Our 2022 Arts Initiative programming is well underway, and the Bluff is buzzing with activity! The 2022 program kicked off in April with FLOW FEST and our first Artist in Residence, critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and painter musician Shannon Whitworth.
In May, things heated up with Savannah-based glass artist and educator Brandon Price of Blown Studios.
One of the premier sources for glass art and instruction in the Southeast, Brandon’s work is a culmination of his studies and performances in glass studios around the US, where he has worked within private institutions including Jacksonville University and the Toledo Museum of Art. Since moving to the Southeast, his unique and colorful work has expanded into sculpting the sea life that thrives in Atlantic coastal regions.
Unlike previous Artist in Residence kickoff events, guests joined Brandon at a fiery and interactive welcome reception at picturesque Moreland Landing—where he dazzled guests with live glass blowing demonstrations using a furnace and equipment brought in from his studio in Savannah.
Throughout the course of the evening—in between bites of barbecue and bluegrass music from Green Levels along the banks of the River—guests got up close and personal with this historically rich art form, as Brandon crafted a one-of-a-kind piece of installation art for Palmetto Bluff. Attendees also added their own personal touch to the installation piece—becoming part of Bluff history.
Over the next three days, Brandon introduced participants to the ancient art of glassblowing during his hands-on workshops held at the Palmetto Bluff Farm. After a brief introduction to the equipment and tools involved, attendees were able to create their own unique piece of glass art in a one-on-one session with Brandon—learning to melt, sculpt, and form molten glass for the first time.
After cooling off in an annealing oven overnight, guests were able to pick up their custom piece of glass art at FLOW Gallery + Workshop the following day.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Blown Studio’s classes in glass at the Bluff. We’re already looking forward to our June and July Artist in Residence programming! From dip-dyed leathers to hand-tied feathers, the Bluff will be brimming with colorful creations during our June Artist in Residence, J. Stark and our July Artist in Residence, Brackish.
Learn more about all remaining 2022 Artist in Residence events.