The Big Event: Extinguish the Fire--A Glassblowers Ritual

Summertime can be a time when more changes than the season. At Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor it is a time to practice the annual ritual of emptying the 2,300-degree furnace of glass.

 

"Extinguish the Fire: A Glass Blower’s Ritual," a fundraiser for the nonprofit where young people develop a new outlook on life by learning the skills necessary to shape glass, features dinner by Chef Tim Sizer, cooking multiple courses on hot, molten glass. 

 

Capping the evening is a hallowed ritual, as glass artists from Water Street Glassworks led by master glassblower Jerry Catania create an extravaganza of light, steam, smoke and sizzle. When furnace is emptied of glass, everyone listens for the great hush as the ovens are shut down for the summer.  

 

There also will be two auctions -- one silent and one live. Orchid, glass and metal art will be in the silent auction. 

 

Those who attend are reminded to dress casually so they can handle the heat.

 

Proceeds go to the Fired Up! after-school program. As part of the program, teens learn the art of glassblowing, fusing, bead making or stained glass in a two-hour class, once a week from mid-September through June. 

 

Tickets are now on sale for the event scheduled for June 7 and attendance is limited to 75 guests. Water Street Glassworks is located at 140 Water Street, in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Water Street GelatoWorks will be open exclusively for this event that evening. 

 

Call 269-925-5555 for further information.