Now celebrating a career that spans over 50 years, Gloucester County’s Paul J. Stankard has gained international renown for his glass artistry. He is a pioneer in the studio glass movement and his work is represented in major museums and private collections here and abroad. He is considered a living master who translates nature in glass. He is also Artist-in-Residence and Honorary Professor at Salem Community College and the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the James Renwick Alliance Masters of the Medium and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Glass Arts Society.
His presentation, South Jersey Glass in Bloom, on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 29, 2023, 3 p.m., at the Richwood Academy Cultural Center, focuses on how his work as an artist builds on both South Jersey’s glass heritage and Salem Community College’s unique glass program.
Influenced by the writings of South Jersey poet Walt Whitman, and the beauty of the region’s native flora, his work has been described as “crafted blossoms suspended in stillness.” He has stated that his work has “organic credibility,” but conceals in that imagery more personal illusions.
“I want people to go beyond the wizardry of whether it is real or glass,” says Stankard. “It is about respect for living things.”
He has also authored four books, including his most recent work, Inspiration from the Art of Paul J. Stankard – A Window Into My Studio and Soul, copies of which will be available for purchase and signing.
Sunday’s program promises to be a rare opportunity to meet and learn from one of South Jersey’s most eminent living artists.
Richwood Academy Cultural Center is located at 836 Lambs Rd., Richwood. There is no admission fee; free tickets and information are available online at the Harrison Township Historical Society’s website (HarrisonHistorical.com) and its public Facebook page. Programs are also livestreamed and archived at Facebook. Facebook membership is not required to access the program.
The Harrison Township Historical Society’s arts and history programs are made possible in part by funding from the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of South Jersey, in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State.
