Glass adds a shimmer to summer

The eighth annual Festival of Glass is adding shimmer to summer in the north Bellarine.
 

Mauro Vianello - two glass fishes

At “Twilight Flames” at 7.00pm on Saturday 17 February at Leura Park Estate, watch Venetian glass master Mauro Vianello sculpt and blow glass and meet him over drinks and nibbles. Mauro will also appear at the Festival Expo and will run classes for beginning and experienced glass artists.

Bringing Mauro to Australia is quite a coup for the Festival of Glass. He is renowned internationally for his skill, artistry and creativity and he frequently makes pieces that have been commissioned by universities, museums and research centres.

Central Murano

Mauro was born and lives in the historic island of Murano, off the coast of Venice, Italy; and his studio is in Venice itself. Many people will know Murano because a visit to Venice often includes a trip to Murano.

For centuries, Murano was the centre of the world's glass industry; today its influence is still felt worldwide and a visit to its glassworks is a highlight of many people's time in Venice.

Mauro's visit offers glass artists a unique opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary Venetian glass working techniques, which they can then use to enhance and develop their own work.

Featured Festival of Glass sponsor: City of Greater Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong council has been a major sponsor of the Festival of Glass from its beginning in 2011. Officers from the council’s Arts & Culture department have helped the Festival of Glass Committee to raise local awareness of the area’s rich historical links with glass and its growing status as a centre of excellence in glass art.

The current council was elected in 2017 to provide leadership and good governance for the city. Its "City Plan" will guide its activities, putting local communities’ needs and expectations into action. The plan sets out a vision for the city and identifies four strategies to attain it: "Community Wellbeing", "Growing the Economy", "Sustainable Built and Natural Environments" and "How We Do Business'. For more information about the City Plan: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/cityplan/default.aspx