Hot shop students
The
Glass Art Society’s conference proved a dynamic forum for UniSA’s
students to immerse themselves in the international glass arena, gain
exposure and work behind the scenes.
The International Students Exhibition, held in the South Australian School of Art’s new gallery space in the Kaurna building, showcased more than 300 student works. Impressively, UniSA students won six of the 13 prizes on offer.
Third place was awarded to Rebecca Hartman-Kearns who received $500 from Bullseye Glass, glass blowing tools and a subscription to Urban Glass magazine. Her success didn’t stop there; her winning piece was purchased by a Parisian gallery, where she has been asked to exhibit in October.
“I was thrilled by the win, but also by meeting glass students from across the world and seeing their work. It was an unforgettable experience,” Hartman-Kearns said.
Honourable mentions were also given to South Australia’s Sarah Field, Karen Cunningham, Nicole Ayliff, Esther Lower and Yhonnie Scarce. Scarce and student Chris Carter were also asked to exhibit in Paris.
In addition to helping to organise demonstrations and lectures, two UniSA students were offered workshop scholarships with Scott Chaseling, an internationally known glass artist. They also worked as technical officers for international artists, positions that had people applying from across Australia.
“Being a part of the conference really helped me see that pursuing a career in glass is not such an unobtainable goal,” said Lower, a third year UniSA glass student who received an honourable mention in the international student show, and worked as a technical officer.