A rainy day in Sedona? What are we going to do. Everything we have planned is outdoors. I am pretty sure that is why people come to Sedona, for the beautiful OUTDOOR activities, like hiking, biking, Jeep tours, viewing the red rocks and photography. 

What to do, what to do.

Oh, I know. I had the privilege of meeting some great artists that work in fire and glass! The perfect indoor activity when your outdoor plans are washed away!

The Melting Point in Sedona, conveniently located across the street for the Whole Foods (two birds with one stone, yeah!), is a group of artist focusing on creating and teaching others how to create as well.

When we entered the facilities, it was like entering a fine arts gallery. So many beautiful works of glass art. Jordan Ford is the general manager and one of the Artists. He came out of the workshop and told us the rules, then brought us into the fold. 

We were about to become glass blowers! 

Jordan had a love for the natural world from a very early age. He went on to study geology in college but that is when he discovered glass. He currently has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Earth Science/Geology and Visual Arts/Glassblowing.

Jordan says , “It’s the process of blowing glass that drives me. I find the physical act of making glass so overwhelmingly fascinating. I approach most of my work with a consideration for the more classical techniques – it’s the framework that I use as a jumping point for experimentation.”

Not only is Jordan incredibly talented, he is really personable and extremely funny. He made everyone in the room feel at ease and we all often irrupted in bouts of laughter.

Another artist that was helping us is Austin Littenberg. Austin became interested in the art of glass blowing at age 16 after watching a documentary. He spent over 12 years developing his craft and learning the technical precision needed to work at this level.

Austin views the many ways Art presents itself and is in tune with it all, and it shows.

Clearly these two artist love what they do, and I for one am grateful for their expertise and their willingness to show the world their art.

They worked with us to create a beautiful cactus, complete with three flowers, one for each kid, and a Sedona rock like base. We loved the patience they showed and the skill to make us feel at ease. We never felt like  we were about to do something we just couldn’t. It felt like we had been doing this before. That is the measure of a true instructor. 

Our work of art was complete and we left there feeling accomplished and quite honestly, amazing! 

Both Austin and Jordan have remarkable skills but also wonderful comedic timing. They were a absolutely pleasure to meet and I look forward to keeping up with their art in the future.

If you find yourself in Sedona and want to meet some really wonderful people, stop by The Melting Point and say hello! While you’re there, blow some glass!

How could I forget one of them most important things; They have a studio dog! Austin brings his sweet baby girl to work with him and she is an angel! We loved her! Make sure you give her some love when you visit!

May is an exciting time of year for university seniors–it’s thesis show season! MassArt recently held the student runway show last week, for example. Another fresh talent, Atlanta’s very own Jose Gallo, is pleased to announce his senior thesis “Follow the Light”  at Rhythma Studios this Friday, May 22!

“Follow the Light” demonstrates the amazing 3D modelling and printing that Jose utilizes to create his signature guitar designs. 3D modelling continues to see amazing uses outside of the pragmatic–just look at Iris van Herpen’s womenswear–and Jose’s guitars are no exception. They even have sound reactive LED lights.

Graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A. in Sculpture and Photography, Jose hopes to “educate and inspire both the audience and everyday musician to follow the light of their dreams by practice, research, and incorporating passion into their most ambitious goals.”  This senior show is a must-see for art lovers and musicians alike. Don’t miss Jose’s one-of-a-kind guitars, especially where they will be featured in a performance later in the evening.

“Follow the Light”
Friday, May 22
7 pm – 10pm

Rhythma Studios
555 Whitehall Street SW
Atlanta, GA

www.josegallo.com