Glass Pumpkins Blow Through Santa Monica
Desiree Fabian | Staff Writer
SMC Art Department’s glassblowing students host a fundraiser to support academic opportunities.
Each Fall semester, the SMC Art Department hosts its annual glass pumpkin sale to raise funds and showcase intricate handmade pieces by students and faculty. The deep-rooted tradition behind the sale has been around for over a decade, supporting SMC and its surrounding communities, and signaling the beginning of fall. From multicolored blown pumpkins to bug-inspired jewelry, each piece created is unique in style, showcasing the personality of each artist.
For over 40 years, the glassblowing program has expanded and evolved to the needs of students, staff, and the department. In the past, SMC only offered glass sculpting classes during the fall. Now, with more recognition and support accumulated from the glass pumpkin sales, the Art Department offers courses in the Spring.
Terri Bromberg, an SMC Art Department Faculty member who teaches the glassblowing and glass-fusing classes, was present at the event held on Sept. 30 and shared the allocation of the funds raised.
“30% of the sale price is donations,” Bromberg said. “We’re donating 15% to the SMC Art Department, and 15% goes to the friends of the Santa Monica library, the Pico branch, and the Virgin- ia Avenue Park to do activities together and when we’re at different locations, we partner with different groups and 70% goes back to the artist for their time and work.”
Through fundraising, the Art Department also sends one student on a scholarship to Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington where the student can explore a deeper understanding of glass art.
Though materials and maintenance
are expensive, glass is impressive. The time and thought that goes into the process and creation of these complex pieces reflects the passion behind the artists. Jess Hamada, a glassblow- ing student at SMC, had her craftwork showcased for sale.
“We begin with a bubble, and we go into a mold that gives it these really pretty ridges. We then blow into a pipe to inflate the bubble into this gorgeous shape, and then we add the solid stem,” Hamada said. “As an artist participating in this sale, if 30% of my sales go into maintaining this program, I’m more than happy. I love blowing glass here. I think it's so much fun.”
The character that shines off every art piece lies in the details, and it is reflected in the feedback from the community. Santa Monica resident Lily Sutjitpo received the invite sent widely throughout the community. She saw
the pictures of the glass pumpkins attached to the invitation and thought, “I want to go see those. They are so pretty.”
Lisa Cantero Riddle, a born and raised Santa Monica resident, was delighted by the art display and shared her perspective on the arts and the event.
“It is art anxiety because there is too much, and everything looks gorgeous,” Riddle said. “Art is extremely important, it brings out the creativity in children and adults. All you have to do is look, and all of a sudden– boom– you get an idea, not only from what you see and what you buy but also from what you can do yourself.”
The SMC Art Department will have three more events held throughout the month of October. The next event will take place at Temescal Gateway Park Simon Meadow in Pacific Palisades on Oct. 8.
