While everyone seems to know that ex-Gator, Kerwin Bell is now head football coach at Jacksonville University. Many might not be as familiar with Caroline Madden, co-founder of JU’s Glass Institute of the Southeast and associate professor of art and head of the glass, ceramics, and sculpture department at JU.

Caroline — who grew up in Ireland — received a B.A. from Stourbridge College of Technology and Art in England and an M.F.A. from the Massachusetts College of Art.  She has been a visiting professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the National College of Art and Design in Ireland. Caroline taught summer sessions at the Pittsburgh Glass Center and Pilchuck. She has exhibited in England, Ireland, and the United States.

The Glass studio at JU is considered one of the best equipped in the Southeast. It includes a 220 lb glass furnace, 5 glory holes. and a cold working facility that offers a sandblaster and grinder and polishing equipment. In addition, there is a fully equipped woodshop and plaster area for mold making.

All of which leads us to the fact that five artisans from JU are being

featured in a month-long exhibit, Five to Grow With: A Celebration of Past, Present and Future, at Eclectic Galleries in Jacksonville Beach.  Proceeds from the emerging artists’ work will be donated back to JU to support art programs and scholarships. 

Providing a broader stage for the artists’ works, this unique collaborative venture highlights the handcrafted works of five up-and-coming student artisans in a variety of mediums. The exhibit also celebrates the fifth anniversary of Eclectic Galleries.

“This is a unique opportunity for the community to see outstanding student work beyond the parameters of JU’s campus,” says Debbie Suchy, owner of Eclectic Galleries.  “It also creates a real-world experience for young professionals who want to learn how to market their work to galleries and collectors and make a living following their passion in the arts.”

The featured students include Meghan Fritz’ kiln-fired glass, metal and stone; Dana Gallen’s Into the Deep blown glass; Amanda McDonald’s Nested Forms series 1 – 4 blown glass; Thomas Mulosino’s incalmo, blown glass and metal works; and Audrey Sefton’s pit-fired Raku ceramic series The Twelve.

Post by Ronald