Eino Mäelt’s exhibition “Deep Heights” opened June 30 at the Kuressaare Castle.

29.05.- 14.06.2004 the graduates of the Estonian Academy of Art glass department show their graduation works at the J.Manitski’s Viinistu Art Museum. Kaja Vaikre, Eero Vaikre, Kristi Kask, and Hanka Märts made a presentation and defense of their work on June 3.

Ivo Lill’s exhibition “Tartu Twist” opened May 21 at the Tartu Art House. Open through June 13.

To raise funds for the international glass workshop “Maritima” in Haapsalu, the Estonian Glass Artists’ Union organized an internet auction in cooperation with OSTA.EE web auctioneer. The workshop took place June 8 to July 4, 2004, at the E. Okas Museum, as part of the city’s 725th jubilee celebrations; everyone interested in glassblowing had a chance to witness masters at work. A show of the pieces created was opened at the same location.
The auction took place May 17-26; 14 members of the union donated over 70 works in glass to be sold at the auction. The works ranged from valuable showpieces to affordable trinkets, from brand new to 30-year-old. Participating artists included Silvia Raudvee, Aet Andresma, Mare Saare, Kersti Vaks, Viivi-Ann Keerdo, Eha-Pilvi Jõgi etc.

Kalli Sein
Glass artist, member of EGAU and EAU

The general assembly of the Glass Artists’ Union took place on April 22. The new board was elected, with Kati Kerstna as chairman of the board, and Kairi Roolaht-Orgusaar and Merle Kannus as assistants. The status of honorary member of the union was introduced, and two honorary members, Helga Kõrge and Silvia Raudvee, were chosen.

The Glass Artists Union now has a logo, designed by Enno Piir.

2004 Maie-Ann Raun opens her jubilee show
The jubilee exhibition of Maie-Ann Raun – the Grand Old Lady of Estonian
glass art – opened on January 22 in the Masters’ Courtyard Gallery, Tallinn.
The exhibition, titled “365 days” presents recent works from 2003.
Prof. emeritus Maie-Ann Raun, who recently celebrated her 65th birthday, has
been on the forefront of Estonian glass art and glassware production for
decades, taking care of its well-being. The Estonian glass industry survived
one of its toughest crises last year, when the Skankristall (former
Tarbeklaas) factory was on the verge of closing down. As the factory’s
leading designer, she worked days – sometimes nights – for its salvation.
The works exhibited at Masters’ Courtyard reflect the pains and gains of
this process, as well as the survival strength of the Estonian glass
industry. Most of the pieces on display were designed for production –
elegant dishes and chalices in great variety.
The exhibition stays open until February 14.

In a series of events dedicated to the 375th anniversary of the Estonian glass industry, we present a conference titled
“The merited history of glass industry in Estonia – Hüti Glassworks in Hiiumaa, 1628-1664”, which takes place at the Masters´Courtyard Conference Hall, Vene St..6, on November 26, 4 p.m.
List of presentations:
1. Historic glass technologies at the Hüti glassworks; their application at the Skankristall factory in the summer of 2003. Prof. emeritus Maie-Ann Raun, art director at the Skankristall factory.
2. Designer glassware by Skankristall – is it a symbiosis, or an opposition, of ancient and contemporary technologies?
mag. Tiina Sarapu, lecturer at the Estonian Art Academy.
3. Some developmental problems of glass design studies at the Estonian Art Academy. Cooperation possibilities between the EAA glass department and the glass factory.
Prof. Mare Saare, Estonian Art Academy.
4. The experience of glass painting at the Hüti glassworks. 17th century painted stained glass in Estonia.
Eve Koha, lecturer at the Estonian Art Academy.
5. Application of historic heritage in the contemporary glass industry.
Aime Raimets, manager of the Skankristall glass factory.
6. Conclusion.
Prof. Maie-Ann Raun.
Curators of the event: Maie-Ann Raun, Mare Saare, Aime Raimets
Organizers: Estonian Academy of Art, Skankristall Ltd.
Contacts:6617079, 055 18378 – Maie-Ann Raun
6267320 – Tiina Sarapu
The conference is accompanied by the exhibition “Hüti Glassworks 375” at the Masters´Courtyard Gallery, open till Nov.30, 2003.