FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
____________________________
CONTACT:
Sharon Poynor, Public Relations
(415) 789-9150
sharon@poynorpr.com
THE 15th ANNUAL GREAT GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH® 2010
~ The Largest Glass Pumpkin Patch in California ~
FREE ADMISSION
Palo Alto Art Center/Palo Alto, California
Exhibition: Tuesday – Friday, September 28 – October 1, 2010
Sale: Saturday – Sunday, October 2 – 3, 2010
www.greatglasspumpkinpatch.com





WHAT: The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch®—a beloved Bay Area autumn event for all ages--
returns to the Palo Alto Art Center from Tuesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 3, 2010.
Celebrating its 15th Anniversary, it is the largest glass pumpkin patch in California—featuring 8,000 handblown glass pumpkins crafted by 30 prominent glass artisans. Wander through a dazzling array of one-of-a kind glass pumpkins and other unique glass art objects, designed to reflect nature’s brilliance in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. From bold, contemporary earthy tones to delicate and ornate with iridescent accents, these glass art pumpkins are perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving, yet beautiful enough to display year-round. On the exhibition days, watch thrilling flameworking demonstrations by Mountain View artist, Demetra Theofanous. Meet glass artists in person and learn more about this extraordinary art-making process. The public sale runs Saturday through Sunday, October 2 & 3, 2010.

Proceeds from the Patch support the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI), the Palo Alto Art Center (PAAC), the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation (PAACF), as well as participating artists. Both BAGI and PAACF are 501(c)(3) non-profit art education organizations.

New in 2010 - Glassblowing demonstrations at Palo Alto High School (Paly) showcase the talents of students, school-alumni and professional glass artists from BAGI and GGPP. The public is invited to attend this exciting event at the campus Glass Studio on Wednesday, September 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: 50 Embarcadero Road, Room 105, Palo Alto, CA.

PATCH HIGHLIGHTS:
• A magical showcase of colorful hand-blown glass pumpkins and unique glass art objects
• 8,000 one-of-a kind designs from 30 glass artisans from the Western States
• Engaging torchworking demonstrations and opportunities to meet the artists
• A favorite fall tradition for all ages

"COCKTAILS & PRESALE"/October 1, 2010/5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Presented by The Palo
Alto Art Center Foundation, “Candlelight Cocktails,” is a fabulous party and pumpkin presale. Those who join the Foundation at the Advocate-level ($250), or who upgrade their membership at www.paacf.org/join, will enjoy free admission to this event. "Candlelight Cocktails" is sponsored by the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley. Call (650) 329-2218 for more information.

WHEN:
Exhibition Dates: Tuesday–Wednesday, September 28 – 29, 2010
                        (10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
                         Thursday-Friday, September 30- October 1, 2010
                        (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Public Sale: Saturday – Sunday, October 2 – 3, 2010 (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

WHERE:
Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Take Caltrain to the Palo Alto station; catch Valley Transit Authority (VTA) bus 35. Buses stop within one to two blocks of the Center. Free parking is located at the Center and on the street.

ADMISSION: FREE

INFORMATION:
Palo Alto Art Center (650) 329-2366, Bay Area Glass Institute (408) 993-2244;
www.greatglasspumpkinpatch.com.

ABOUT:
The Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make the celebration of glass art accessible to all while providing continued artistic and educational growth to artists, patrons and the community. BAGI is the only public access glass working facility in the Santa Clara County, offering a variety of glass-working classes, and demonstrations by internationally renowned and local artists. www.bagi.org
The Palo Alto Art Center (PAAC) fosters creative process and thought by forging a greater appreciation and understanding of the visual arts through exhibitions, studio experiences, and related educational programs. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/artcenter.
The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation (PACCF) is a non-profit organization founded to
promote the Art Center’s efforts and provide unique art experiences and education for people of all ages.  It offers innovative educational experiences for children and adults, produces high-profile exhibitions and catalogues, and supports artists by paying equitable participation fees http://www.paacf.org.
Images can be downloaded from the Great Glass Pumpkin Artist Page at
http://www.greatglasspumpkinpatch.com/artists.html or contact Sharon Poynor at 
(415) 789-9150
sharon@poynorpr.com.
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