Posted by Melissa Medore on December 20, 1996 at 01:19:03:
For Immediate Release
Worldwide Distribution via Wire and the Internet.
poesta@well.com / mvk@ccsi.com
Contact: Medore von Koffler 512.847.7002
RE: Opening of Texas Studio and Gallery.
Photoıs available upon request.
MEDORE VON KOFFLER STUDIO AND GALLERY DEBUT HAS PYROGENOUS BEGINNING.
Wimberley, Texas - Surrounded by bold, abstracted sculptures of heroic glass and roaring furnaces, hundreds of people gathered in the warmth of this charming setting on a cool Autumn evening, to toast a new beginning to an ancient art. Proprietors and artists Melissa Medore and Jay von Koffler welcomed guests to their property for this grand occasion with champagne, fine foods and the Texas hill countryısı best bar-b-q flowing into the night. This monumental new facility for glass blowing was debuted with great acceptance.
Crowds from throughout the United States and beyond, mingled with local folk to celebrate the opening of the studio and gallery to see and experience the drama of watching Melissa and Jay demonstrate their mastery of this art. They were accompanied by glass artists Sue Girten, Loren Stump, Jim Carg and several assistants.
Located 3.2 miles from Wimberley Square on FM 3237, in a 3000 sq. ft. stucco Mexican style studio and gallery designed by renowned Dallas architect Philip Shepherd, the property was awash in vibrant and celebratory colors of cobalt blue, canary yellow, florid ruby and flaming amber. The event was produced by event marketing consultancy, Ideality.com, of Austin, under the creative direction of San Francisco designer / director, Marc Herring.
With a theme of euphoric harvest, the studio and surrounding native landscaping were illuminated with pulsing rivers of colored light that covered more than 10 acres of pastures and hillsides. The atmosphere was magical and had the feeling of celebration. Guests were treated to champion foods prepared and served by Lynda Allen Catering of Wimberley.
With dozens of finished works on display in the brilliantly illuminated gallery adjacent to the roaring furnaces of the molten hot-shop, the evening was indeed a sparkling oasis of blazing intensity deep in the heart of this quiet countryside. One guest stated, ³It was wonderful to drive up to the gallery and see the bright stained glass of the gallery and echoes of similar colors throughout the property.²
Another guest found the festive atmosphere, ³electrifying and intense.² Convoys of trucks, cars, Hummerıs, and limousines trailed into a wooded parking area illuminated with dozens of overhead beam arrays and colored landscape lighting. Hundreds of gigantic oak trees were lit in zenith blue, canary yellow and various tones of burnt orange, while the savanna lawns were washed in deep blue greens and lavender. Endless movies of custom scratch-loops and slides of original graphic images made from exotic glass covered the interior walls of the buildings. The setting was so spectacular and large that the FAA diverted air traffic away from the area for the evening.
³The gallery is a vital new asset to the artistic community of the Texas Hill Country,² stated Texas businesswoman Eileen Keller, ³the availability of such a diverse collection of inspired art will not only attract more visitors, it will help sustain and fulfill the cultural expectations of our state wide creative community.² International art merchant, Eudora Poesta added,
³ The Medore von Koffler original glass collection is most appealing and sophisticated as a demonstration of the pure abstract quality of this fine art. The collection is broad, complimented with many sensitivities, and approachable in relative cost to other masterworks of this caliber.²
Cultural anthropologist and international art critic Robert Eugene Menger allowed, ³ This work is certain to have a sustained value and will grow in popularity as the studio becomes wider known. The Medore von Koffler reputation has a global influence and is gaining respect throughout the decorative arts.²
The Medore von Koffler collection is alive in contrasts. The ferocity of the creation process is juxtaposed in the delicate delivery of the finished work. The gallery features dozens of original sculptures, vases and compelling objects that represent a broad range of affordable choices. Gallery hours are weekdays 10am-6pm and by appointment. Regular demonstrations (not to be missed), are on Saturday evenings from 6pm until 10pm.
For more information please call: 512.847.7002.
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