Custom Pieces Just in Time for Christmas

Glass blowers often say, "I can make that!" But will they? The client's imagined piece has to pass through the ears, eyes and hands of the glass artist. Technical and process issues intrude, but often times the result is more than OK. Here is a pattern request: make it clear at the top near the red edge so light passes through the rim. Done, done and done. You have to try it more than once, you see, it's like learning a new song. This lustre piece has green bits in it, too which makes it unique as well. Well done. Next? A small series of little commemorates for a Congressional office. Thanks guys for buying American made.

Color Match Custom Glass

Colors like vivid blue, green, red or yellow are no problem at Nourot Studio because blown glass lighting for residential clients is our specialty. When you are thinking of accent pieces for your home we can help you. We make pendant shades for the kitchen, ceiling domes for the hall and chandeliers for the dining room. Nourot glass Studio of Benicia has been making custom glass works since 1974.
This month we are working on a commission for local contractor, Allan Lemone and his wife Donalyn. With dark blue in the living room, golden yellow in the media room and dark cabinets in the kitchen they asked for something dramatic and vivid (see paint colors) and Nourot is only too glad to come through.
For this commission the hardware will be a center drilled inverted 17" shade and matching smaller diameter for the entry and hall. We always
say when you are picking your hardware for custom blown glass, look for styles that hold the glass in a central post. Drilling the edge of the shades is somewhat risky with hand blown art glass.
Decorative styles can mimic just about any look you have in mind. Surface textures, lines or even etching is a possibility.
When you have an impressive art collection like the Lemone's do, you want lighting that can hold it's own and yet be useful for task lighting.
Nourot Glass Gallery shows many of the kinds of custom pendant lighting and lamps that are available now for fall 2010.
You may call to schedule a design appointment: 707-745-1463 10AM-5PM PDT.

Joan Irving Glass Design

The 'Empire State Building just got allot more beautiful with the renovation of it's glass art.
Escondido, California artist, Joan Irving has been selected to contribute to the renovation of the Empire State Building.
Ms Irving created 500 sand etched panels for the iconic landmark in the big apple. She recently attended the unveiling ceremony for the renovation project.

Designers behind the renovation called on Irving, who operates Joan Irving Glass Design in Escondido, California, to re-create the long-lost glass panels that were originally part of the building's decor when it opened. The new panels by Irving Glass Design stretch 1,400 feet across the building's Art Deco lobby.

The famed skyscraper, the tallest building in post-9/11 New York, is being returned to its 1931 glory after years of neglect, misguided "improvements" and easy fixes to years of wear and tear.

You can learn more about Ms Irving's architectural commissions at Irving Glass Design.

Tony Burchyns Article Most Emailed

Hey fans, the Vacaville Reporter has picked up the story Tony Burchyns wrote about Nourot Glass' 35th Anniversary. It is on this link.
Makes us feel good that the news is spreading around.
Remember to sign up on benicianglass.com or here for the email list for Holiday Sales.
We are starting to get new work in from other glass artists now. A big order of Marco Polo Glass Jewelry will arrive soon.
This weekend the "Summer Breezes" show continues: works by seven women artists.
Micheal and Paula will be in the studio to greet visitors this weekend, so drop on by.
Custom commissions are big this year. Everybody wants to stay practical, it seems. Nourot Glass has been making many more pendant shades and lamp commissions in 2009 than ever before. The "Placer" pattern: gold luster, is especially sought after, so come see this work when you visit.
Weekend gallery hours are 10AM-4PM Saturdays and 12 noon to 5PM Sundays. As always we are also open by appointment.

Nourot Gallery Visitors Info

Our storefront in Benicia has been open since November 1987. We carry the work of many glass makers around the US and offer quite an array of women's jewelry, mostly made of glass. Sharing our building in a seperate gallery space is the Smyers Gallery owned and operated by Steve Smyers and Judith Keyes Smyers.



Wall pieces by Nourot, McQuaid, Zigulis and Christine as well as Vitrix Studios are among the newer kinds of work we display and sell. There is a "seconds' or nearly perfect room where you may find the slightly odd piece at a big discount in the back.
Nourot Glass Gallery is wheelchair accessibile from the street level as are the restrooms. Tour buses are charged a fee to bring a group of 15 or more. Certain days or time reservations are required for groups. Individuals and families may visit at any time we are open. The glass making is usually in the mornings on weekdays; but call to see what this week's schedule will be.
Collector's will be admitted to the "vault" where early pieces from the studio's formative years are kept. Memorabilia from important commissions and collaborations can be found in the studio's vault, too.
While you are visiting remember to ask for a list of galleries that show the Nourot Studio glass work of Micheal and Nicholas Nourot and Ann Corcoran. Pieces you have in your collection can be appraised for current value by making previous appointment with the studio's secondary market agents.
Lighting commissions and commercial installations as well as singular or series awards in blown glass by the Nourot artists are welcomed. Inquire for a job prospectus when you visit. Mondays through Wednesdays your sales person is Rene Silcox and Friday, Saturday and Sundays Paula Foster.