| Dear Friends,
Summer is starting to come to an end, and around here, its time to really put the pedal to the metal. As summer closes we have three HUGE events on the horizon that will take up all of our resources full tilt! At least the weather is starting to cooperate, which as I am sure most of you know makes everything a bit more bearable.
Before we go forward, I just want to recap the summer a bit. First I need give a huge shout out to Kristian Merwin and Lace Face. Not only did they both fly out from the west coast just to entertain our guests. Before hand, Lacey flew out to Kristian's to plan, plot, and practice before getting here, just so there were no mishaps or slow downs when they got here. It was an all out marathon too. Those two put in a solid 8 hours straight to reach the finish line. The proof is in the putting, as now we have an ultra unique "Rocket Girl" to add to our cases. Thanks again to both of them, and I can't wait till our paths cross again.
Also over the summer, PGW went to the Live Free Fest, and The Vibes. I rolled out solo to The Vibes which you know is always a good time. They always have a stellar line up on stage. This year was real good because the weather was perfect, unlike the 120 degree furnace it was last year. Speaking of furnace, The Live Free Fest that Jason Gordon puts on every year is always circled on my calendar months in advance. So when Jason asked me if PGW could lend a hand with the Saturday night demo at the fest with the boro furnace, without hesitation, I immediately agreed to it. What could be more fun than that? Unfortunately I forgot to check with my social coordinator, and apparently I was beyond obligated to go to Oregon for my best friend's wedding. We don't back out of things that we commit to here at Prism Glassworks, so I sent Brad out to Live Free with my van, my furnace, and everything else that goes into festivals and furnace demos. I am proud to report that Jason, Brad, and Chris Rice killed it out there creating a one of a kind, huge flower sculpture. It was definitely outside the box a bit for Brad, but they all did an amazing job, and all my stuff made it back in one piece! A win-win for sure. Any time Jason needs our help, he knows he can count on us.
Finally to move forward a bit. Next week , I am proud to be hosting an artist I personally admire, Dave Colton. Dave's style is totally abstract, but full function. All of his pieces are well thought out, and just have a feel of motion and fluidity to them. This event has slowly grown to epic proportions. If Colton wasn't enough of a good time, I have been able to procure our community with a rare viewing of the Chesterfield Glass Art Collection. Simon Abrahms, owner/curator of the collection, hoards some of the most jaw dropping functional and non functional glass there is. Some pieces in his lot have never seen the light of day. This includes a virtual who's who in glass art today. Outside of the trade shows, you will never get the opportunity to view such a caliber of art, especially in the upstate region. If you in anyway consider yourself a fan of the arts you MUST make it down to PGW for what is shaping up to be the event of the summer and a great way to cap it off.
We are planning a fundraiser for ovarian cancer this September 7th & 8th. The plan is to hold a glassblowing Flame Raiser at Prism Glassworks on Friday the 7th. We have a motley crue assembled including Tammy Ball, Coyle Condenser, AJ Roberts, AJ M, Jerry Kelly, and Monkey Throw Poop. These 6 artists will pair up and create wonderful works of art to be donated and bid on at our silent auction and concert at Red Square in Albany on the 8th from 7pm-11pm. I am asking if any one would like to participate in any way. Your time is just as valuable as something to auction off. If you are interested please contact me at Phil@troyglassstudio.com. There is a full press release further down the newsletter.
If that's not enough, just a few short weeks after our flame-raiser, its off to Glassroots in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin. This is our favorite trade show of the year! Everything about it is just top notch including the setting, food, beers, and of course glass! We can't wait to catch up with all of our mid-west friends. Best part of all, I get to fly back this time to cover our September Troy Night out, while Brad and Mort drive back. There is 14 hours of my life back!
