In a glass of his own
The large windows in the Newport Visual Arts Center’s Runyan Gallery, working in tandem with longer days and increased sunlight, should make for a spectacular, colorful display during “A Life in Glass.”
Chuck Franklin’s feast-for-the-eyes stained-glass exhibit, opening this Friday, March 1, highlights the skill and scope of technical and design variety that is only earned from a lifetime of passionate dedication to one’s art.
Friday’s opening reception will start at 5 pm, featuring light refreshments, wine and the music of Mike Tolle.
"We're thrilled to present the intricate and beautiful creations of an Oregon legend," said Newport Visual Arts Center Director Chasse Davidson. "Chuck's work is nothing short of magical, and it will be a treat to see such a variety of stained glass styles and techniques together in one place."
While the majority of works on display are being shown for the first time, the show will also include some that date back to the early years of Franklin’s career. The creations will also be on display in the building’s second-story windows, making them visible from the sandy shores of Nye Beach.
Franklin began working in stained glass in Portland in 1974. Specializing in commission work, he created residential, commercial and religious art with a studio that, at its peak, had 20 full-time employees.
In 2008, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Art Glass Association of America.
Although he officially retired from his Portland studio in 2015, Franklin continues to design one-of-a-kind pieces, maintaining a small studio on the coast where he creates works of art for galleries, shows and selected commissions.
“The combination of color, line and light was always appealing to me, both from an artistic and technical standpoint,” he said. “Since retiring to the coast, I’ve found that the ocean and the beach have had an influence on my work, both in designs and materials used. I’ve also found that, even in retirement, the joy of painting with glass has never left me.”
“A Life in Glass” will be on display through May 19 at the Newport Visual Arts Center, located at 777 NW Beach Drive, open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 pm. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.