116 artists: Schack Art Center opens two-decade glass retrospective

The Schack Art Center in Everett opened a new exhibition on Oct. 8 that runs through Nov. 7. The show features kilnformed glass pieces produced by artists who participated in the PAiR program. This marks the 18th year the center has hosted this specific collection of work.

The PAiR program has brought together exceptional artists from across the Americas, Europe, and Australia for nearly two decades. Participants engage in self-directed exploration, contemplation, meditation, and making. The program has utilized various creative settings for these intensive sessions. These locations include the Pilchuck Glass School and North Lands Creative in the United States. It also includes sites in Berlevåg, Norway, and Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

A total of 116 invited artists have taken part in the program since its inception. Each participant receives dedicated time to develop their own artistic vision. The current exhibition is curated by Richard Parrish and Steve Klein. They selected pieces that represent the legacy of this collaborative effort. The display allows visitors to see the evolution of kilnformed glass over an 18-year period.

The Schack Art Center is located at 2921 Hoyt Ave. in Everett. The gallery is open for the duration of the exhibit. Visitors can view the glass works without a timed admission fee for this specific event. The center continues its role as a hub for visual arts in the region. The exhibition highlights the technical skill and aesthetic range of the invited creators.

This display is part of a wider cultural calendar in Snohomish County. Other venues are hosting tribute bands, local music series, and community orchestras. For example, the Mukilteo Community Orchestra presents a free concert on Nov. 1. The Evergreen Community Orchestra performs its season opener on Oct. 30. The Port Gardner Bay Music Society hosts a featured artist on Nov. 15.

The Schack Art Center exhibition provides a visual counterpoint to the musical events filling the area. The glass pieces remain on display until Nov. 7. This date aligns with the end of several other local cultural offerings. The program's focus on international participation distinguishes it from purely local showcases. The 116 artists represented in the retrospective have contributed to a specific body of kilnformed work. The exhibition remains open to the public through the end of October.

The PAiR program continues to invite new artists each year. The 18-year legacy is documented through the physical objects on display. Richard Parrish and Steve Klein managed the curation of this specific iteration. The gallery space at the Schack Art Center is designed to accommodate the scale of these installations. The show concludes on Nov. 7, ending the 18-year retrospective cycle for this specific group of works.

The exhibition is free to view during regular gallery hours. The center is situated in the Everett neighborhood near the waterfront. The glass works reflect the diverse backgrounds of the 116 participants. The program has maintained its schedule of international residencies. The current display serves as a comprehensive look at the output of these residencies. The Schack Art Center will continue to host future iterations of the PAiR program.