Believe it or not, National Get Funky Day is a real holiday, and it’s on October 5th. That’s this week!
Here at the Museum, we have so many pieces that have funky colors, shapes, and details. In honor of National Get Funky Day, we are highlighting five funky pieces from our collection that you can come check out to get into the spirit of the holiday. So, let’s dive in!
Sphere Chandelier (2015.3.27), designed by Humberto and Fernando Campana, 2015
Designed by the well-known Campana brothers from Brazil, this fun and funky chandelier hangs in the Contemporary Art + Design Wing of the Museum. It allows guests to look up into the ceiling of the gallery and be met with a mesmerizing piece of art hanging above them. This piece consists of mold-blown elements, and it also features many colorful details made of glass cane. Belonging to the Campana brothers’ ‘Candy’ collection of home furniture, we can all agree that this piece is a true treat to look at.
Fishbath and Romance (91.3.122), Ginny Ruffner, 1989
When you’re in the Heineman Gallery, remember to look up too! You will see another funky, playful, and colorful chandelier. This one was made by Ginny Ruffner on the island of Murano, Venice. Made of blown and assembled elements, Fishbath and Romance is quite the statement piece, and would make any area light up with fun, whimsical energy. It has themes and symbols of romance, Venice architecture, and Venice culture. Because this chandelier is made up of many elements, it can make for a great game of ‘I-Spy.’ Can you find the hands, the fish, and the dice on this piece?
Maestrale (North Wind) (2007.4.205), Toots Zynsky, 2005
While walking through the Contemporary Art + Design Wing you might be drawn to this iconic piece by American glass artist Toots Zynsky. The color palette and unconventional shape make it a successfully funky piece of fused glass art. Maestrale is enjoyable to look at because of its intricate pattern made up of thousands of glass threads. I think there is a wonderful, funky contrast between the bold colors of this piece and the elegance of the shape.
Self-Portrait (Clown) (2004.4.43), Michael Lucero, 1997
This happy clown is also in the Contemporary Art + Design Wing. This clown’s funky face is quite joyful! Made by Michael Lucero, who is primarily a ceramicist, this piece echoes ceramic themes in blown glass. Whether you are drawn to this piece’s murrine teapot perched on the nose, the expression of its face, or the colorful hat, this funky piece has something for everyone to admire.
The Secret Life of Glass (2020.4.1), Spencer Finch, 2017-2020
Walking along the West Bridge at the Museum, you will come across this brilliant piece designed by Spencer Finch and manufactured by Bullseye Glass Company in Portland, Oregon. This piece is perhaps the funkiest of them all! Its powerful colors shine brightly when sunlight comes in through window behind it and project waves of color throughout the space. Standing in front of this window, you may look at yourself and see the projected light from the colored glass on you too. The Secret Life of Glass can truly transport viewers to a world of unconventional shapes and magnificent colors.
The Corning Museum of Glass has its fair share of funky objects, so whether you are drawn to funky colors, funky shapes, or funky ideas, visit us this October 5th and check out the five we’ve highlighted above or find your own unique, funky pieces in the collection. That’s the only way to celebrate National Get Funky Day!