Inspired: The Corky Tuttle Glass Legacy
Muskegon Museum of Art
Through April 18
Adults $5, Children 17 and under Free
muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570
Many people have seen the effects that Tiffany-style glass has had not only on the appearance of stained glass on chapel windows, but also the snazzy glass lampshades hanging over pool tables in smoky pubs. And, the art of famed glass maker Chihuly revealed the artful possibilities of glass as towering reeds; swaying gently, or as vibrant, jellyfish-like ceiling adornments. It was a woman called Corky who had promotional ambition and an insatiable drive to highlight glass art in the Michigan area.
C. Corcoran "Corky" Tuttle was an avid proponent of the American Studio Glass Movement. Corky and her husband Bob became deeply involved in the Muskegon Museum of Art in the 1980s. She opened a gallery in downtown Muskegon and "became very passionate about contemporary Studio Glass," said Judith Hayner, Director at the Muskegon Museum of Art.
Collectors themselves, the Tuttles generously donated glass art pieces to the museum over the years, and in the process, made a huge impact on the museum's direction.
"[Corky] brought us along in terms of our own understanding of the Studio Glass Movement," said Hayner.
The Muskegon Museum of Art had a history of collecting and featuring glass, which began in 1925 with the acquisition of a Tiffany piece, and Tuttle fueled the interest in glass during the 1980s. She built connections with notable names in the glass world, like Benjamin Moore, Stephen Powell, Marvin Lipofsky and Sonja Blomdahl, while they were just launching their art careers. Through her networking and ambition, Tuttle spearheaded efforts to acquire a permanent glass collection and offered her first donation in 1980, a Lino Tagliapietra and Douglas Navarra platter.
The exhibit is aptly titled, Inspired: The Corky Tuttle Glass Legacy, for a variety of reasons. The Studio Glass artworks on display have been predominately drawn from the museum's permanent collection of 125 pieces, significantly built up by the Tuttles' enthusiasm and contributions. Also included are "works directly inspired by the two (who have both passed on) and works that have been added since their involvement," said Hayner.
"[The exhibit] varies wildly in style ... very small works and large scale works that might sit on the floor or sit on a pedestal," Hayner said. "One of the works is by Steven Powell. [It is] very large for a piece of studio glass."
Other works on display — added to the museum's collection between 2002 and 2009 — feature Benjamin Moore, Debora Moore, Stephen Rolfe Powell, Rick Beck, Nancy Callan, Sonja Blomdahl, and Dante Marioni.
Since Corky's involvement, the Muskegon Museum of Art has been active in the glass art community.
"April is Michigan glass month and [we] usually are the only museum that participates in this," Hayner said. "What I think is remarkable about Corky Tuttle is her ability to share that passion in such a way that really altered our directions as a museum."
PHOTOS: [Top] Ann Wolff, Ensemble. [Right] Stephen Rolfe Powell, Lurid Gasp Johnson.
Other Art Events
By Maggie Reed
Mirror, Mirror: Art inspired by fairy tales
Muskegon Art Museum
Feb. 18-May 2
muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570
29 West Michigan artists were asked to represent a story or theme from a popular folk or fairy tale in works of original art. The project resulted in a very well-rounded and whimsical gallery show that people of all ages will enjoy. Throughout March, the Cinema Sunday series will bring an added layer to the show by screening very different versions of classic fairy tales, like Švankmajer's Něco z Alenky (Alice in Wonderland) on Mar. 21, at 2 p.m.
Art Hop
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
March 5, 5-9 p.m.
kalamazooarts.com, (269) 342-5059
Each month, the Kalamazoo Arts Council hosts an Art Hop, but only seasonally do they host an expanded one. Contrary to popular belief, where art is concerned, there is nothing wrong with too much of a good thing. Maps and descriptions of participating galleries and businesses will be available online or at the Arts Council and the variety is great, so if you are in to art from pottery to impressionism, you can pick your poison. The best thing? It's free.
Live Coverage
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Grand Rapids
March 13, 6:30-11 p.m.
$65 for UICA members, $75 for general public
uica.org, (616) 454-7000
This charity event will feature several area artists actually creating one-of-a-kind pieces before your eyes. You can see the process from start to finish. Those pieces will be auctioned off in both live and silent auctions the same evening. There will be incredible catered food, a cash bar, and a DJ spinning cutting edge tunes for your dancing pleasure.