Episode 2 has been released of our upcoming reality show. There has been an overwhelming response to our pilot episode, we could not leave the public hanging like that, so we decided to dribble out a little more. Please don't for get to like it, share it, and leave some feedback. It is because of all of you that these endeavors work, so we want to know what you think. This episode is also very exciting because it portrays a great story of collab we did with Derek and the guys over at Harvest Spirits, that previously unless you visited the distillery, you wouldn't know about. The bottles were definitely a long and hard process, so be sure to check out all the trial and tribulations.
As the future begins to take hold, we will continue to update you through this newsletter as well as the other social media networks, so be sure to keep checking in on all the future developments. Not enough?!? Try and do your best to keep up! I know we are.
- Everyone here at Prism Glassworks would also like to welcome the newest member of GhostZapper, as Paul and Jessica Hill introduce Skyler McCabe into the world. Congratulations!
Thanks again for all of your continued support and hopefully I will see you next Friday for a night for the arts as we welcome Dave Colton & The Chesterfield Glass Art Collection.
Sincerely,
-Phil Sundling
Prism Glassworks
|
|
Troy Glass Studio: Episode 2 Released!!! The next installment of our upcoming reality show is ready for the public!
 After much acclaim, accolades, and clambering for more, Prism Glassworks and RedShamrock are proud to release the next installment of "Troy Glass Studio" In this episode, we show you a behind the scenes look at our amazing Tubeapalooza event, Prism teams up with Harvest Spirits for a one of a kind collab, and Phil hits the road to visit some of the local shops. We hope you enjoy this just as much as the pilot! The pilot itself has been entered into New York Television Festival for pilots and has already been selected into the top 25 cut! Keep your fingers crossed and keep your eyes peeled for more info. Don't forget to like it, love, share it, tweet it, + it, and leave us some feedback! Thanks again for supporting us, your local glassblowers. Click the Youtube icon to watch Episode 2 now!  |
This Month @ PGW: Dave Colton & The Chesterfield Glass Art Collection
Its about DAIM time!
This month we transition from some out of town rockstars to a home grown hero, as this August we welcome Dave Colton to our studios. Dave has attended many TNO affairs to see some of the other amazing artist we have brought in, but has never been on the island. Dave's work is inspired by the work of DAIM, a well known graffiti artist. His wildly vivid colors and angles give all of his pieces motion and life. Each work is different from the next in both function and configuration. We should also have plenty of his work on display, so be sure to come check out some of the LIMITED availability of Dave's creations. This event wouldn't be possible without the continued generosity of The Chesterfield Glass Art Collection. On this warm summer evening we put out a call to glass aficionados near and far, for this night only, Prism Glassworks will be hosting a super rare viewing of The Chesterfield Glass Art Collection. We will be lucky enough to have out on display some of the gems in the vast, VAST, collection. This work includes both functional and non functional pieces, from hands down some of the most talented artist in all the land, many of which will be in attendance that evening. If you consider yourself in anyway a fan of the arts, I urge you to make it to this amazing evening. This is one event for serious collectors, glass porn-ahaloics, and all who love art. We will have music, as usual. I have also been told that there is going to be a few selections from The Collection that we will be Raffling off throughout the night. I couldn't think of anyway to cap off the summer. This is all happening Friday, August 31st from 5-11pm. Do not miss this one.
|
Help Us Melt Away Cancer!
PGW joins forces with the community to for an epic fundraiser!
Prism Glassworks is proudly joining the fight against ovarian cancer by sponsoring and hosting the Prism Glassworks Melts Away Cancer fundraising event September 7-8. The two day event will feature live glassblowing demos by top artists from the region, local music and blacksmithing demos. The event will be followed by a silent auction and benefit concert in Albany the evening of the 8th, where all proceeds will benefit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The two day event at Prism Glassworks is free to the public and will bring together local artists from a number of mediums who will donate finished pieces. The silent auction hosted by Savannah's the Dublin Underground is a $5 suggested donation. Attendees will have the opportunity to donate to cancer research and take home a one of a kind piece of art.
