In late July or August of 2000 I was a rather new Carder Steuben collector. Someone told me if I hadn’t yet been to Corning, NY I had to get there pronto because they were about to close the Reifschlager Gallery at The Rockwell Museum at the end of August and move the collection to CMoG. My wife and son were on a trip to eastern Europe, so on the spur of the moment one weekend I got a discount plane ticket and off I went for my first trip to Corning.
What a discovery. In particular what moved me and made me a loyal Carder fan was the
Reifschlager gallery. This was a special display that took up about half the square footage devoted to the Rockwell collection of some 2,500 pieces of Carder glass. I found the Reifschlager gallery was “mind blowing”. It was set up like an art gallery. One level spacious displays of elegantly designed cabinetry with superb lighting to highlight the Carder jewels. The best of the best of examples and placards supplying descriptions and appropriate histories. No one else was present so.
I didn’t have to be embarrassed by my strange behavior of utter amazement and jumping around
with glee as I took in this breathtaking display of art. I saw and understood the greatness of Mr. Carder’s classic design and many creations of color and technique. I was forever moved. I was smitten. Artistically it was a life wrenching moment. I thought for those who haven’t had the privilege, or others who would like to reminisce that it would be nice to do a pictorial. So, here it is.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cardersteubenclub/sets/72157600311723607

A couple of other items. From Paula Ellman
I just got my copy of the June 18 auction at Bonhams in New York City. Hidden in the back with all the “modern” furniture is lot # 2204. A rare Steuben 1977 clear glass sculpture on its original illuminated base. Illustrated in Madigan p.280. I only buy colored Steuben of the Carder era, but though this piece should be brought to the right people’s attention. No one would ever know about it because of where it is catalogued.
And from Carol Ketchum this report on the Alfred and the Paul Gardner Center.

Hi Alan!
Diane Dolbashian (Rakow) returned my call today. She had been in contact with Dr. Matt Hall at PVGGC at Alfred and was told the papers (Carder/Gardner) are organized and that anyone wishing to view/work with them need only contact him for access.
They are hopeful that in about a year the Ceramic Library will be in their new location thus
allowing space for the PVGGC in its new location. As I recall this is exactly what we were told when there in 2004.
I asked if there had been any further issues of INTARSIA (the association’s newsletter.) The
only one she has is the 2004 one which tells of my aunt’s bequest which funded the glass furnace to be used jointly by the arts/engineering-med-science students.
She felt reassured the papers were being cared for and it was just a matter of time/money. She was also concerned that any overtures which might be made to Alfred directly not come off sounding as though there was a feeling that the items ought to be located elsewhere.
Dr. Matt Hall (607) 871-3143. hallmm@alfred.edu is his contact information.
Alan, this is practically verbatim what we were told in 2004.
I’ll check with Barb Iglewski to see if she knows anything additional. (She is the one who came up with the name INTARSIA for the newsletter and had a paid subscription.) I don’t know if anyone else does at this point. I’m guessing that was the final edition. Aren’t I the optimist?
When I discussed our association with Margaret Rasmussen (Dr. Hall’s predecessor)
Diane said that Dr. Hall acknowledged that she had been very dedicated to the Center. (She and her volunteer core used to attend the symposium when the glass was at The Rockwell.)
Our personal impression (rightly or wrongly) was that her very dedication may have been
responsible for her “golden handshake.” Carol Ketchum