Sutton Coldfield based artist Michael Goodrum, aka, Visionary Glass, was another of the exhibitors in the Victoria Square marquee during Artsfest. Using individually hand-cut fragments of glass, Michael creates a range of stunning sculptural glass canvases depicting the abstract forms from nature and landscapes.

Happening from 22 August to 28 September, the British Glass Biennale 2008 is:

the UK’s top contemporary glass showcase featuring 82 of the country’s leading glass artists with £14,000 in prize money being awarded. This is a rare opportunity to see a huge variety of work in a selling exhibition, from finely crafted vessels to potent political installations. A special student section is included for the first time so you can spot up and coming talent

Which is really very prestigious indeed – I’ve heard the phrase ‘the Turner Prize for glass’ used.

It takes place in Stourbridge and is part of the International Festival of Glass taking place from 22 to 25 August.  You can see the other events taking place on the events schedule pdf.

*Update*: Sid Langley in the Birmingham Post has written more about this, as has Terry Grimley (arts editor) who says:

Stourbridge’s International Festival of Glass can seriously claim to be the most internationally significant visual arts event taking place in the West Midlands this year

From her workshop in Kings Heath she has used various glass-forming techniques to create floor, wall and table lamps as well as huge chandeliers, while “exploring the relationships between glass, copper, concrete, light and stone”.

You may have seen some of her work in bars around Birmingham including Poppy Red, Equator and Denial. Otherwise you can also see her work in the Art Lounge in the Mailbox and on her website.