REFRACT Opening Party with JAMES MONGRAIN & MANOLO AGUILERA | Seattle Glassblowing Studio

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Enjoy a live demonstration by James Mongrain and Manolo Aguilera. Onsite capacity is first come, first serve. About James Mongrain: James Mongrain, a self-proclaimed beneficiary of the skills imparted by the Italian masters, is an artist who has taken every opportunity to excogitate the secrets of Italian glassblowing. He has worked side by side with the Italian masters, assimilating their subtle movements, their use of tools, and the idiosyncratic stratagems that so characteristically elevate Italian glass. In his own studio, Mongrain has spent literally thousands of hours making goblets and other vessels, practicing traditional Italian methods, until he attained spectacular proficiency. Yet Mongrain has not been content to simply imitate and reiterate the splendor of traditional Venetian glass. He has used the vocabulary of Venetian glass heritage as the springboard to inspire his own reinterpretations. While appropriating the motifs so closely associated with Venetian glass – traditional forms, fantastic animals, and the bravura of elaborate rigaree, or raised bands – Mongrain has established himself as a glass artist working in a singular style. About Manolo Aguilera: “Growing up in Veracruz, I loved seeing the Colossal Olmec Heads in the region but didn’t understand the history. After moving to Seattle, at the age of 14, I focused on Salsa Dancing; teaching and performing for years. Luckily, through a series of twists and turns, glassblowing found me and never let go. Twenty years later, I have returned to my awe of the Ancient Meso- American people, art, and history. Every day, I am working to find ways to bring this incredible history back to life through my artwork.” Manolo is currently focused on designing works of art that honor his Mexican heritage. Emmanuel (aka Manolo) Aguilera is an emerging artist, working in hot glass. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico he now calls Seattle home. His attention to detail and focus on fluidity combine traditional and sculpting glassblowing techniques with years of independent and professional practice to make him a sought-after artist in the vibrant Northwest glass community. Information Source: Seattle Glassblowing Studio | eventbrite