Announcements, Travel Program

Thank You to Our Australian Travel Program Partners + Travelers!

Reflections from Anne Stonehouse, GAS Australia Traveler

Disclosure: As the only Australian on the tour, I wanted my fellow travellers to come away from their time in Australia impressed with not only glass artistry here but also all things Australian. I declare my bias, which perhaps predisposed me to take a somewhat critical stance.

I have long loved glass for its beauty, versatility and the mesmerising processes that create it. I am a modest collector (my financial status is a mismatch with my tastes!). When I read the draft itinerary for the GAS tour in Australia, I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend 12 days. I wasn’t disappointed. I was thrilled to be in the presence of artists whose work I have long admired, and it didn’t matter that the other participants brought perspectives informed by considerably more knowledge than I had. Many had direct experience of working with glass. From an interesting mix of amiable people, diverse in many ways and sharing a common interest in glass, I learned so much.

GAS Travelers at Matthew Curtis and Harry Schwarzrock's home

The warmth and hospitality of glass artists shone. They welcomed us into their studios and sometimes into their homes. On both Saturday evenings of the tour, artist couples Matt Curtis and Harry Schwarzrock in Canberra and Nick and Pauline Mount in Adelaide, held fun, lively parties at which we were guests, as were members of the local glass art community, most of whom we had visited. This afforded an additional opportunity to interact with glass artist rock stars.

The itinerary wasn’t only glass-focused. Visits to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Ngununggula (Southern Highlands Regional Gallery), the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Art Gallery of South Australia offered glimpses into broader national and international art worlds. The tour even included a chance to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife. Free time allowed us to pursue individual interests (or rest!).  And the meals provided were delicious, varied and generous.

One of many delicious meals the group savored in Australia

The tour was just long enough and not long enough. There was so much more we could have done in each of the cities we visited. It must be very hard to plan and execute (even harder!) any tour that balances glass and non-glass activities, offers a mix of structured and free time and caters for diverse ages and abilities. The logistical challenges of this one, taking place over four disparate cities, undoubtedly complex, were phenomenal. Brandi and Julie kept the group on time and organised, and at the same time were exceptionally warm and caring. It’s hard to believe that they were not travel tour organisers and leaders in their former lives! 

I’m looking forward to learning about upcoming tours. Another GAS tour is top of my list of travel hopes for the future, despite the next one almost certainly requiring more than a 1 ½ hour flight, a passport and customs or immigration demands! 

Anne Stonehouse
GAS Member
Melbourne, Australia

Thank You to Our Australia Travel Program Partners!

Mark Elliott shows off both his signature fashion and flameworking styles

Sydney

  • Art Gallery of New South Wales 

  • Sabbia Gallery

  • Mark Elliott

  • Kate Baker

  • Ben Edols + Kathy Elliott

  • University of Sydney, College of Art, Glass Department

  • Cobi Cockburn

  • Chau Chak Wing Museum

Gina Fairley discusses her gorgeous jewelry in Mittagong

Mittagong

  • Ngununggula Gallery

  • Redford Park

  • Small Impact Studio

  • Scott Chaseling 

  • Gina Fairley

Billy Crellin and his team brought the heat during their demonstration in Canberra

Canberra

  • Canberra Glassworks

  • Aimee Frodsham

  • Mel Douglas

  • Hannah Gason

  • Tom Rowney

  • Annette Blair

  • Australia National University 

  • Jeffrey Sarmiento

  • Kirstie Rea

  • Lisa Cahill

  • Matt Curtis + Harry Schwarzrock

  • Billy Crellin

  • Brenda Page

Ruth Allen gave us insight into her work

Melbourne

  • Blanche Tilden

  • HotHaus 

  • Laurel Kohut

  • Amanda Dziedzic

  • Heide Museum of Modern Art

  • Ruth Allen

  • Mariella McKinley

  • Moonlit Sanctuary

  • Gordon Studio Glassblowers

  • Arthurs Seat State Park

  • McClelland Sculpture Gallery

  • National Gallery of Victoria

GAS Executive Director Brandi P Clark and Jam Factory CEO and Artistic Director Brian Parkes

Adelaide

  • Art Gallery of South Australia 

  • Rebecca Evans

  • Adelaide Botanic Gardens

  • Jam Factory

  • Brian Parkes

  • Janice Vitkovsky

  • Alex Valero

  • Alex Hirst

  • Tom Moore

  • Loughlin Studio

  • Jessica Loughlin 

  • Clare Belfrage

  • Tim Edwards

  • Kristel Britcher

  • Drew Spangenberg

  • Marcel Hoogstad Hay

  • Llewelyn Ash 

  • Liam Fleming

  • Jessica Murtagh

  • Nick + Pauline Mount 

  • Tim Shaw 

  • Giles Bettison