The Butterfield Garage featured artist for February will be Tess Blum presenting “Works in Glass,” a collection of glass mosaics and stained glass capturing the radiance and luminosity of Florida’s natural beauty. An artist talk at 6 p.m. Feb. 3, First Friday, will be an opportunity to learn how she accomplishes her dazzling results.
Her artwork combines precise planning with the surprise results made possible by letting the materials guide the way. The glass is often cut to very defined shapes, but sometimes it is the “found” piece that guides the art to completion. The play of reflection vs. dullness and texture vs. sheen in each piece of glass helps to create the perfect medium for exploring the natural beauty of her surroundings in Florida.
Blum has forged a unique path with her mosaics, using iridized glass and small mirror fragments to capture and reflect light. Florida landscapes, waterways and flora and fauna are illuminated and brought into the light in these intricate pieces.
Blum has been creating art in one form or another her entire life. After successful careers in both textile design and art education, she is focusing primarily on glass arts, including stained glass, mosaics and reverse-painted glass.
She will conduct a “cutting glass for mosaics and stained glass” demonstration at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at Butterfield Garage Gallery, 137 King St., St. Augustine.
For additional classes in mosaics, stained glass and various painting methods, contact Blum by email, tessmarieblum@gmail.com
