Artists in Glass
View Sculptural, Architectural, and Functional artworks in glass
​Mary Lynn and Jim will be exhibiting their artwork at Toe River Arts, Kokol Gallery, in Spruce Pine, North Carolina 9/21/24 - 12/31/24.
This exhibit will be a retrospective of the past 30 years. Mary Lynn’s work will include paintings in oil/mixed-media and wall-hung fused glass works. Jim’s work will include glass and mixed media sculpture. Artist's reception will be Dec. 13, 5 - 7 PM
For information about available artworks: Bowman Studio
Mary Lynn Bowman
I am 77 years old, a mother, wife, grandmother, and artist. I have worked in stained glass, kiln formed glass, and painting for the past 30 years. I graduated from California College of Arts in Oakland California, with a BFA in individual studies with honors. My husband and I moved back to Texas in 1988 and started a successful Hot Glass studio in Dallas. He blew glass and I worked in kiln formed, stained glass, and mixed media. We both had public art commissions, residential commissions, and worked with several designers and art consultants. I taught kids stained glass through a non-profit arts organization in schools throughout the Dallas area and also did arts programs with the Juvenal Detention Centers for children at risk.
We moved to NC from Texas about 6 years ago. I am happy to be here in the quiet Mountains and have been painting more, which I love. We have been welcomed into the arts community and feel at home.
At this point, I am primarily a painter. My paintings chronical a personal and emotional journey. I refer to my writings, dreams, sketches, poetry as I work, creating narrative and abstract pieces. It is my meditation, my happiness, my life, and a way to communicate with the outside world.
EDUCATION:
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1983 - 1984 - Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, Art Major
1985 – 1987 - California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland Ca.
Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction in Art Therapy
Jim Bowman
I was born in Cameron, Texas and currently live and work in Burnsville, North Carolina. I have a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Glass, and I have a passion for the creativity and ingenuity that an artist's life requires.
My work ranges from small table-top pieces to large-scale sculptural and architectural installations. My work does not come from a singular vision, but results from a parade of ideas, images, and experimentation. It is important to me to maintain a playful approach to being in the studio making art.
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In much of my work, I combine glass with other materials, such and steel, wood, concrete, and found objects. When I am making glass objects, I am creating components. I rarely have a clear vision of what a finished sculpture is going to look like. The components I create lay around my studio, sometimes for years, until they take on the status of ‘found objects’. I meditate and listen closely, as these objects speak in subtle emanations, gravitating towards combination with other components, or suggesting something else I need to do or make to create a unified work of art.
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EDUCATION:
1985–1988 - California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland California. Received Master of Fine Arts Degree in Glass.
1983–1984 - Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Graduate Research Assistant in
glass blowing.
1972–1976 - Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, Missouri. Received Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a major in Painting and Printmaking.
1969–1971 - University of Texas at Austin. Fine Arts major.
COLLECTIONS & COMMISSIONS:
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Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas
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Public Art Collection, City of Tamarac, Florida
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Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor Hospital, Dallas, Texas
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Baylor All Saints Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas
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Richardson Regional Cancer Center, Richardson, Texas
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Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, Cedar Park, Texas
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Parkland Hospital, Simmons Ambulatory Surgery Center, Dallas, Texas
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Belo Corporation, Dallas, Texas
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Catholic Foundation, Dallas, Texas
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The Dallas Foundation
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Fidelity Investments, Dallas, Texas
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Sterling Commerce, Las Colinas, Texas & London
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Dallas Area Rapid Transit
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Neiman Marcus, Washington DC & Plano, Texas
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Dal-Tile, Dallas, Texas
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Hall Office Park, Frisco, Texas
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Renaissance Hotel, Richardson, Texas
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Frisco Conference Center, Frisco, Texas
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Embassy Suites Hotels, Rogers, Arkansas, Charlotte, N.C., & Frisco, Tx.
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Holiday Inn, University Plaza, Springfield, Missouri