The Art Glass Jewelry Lending Library is the brainchild of Caitlin Hyde, a nationally renowned glass artist and educator from Corning, New York. The project came about as a way of fostering a non-traditional interaction between the artist, the artwork and the viewer. 

As Caitlin explains, "I was inspired by the feeling I have every time I walk out of the public library with a stack of wonderful books, thinking, 'Wow, they’re just letting me borrow these! ... and they trust me to bring them back.' I feel rich and cared for and part of a community that respects intellectual growth and generosity. It helps me be my best self.  We need more of that kind of experience in our lives and our community."

 

 

With the support of a NYSCA grant, Caitlin set about designing and creating eight unique handmade, flameworked glass bead necklaces which would be made available for free loan to the public. She organized a series of public receptions at libraries, arts and community centers in Corning, where the necklaces would be on display for anyone to come and see them, try them on and check them out for designated loan periods. Borrowers were asked to take pictures of themselves wearing the necklaces, and tell where they might have been worn: parties, dinners, weddings, family trips. The lending receptions took place in Corning, New York, between November, 2008. and February, 2009. During this time most necklaces were worn to variety of holiday events in and around Corning, but some of them travelled as far as Canada, Florida, Virginia, and Paris, France.
 

The project was planned in three stages, the first being the design and production of the eight necklaces. The second stage dealt with publicity, community outreach and  administering the loans. Now that the lending component of the project has come to an end, the final stage is to be an auction of the necklaces. The eight necklaces, with retail values up to $800.00, will be offerred at auction on eBay. The auctions will begin on Saturday, November 7, and will be scheduled to end on Saturday, November 14, 2009. 

 

Proceeds from the auction will be shared between the Southeast Steuben County Library and the artist. 

 

To see pictures of the necklaces, visit Caitlin's website at: www.caitlinhyde.com and click on the Art Glass Jewelry Lending Library link. To join in the bidding please go to eBay and search for cbhyde under lampwork or follow the direct link from Caitlin's website. 

 

As Caitlin says, "This project has been an exciting and eye opening experience for me as an artist, and, hopefully, for the many members of the community who participated. Join in the fun and support our local library at the same time by bidding on these wonderful, wearable works of glass art."

 

This project is made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts' Decentralization Program, administered locally by The ARTS of the Southern Finger Lakes.