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.
“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.”
“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.
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.