During the month of August 2019, the Prairie Arts Center Gallery will be featuring the art of glassblowing by Laura Johnson of "Starved Rock Hot Glass"!

Shop owner and artist, Laura Johnson first became interested in the art of glassblowing during a high school field trip to the SOFA show in Chicago, IL. While attending the University of Illinois she began taking lessons with glassblower Todd Manicki in Farmer City, IL. She continued lessons during her entire 4 years of attending college, developing her skills and knowledge of the medium and studio equipment. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelors degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences in May of 2009, and opened Starved Rock Hot Glass in her hometown of Ottawa, IL on June 5, 2009. Her business focuses on glass art, custom orders, cremation glass, and glassblowing lessons. Laura has just recently celebrated her 10 year anniversary in business and continues to advance her skills in glassblowing, always trying new things.

Laura says, "The thing I love most about glassblowing is its endless possibilities! Glass is one of the most exciting and unique mediums to work with. Its extremely fast paced, physically demanding, and keeps you on your toes! I love glassblowing because you are never done learning, always coming up with new ideas and because no two pieces are every same it never gets boring. I truly enjoy going to work everyday and just creating whatever my heart desires. As my passion for glass art continues to grow, I am so grateful to do what I love everyday and have the opportunity to share my art with others!"

Please join us for an opening reception on Friday, August 2nd from 6:00-8:00, and you can see her work on weekends from 1:00-4:00 throughout the month

Laura Johnson
Starved Rock Hot Glass
700 W Main St.
Ottawa, IL 61350