"Ovarian cancer is a subject that is close to my heart and I wanted to put together an event that could help raise money for research and raise awareness for this type of cancer" - Phil Sundling of Prism Glassworks.
"As I always say, YOU yourself may never have to worry about this, but we all have grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, girlfriends..." - Christina Ruffer (Phil's fianc�e)
The artists donating their time and skills come from around the Northeast and include glass artists Tammy Ball, Ben MTP Borracous, A.J. Roberts, Coyle, A.J.M., Jerry Kelly and Aggressive Metal Works' Mike Cataldo. Artist Tammy Ball from Glens Falls, NY is joining in to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer in the local community and the broader glassblowing community. "I am proud to preform my art to support something that effects so many people. In my family, as many, cancer has been a real bitch, so lets do what we can." Tammy Ball, performing glass artist
Main Event
Prism Glassworks | 518.273.4527
225 4th St. Troy, NY 12180
Friday, September 7th 10am-10pm
Silent Auction
Red Square | 518.465.0444
388 Broadway. Albany, NY 12207
Saturday, September 8th 7pm-11pm
$5 donation at the door
Music by local artists: The Red Haired Strangers, Triglactagon & S.C.O.R.E
Event Sponsors
This event is made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors: Glass Alchemy, Ltd., Mountain Glass Arts, Noble Gas Solutions, John Ray and Sons, Red Square Albany, Capital Underground radio.com, Red Shamrock Productions
|
On the road again!!!!!!
Live Free Fest & The Gathering of the Vibes Recap.
Phil headed off to A Gathering of the Vibes down in Bridgeport, CT. The weather was a million times better than the sweat fest it was last year. Just a nice comfortable, workable, atmosphere all weekend long. The musical line up was amazing as well! Primus killed it, as expected. Phil said it was also kind of strange that he got recongized from the few episodes of the reality show, which doesn't happen too often, especially in such a remote location. As always, it was tons of fun blowing glass with Hickory and A.J. We have already been attending this event for a good couple years now, and don't see an end in sight anytime soon. Brad attended The Live Free Festival this past month, hosted by our good friend, Jason Gordon. This set a new definition of fun! The music could be herd throughout the campgrounds and was totally kick ass! Jason has a crazy wooden hut set up as the glass blowing studio. For such a remote setting and location, it hosted some crazy talented glass blowers from across the country. Every time you turn around, someone awesome was on the torch. Saturday night, Brad, Jason, and Chris Rice all collabed on a massive mixed media sculpture utilzing the furnace, lampworking, and metal work. There are plenty of pictures on facebook, and an upcoming video. Right now you can check out some sneak peaks on youtube. What an amazing time! I am so hooked and will be back for more, for many years to come. Even though we didn't go crazy with the festival circuit this year, we had more than enough fun with our few off site activities. Any event that gets you out of the studio, to still do what we do is always a good time! |
 | | http://www.mountainglassarts.com/ |
|
Last Month @ PGW: LaceFace & Kristian Merwin
These two fly in and blast one out of the park!!!  
This past July at Prism Glassworks, we were able to fly in two of the industry's shinning stars as we welcomed Lace Face and Kristian Merwin into our studios. Joining us all the way from the west coast, these two fly in and threw down in a 8 hour MARATHON. Lacey and Kristian seemed to going full throttle nearly all the time! I don't care where you are from, July in a glass shop is just plain old hot! So to brawl it out with a big giant piece for so many hours on end is taxing! Their efforts didn't go for not as now we have one piece that soars above some of our others.
This rare east coast performance drew in crowds for all over the north east, as we had many people who drove in just to see the dynamic duo in action. At first when Lacey started to do her sculpting of the main rocket girl, that certain silence fell over the crowd as everyone was zeroed in to watch some of Lacey's signature craft. The same kind of silence was had when Robert Mickelsen came to town. We also had more late stayers this time around, who stayed to watch intill she was tucked in for the night.
