Gathering the Light
2003 – ongoing
Installation Overview
Simply put, Seattle artist Cappy Thompson paints stories on glass. Gathering the Light celebrates the story of glass blowing on an epic scale. The piece, which measures 11 1/2-feet high by 15-feet wide, depicts an elaborate landscape of colorful vignettes from a mythical world of glassmakers. Trumpet blowing fish, an entourage of visitors, and a footbridge leading to the Temple of Muses allude to Museum of Glass and commemorate its first anniversary.
Thompson reverse-painted Gathering the Light in the grisaille technique of gray-tonal painting used for stained glass since the Middle Ages. Located in the Grand Hall near the entrance, this captivating work of art welcomes visitors to the Museum.
Featured Image
Cappy Thompson (American, born 1952), Gathering the Light, 2003. Blown sheet glass panes, reverse-painted with vitreous enamels, laminated onto stainless steel; 130 x 180 inches. Photo by Al Abbott.
CREDITS
Cappy Thompson (American, born 1952), Gathering the Light, 2003. Blown sheet glass panes, reverse-painted with vitreous enamels, laminated onto stainless steel; 130 x 180 inches. Photo by Al Abbott.
a special THANK YOU to the project sponsor
This installation was made possible by a gift from George F. Russell, Jr.