FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2006
CONTACT: CHRIS DISSINGER / (802)656-8582

The Aesthetics of Fire opens at Fleming Museum

BURLINGTON, VT- Two of the most accomplished contemporary American artists working in glass, Tony Jojola and Preston Singletary, headline a new and dynamic exhibition, The Aesthetics of Fire, featuring the artists' unique, contemporary expression of designs and motifs inspired by their native culture groups. Each artist create sculptures that bring together the time-honored forms of their Native American cultures with the methods and innovations of the American Studio Glass Movement. One of the earliest members of what would become a vital community of Native American glass artists, Tony Jojola (Isleta Pueblo) draws inspiration from the deeply rooted traditions of Pueblo basketry and pottery. His mesmerizingly colorful vessels, which feature drawing and relief elements in molten glass, push the limits of this complex and fragile medium in terms of both scale and technique. Preston Singletary (Tlingit) reconceives the distinctive designs and motifs -whaler's hats, ravens, and rattles- of his Northwest Coast heritage. Meticulously blown and sandblasted, Singletary's elegant sculptures bring together acute observation and a masterful technique. Jojola's and Singletary's artwork differ in style and technique; however, they share a passionate commitment to expanding and reinvigorating both their medium and their cultural traditions.

Also on display at the Fleming Museum is Colors of the Amazon, a brilliantly colored exhibition featuring ornate, ceremonial objects made from feathers of birds indigenous to the rain forest and produced by native Amazonian cultures. Lastly, in the Museum's Wilbur room, a special display of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts celebrate the 75th anniversary of Fleming Museum.

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Preston Singletary (Tlingit, B. 1963) Raven's Wing, 2005 Blown and Sandblasted glass Collection of Dr. Scott M. Karlin (6.6MB)

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Preston Singletary (Tlingit, B. 1963) Shark Inverted Hat, 2005 Blown and Sandblasted glass Private Collection (6.5MB)

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Tony Jojola (Isleta Pueblo) Sacred Seed Jar, 2006 Blown glass, hide, hair Courtesy the artist (2.9MB)

FLEMING MUSEUM FALL EXHIBTION:

The Aesthetics of Fire: Glass Sculpture by Tony Jojola and Preston Singletary
DATES: Thursday, September 5, 2006 - Friday, December 15, 2006

ADMISSION:
$5 adults. $10 family, $3 students and seniors. Free to: Museum members; faculty, staff and students of UVM, Burlington College, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, and St. Michael's College; Children 6 and under.