science into the world. This year, he has 
selected two men of history to spotlight 
— American choreographer Alvin Ailey 
and German visual and performance art-
ist Joseph Beuys.
“I have always felt dance is a kinetic 
sculptural medium, and the Ailey compa-
ny is the epitome of that idea,
” Linn said. 
“Beuys had a colossal influence on the 
post-World War II generation of artists.
”
Viewers will see Linn’
s studio in Claret, 
a wine country village of 1,500 people, 
which he describes as interesting and 
pretty. 
Linn’
s Jewish heritage can be traced 
through his late father, a woodwork-
ing teacher who interested his son in 
three-dimensional processes. Over the 
years, Linn’
s projects have included atten-
tion to Jewish subjects, such as Albert 
Einstein and sculptor George Segal, but 
not because of their religion.
The use of materials beyond glass 
enhance Linn’
s very large structures.
“I wanted to participate with Habatat 
because I believe in the gallery,
” he said. 
“It’
s been a wonderful partner.
”
Laura Donefer, based in rural Ontario, 

also misses being with colleagues and 
collectors, but she is glad to be part of 
this digital initiative. Viewers will see 
examplesof her blown and flame-worked 
efforts.
Donefer has developed new pieces to 
be part of her Amulet Baskets series. Her 
artistry is planned to bring love, joy and 
color into people’
s homes.
“There is one color palette that means 
a lot to me,
” said Donefer, an award-win-
ning artist who has taught and given lec-
tures internationally and won a Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the Glass Art 
Association of Canada. “I wanted to 
honor yellow because … the Jewish peo-
ple had to wear the yellow stars to single 
them out as Jews [during the Holocaust].
”
With the digital event, collectors will 
see Donefer’
s home studio for the first 
time, and that brings a lighter touch to 
her career. 
“It is very messy, and I love it that way,
” 
she explained. “Sometimes, you can’
t see 
the floor.
” 

 

To experience the artists and works associated 

with Habatat, go to glass48.com through August.

“By creating this 
virtual experience, 
we are able to 
bring the latest in 
the world of studio 
glass not only to 
collectors and 
museum creators 
but also to a whole 
new audience.”

— AARON SCHEY

 JUNE 25 • 2020 | 33

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HABATAT GALLERIES

LEFT: Artist Alex Bernstein 
at work in his studio. His art 
is also featured in the digital 
show. TOP: Steve Linn’
s “Four 
Sketches on Dances by Alvin 
Ailey.” RIGHT: Irene Frolic’
s 
“She Loves Us Still: Water.”

