Regina Hackett at Art To Go got the scoop (but why she titled her post Two Seattle Chandeliers when the artists in question are both from Tacoma makes me want to remind everyone everywhere that Seattle is NOT the only town in Washington State where art happens, but I digress), so Olympia Dumpster Divers went on a fact-finding mission to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA to visit our friend, Barbara De Pirro, who has been working with the public in the education studio as an artist-in-residence for the past two months.

Barbara’s project was part of MOG’s Science of Art Program, exploring light: its qualities and interactions on various materials and surfaces.  Since it is not feasible to have  drop-in hands-on glass art activities happening in the studio (there is the Hot Shop where one can watch the amazing process at a safe distance), the projects in the education studio utilize other media, such as recycled materials, which are readily available and economical, and ecological, too.

As Regina pointed out in her post, one can find similarities to  Dale Chihuly in De Pirro’s project.  Not only is she making decorative chandeliers, but her installation in the education studio has an underwater aquatic theme ala many of Chihuly’s pieces, including the beautiful Bridge of Glass ceiling.

See more pics of how Barbara De Pirro created art from everyday objects at the Museum of Glass HERE.  Make Art Not Waste!