Toronto-based glass artist Amber Higgins will appear with a new collection of glass jewelry at the Grand Bohemian Gallery Asheville for the annual Heart & Soul Exhibition.
The opening reception and a trunk show take place Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1.
The exhibition will also debut River Arts District artist Sandra Bottinelli’s colorful abstracts at the Bohemian, Tryon-based mark Holland’s floral and wildlife mixed-media works, and master naturalist John Mac Kah’s originals and giclees.
Higgins, a lamp work glass artist has been visiting Asheville since 2010 for this annual exhibition, showcasing her contemporary glass jewelry designs.
She also employs sterling silver, fresh water pearls, and stones like tourmaline, lapis, hematite, garnet, amethyst, rose quartz, turquoise and many more. Known for her signature heart designs, Higgins uses her travels and inspiration from nature to launch a new design each year, in addition to hearts. This year bas-relief-style cast glass medallions and intricate lamp-worked or flame-worked flowers and beads will also debut in the collection.
“I tend to look towards fashion for inspiration,” says Higgins. “I notice that small layered pieces are showing and I try and incorporate those trends into my designs.”
In this year’s collection, the artist brings back her safari designs, which include tiger and leopard styles, all made from incorporating various colorful rods of Murano glass. She also looks to Pantone for her color palette, so look for plenty of clean blues this year.
As for her signature heart design, says Higgins, “I get a lot of ‘I’m not a heart person.’ Well, I have converted many… The different techniques bring different ideas to the hearts. The polka dot hearts are fun and whimsy. The swirly and foil encased hearts are quite classy. The raised filigree, especially the basic ivory and black are so artsy and a classic look.
“It’s hard not to LOVE them. They garner a lot of attention,” she says. “And, I feel these little works of art gain more adoration when the pieces get noticed by others.”
The opening reception with light bites and beverages, and trunk shows take place over two days at Grand Bohemian Gallery located at 11 Boston Way. Opening hours are Friday, January 31, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, February 1, 4-8 p.m.