Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of GlassCurrent Exhibits | Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Docents Know Glass

January 22 – May 16, 2021

Since our doors first opened in April, 1959, docents have played an integral role in sharing the story of Evangeline Bergstrom and her passion for collecting and expanding upon our knowledge of glass as an artistic medium. Through the efforts of docents past and present, visitors have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the time and expertise necessary to create works of glass art. Their continued enthusiasm and spirit of volunteerism exemplifies our vision for being The Place for Exciting Discoveries in Glass.

With combined docent experience totaling more than 75 years, our volunteer guides have selected works for exhibition from the permanent collection that are most significant to them. From antique paperweights and Germanic glass drinking vessels to Victorian baskets and contemporary glass sculpture, Docents Know Glass is sure to inspire an appreciation for everything Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass has to offer – including our fantastic docents! This exhibition is curated by our current docent corps, including Liane Butitta, Gail Dolan, Chris Grunwald, Kay Hendrickson, Pat Rosenak, Mary Ellyn Vicksta and Jeff Zdrale., and is supported in part by the Richard L. Johnson Memorial Fund.

/ˈdōsənt/ (noun) a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or zoo.

Meet our Docents

Select Works from the Exhibit

Photo of Strawberries Paperweight – Mt. Washington Glass Works — Strawberries Paperweight – Mt. Washington Glass Works
Mt. Washington Glass Works Strawberries Paperweight, ca.1870-1890 Glass Bequest of Evangeline H. Bergstrom PW 1958.161.161 Selected for inclusion in Docents Know Glass by: Kay Hendrickson

Photo of Foxglove Medieval Herbal glass art by Paul Stankard — Foxglove Medieval Herbal by Paul Stankard
Paul Stankard (American, b.1943) Foxglove Medieval Herbal, 1978 Flameworked glass Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Stankard PW 1996.11.1985 Selected for inclusion in Docents Know Glass by: Chris Grunwald

Photo of Upright Cameo Carved Diatreta and Dove glass art by Barry Sautner and Doug Merritt — Upright Cameo Carved Diatreta and Dove by Barry Sautner and Doug Merritt
Barry Sautner (American, 1952-2009) and Doug Merritt (American) Upright Cameo Carved Diatreta and Doves, 1974 Cameo carved, engraved glass Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Barlow PW 1995.8.1960

Photo of Inner Thoughts glass sculpture by Kristian Klepsch — Inner Thoughts by Kristian Klepsch
Kristian Klepsch (Austrian, b.1943) Inner Thoughts, 1986 Cast, engraved glass Gift of Don and Carol Wiiken GL 1997.9.78 Selected for inclusion in Docents Know Glass by: Pat Rosenak

Photo of Enchanted Stairway glass sculpture by Martin Rosol — Enchanted Stairway by Martin Rosol
Martin Rosol (American/Czech, b.1956) Enchanted Stairway, 1999 Cut, laminated and polished glass Gift of Steven and Chickie Rosen GL 2018.3.247 Selected for inclusion in Docents Know Glass by: Jeff Zdrale

Photo of Covered Schwarzlot Goblet with Medallions of Vanity and Time — Covered Schwarzlot Goblet with Medallions of Vanity and Time – Unknown Maker
Unknown Maker Covered Schwarzlot Goblet with Medallions of Vanity and Time, ca.1680 Glass Gift of Mrs. Ernst Mahler GG 1979.25.105 Selected for inclusion in Docents Know Glass by: Gail Dolan

Photo of Field Trip glass sculpture by Emily Brock — Field Trip by Emily Brock
Emily Brock (American, b.1945) Field Trip, 2009 Kilnworked glass, cast glass and flameworked glass Museum purchase with contributions from the Leslie Hamilton Memorial Fund and partial gift of Emily Brock GL 2009.22.123 Selected for inclusion in Docents Know Glass by: Mary Ellyn Vicksta

Don’t miss the “Docents Know Glass” online special events

Museum Members Only Online Event: REGISTER HERE

Opening Celebration – January 21, 7:00 pm
All events will be held ONLINE via Zoom.

Museum Members and Pubic Online Events: (Registration Opening Soon)

Virtual Tour – February 16, 10:30 am
Virtual Tour – March 16, 10:30 am
Virtual Tour – April 21, 10:30 am
Closing Celebration – May 13, 7:00 pm
All events will be held ONLINE via Zoom.

Victorian Glass Baskets

October 9, 2020 – October 9, 2021

During the reign of Alexandrina Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, Ireland, and Empress of India (1837-1901), English and American glass factories responded to the rise of consumerism and the increasing desire for everything glistening and ornamented by creating and marketing fanciful glass table decorations for middle and upper-class households. The art glass basket reached the height of its popularity between 1880 and 1890. These colorful and highly decorated works of art glass represent both ingenuity and technical skill. Frequently embellished with ruffled rims and applied handles shaped in loops or decorated with thorns, these baskets proved to be popular wedding gifts and were a mainstay in Victorian homes. Now on exhibit in the Mabel R. McClanahan Memorial Study Gallery.