Too Much to Do at The Corning Museum of Glass This Fall?

Animals, Motown music and drawing lessons are among the varied offerings at The Corning Museum of Glass this fall. Visitors and area residents can choose to experience them all without breaking the bank - thanks to the new "Free to Rediscover" program which launched at the Museum on September 7, 2004.

Those who visit the Museum after September 7, 2004, can register for the "Free to Rediscover" program when they pay admission. The program allows them to then return for free as often as they wish, until December 31, 2004.

Admission to the Museum is $12 for adults and free for children 17 and under. Those who live in local areas where the zip codes begin with 148, 149 or 169 pay only a $4 admission fee (proof of residency required).

Here is a preview of Museum events through December 31, 2004:

September 7 - October 31
Corning in the Morning
Start the day early. In this freestyle hot glassmaking "performance," glassmakers make spectacular art and demonstrate the intense heat and potential of molten glass. 9:45 a.m. every morning. Included in Museum admission.

September 24
Kids' Night at the Museum
Kids take over the Museum for this after-hours event! Live entertainment by Mrs. McPuppet, gallery hunts and hands-on activities. Admission is free. 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

October 5 - November 13
Draw and Discover
Discover stories behind the Museum's objects while learning some basic drawing techniques. Beginning sketching classes taught by area artists and art teachers use the Museum's unique collection as the subject matter. 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for adults. 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays for children, ages 6-12. No registration required; program is free with Museum admission. Call Kristy Bartenstein at (607) 974-3306 for more information.

Through October 11
Highlights Tours
Daily overview tours highlight aspects of the Museum's collection. The 11:00 a.m. tour on Fridays will focus on the "Beyond Venice: Glass in Venetian Style, 1500-1750" exhibition. Daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

October 21
2300 Degrees: "Motor City in the Crystal City"
Don't miss the first 2300 Degrees of the season! It's a Detroit-themed evening, complete with hot Motown-style music and special glassmaking demonstrations by the Henry Ford museum. Admission is free. 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

October 28
Artist-in-Residence Lecture: Helen Schell
Enjoy a lecture by the Museum's October artist-in-residence. Known primarily for her use of patterns and light in creating or enhancing ritual spaces, Schell has installed her work in cathedrals throughout the UK. At the Museum's Studio, Schell will explore the use of flat glass by making a carpet entirely from glass. Admission is free. Call 607.974.6467 for details. 10:00 a.m. in The Studio Lecture Room.

October 30
Ghosts in the Galleries
Ghosts haunt the Museum's galleries during this spook-tacular event! Tour the galleries (eerily decorated for fun!) and watch the creation of Halloween-themed objects during the Hot Glass Show. Costumes encouraged! Admission is free. 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

November 17
Artist-in-Residence Lecture: Karen Giusti
November artist-in-resident, Karen Giusti, discusses her "Harbinger" series of glass bells that she'll complete at the Studio. Giusti's sculptures have been featured in a number of media outlets, including The New York Times. Admission is free. Call 607.974.6467 for details. 10:00 a.m. in The Studio Lecture Room.

November 18
Opening of "Animals in Glass" Exhibition
Animals are taking over the Museum's West Bridge. Glass portrayals of animals, from ancient times to present, chronicle man's changing attitudes towards animals through the centuries. The exhibit will run through April 24, 2005.

November 26
Day-After-Thanksgiving Sale
Beat the crowds: the doors of the Museum's popular GlassMarket open early with special discounts and featured items. 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

December 4-5
Holiday Open House
Join in a joyous holiday celebration, featuring local musicians, special displays, and hands-on activities. Start each day enjoying a special breakfast with Santa himself! Admission to the Museum is free this weekend. Nominal fee associated with some activities.

December 4-5
The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass: Glass Sale and Open House
Need last-minute ornaments or holiday gifts? Come make your own at The Studio Open House. Form flowers, ornaments, icicles and more - all at specially reduced rates for the weekend. Also, sale of original glass works made by artists who use and support The Studio. 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

December 16
2300 Degrees: Winter Solstice
It may be the shortest day of the year, but that won't stop things from heating up during another 2300 Degrees at The Corning Museum of Glass. The band Entrain returns, along with an evening of lively activity, extraordinary glassmaking, and lots of fun. Admission is free. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Extended through January 2, 2005
"Beyond Venice: Glass in Venetian Style, 1500-1750"
Spectacular 16th, 17th, and 18th-century European glass objects from around the world detail the impact of the Venetian style of glassmaking across Europe during the Renaissance. The exhibition was originally scheduled to close October 17, 2004.

The Corning Museum of Glass (www.cmog.org) is home to the world's most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass. An independent, non- profit, educational institution, the Museum is dedicated to the art, history, science and exhibition of glass. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Children 17 and under receive free admission.