“Art Connects” the Masses at Lighthouse ArtCenter

The Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta will unveil its newest exhibition, “ArtConnects: Across the Ages,” on May 5. Designed to delight and connect all ages, the showcase propels viewers through time with art made from mediums used in ancient history, including glass, wood, paper, as well as art created with plastic through modern 3D printing technology. Guests are invited to an opening reception on May 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free for members and a $5 donation for nonmembers. The gallery will also host a Meet the Artists Reception on June 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will be on view through August 6.

The exhibition includes a private collection of contemporary art glass by Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, and Bertil Vallien; evocative wooden wall “Constructs” by Tom Casmer; original works on paper by children’s book illustrator Robin Priess Glasser and illustrator and author Roxie Munro; and Bryan Ballinger’s 3D-printed “Faulty Dogs.”

“Glass and wood have been used forever to create functional pieces, as well as exquisite objects of art. This exhibition invites guests to experience how the mediums are evolving through time,” says curator Janeen Mason. “The Spencer Gallery hosts an exhibit of textural contrast, from the vibrant, sleek work of renowned contemporary glass artists to the intricate wooden ‘Constructs’ by Tom Casmer.”

The glass collection features 25 pieces by several artists, including art glass masters Chihuly, Lino, and Vallien. Chihuly’s glass sculptures are defined by asymmetry and irregularity, inspired by a lifelong interest in architecture and design. His works have been onstalled all over the world, from public spaces and museums to private homes and gardens. Italian Sculptor Lino Tagliapietra, known as the “maestro of glass,” is revered for his manipulation of glass and innovative creations. Vallien of Sweden is another creates works in mythical, dream-like themes of symbolic imagery.

Casmer’s work contrasts with the glass sculptures with 27 of his “Constructs.” The shapes and forms of these wood sculptures are influenced by those found in machines, diagrams, blueprints, and schematics—all underlying themes in his work. The mechanical wooden “Constructs” are hand-milled with deep textural relief using a variety of sustainable woods.

In the Shorr Gallery, younger visitors will be enchanted by paper and plastic mediums including original art by Glasser from bestselling children’s book series Fancy Nancy, about a girl who liked everything fancy. Illustrations from Munro’s Dive In and Anteaters, Bats, and Boas provide individual art that when put together creates a segmented mural. Author and Ballinger’s, “Breadwig Faulty Dogs” are printed in plastic through a 3D printer. Animation software and 3D printers will be available for all to create and design three-dimensional objects.