Artists
Ben & Lori Mensch
A husband and wife team, formed the Mensch Glass Studio in Colorado in 1996. The Mensch Glass Studio has become known for its unique forms and unusual designs. Their original blown glass designs have primarily revolved around vessels and the exploration of shape. The pieces often originate in the geometric and move to the organic, from linear and controlled to loose and free. Their work exhibits exciting juxtapositions of unexpected colors to achieve surprise, freshness and focus. The idea is the work can be functional - if one wants it to be- or it can serve as a beautiful, decorative object.
Ben brings 25 years experience in glass and an M.F.A. in glassblowing from Washington University to the team. He was an Assistant Instructor in Glass at Washington University for six years, prior moving to Colorado. Additionally, he attended Haystack School of Crafts where he served as an assistant to Fritz Dreisbach. Ben creates all of their designs using traditional glassblowing techniques. Lori graduated with a B.A. in Art from Knox College and an M.F.A. in sculpture from Washington University. She served as Faculty in Art at Southwestern Illinois College for five years. She is the hot shop assistant and co-designer of their artwork.
In 1997, they were selected to design and create a blown glass ornament for the White House Christmas tree. The Mensch Glass Studio was further honored to have their ornament featured as one of seven in the White House Christmas brochure. In 1999, Ben's vase (purchased at Compônere Gallery in St. Louis,) was presented as a gift from Mayor Clarence Harmon (forty-fourth mayor of St. Louis, from 1997 to 2001) to Liu Qi, the Mayor of Beijing, China.
Compônere Gallery - St. Louis, MO 1987- present
And: fifteen + galleries around the United States
Ben Mench
Haystack School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME - Assistant to Fritz Dreisbach 1992
Washington University, St. Louis, MO - Assistant Instructor in glass 1990 - 1996
Mensch Glass Studio, Loveland, CO - Co-owner 1996 - present
Lori Mensch
Belleville Area College, Bellville, IL - Faculty in Art
Juried Exhibitions
Sculpture in the Park - Loveland, CO - 2003-2009
Topeka Competitions - Topeka, KS - 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997
Fire and Ice, Clymer Museum, Ellensberg, WA - 1994
Year of the American Craft Regional Exhibit, Art St. Louis, St. Louis, MO - 1993
Exhibitions
Glass Reflections, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI - 1999
Invitational Glass Exhibitions, Art Resources Gallery, Edina, MN - 1997, 1999, 2000
Two Person Exhibits, Componere Gallery, St. Louis, MO - 1994 through present
Color Transparency, JCCA Art Gallery, St. Louis, MO - 1995
Works in Glass Invitational, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Galesburg, IL - 1995
Faculty Exhibition, Washington University, St. Louis, MO - 1992 & 1994
M.F.A. Thesis Show, Washington University, St. Louis, MO - 1990
Graduate Show, MOSSA, St. Louis, MO - 1989
Collections
The Mensch Glass Studio is represented by galleries across the United States from California to Maine. Their work is in several collections including the Amoco Corporation's. Whether offering small gift items, or one-of-a kind pieces, Ben and Lori pride themselves on fine craftsmanship, dynamic designs and a true devotion to their many customers.
Updated: 2009.07.30
©2009 Compônere, Inc.
Site Design By: RuderGroup
Home •
Artists •
Calendar •
About Us •
Find Us •
Contact Us •
Links
6509 Delmar Blvd • University City • MO 63130 • (314) 721-1181