Amber Cowan

In New York if you're not first you're last.

I popped into NYC today and bought another work of glass art. I squeezed the trip into my schedule -- ahead of my journey to NH tomorrow -- because an artist's show is getting rave reviews and will sell out before I return from hiking. Competing with museums and other rich collectors requires fleet feet.

Last week I attended a private event celebrating the Corning Museum of Glass's release of its annual New Glass Review. I got to hobnob with the Museum's president and chat with Susie Silbert, its irrepressible Curator of contemporary glass art. I saw Susie on TV two months ago when she was Guest Judge on "Blown Away," Netflix's show about glass. At this event I also spoke with an artist unknown to me, Amber Cowan, and viewed some of her work.

Amber is a Philly-based artist who handles material I didn't recognize (milk glass) and uses techniques I've never heard of (e.g., flameworking). In addition to having pieces in several museums, Amber is well-known to powerful people in the fashion and entertainment industries. Her show, up right now at the Heller Gallery in Manhattan, is attracting major media attention. Three magazines have covered it and a lengthy, glowing review will be published soon in The New York Times. 

I examined Amber's work more closely today and made my move. Good thing too -- several well-heeled collectors are vying for pieces and it's a race to the finish line. I'm pleased to have slipped in before it was too late. The work I acquired has hummingbirds in it! (See below.)

If you're in New York take a look at Amber's art. Or come visit me when I invite you to future parties. :)