Shawn Messenger

Artist Statement

I create my work with attention to detail, expression, and a little mystery so

as to draw the viewer into my world. I would describe my work as

impressionistic, inspired by flowers and gardens. I use a three-dimensional

canvas of glass to produce landscapes with painterly effects. The pieces

that I make are created using the Italian technique called murrini

sometimes known as millifiore (a thousand flowers). The murrini

represents the flower in the landscape and is the inspiration for my work.

Small glass pieces and powders that float together on the surface of the

glass represent the landscape. As an artist, I work hard to develop glass

pieces that speak to both me and others about the beauty that exists in the

world of nature. The challenge is create something that can draw the

viewer into my world and let them explore the beauty.

Brief Bio

Shawn Messenger is a professional glass artist who graduated from the Cleveland

Institute of Art in 1979, earning a Bachelor of Fine Art in glass. She was among the

pioneering group of women who received a glass degree from the Institute during that

time. Shawn further honed her skills by attending renowned institutions such as the

Pilchuck Glass School, where she studied under esteemed artists Dale Chihuly and

Italo Scanga, as well as the Penland School of Crafts, where she focused on murrini

techniques under the guidance of Richard Ritter and Dinah Hulet.

Shawn's exceptional work has gained recognition and acclaim, featuring in the

esteemed publication 500 Glass Objects and earning her interviews on the Create TV

show A Craftsmen Legacy. She is also a dedicated participant in the American Craft

Show, an event sponsored by the American Craft Council, where she has been involved

for over two decades.

As the proud owner of Messenger Fine Art Glass studio and gallery, Shawn has

successfully operated her business for twenty-five years in the vibrant downtown area

of Toledo, Ohio. In her studio, she employs a team of skilled local glass artists to assist

in the creation of individually handblown glass pieces, which are made available for

sale in galleries and through online platforms. Notably, she has established strong

partnerships with reputable institutions such as The Toledo Museum of Art, Collector's

Corner, and the renowned Artful Home catalog. Through these outlets, Shawn's

stunning glass creations have reached not only the local community in Toledo, Ohio

but also enthusiasts worldwide.

Education

1979 BFA in Glass,Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland OH

1978 Pilchuck Glass Center, Stanwood WA

2010 Penland School of Crafts, Penland NC

1980 Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo OH