The piece itself is transcendent. The color palette just flows with lots of NorthStar Irid as the base, and some Trautman Sage, that complemented nicely. Mix in a little mystery adventurine for that little bit a sparkle that drives everyone mad and presto, a stunning eye popping piece. The fusion of the two styles blend perfectly as well. One of Lacey's goddesses strapped up with Kristian's symmetrical futuristic garb is a seamless fit. It also at the same time has kind of a retro feel like the old "Spirit of Ecstasy" - The Rolls Royce hood ornament of old.  
 
I am also a big fan of how they were able to finish this piece off. This there was no real way to grab this thing to cut a mouthpiece, they "simply" puntied up the headstock in order to cut the tube off and shape it properly. The only thing dicey about that situation, is that the headstock on this particular piece is cover by some wildly awesome hair that Lacey had earlier applied, so the call of the day was to punty to 3 separate points along the head dress in order to cut the tube off. Risky business to say the least, but these two were able to do just that, followed but a quick cut and repointing of the three connection points.
   We can't thank Kristian and Lacey enough enough! We hope they enjoyed their appearance here because we know we sure did. Although it will be awhile before we may see them again in our studios, we always run into these two when we are out on the road!We also want to congradulate last months raffle winner!!! Please join us for next month's affair with Dave Colton and the CHesterfield Glass Art Collection! Its going to be awesome!!!        | | Congratulations to this month's raffle winner! |
|
|
|
 |
 |
New Arrivals:
New Arrivals from Epok and Fresh Flow!
 Frist, from our man Eron, we have some cap spoons and donut spoons. A NY native, Eron uses vibrant color patterns that he matches to white bodies that really make the spoons pop. The donut spoons feature blown in work and has some great wispy colors.
Next, we have some new flat spoons from Dahn Lindstrom. Dahn, hailing out of IL, has come up with 2 distinct styles in his production line. These styles have are either effeminate and masculine in nature and also feature some great textures. Also this time round Dahn has sent us some Eye bats which are new to the shop. Hurry while supplies last!
Lastly, but certainly not least, we have gotten in a whole line of sparkly liquid filed glass from our man Tommy at Rolling Fire! These things are awesome!!! We have them in spoons, chilliums, slides, and hammers. They come in ALL COLORS OF THE RAINBOW. Be sure to come check it out soon, these are definitely while supplies last and they are going fast!
 |
Happy Birthday from PGW!!
Treat yourself to something nice!
 Now starting at Prism Glassworks, receive 15% off your purchase on your birthday!!! Offer only valid on the day of your birthday, can only be used on finished products currently available in store ( No Custom, No Lessons) We do have a "Sunday Exemption" - If your birthday falls on a sunday, you can come in Saturday or Monday and still receive your discount
|
|
Upcoming schedule.
Finishing up 2012 with a BANG!!
Kristian and Lacey came in from across the country and completely killed it. This month we just need to look to our backyard for something truly special. We still have two more major events on the horizon for this year. Stay tuned to  , , for some last minute tweaks to this years schedule, and some hints into next years 2013 schedule.
August 31st - Dave Colton & The Chesterfield Glass Art Collection
With Dave living so close, he has quickly become a good friend of the shop. His work is wildly fantastic with almost a graffiti feel. This evening has blossomed into a full on viewing of the Chesterfield Glass Art Collection. Be sure to come out and enjoy the visual tour de force in an ULTRA RARE experience. This event has been a long time coming and we are excited to finally have him in. Be sure to catch Dave in his first PGW event.
September 7th & 8th - Melt Away Cancer - Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser.
Come join PGW for a multi day event aimed at melting away ovarian cancer! Day One will feature some extremely talented artist spending all day in our studios creating beautiful masterpieces. Later, on Day Two, We will be holding a charity auction that will include these pieces as well as other items. We will also have some musical acts lined up to help us raise money to wipe out this disease. Plenty of more details to follow. If you have any questions or want to find out how to help, please feel free to email or call.
