Undergraduate student, Dara Ronli Alper, was awarded a residency at Autonoma Factory in Murano, Italy, a city known for its rich history in the glass industry. The residency was awarded from the Pilchuck Glass School supported by Laguna B to only six candidates from around the world. She and the five other intermediate to advanced glassblowers are spending two weeks in the city, learning from the Venetian maestros with guidance from glass artist, Andy Paiko from April 30 – May 11, 2018. During this residency, Alper and the other artists will work in teams of two to create three modern chandeliers which are re-interpretations of the traditional Venetian chandelier. They are headquartered at Pitau Fornace and are working with several Venetian glass factories. Alper is graduating this semester (Spring 2018) with her B.F.A. in Glass and recently had her thesis exhibition called “Liminal Space” at the Center for the Visual Arts. She also won Best in Show at this year's Stratosphere juried art exhibition, which carried a cash award of $1000.
“This whole experience still feels surreal! I'm really honored to work alongside such talented artists and to work with and learn from the maestro in Murano. Glass and travel are my greatest passions-- this residency provides the opportunity for both of these passions to exist simultaneously. Murano has such a rich tradition of glass working. I couldn't imagine a better place to learn and create. This residency is taking place immediately after I graduate with my BFA (actually, I am going to miss graduation!), so this is a pivotal and exciting time of transition and growth for me professionally,” said Alper.
Images: Undergraduate glass student, Dara Ronli Alper and her senior thesis exhibition