Christmas at The Alliance Art Gallery

By Pat Kerns The Holidays are coming to Alliance Art Gallery in downtown Hannibal in a big way and we are celebrating by hosting glass blower Jim Topic as our guest artist.

A Minnesota native, Jim discovered glass blowing while taking a class in college at the University of Minnesota in the 1980’s where he was a theater major. This was during the time when the art form was widely taught in colleges and even some high schools. However, this was short lived because it soon became apparent that the furnaces needed were susceptible to breaking down because of the need for constant maintenance, something often not available. Jim was immediately taken by this technique and has dedicated his life and his focus on perfecting and creating glass art. Today, this popular art form is more popular than ever because of the ease of setting up a flameworking studio.

Sometime after college he and a friend hitchhiked (separately, because no one would offer a ride to two you men) to Nauvoo, Illinois. Once there, he decided to stay and pursue his career as a glass artist, working a job part time while he built his studio. Despite multiple opportunities elsewhere and for a variety of reasons he has chosen to stay and has become a very active part of that community.

Jim is bringing 10 different styles of his hand blown ornaments ranging in price from $12 to $24. He is also bringing examples of his art including tabletop fountains and vases. All would make wonderful holiday gifts!

You will have an opportunity to meet this very prolific artist at the monthly 2 nd Saturday Gallery Night from 4:00 to 7:00 on December 14 which coincides with Living Windows in downtown Hannibal. Throughout the month the gallery’s award winning artists will be featuring hand made gift items…paintings, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, photography, and turned wood art priced at $50 or less. You’re going to love what they been making!