Pop Filter Event of the Week: From the Earth to the Fire and Back

Ever wonder what goes on inside the 2,000-degree creative cauldrons occupied by glass artists? Or what happens when the skillful hand of a glass artist takes three basic elements—sand, soda and flux—and dances around the glass studio wielding molten materials?

In conjunction with World Environment Day, set to take place in Pittsburgh on June 5, PGC invited its gifted roster of artists to create works that respond to and draw from themes coming out of the global U.N. event. Showcasing PGC's burgeoning community of talented local artists, the show features everything from handmade blown vessels and flameworked jewelry to cut, polished and assembled recycled glass.

Marking PGC's first exhibition focused on the environment, the juried show will also spotlight PGC's leadership role in the field of green glass technology. A worldwide leader for green glass studios, PGC's LEED Gold certified building features cutting-edge equipment and technologies that have helped to set the standard for the industry in terms of energy efficiency.

With works that use eco-friendly processes, media and themes, the new exhibition will comment on the fragility of nature, the intersection of horticulture and art, and threats posed by rising ocean levels. Among the featured artists, who range in age from 17 to 55, are students from CAPA, Allderdice, and Fox Chapel high schools. Since opening its doors in 2001, some 7,000 people have taken classes at at the Penn Avenue facility.

Don't miss a free opening reception for From the Earth to the Fire and Back at PGC Fri. March 5 from 6 to 9p.m.

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