Ball State graduate students Andrew Najarian and Noah Schenk lower fire-proof masks over their faces. A blowtorch suddenly ignites. The glass soon melts into a hot, moldable form allowing the classmates to shape the handle on their fragile mug that will soon be useful for a refreshing beverage.
As the duo finish their project, they discuss their excitement about the upcoming lecture and demonstration featuring the renowned glass artist Dante Marioni.
Marioni is well known in the art industry as one of the leading glass artists of all time. According to an artist-centered video series called Verve featured on Marioni's website, his father, Paul Marioni, was a glass artist and teacher. He exposed his son to this craftsmanship at a young age.
Shortly after graduating high school, Marioni continued his glass career. He began working at the glass studio the Glass Eye. Masters such as Richard Marquis, Benjamin Moore and Lino Tagliapietra acted as mentors to Marioni.
During his interview in the video, Marioni called Tagliapietra the Elvis of the glass art industry. Marioni has followed in his predecessors' footsteps and has taught in a multitude of countries, such as Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
Brent Cole, director of the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass, explained Marioni's artwork as "a wide color pallet with an elongated sense of proportion that cannot be replicated."
Mosaic vases, goblets and traditional forms such as Venetian and Greek ceramics are some of Marioni's specialties. He also specializes in sleek and slender forms ranging in vibrant colors and sizes.
According to Marioni's website, he has always been intrigued with acorns, and he molds glass into large, extravagant models of them.
"Dante's artistic endeavors are in the form of glass craft," Cole said. "His ideas are generated through the process of working with the material."
Mike Hernandez, manager and instructor at the Glick Center, revealed his admiration and inspiration of Marioni's work.
"Dante sets the standards for glass artistry," Hernandez said. "He has an eye for decorative work and attempts to adorn someone's home with his pieces."
How does such a high caliber artist like Dante Marioni come to Ball State University?
"We were able to get a grant from Emens Auditorium for his appearance," Cole said. "He has a show in Columbus, Ohio, before he arrives at Ball State. We are fortunate that he was able to fit Muncie into his busy schedule."
Marioni and his assistant, Janusz Pozniak will begin their three-day journey with a lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Art and Journalism Building room 225.
Immediately following will be a hot glass demonstration at the Glick Center, which is located at 2500 University Avenue, directly across from Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
Cole said he hopes Marioni will speak about being an artist during the recession, while giving students advice about seizing every opportunity to direct them in the same path that led him to his achievements.
The lecture and demonstration is open to the public. Ball State students and the Muncie community are strongly encouraged to join-in on the experience.
"I think it will be a real treat for the students and community to see such a skilled glass manipulator," Cole said.
For more information about Marioni and his pieces, check out his website at www.dantemarioni.com. His website offers visuals of his designs and allows viewers to take an inside look at his career as a glass blower. Galleries across the United States are also listed where his work is displayed.
His book, "Dante Marioni: Blown Glass," may also be purchased through his website. The book shares images of his work and the process of how they were made.
When: 7:30 p.m. today
Where: Art and Journalism Building room 225. Immediately following will be the demonstration at the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass.
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