Canberra, Australia - John Mackay AM, Canberra Glassworks Chairman and ActewAGL CEO, and AnnJakle, Canberra Glassworks Director today announced the appointment ofKirstie Rea as Creative Director of the Canberra Glassworks.
The Canberra Glassworks will be housed in the former Kingston Powerhouseand will open in March 2007. The Glassworks will provide specialistequipment and access for glass artists, and visitors will be able toparticipate in a range of programs as well as witness the drama of hotglass being blown from raised viewing platforms.
"Ms. Rea will play a key role as creative director of the Glassworks,helping to shape the creative profile of the centre and contributing tothe centre's artistic and educational programs," Mr. Mackay said."Ms. Rea will bring a wealth of experience to Glassworks. As an artistRea has pioneered a range of studio glass techniques and as a teachershe has taught in leading glass workshops in Australia andinternationally," Mr. Mackay said.
Rea was born in Canberra and was one of the first graduates from theAustralian National University, School of Art, Glass Workshop. In 1987Rea set up a glass working studio at Pialligo.
Rea was awarded an ACT Creative Arts Fellowship in 2004 in recognitionof her achievement of excellence in glass art practice.
"After years of travelling abroad to teach short-term glass courses, Iam thrilled with the opportunity to create a new and accessibleeducation and artistic program in glass in my home town," Rea said.Between 2003 and 2005 Rea served as Director on the Board of the GlassArt Society, the leading body supporting the glass art practitioners inthe United States.
"Canberra's glass artists have established an enviable internationalreputation in recent years and I am looking forward to forging newrelationships between the Canberra Glassworks and its counterpartsoverseas," Rea said.
Kirstie Rea is currently visiting the United States where she isexhibiting her work at D&A Fine Arts gallery in Los Angeles and teachingan intensive workshop at the Bullseye Glass Company Resource Center inOregon.
Media contact for more information:
Ann Jakle, Director - Canberra Glassworks
Mobile: 0412 131 898
Phone: 6207 0768
The Canberra Glassworks is an ACT Government arts facility
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