Page 67 - May Sun Rays flipbook

HEATING GLASS IN THE FURNACE AT SALADO FACE MASK SCULPTURES AT SALADO SCULPTURE
GLASSWORKS, FEBRUARY 2016 GARDEN, FEBRUARY 2016

Faith Burns

On February 19, 2016, we traveled to Salado to tour two artistic studios: a pottery and a glassworks. At the pottery, we were
able to photograph owner Ro Shaw as he gave us a demonstration with clay. Many of Ro’s creations could be seen throughout
the studio, including a table made from a tree trunk.

Next door to the pottery studio was Salado Glassworks, owned by hand-blown glass artist Gail Allard. Gail has been practicing
his craft for over 14 years, and each piece he creates is unique. Many of the photographers in our group were eager to photograph
the delicate blown glass items on display. We were honored to be allowed into their work area to observe as glass was heated
and shaped. It was mesmerizing and very entertaining.

On a small hill near the studios were ruins of the 1859 Salado College Park. Tucked behind the main street shops and across
from The Stagecoach Inn’s old restaurant, the park featured statues, crumbling stone walls and helpful displays that provided
a lot of interesting history about this site.

While wandering around town, we happened to Ànd Salado’s Sculpture Garden. It features artwork from a range of different
artists, with sculptures displayed there subject to the elements in this park-like setting. The park is maintained by the Public
Arts League of Salado, which is very active within the community, and Keep Salado Beautiful, a volunteer group which helps
to create green spaces. I didn’t have time to photograph every piece, but there were many very unique sculptures testifying to
the unique personality and fascinating history of this beautiful Texas town.

BLOWN GLASS BOWL AT SALADO GLASSWORKS, FEBRUARY 2016 M AY 2 0 1 6 SUNRAYS | 65

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