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.”