Glass artist demonstrates craft in Apple Hill
Published in The Mountain Democrat, December 5, 2005

California glass artist Sam Russo will be demonstrating his flame working techniques at Apple Hill on weekends through mid December.

Flame working is the process of using glass rods and tubes to create blown and sculptural objects. Russo uses pure gold and fine silver, among other metal oxides to bring out the rich tones of glass.

It is Russo's love of glass that inspires the pattern and color combinations he creates on his own unique pendants, wine stoppers and holiday ornaments. Some favorites emerge from the flame at a more consistent rate while others are brought to life through the beauty of molten glass and his own unique artistic vision and style.

The studio is located on Larsen Loop, approximately 75 fee from the current driveway to Denver Dan's apple ranch. Denver Dan's is No. 14 on the official Apple Hill map, found at AppleHill.com. He is working out of the A-frame that was Denver Dan's original apple stand nearly 40 years ago. This building was most recently used as a country crafts gift store, and now, with some minor renovations, it has become an artists' studio and a showcase for local talent.

On display will be Russo's pendants, wine bottle stoppers, unique marbles, and hand blown Christmas ornaments. Joining in the studio will be Joe Boudreaux featuring his glass ink pens, fused glass pendants, marbles and twisted ice. Boudreaux specializes in colorful twisted ribbons of glass he calls "twisted ice." Twisted ice have a sturdy glass loop attached, making them ideal for ceiling fan pulls and drapery pulls.

Demonstrations are open to the public and will run continuously from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends until Dec. 17.

Russo and Boudreaux's unique, artistic designs are excellent gift ideas for the holidays. Along with his talent at the torch, Russo is also the production manager at Arrow Springs in Shingle Springs. He has worked at Arrow Springs for over eight years and currently manufactures tools for glass blowers in the machine shop.

Arrow Springs is a local manufacturer and retailer of kilns and tools for glass blowers, beadmakers, and fused glass artisans. Russo teaches classes at Arrow Springs on a regular basis with his next class being Dec. 10 and 11.

For information on future classes and shows go to borofire.com or contact Cheri Paola at (916) 337-2592.