Greenfield Village Artisan Selected for Prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show

Greenfield Village Artisan Selected for Prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show

Master Glass Blower Jeff Mack is One of 12 Glass Artists Featured in this National Show

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenfield Village Master Glass Blower Jeff Mack has been selected to be part of the prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, D.C. this April. The 2005 Smithsonian Craft Show is the nation's most prestigious juried exhibition and sale of contemporary American craft. Mack was chosen to be one of just 12 glass blowers from across the country featured in this juried show at the historic National Building Museum. More than 1,200 artisans applied for the 120 spots in this year's show which features 12 different mediums of American crafts.

Mack has worked at the glass shop in Greenfield Village for five years and has been the shop's master glass blower for three years. He demonstrates the art of glass blowing to thousands of visitors to the Village each year.

"Jeff's work has exceeded our expectations," said Christian Overland, Director of Greenfield Village. "Having artisans with the skill level as high as his is what really creates a unique experience for our visitors, allowing them to see expert American crafts produced everyday at Greenfield Village."

Mack has a bachelor's degree in arts from Bowling Green University. He has also continued his study of glass blowing at the prestigious Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, Washington. At Pilchuck he was awarded the Corning Award scholarship. Mack has also received a "Niche Award for Blown Glass" from Niche Magazine.

"Working at Greenfield Village has been very influential for me as an artist," said Mack. "Understanding and exploring the history of the American glass craft helps give me inspiration for my own personal work."

Before coming to Greenfield Village, Mack worked as a glass blower at Simon Pearce in Vermont. He also studied and traveled with world renowned glass blower Elio Quarisa.

Mack has taught work shops at San Jose State, Kent State and Bowling Green Universities. He currently teaches glass blowing classes at Greenfield Village.

Greenfield Village is part of The Henry Ford. The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan was founded in 1929 by automotive pioneer Henry Ford. This history destination includes Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, is the history destination that brings the American experience to life. For more information please visit our website http://www.thehenryford.org/ .


Source: The Henry Ford

CONTACT: Jennie Holladay of The Henry Ford, +1-313-982-6124

Web site: http://www.thehenryford.org/


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