MANSFIELD, Ohio – “Glass Matrix, the Cleveland Connection” refers to the intricate and intriguing lattice-work of Brent Kee Young’s glass sculptures. The title of the exhibition, on display Jan. 24 – March 6 at the Mansfield Art Center, also refers to a matrix of influence and career paths that exists among Young and 11 fellow glass artists whose works will be showcased.
At different points in their lives these artists studied under Young, who is credited with establishing the Cleveland Institute of Art’s glass department three decades ago.
“I have known him as an artist, teacher and professor,” said Mansfield Art Center executive director George Whitten. “‘Glass Matrix, the Cleveland Connection’ is a testimony to his creativity, knowledge of glass and ability to teach other artists who have studied under him. They also work professionally in the field, which is only a dream for so many artists.”
Whitten described Young’s technique, which involves the use of Pyrex, a challenging material to work with. Young welds the Pyrex rods into a matrix of patterns, creating three-dimensional pieces.
Among Young’s colleagues and former students contributing to Glass Matrix will be Mark J. Sudduth of Cleveland Heights. Sudduth has operated a private studio since 1983 and served as a glass instructor and technical assistant in glass at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Also exhibiting will be Carrie Battista, who earned her BFA degree in glass from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2006. Practiced in other disciplines including blacksmithing, printmaking and enameling, her glass circus tents offer a unique insight into a common thread of vulnerability shared by artists and non-artists alike.
Other artists who are part of the matrix include Robert Coby, Scott Goss, Earl O. James, Brent Marshall, Shawn Messenger, Michael Mikula, Marc Petrovic, Kari Russell-Pool, and Linda Zmina.
“Glass Matrix, the Cleveland Connection” is sponsored by MT Business Technologies Inc.
The exhibition will be free and open to the public during the Mansfield Art Center’s regular business hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
There will be an opening reception 2 p.m. Jan. 24.
The Mansfield Art Center is located at 700 Marion Ave. Information is available online at mansfieldartcenter.org.
