Give ´Em the Third Degree

St. Louisians looking for a reason to party this Friday should know that Third Degree Glass Factory (5200 Delmar Boulevard; 314-367-4527 or www.stlglass.com) throws a monthly shindig on the third Friday of every month – and October’s installment is extra large because it marks Third Degree’s fifth anniversary. The first event of the night is “Art on Fire,” an art auction during which bids are made on glass artwork as it’s being created by Jim McKelvey, Doug Auer and Libby Leuchtman. But that’s not all: Local artists Shawn Lipe and Janice Wallace exhibit their recent work as well. Lipe’s sculptures illustrate the relationship between light and glass, and how that interactive relationship defines our environment; Wallace’s painted drawings of animals address humanity’s objectification of the natural world. The evening comes full circle with SynchroBLOW, a synchronized molten-glass, music and light performance choreographed by Kim Harty of Pilchuck Glass School, that creates a kaleidoscopic union of color and shape. Visitors are welcome to take advantage of the cash bar and Hollyberry Catering’s gooey butter cakes and cookies throughout the evening. And how much do you pay for all this? Absolutely nothing. The party lasts from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, October 19, and continues on Saturday and Sunday (October 20 and 21) with special workshops and seminars for glass artists.
Fri., Oct. 19, 2007