Don’t fret if you missed the opening (the Gang did too – it clashed with the Tweed River opening of TdF), this show runs until 16th June so there’s plenty of time to mosey across.

Meanwhile Michael’s been kind enough to send all the g(l)oss, from the announcement of the winner…

 

 

…to lots of lovely snaps…

 

 

…and the catalogue essay…

 

Encouraging the next generation 

The National Student Art Glass Prize 2012 (NSAGP) rewards creativity, innovation and quality. It’s not the artist’s reputation or name being judged but the artistic merit technique and innovation behind their art practice. The NSAGP is an acquisitive prize and is open to all artists studying art glass at an Australian University. The quality of work coming out of these institutions meant the inaugural biennial NSAGP (2010) had 40 artists from around Australia short-listed and was then reduced to 24 finalists with Belinda Toll from Australian National University in Canberra, taking out the top award. This year 45 artists have been short-listed and from this 30 finalists have been chosen.

The NSAGP exhibition is an eagerly anticipated opportunity to view a cross section of art glass being produced in this country and is a major highlight on the Australian art glass calendar. The passion and commitment shown by the lecturers, tutors and academics from Sydney College of the Arts at University of Sydney, Monash University in Victoria, South Australian School of Art at University of South Australia, The School of Art at the Australian National University in Canberra, Edith Cowan University in  Western Australian is overwhelming and inspiring.

As with the inaugural 2010 NSAGP,  the winner of the 2012 prize will not only have their work acquired into the National Art Glass Collection but will receive two Masterclasses at the renowned North Lands Creative Glass Centre on the north east coast of Scotland as part of North Lands International Masterclasses and Conference Program.

The Australian studio glass community is highly professional; this is due in large part to the institutions and the training artists receive. It is because of this professional attitude and the vast variety of techniques that national and international collectors have a passion for Australian contemporary art glass.

Australian institutions are having on the next generation of art glass practitioners and offers a glimpse into the future of this magnificent art form.

The national and international recognition of the NSAGP continues to expand and to fulfil one of its core task’s; to help develop and promote the profile of new artists. Once again the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is delighted by the quality of work on display and is proud to be fostering the next generation of Australian contemporary art glass makers. 

 

Our own faves were Emma Borland…

 

 

Spike Deane (which we’ve shown before)…

 

 

and Marcaela Faithfull…

 

 

Especially the last; so sweet we could eat it.

All refreshingly fun (ie not taking themselves so bloody seriously – which is an artform in itself, we reckon.)

Flick through the snaps here.