The Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Morton Arboretum is a fall favorite every year. And visitors got the treat of learning how these glass gourds are created.
Live Demonstrations
More than 6,000 glass pumpkins sit on display at the arboretum, and glassblowers add to that number every 30 minutes or so through live demonstrations.
“The support we get from the patrons of the Morton Arboretum is probably the greatest gift as an artist,” said Shannon Jane Morgan, a professional glassblower who founded the event. “To come here to know that you’re supported and respected and the response to our work is just phenomenal.”
Visitors gathered round and observed artists rolling heated glass in “frit” which gives color to the design.
Pressing the glass into a mold and spinning it to maintain symmetry are other important techniques. But the grand finale is wrapping the stem.
Individual Styles
“I guess if I had a signature style it would be the stem and also the jewel-tone colors,” said Morgan. “From the purples and burgundies to the topazes to the apricots. And the thing is, it gives us a great opportunity to try so many different colors.”
The final product then cools down overnight and is added to the shelves the next day.
The glass pumpkin patch runs from October 9-13.
Turning glassblowers into pumpkin growers.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
