As I write this, it's only a few days away. And if you don't know about the GAS conference...well...here's the official info:
http://www.glassart.org/_San_Jose.html
You can find the official event program there, which you should definitely peruse. For many of the events, you must register. But not for all! There are some very cool things that are completely free and open to the public. Of course, San Jose will be populated with a bunch of ... um ... colorful glass artists. Yes, "colorful". And that's free. I'm sure the city thanks us.
In addition, the Corning Roadshow is free and open to the public. I expect crowds, but it will certainly be fun to watch!
The auction preview is definitely worth your look. There will be some amazing work up, and you should check that out. Maybe you should even place a bid in the silent auction...
There's a student exhibition all weekend. Really great work, some of which you can actually purchase. Free (viewing...not purchasing). 80% of the proceeds go to the student, so you help propel a budding artist's career. How cool is that?
And I am greatly looking forward to the gallery hop. Many local galleries (the list starts on page 56 of the program) have exhibitions, all coinciding with the conference, of amazing glass art. So you can make an evening of visiting all of them, taking in the amazing diversity of expression in this amazing medium by some amazing artists. And (amazingly), that's free too! Many of the amazing shows have already opened, but the (colorful (and amazing)) glass artists are gonna bounce around to the galleries on Friday night. It would be amazing if you joined us. Be amazing and you'll blend right in.
Last, and this is a well-guarded secret, so don't tell anybody else, but if you mention the GAS conference at the Tech Museum you get a reduced entrance fee. There are lots of cool demos there (check the program). And the Tech Museum is just fun to visit anyway.