Community Night

Behind the Glass: From Sand to Art
Friday | August 7 | 6-8pm
Artist Talk with Jeff Blandford

Discover the incredible journey of glass—from Michigan sand to breathtaking works of art.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation behind the art of glassmaking. The evening begins with a special artist talk by renowned glass artist Jeff Blandford, who will take you behind the scenes of his extraordinary process of creating glass from Michigan sand. Learn how an everyday natural resource is transformed through heat, science, and artistry into stunning works of glass.

Following the lecture, explore a special exhibition showcasing an extensive collection of artwork created by Water Street Glassworks artists using Jeff Blandford's Michigan-made glass. Experience the remarkable ways our glass artists have interpreted the unique colors and character of this locally produced material through a wide variety of techniques and styles.

Then experience the magic firsthand as live glassblowing demonstrations bring molten glass to life in the Hot Shop. Meet the artists, ask questions, enjoy light refreshments, and discover the inspiration behind the work.

Whether you're an art lover, curious about glassmaking, or simply looking for a unique night out, Behind the Glass: From Sand to Art offers a rare opportunity to experience the complete story, from the sand beneath our feet to extraordinary works of art.

ABOUT JEFF BLANDFORD:

My name is Jeff Blandford and I’m a West Michigan artist who has been actively making work in the area for 20 years.  Working primarily as a potter, I also blow glass and work with various different materials of interest. Having grown up in Holland, Michigan, I completed my BFA in Studio Art from Michigan State University in 2007.  

Much of my work is centered around my interests in color, design, an appreciation for mid-century-modernism, and science. The pottery wheel is my main tool, a spinning flat surface that I use to shape clay with my hands. I create all of my work on my family’s 5-acre farm just south of Saugatuck, using primitive barn settings as my laboratory for creating art.