Welcome to the Glass Alliance of Northern California

​  IN MEMORIAM:  PINO SIGNORETTO (1944-2017)

One of the most famous and revered glass masters in the world, Pino Signoretto, known for his incredible facility in sculpting hot glass, died at the age of 74 on December 30th, 2017. He earned the title of Maestro at age 16, and became known for his ability to transform glass into virtually anything.  During his career he worked for a number of international artists such as Jeff Koons, Salvatore Dali, and Kiki Smith, but he never stopped creating the traditional life size clowns and other classic Murano figures that were his signature.  He was a generous teacher and spirit, touching many artists throughout the glass community and beyond. 

                  
                    2017 Highlights

• A tour of the incredible Dorothy Saxe Collection
• Provided financial support for Cappy Thompson’s lecture at CCA
• Awarded the GLANC Scholarship to exemplary graduating students at Palo Alto High School
• Visited Latchezar Boyadjiev’s studio
• Sponsored and organized the national Glass Currents Exhibition at Richmond Glass Center
• Organized a panel in conjunction with the exhibition featuring: Dorothy Saxe, Steven Aldrich, Joe Morel, Randy Strong, with JoAnn Edwards as moderator
• Organized glass blowing demonstrations at Richmond Art Center in conjunction with the exhibition
• Held a Member Appreciation Event at Tom and Kendra Kasten’s home, with a tour of their amazing collection
• A glass blowing demonstration and artist talk by Claire Kelly from Rhode Island
• An artist talk by Emily Nachison from Oregon
• An artist talk by Rui Sasaki, who came all the way from Japan to speak to our group
• Started the Jack Garfinkle Fund, to honor the memory of our valued member, Jack Garfinkle