Columbus, Toledo Area Artists’ Work on Exhibit at Governor’s Residence June – September 2017

COLUMBUS, Ohio – July 12, 2017

Glass is often viewed as brittle and dangerous, but two Ohio artists hope to shatter these preconceptions with their work on display at the Ohio Governor’s Residence this summer.

Mixed media artist Terri Albanese and glass artist Matthew J. Paskiet were selected by First Lady of Ohio Karen W. Kasich for this quarter’s Spotlight: Featured Artists at the Ohio Governor’s Residence exhibition, which will be housed at the Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden in Bexley through September.

Albanese, a Columbus native who is represented locally with Brandt-Roberts Galleries, creates her two-dimensional pieces by placing hand-cut strips of handcrafted glass side-by-side. She says this technique allows her to emulate her illustration style and gives her the freedom to “paint with glass.”

Kasich says she is looking forward to sharing Albanese’s art with others through the Spotlight exhibition.

“I was immediately drawn to Terri’s work. While we often think of glass as rigid and sharp, her pieces evoke warmth and beg you to touch them,” she says. “The vibrant color and sheen of the glass will bring a welcome brightness to the Governor’s Residence this summer.”

Albanese uses the training she received at the Columbus College of Art & Design and the Miami Mosaic Academy in Florida to create pieces inspired by her personal experiences, faith, and love of nature.

“All my pieces are just an attempt to bring some encouragement, some joy, some light into what could be a really challenging world,” Albanese says, adding that she appreciates when viewers touch her glass paintings because it allows them to become closer to the art. “Color inspires me, and life. I want people to just see the world for what it is in all its beauty and its wonder. And I want to somehow bring that into my work.”

Paskiet, a Holland, Ohio,  native, says a similar sense of awe initially drew him to the world of glass artistry. 

“I saw glassblowing for the first time at Cedar Point when I was a little kid … so I have always wanted to do that,” he says. “I like the challenge that it is. It is not something that you can just walk in and do. It’s something that takes time, that takes dedication, that takes a lot of work.”

Prior to opening Firenation Glass Studio and Gallery in downtown Holland in 2002, Paskiet studied glassblowing at The Toledo Museum of Art, Pilchuck Glass School, and Fundació Centre del Vidre in Barcelona. Throughout his career, he has also previously assisted respected glass artists Dino Rosin and Dale Chihuly.

In his artist statement, Paskiet says he describes his creative style as “generally vivacious yet impulsive.”

“It tends to lean towards the abstract and decorative, utilizing shape and color to generate a reaction,” he says.

Kasich says Paskiet’s work is a fitting representation of an artform that has been traditionally connected to the state’s culture.

“Ohio has a long history with glass and Matt’s work is a testament to those roots,” she says. “I found it easy to get lost in the colors and intricate patterns he captured in his pieces. We are excited to have Matt’s stunning glassware on display at the Governor’s Residence.”

More information about the artists can be found at www.terrialbanese.com and www.firenation.com.

Members of the public who wish to view the Spotlight exhibition can schedule a free tour of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden by calling 614-644-7644 or online at residence@governor.ohio.gov.

ABOUT SPOTLIGHT: FEATURED ARTISTS AT THE OHIO GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE
Spotlight: Featured Artists at the Ohio Governor’s Residence is a program created by Ohio’s First Lady Karen W. Kasich that celebrates Ohio artists by showcasing a sampling of their artworks in the Residence foyer. The program enhances the ongoing partnership between the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden and the Ohio Arts Council (OAC).  Since 1985 the OAC has assisted in placing artwork by Ohio artists and from Ohio cultural institutions in the Governor’s Residence and throughout the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. The “Spotlight” program offers quarterly exhibitions at the Governor’s Residence highlighted by opening receptions. Spotlight Artists are selected by First Lady Kasich with assistance from the OAC. All Ohio artists are eligible to submit their work for consideration. To be eligible for the program the artist cannot be a student enrolled in a degree-granting program and must be a resident of the State of Ohio.

ABOUT THE OHIO’S GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE AND HERITAGE GARDEN
The Jacobean Revival style home was originally built for the family of industrialist Malcom Jeffrey in 1925, and has served as the official Ohio Governor’s Residence for nearly 60 years. Examples of Ohio art, industry, and craftsmanship are showcased throughout the house while outside, the surrounding Heritage Garden reflects the state’s diverse native botanicals and landscapes. Free tours of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden can be scheduled by calling 614-644-7644 or online at residence@governor.ohio.gov.

ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov.

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Photos by the Ohio Arts Council; Artwork L-R: Terri Albanese, Wait in Expectation, Glass, Brandt-Roberts Gallery; Matthew J. Paskiet, Purple Reactive Spiderweb Sculpture, Glass Blown; 
Terri Albanese, Reach to the Skies, Glass, Brandt-Roberts Gallery; Matthew J. Paskiet, Pink Spiderweb Vessel, Glass Blown
Article by Amanda Etchison, Communications Strategist