The Glass World of Sabra Richards

For art from the masterful fabrication of kiln-formed glass, FABRICATIONS 2014 —an exhibition running August 1-30 at Chestertown RiverArts —presents the work of Sabra Richards.

Her 50 years working in the arts as painter, printmaker and papermaker have led to her evolution over the last fifteen years as a glass artist. This work, currently in the medium of kiln-formed glass, expresses her interest in space, interacting planes, dimension, different materials and love of color.

“It’s been an interesting journey learning and working in several media and now I find the challenge of glass in combination with other materials to enhance the glass, very exciting and challenging” says Sabra. Functional sculpture, tables and benches have become part of her work. For her, like many artists, a new idea or direction explored until it “works” may very well be the best and most fun part of any new challenge.

For the glass, Sabra starts with sheets of Bullseye Fusible Glass. Her method is very bold and direct. She chooses color, individual ones and others layered to achieve other colors. The design is created by adding and subtracting glass and most importantly adding cane and components made at the furnace, usually at the Corning Glass Museum. Sixteen pieces of glass are formed into a block, fired and then put into the furnace, turned and heated until malleable, and then pulled into the cane you see in her work. “The process is long and involved and wonderful to do,” she says.

Sabra Richards’ “Waltzing on the Walk” console table features unique hand-cut glass on top and kiln-formed fused glass below. This is part of a special edition piece comprising 5 tables.

For sculpture, tables and benches with steel bases, the bases are designed first and cut for her in ¼” steel. She works with a welder to assemble them and then her work begins making all the glass herself. Sculptures can be as small as 2 feet or as large as 8-10 feet high.

Sabras’ kiln-formed glass works can be found in about 100 public and corporate collections and many private collections. She has won many awards and Honors including Who’s Who in American Art, NY Art Review: A survey of leading artists, Printworld: Who’s Who and American Art Collector: listed 2005, 2006.

Sabra earned her BFA, Cum Laude, at Syracuse University. She did graduate work at Parsons School of Design, SUNY Cortland, Bennington College, and Syracuse University.

Sabra lives in Kent County, and upstate NY. See her kiln-formed glass sculptures and tables in the Studio Gallery at Chestertown RiverArts, 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD during the month of August. Opening Reception is Friday, August 1, from 5-8 p.m.  Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Thursday  11 am – 4 pm, First Fridays 11 am – 8 pm.  Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm.

Chestertown RiverArts is a member-supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to engaging our community in the creation, appreciation, and support of the arts.