The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit Jimmy Prentis Morris Building/Target Concert Series presents OY VEY CHANUKAH! A totally klezmer Chanukah concert for kids starring Sruli and Lisa Dr. Joel Stillman uses trickshis tr y in pursuing an artistic passion. Joel Stillman: 'My work is about exploring the enigmatic and contradictory qualities of glass." SUZANNE CHESSLER Special to the Jewish News 4 11 oel Stillman learned the science of sculpting before he tackled its artistry. A Dearborn dentist who has been molding teeth for more than 25 years, the West Bloomfield resident began forming glass objects about nine years ago and will have his work show- cased at Temple Israel through Jan. 16. The exhibit, "Looking Through Glass With Jewish Eyes," also features glass collected by four couples who are temple members — Eleanor and Lawrence Jackier, Teri and Mark Goodman, Carol and Gersh Cooper and Lenore and Stanley Doifinan. All pieces were either made by Jewish sculptors or are exam- ples of Judaica. "I know a number of dentists who also are glass blowers, and I think there definitely is a relationship between the two professions," says Stillman, 52, who has shown his work at Gallery: FunctionArt in Pontiac and Art Loft in Birmingham. "Dentists have to be artists when they work on teeth in a way that's similar to shaping glass. "When we work on patients, we have a concept of what their teeth will look like when we finish, and when we work with glass, we also have a finished image in mind. Both require a great deal of eye-hand coordination, the ability to stay focused and an interest in details." Stillman has 20 pieces of his work on display at Temple Israel, where an evolu- tion in style can be noticed. Many of the works are vessel forms, but others are more abstract shapes. Although his vases, baskets and perfume bottles are func- tional objects, his intent was decorative. "My work is about exploring the enig- matic and contradictory qualities of glass," says Stillman, who sculpts one night a week at Michigan Hot Glass Workshop in Detroit. "Because it is fluid yet solid, opaque yet transparent, glass offers a unique perspective that couples both form and medium." Stillman collected glass before he decided to take on his hobby. After talk- ing to a friend who attended classes at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, he enrolled as well, moving on to the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and workshops held outside Michigan. "While I love blowing glass, I have recently been exploring the art of cast- ing," says Stillman, who is able to do preliminary work at home. "This method involves pouring molten glass into a carved, brick mold. When I carve the mold, I add intricate details, which are not possible in glass blowing." Stillman, who has been a Temple Israel member for about 20 years, shares his dentistry interest with his family. His father and two brothers have worked in the same building, where his wife, Renee, helps with office responsibilities. Son Jonathon attends medical school in Pennsylvania, and daughter Sara is a publicist in New York. "It is the spiritual aspect of creating sculpture that I find most fulfilling," says Stillman. ❑ Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. Jimmy Prentis Morris Building A. Alfred Taubman Jewish Community Campus 15110 W. 10 Mile, Oak Park Bring the whole family to this unique concert experience. It's a new way to celebrate Chanukah. Fee: $3 for child member, $4 for adult member, $4 for child non-member and $5 for adult non- member. Tickets available at the JPM Building front desk. Call (248) 967-4030 for information. Sponsored by: The Charles and Frances Driker Fund for Yiddish Culture JCC TARGET Weekend Dinner Special Served Friday. Saturday and Sunday r ONDAY THRU THURSDAY • DEC. 11-14 • AFTER 3:00 '.M. 20c)/c3 OFF ENTIRE FOOD BILL "Looking Through Glass With Jewish Eyes" will be on display through Jan. 16 at Temple Israel. The public can view the display during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and before and after services Friday evenings and Saturday morn- ings. (248) 661 5700. - c,* ,•k*", • , Valid with coupon only • 1 coupon per couple • Not valid with any other discount L • Excludes dinner for two • Dine in only • Expires 12/14/00 Newly Remodeled SIEISIMS FAMILY RESTAURANT 29221 NORTHWESTERN HWY. (Corner of 12 Mile Rd.) Smithfield • (2483 3633 -2353 music reviews OM Entertainment Catch the best