Underwriter: Benchmark Hospitality International
Artist: Rollin Karg (Kechi, KS)
Rollin Karg is a renowned glass artisan from the Midwest who designs and creates small and massive sculptural pieces from molten glass, usually shaped in a freeform, asymmetrical manner.
He brings the glass to life through his dynamic use of color, especially dichroic colors – a color that transmits one color while reflecting another – which adds a unique dimension to the piece. While Karg prefers to use traditional techniques of glass making that are thousands of years old, he also adds his own inventive techniques to each project. It is amazing and awe-inspiring to watch him create massive works of art through the use of a five foot blowpipe.
Although Karg spent the first part of his career as an industrial engineer, photographer, potter and woodworker before becoming a full time glass artist in 1983, he has quickly gained notoriety for his contribution to the world of glass art. He has won many awards in competitions and shows throughout the United States and his work has been shown at galleries and exhibitions throughout most of North America.