By Adam Brazeau
The newest addition to the local art scene is Priest Mill’s Glassworks, a collaborative effort between cutting-edge art grads and a seasoned artisan with 10 years marketing experience.
Paul van den Bijgaart and Amy Yang, recent graduates of Sheridan Colleges Glass Program, and glassblower Eric Covington form the Priest Mill’s team. They were glad to welcome four levels of government to the grand opening of their Lancaster gallery.
”This gallery is our first event in a long dream by Paul, Amy and myself to build an artistic centre of glass excellence and learning with the subtext of providing a supportive collaborative environment for artists in all media,” said Covington, who is also the business manager.
The Priest’s Mill Glass Works studio and main gallery is being installed in the two-century-old Priest’s Mill building at Mill Square in Alexandria. It will open on Dec. 21 at noon.
MPP Jim McDonell said it fits well with the township’s efforts in turning the area into a draw for tourists and motorists off Highway 401 in the summer.
SD&G Warden Eric Duncan, MP Guy Lauzon and South Glengarry Mayor Ian McLeod wee also in attendance. All four politicians agreed that being artistic was not their strong suit. They applauded the Priest’s Mill team for launching their own studio that includes other artists.
Also on display were Claudia Deskin (charcoal and graphite), Eric Deskin (wood turning) and Lesley McDougall of Mehdni Glass (glass painting).
