Last week’s e-mail about interesting young people in art glass drew yet more interesting
commentary.

First, is commentary on education in glass from Brenda Smith:
Great note Alan – Steve and Dean (especially) have a point that I believe is shared by many clubs. We as an organization need to make sure that interested persons understand that our main mission is Education. We aim to share our knowledge about Carder Steuben without intimidating those who may not be able to purchase pieces. This education presented in pleasant surroundings with other glass lovers is what makes clubs work. It is fun when I realize that within the last decade you and Susan were collecting cobalt depression glass as I am currently. Perhaps someday I too will have Carder Steuben. For now my problem is that I enjoy learning and seeing all types of glass and spend my funds on the travel and meetings.

Next, Jo Ann Godawa reflects on some of her experiences:
Years ago Cliff Hillegass, of Cliff Notes fame, was my most avid art glass collector. He
was particularly fond of Steuben and thought Frederick Carder to be the most talented and
dedicated glass artist of all time. We often discussed making a film about his life but, alas, “Life is Short, Art is Long,” to quote Mr. Carder. He really had a most interesting life! My friend, Cliff, passed away in 2001 of complications from a stroke.
I don’t think Mr. Carder ever quite got over being politely “ousted.” This, from Eric
Erickson whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Denver. I went to dinner at their home
whenever I did the shows there. He also wrote books about Steuben but they contained
many misattributions and were not held in much esteem.

From Mark Amato:
I have been collecting art glass, primarily Steuben, just 3 years although I am in my mid-50’s. I am sending a picture of 20 of my Steuben pieces under $500 as a counterpoint to Debbie Tarsitano arguing that collectors should buy one good piece instead of buying a bunch of poor quality ones. I think that even low priced Carder Steubens are magnificent. You can get a wide variety of Carder’s glass types under $500, even under $200. I do have a couple of pieces $1500+. As far as the elitist attitude possibly discouraging new collectors, I’m afraid it’s true and I have run into it within the Club itself. My wife and I have been on the boards of a couple of nature oriented clubs and I’m afraid all clubs tend to be cliquish and run primarily for the pleasure of the group at the center. I started paying dues to the Carder Steuben Club because I was using the index for research and learning.

From Kathy Solomon, music to my ears:
My first piece of Carder Steuben was a small purple wine glass that I bought at Mr. Rockwell’s store on Market Street in Corning. That little glass “sang” to me when I saw it. And the song is why I buy any art – if a piece lifts my spirit, makes me laugh, touches my heart, soothes my soul it is priceless. Carder Steuben sang again to me at Linda’s antique store on Market – a lovely little red wine glass. Many more items in the locked cabinet have sung to me but will have to wait!

Finally, thanks for the comments from Gary Volz:
I so enjoy this dialogue about collecting, and encouraging new (not necessarily young) collectors.
We consider ourselves to be in this category as far as Steuben is concerned. But, we also have similar interests in other areas, such as American art & paintings. Speaking from our experience, I feel that the best encouragement comes from the veteran collectors themselves. Whether economics is at issue or not, education is the first step. The Carder Steuben Club was our choice for the best route to learning about American art glass. We have never regretted that decision.
Likewise, with our paintings, local collectors and curator friends, dealers, etc, have taught us more, faster, than all the books in our library. Passion is contagious, and in my experience, dialogue with experienced, passionate collectors rarely disappoints. Mistakes on Ebay are the price of tuition for those who choose that path to learning. Regardless of whether we spend $200 or $2000 on a piece, it’s rewarding (and cheaper in the long run) to choose quality over volume.