In 2007, LeMoyne Arts brought together countless artists, sellers, and attendees for their seventh annual two-day extravaganza dedicated to showcasing top-notch original art pieces. Also in that same year, Tallahassee-based glass artist Robin Holt ignited her career when she took hold of a torch and transformed her path permanently.
You can enjoy both of them this weekend at the
The 25th yearly Chain of Parks Art Festival
Alongside more than 150 artists including sculptors, entertainers, food truck vendors, performers, and painters gathered in the downtown parks (Bloxham, Lewis, and Randolph), there’s an exciting addition this year. In collaboration with Leon County and Scott Carswell, the festival will host a special musical event headlined by Wilco and Waxahatchee at the Adderley Amphitheater on April 26 at 8 p.m.
A passion for glassblowing
Robin Holt has always been captivated by art. Raised in Wakulla County, she used to arrange stones and pinecones into small scenes, eagerly awaiting the broadcast of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s live-action version of “Cinderella” on her large black-and-white television. “I wouldn’t move from my spot until they revealed that glass slipper,” recalled Holt. “The sparkle of it truly mesmerized me.”
As an adult, Holt aimed to recapture that enchantment for herself. However, her initial efforts at crafting stained glass mosaics fell short. The elements she was lacking included fire, propane, tweezers, gravity, and their home studio space which they humorously dub “the torcher chamber.”
Holt’s business,
MoonDog Art Glass
He was partly named after a bearded collie called Eli, an artist colleague who portrayed “Sandy” in a Young Actors Theatre performance of “Annie.” Although Eli has since passed away, he would accompany Holt during lengthy evenings spent firing pottery. In tribute to Eli, Holt continues to wear a floral iris necklace.
“It’s not something I typically create,” stated Holt. “These were the final beads I crafted while he was still alive, resting on the floor next to me.” Currently, two five-pound Maltese pups called Dylan and Jameson occupy that space.
Even though the technique of glassblowing remains largely unchanged, her approach continues to develop over time. She holds onto several glass beads crafted early in her journey as a reminder. “Those pieces were quite lopsided and unattractive,” she recalled with a chuckle. “At first, they made me feel embarrassed. Yet nowadays, those very beads serve as proof that practice leads to improvement. Consequently, this taught me to be kinder to myself. I trust that progress will unfold naturally.”
Firing on all cylinders
Certainly, juggling a personal creative endeavor alongside the pragmatic aspects of running an arts-related enterprise can be challenging. Costs for supplies accumulate over time, along with expenses related to attending various festivals and exhibitions. As stated by Holt, “Your aim is to generate some earnings.” However, they went on to say candidly, “Truthfully, monetary gain doesn’t concern me too deeply. Someone questioned me once about my plans should I win the lottery; I responded that I would continue performing at events till my funds were depleted.”
Several of Holt’s cherished memories and sources of motivation to continue working stem from the relationships formed at these events.
Holt remembers a scorchingly hot day from nine years back when a gentleman visited her stall. As he lingered under the intense sunlight, examining her items with great interest, Holt offered him some water out of concern. However, he pointed towards the priciest item on display — an elaborate necklace adorned with glass blossoms, playfully titled “Phoebe’s Midnight Garden Party.”
“And then he remarked, ‘I’ll pick this one, I’ll pick this one,’ and he continued… once finished, he had selected more than twelve items. This left me astonished.” While wrapping them up, she found herself curious enough to inquire about his intentions. He shared that he had recently lost his spouse a couple of weeks earlier. To honor her memory, he intended to present these necklaces to his daughters, sisters, and nieces. “As he departed,” Holt mentioned, “tears welled up in my eyes. That moment will always stay with me.”
That wasn’t the sole interaction Holt had with a guest. During her final visit to Georgia, a young girl stayed back at Holt’s exhibit, carefully listening as Holt explained her technique and delved into the scientific aspects of working with glass.
She raised her hand to display the bracelet she had crafted for Holt. “What I wanted to tell you is that I actually have a present for you,” stated Holt. “There’s this small pouch filled with beads that I keep handy. These aren’t meant for sale; they’re simply prepared as tiny tokens of appreciation. I handed one over to her and encouraged her to create something special with it. Additionally, I provided her with my contact information so she could reach out anytime she needed guidance or had inquiries.”
In recent times, Holt has found herself captivated by water, the seaside, and soap bubbles—anything that is translucent and shimmering. She has lately embarked on experimenting with a novel method of crafting beadwork, where each bead contains water, beach sand, and minuscule seashells that gently move around when worn normally.
“It’s enjoyable to work with,” she mentioned. “Plus, if the glass bubble bursts, I simply remelt it, which means I don’t think of it as wasted effort. It’s quite forgiving,” added Holt.
Actually,” she remarked, “something came to me during our chat. I’m not sure what it will end up looking like or whether it will even be feasible, but it’s stuck in my mind now. Once an idea gets into my head, I can’t let go of it.
If you go
What:
Chain of Parks Art Festival
When:
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26th, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27th.
Where
Downtown Sequence of Parks (Bloxham, Lewis, and Randolph Streets, alongside Park Avenue)
Cost:
Free
Details
:
chainofparks.org
Summer Callahan serves as the Grants Manager for the Council on Culture & Arts. Marking four decades of service, COCA acts as the overarching body for arts and culture in the capital region.
tallahasseearts.org.
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The article initially appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat.
Toast to artist Robin Holt and the Chain of Parks Art Festival.