Hyde Park Gallery LA
Hyde Park Gallery LA is opening its doors for the first time on March 4th, with a Grand Opening Exhibition of the renowned glass artist Nao Yamamoto who appears on the “Blown Away” Series Season 2 on Netflix.
The gallery was created by artist / designer Scott Slagerman who is an integral part of the current Los Angeles glass scene. Scott grew up in Los Angeles and studied glass and art during the late 70’s and 80’s when the American Glass Movement was just taking off. He then spent almost 20 years living and working in France as a glass artist and designer.
“When I think about LA, the first things that come to mind are palm trees, beaches, and Hollywood, not glassblowing! However, there is a history of glass in Los Angeles and a current glass scene that has grown considerably in the last 10 years. Most people in LA have no idea that this glass scene even exists, and it really deserves to be talked about especially now that it has matured to this level. There are 7 glassblowing studios in LA that are currently melting hot glass and making glass art. Among these studios are some of the most reputable artists in the U.S. As well as making art, most of them offer classes and demonstrations of glass making. Most people have no idea how glass cups are made, and yet we drink from them every day. Glass is a magical medium and has a history of being considered one of the ‘lost arts.’ Our plan is to help people rediscover this under-represented and under-appreciated art form.”
Hyde Park Glass was created to showcase this local glass scene and offer a platform for both established and emerging glass artists. Currently in LA there are no other galleries that represent glass art as their focal point. During the 80’s and 90’s there were several glass galleries, the Kurland-Summers Gallery being the most prominent, however now all of them are gone.
The art scene in general is changing, and many galleries are changing the way they operate. So much of today’s artwork is only visible online, and therefore getting a show of an unusual medium in a reputable gallery can be nearly impossible for artists at any level. Showing work online and through social media platforms is beneficial and has revolutionized the art world by allowing artists to get worldwide exposure instantly, however nothing compares to seeing it in real life. Feeling that glass art is meant to be seen up close, experienced, and shared. Slagerman is determined to bring the best of this medium back to the forefront, sharing the beauty and complexity of glass art with the local community. His gallery will host artist receptions, art talks, special opening weekends, and tours of his expansive glass studio, as he wants the community to experience what’s going on around them behind closed doors.
“We hope you will join our mailing list for announcements about future events and upcoming exhibitions and follow us on social media to learn about the exciting work we will be bringing to art lovers and glass enthusiasts in the Los Angeles region.“