MACON – Mercer University’s Art Department is showcasing the works of glass artist Bryan Beck through Feb. 8.
Beck is an artist and entrepreneur who creates sculptures and functional pieces in his Macon-based studio. He also teaches glass blowing classes.
His unique glass art is on display in the Frances Sewell Plunkett Gallery in Hardman Hall. A reception and gallery talk for his exhibit will take place on Jan. 24 at 5 p.m.
Beck began studying glass art and fine arts at Salem Community College under the instruction of master glass workers Paul Stankard and Anna Boothe. He earned his undergraduate degree in glass blowing from Jacksonville University and began his work in one of the United States’ oldest glass art factories, Kokomo Opalescent Glass. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in glass from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Beck specializes in hot glass, flameworking, cold working, hot cast glass, kiln cast glass and stained glass.
He is currently the owner and founder of Blazing Paddles Studio and The stARTup Studios in Macon. Both are located on Riverside Drive in the city’s historic trolley repair shop next to Rose Hill Cemetery.
When Beck is not in the studio, he enjoys surrounding himself with family and friends and listening to and playing music. He is also a self-taught musician, specializing in guitar, bass and drums.
The Plunkett Gallery will next welcome Sean Miller’s “Drifting Cabinets” exhibition on Feb. 11-March 1, math and art exhibition “Bisect” on March 11-29, and Mercer’s BEAR Day student art show on April 5-19.
