Glass Buoy and Boat Sets Released into Atlantic Ocean

NORTH WILDWOOD – Artist Michael Hengler reflects, “Do you ever have that dream where you are drifting aimlessly through endless open waters? Your destination is left to chance currents and wild wind patterns, but your bravery guides you forward.” Hengler, a Spring 2013 Creative Glass Center of America Fellow at WheatonArts, brought his version of that dream into a reality with his “Buoy & Boat installation.
Hengler displayed “Buoy & Boat” at the Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood, NJ on July 15. The artist released 33 glass buoy and boat sets into the Atlantic Ocean, where they bobbled and wandered their way out to sea. Hengler etched his website address onto the hand sculpted artworks in the hope that when each piece of art arrives at its destination, their finder will reveal a glimpse of the voyage undertaken for each buoy and boat set that arrived at their new shore.
Throughout his life, Hengler combined his passion for art, glass and travel into a lifestyle. He received a formal undergraduate education in Italian Literature from three universities (University of Kansas, Lorenzo De’Medici and University of Oregon). He received his graduate degree in fine arts with a focus in glass from the University of Hawaii, where he is currently a Graduate Teaching Fellow.
His efforts to tie himself to the two thousand year-old tradition of glass in Europe was further rewarded and developed through his travels in the U.S. From Boston to Oregon he continued to hone and gather tricks and skills at various studios. He traveled and worked throughout the U.S. while acting as Director for the Eugene Glass School in Oregon teaching high school students torch-working, and receiving a one year Artist-in-Residence. His residence resulted in a 2009 solo exhibition at the George Kjaer Gallery.
During his time at the University of Hawaii he has received numerous grants, awards, residencies and exhibitions. He has performed at The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu, HI, taught numerous workshops, and has artwork in collections around the world.
Hengler’s fellowship began April 24 and continued through July 17. For more information about the artist, visit MichaelHengler.com or send an e-mail message to info@MichaelHengler.com.
The CGCA program at WheatonArts has provided over 340 fellowships to mid-career or emerging artists since 1983. Artists have access to private studios, facilities and various process mediums. They also receive stipends, technical assistance, comfortable housing and institutional support. Artists are encouraged to use this opportunity to develop and refine their work, while experimenting with glassmaking processes. The collaboration and exchange of ideas among the Fellows enhances a productive climate, supporting the discovery of new vision and resources.
WheatonArts is home to the Museum of American Glass, the Creative Glass Center of America International Fellowship Program, Artist Studios and award winning museum stores. In addition to daily glass blowing and craft demonstrations, WheatonArts presents special exhibitions, programs, workshops, performances and several weekend festivals throughout the year. Shopping and strolling is free except during outside special events.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through December. For more information about WheatonArts and CGCA call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800 or visit wheatonarts.org.
WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for additional needs. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, and the Cumberland County Urban Enterprise Zone. WheatonArts receives general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission, Division of Cultural Affairs in the New Jersey Department of State and is supported in part by the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism