Blake Court, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass
October 15, 2022–January 15, 2023
D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
Springfield (MA)—Springfield Museums is pleased to celebrate the opening of the special exhibit Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass with a family fun activities day called Cool Air Hot Glass which features hands-on art and science activities. Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass is an exclusive 50-year retrospective of renowned Shelburne Falls glass artist Josh Simpson. The exhibit highlights a process of artistic discovery that is as much an understanding of chemistry as it is a deep experience of creativity. All activities on opening day are free with museum admission!
“Josh’s innovative approach to his art absolutely inspired the activities that will celebrate the opening of Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass,” said Clarissa Leverich, Family Engagement Coordinator for the Springfield Museums. “We were inspired by the idea of creative exploration and that is what we are offering for our Cool Air Hot Glass family fun day.”
“Josh is largely a self-taught glass artist,” said Maggie North, Curator of Art for the Springfield Museums. “His unyielding curiosity and intrepid experimentations have resulted in groundbreaking techniques, original forms, and new materials that define his inspired vision.”
“As an informal learning center for the region as well as a cultural anchor,” said Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums, “the Museums are excited to offer visitors experiences that are both fun and educational.”
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE
Seeing [Sun]Spots, 11 am-2 pm
Learn about how telescopes use glass, then use a telescope to view sunspots! Quadrangle Green (Weather Permitting)
A World of Your Own, 11 am-3 pm
Inspired by the “planets” created by Josh Simpson, make your own mini-planet using Model Magic! Blake Court, First Floor, D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts
Clearly Fun Slime, 11 am-3 pm
Make stretchy slime that’s as clear as glass. Quadrangle Green (Rain location: Science Workshop, Second Floor. Springfield Science Museum)
Glass Art/Glass Science, 11 am-3 pm
Explore the science of glass and get an up-close view of the tools and materials glass artists use. Quadrangle Green (Rain location: Science Workshop, Second Floor. Springfield Science Museum)
Colorful Sun Catchers, 12-4 pm
Capture the colors of autumn with a glass sun catcher. Art Discovery Center, Second Floor GWV Smith Art Museum
MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass presents a 50-year retrospective of one of the most innovative glass artists of our time. Based in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Josh Simpson has long been captivated by the fickle properties and phenomenal possibilities of red-hot molten glass. Largely self-taught, Simpson’s artistic vision marries groundbreaking techniques with new forms and materials and his intrepid experimentations have resulted in advances in the chemistry and artistry of glass. The connection between art and science runs deep for Simpson, who sources inspiration from nature, the night sky, and the universe beyond. Featured prominently in this exhibition are glass works that reflect the artist’s interest in cosmology and astronomy. For instance, Simpson’s glass planets were inspired by the Apollo astronauts’ description of seeing the Earth “hanging like a blue marble in space.” Other objects mimic the luminous interior found in tektites, objects that result from meteorites hitting the Earth.
Central to all of Simpson’s work is his talent, curiosity, and appetite for exploration. Drawn from the artist’s archives, the Springfield Museums’ holdings, and from private collections, this exhibition showcases the expansive range of Simpsons’ vision in the form of planets, platters, vessels, goblets, sculptures, copper baskets, and unique surprises. The display also includes new work, nodding to the artist’s ongoing quest to expand the boundaries of his medium.
A catalogue detailing Simpson’s artistic journey will be available for purchase.
Springfieldmuseums.org, One Admission/Five Museums,
including the one and only Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Parking is always FREE
About The Springfield Museums
THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. Please visit the Tickets page.
The Hanmer Museum Store
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
The Blake House Café
Open Thursday-Sunday 11am-3pm.
For More Information:
Karen Fisk, VP Community Investment and External Affairs
413-263-6800, ext. 459