MORTON ARBORETUM’S GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH
Date/Time
Date(s) - Wednesday, October 12, 2016 ∙ 12:00 AM - Sunday, October 16, 2016 ∙ 12:00 AM
12:00 am
Location
The Morton Arboretum
Categories
Thousands of glittering orbs rest atop hay bales, on wooden shelves and even in the bed of an antique pick-up truck, their colorful swirls and patterns glinting in the autumn sunlight. The popular Glass Pumpkin Patch returns to The Morton Arboretum, October 12-16. Visitors can make their way to the Arboretum to see and select from a collection of more than 4,000 unique and hand-crafted glass pieces available for sale. Returning in 2016 is the “Farmer’s Market,” featuring blown-glass acorns and leaves as well as a cornucopia of one-of-a-kind glass fruits and vegetables.
Throughout the event, visitors can watch daily demonstrations by noted glassblowers, both from the Chicago area and across the country. Utilizing a kiln and tools of the trade, artists will detail the process of turning smaller pieces of glass into beautiful works of art.
“The Glass Pumpkin Patch has become a wonderful fall tradition for many, and an event we’ve seen grow with each passing year,” said Jacque Fucilla, manager of The Arboretum Store. “Under the colorful canopy of our towering trees, visitors can shop unique art not available anywhere else and take in free demonstrations that highlight the amazing work that goes into each meticulously hand-crafted piece.”
Twenty artists from across the U.S. will showcase their art and participate in the 2016 Glass Pumpkin Patch, including 10 from the Chicago area and throughout Illinois. Leading the event is glassblower Shannon Jane Morgan of Girl Glass Studio in Sacramento, California. Primarily self-taught, Morgan has earned a name for herself with brightly colored ornamental autumn designs as well as pieces such as goblets, bowls, and vases.