Glass art subject of Art Center exhibit

The Mississippi Waterfowl that graced the Art Center gallery for the past month now have flown away to parts unknown, making room for a glittering new exhibit that opened Saturday.

More than 170 pieces created by members of the Glass Artisans Club of Southeast Iowa and Western Illinois will be on display through April 28.

A reception for the artists is 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Art Center, 301 Jefferson St.

The exhibit contains a variety of lighted Tiffany lamps, some composed of more than 300 pieces. These lamps are made from actual Tiffany patterns and are authentic from their color to the bases on which they sit. Upon entering, visitors will see a large, free-standing butterfly and dragonfly surrounded by glass pots of flowers and other garden items. The windows of the Art Center sport art glass panels ranging in subject from nature to the modern and contemporary. Sun catchers twinkle along the east windows. Fused glass flowers, vases, plates, and sculptures present another method of glass work, and there also is a wonderful selection of hand-made glass-bead jewelry. This exhibit will have a large variety of glass works from glass beads to fused glass, along with panels of all sizes.

Three-dimensional works, including glass shades, also will be included.

The show will feature the work of 18 of the club's 33 members, including some special pieces made by the club's founders. Many of these pieces are for sale.