September 28th - Jason Gordon
Joining us this month is a long time friend, Jason "Live Free" Gordon. This will be Jason's second demo here at the studio. Last time Jason was here, he teamed with another good friend of ours in Chad G and killed it!! It seems like anything we need, Gordon is always there and always down. We can't wait to have him back. Get ready to go big!
October 26th - Tubeapalooza
Last year was our first year for Tubeapalooza and it was absolutely monumental. This year we aim to trump our inaugural year as well as give much love to a good friend of ours, Bonez and the Manifest Glassworks crew. We will have the entire mob on site, firing on all cylinders all night long. This will be one hell of a celebration. What a great way to celebrate all things awesome about the tube and New York.
 | | MgW |
November 23 - Tammy Ball
Whats now a long running tradition. The Baller returns for another triumphant performance. We are always excited to host the amazing Tammy Ball. The Treasure chests will be out and so will be our tree. Its always a good time, so be sure to try and make it.
|
Biography:
Dave Colton
I started blowing glass in 1995 in Fort Collins CO. Myself and a couple friends drove down to Golden CO to get starter kits from Glasscraft. Some bro showed us how to push a bowl and that was it. Later on I was able to take classes with with Emilio Santini, Bandhu and Cesare Toffolo. Big Thanks to Prism for having me Hope to see u there
|
 Whoopzip in the house!!!!!!
Prism Glassworks is proud to announce that we will now be carrying a new line of clothing from Whoopzip. These threads are made right here in New York, and feature designs by some of the most talented glass artist in the game today. This includes their newest arrival "Weapons Of Peace" inspired by the art of Robert Mickelsen. All of this new gear is available right in our gallery. Be sure to come in and check out whats new.
|
We are now LIVE!
Check out whats going on right from home!
 Not able to make it one of our Troy Night Out events? But want to see your favorite artist in action? You can now watch us live as we begin to stream our events through UStream. You find links to these on ours and RedShamrock's Facebook pages. We will broadcasting live from all our in house events and from select outside events.
|
+1 for Pgw on G+!!
Taking over the interwebs one social media network at a time.
 Just so you all know, we do not discriminate against any social media. You are all our friends, tweets, twits,in our circle or whatever! You can now follow our escapades on G+. Its where the cool kids hang out.  |
The Axe of Creation
Check Out the ALL NEW website!!!
 | | http://axeofcreation.com/ |
Just recently the Axe has undergone a serious overhaul, so be sure to head over to the new website and see what they are shredding up now. Greg Bolomey is a seasoned musician, involved in a number of musical projects we think you might appreciate. He is the owner and operator of the Axe of Creation http://axeofcreation.com/ , a free online interactive guitar school, dedicated to making the impossible possible for growing hard rock guitar players. The Axe of Creation is for metal fans of all ages and backgrounds, and easily accessible on it's own or via the "big 3" social networks. ( ,  , , ) Greg is now up to over 4,000 subscribers on Youtube alone, with some of his lessons views climbing in the 40k+ club. When Greg isn't teaching others the music that has defined him, he can be found on stage with his progressive metal band S.T.E.M. (www.stemny.com) Fortunately, Greg is a as approachable as he is talented, if you dig his stuff we encourage you to reach out. Support art for the ears, while Prism continues making art for the eyes... |
On the road.....YET AGAIN!!!
Madison Wisconsin, here we come!
 Its that time of year again! Time for our now yearly pilgrimage to beautiful Madison, Wisconsin for the Glassroots Art Show. This is one of our favorite shows of the year! This years aims to be a notch above the rest with the introduction of a team lathe competition and a husband/wife competition in the days leading up to the show! I am also excited that the show is slightly earlier in the calendar, so we can get some awesome autumn action! We are going to be located at Booth #'s 924-926-928 in tandem with RedShamrock. We can not wait to catch up with all of the mid west crew, and check out some of the amazing glass available today! |
|
|
