Dale Chihuly, perhaps the best-known glassblower around, once said “one can wonder wonder what kind of genius thought of blowing human breath down a metal tube, forming a bubble inside a molten blob of glass. For me it’s the most mysterious and magical of all the inventions or materials that mankind has invented or discovered.”

The 70 borosilicate glass artists working on torches, with 35 headlining glass artists, who will be part of Michigan Glass Project’s glassblowing and live arts on Friday, July 20 – Sunday, July 22 would agree. There is magic every time they turn a molten blob of glass into a piece of art.

You can watch the magic happen project’s event at Russell Industrial Center, 1600 Clay St., and perhaps create a little magic for up and coming art students.

The festival is a benefit for the Art Road Nonprofit. Art Road is working to bring art class back into schools for the entire school year as part of the regular curriculum. Its mission is to give children throughout Southeastern Michigan access to art instruction.

The event is expected to raise more than $100,000.

“Our event space is very special. There is such beauty in the ease of which individuals can contribute to the mission on a grassroots level, by donating art or buying art or by simply showing up to see music or watch glassblowing,” says Allison Key, co-founder and executive director of the Michigan Glass Project.

“The huge donation checks we write to Art Road, each year, are a testament to what a united force of people can do when they pool their talents and resources for a common cause. It’s so amazing to see the part that each individual plays in art class for children in Detroit public schools, and for those people who attend the event to know that they had a part in that outcome.”

Glass artists from all over the country will work live throughout the weekend, creating pieces for the silent auction that ends Sunday, at 6 p.m. A large-scale art gallery will showcase donated paintings, photographs, and prints, many made by live painters on site.

Attendees will be able to view the artwork as it’s created and place bids.

Tickets are $30 for a weekend pass and $15 for a day pass.

The event will feature:

• 70 borosilicate glass artists working on torches, with 35 headlining glass artists
• 84 vendors
• 53 DJs & live music acts (local & national)
• 15 live painters
• 13 glass bead makers
• 12 hot shop glass artists

On Sunday evening, a live auction will feature a handful of the most stellar pieces produced or donated throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the artwork sold, auctioned, or raffled, will contribute to the fundraiser.

Members of the community are welcome to enjoy the festivities, along with cuisine from local food trucks and a cash bar. Ticket and bar sales will also benefit the cause.

“We are so grateful to The Michigan Glass Project’s community of glass artists, their families, and all the vendors from around the country that united in their belief that art class matters for students in Detroit,” says Carol Hofgartner, executive director of Art Road Nonprofit. “We are so thankful to Allison Key and Drew Kups, co-founders of The Michigan Glass Project, for all their hard work, making art class possible for our fourth school this year, and helping us to achieve the dream of a fifth school next year through this year’s event.”

Following each day of arts, food, music and fun, the experience will continue via after parties at some of Detroit’s hottest venues.

Here’s the schedule:

• Friday, July 20, Noon-10 p.m.: Main Event at the Russell Industrial Center
• Friday, July 20, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.: Marble show at the Marble Bar
• Saturday, July 21, Noon-10 p.m.: Main Event at the Russell Industrial Center
• Saturday, July 21, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.: Whitney Garden Party/Millefiori gathering at The Whitney Mansion
• Sunday, July 22, Noon-Midnight: Main Event space at the Russell Industrial Center
• Silent Auction ends Sunday at 6 p.m.
• Live Auction starts at 7 p.m.

There are also after parties:

• Friday July 20: Marble Show! at Marble Bar
• Saturday July 21: Garden Party at The Whitney

Tickets for the after parties are $10 at the door or $5 with main event wristband.

For more information on the Michigan Glass Project please click here or go to Facebook.

For more information on Art Road Nonprofit please click here or go to Facebook.

Lead photo: Oregon based artist Banjo works on the star piece at the 2017 event. Photo: Joseph Trankina

  Allison Key, art in schools in Southeast Michigan, Art Road Nonprofit, Drew Kups, glassblowing in Detroit, Marble Bar, Michigan Glass Project, Russell Industrial Center, The Whitney