As autumn arrives, pumpkins are appearing in various forms across the country. Among them are beautiful hand-blown glass pumpkins crafted by alumni, students, and staff from Santa Monica College (SMC). On October 4, these stunning creations were showcased at the Santa Monica Farmers Market located at Virginia Park.
Showcasing Glass Art at the Santa Monica Farmers Market
This event featured a vibrant collection of multicolored glass pumpkins near the main entrance of the Pico Branch Library. Shoppers from the market took the opportunity to explore these artistic pieces. Children were particularly enchanted, reaching out to touch the delicate glass, while their parents closely supervised.
Organized by a Glass Sculpture Expert
The annual glass pumpkin sale was organized by SMC glass sculpture instructor Terri Bromberg. The event not only showcased glassblown pumpkins but also included fused pumpkins, fruit, jewelry, and other glassware. When asked about the origins of the pumpkins, staff, also SMC alumni, mentioned locations like New England and Palo Alto.
A Tradition in Glass Blowing
- The glass pumpkin has established itself as a vital project within many glassblowing programs.
- Teaching assistant Susan Haskell noted that some locations hold entire fields of glass pumpkins.
- The first glass pumpkin patch fundraiser began in Palo Alto, California, in 1996.
This initiative was introduced by Boddy Bowes and Mike Binnard, founders of the Bay Area Glass Institute. The glass pumpkin technique was later brought to the MIT Glass Lab, culminating in the MIT Great Glass Pumpkin Patch held in 2019.
SMC has embraced this tradition for over a decade. The annual event helps fund the college’s glass program and supports local artists. Alumna Mildred Rivera also participated, displaying her glass-fused jewelry, and emphasized the high costs associated with glassblowing. She mentioned that for those without access to a glassblowing facility, glass-fused art can be created using a high-power torch.
Unique Glassblowing Programs in Los Angeles
It is noteworthy that SMC is the only public institute offering glassblowing programs in Los Angeles County. Upcoming events for the SMC Glass Pumpkin sale include:
- Thursday, October 9: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the SMC main quad.
- Saturday, October 11: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Simon Meadow, Temescal Gateway Park, Pacific Palisades.
These events promise to be a beautiful celebration of artistry and the fall season, inviting all to experience the charm of glass pumpkins.
