GALLERY PREVIEWS

Randi Wagner, Conchiglia, or Opalina, glass with pigmentation and silver leaf; 9" x 20" x 10". Rubacuori, acrylic on canvas, 40" x 50". Courtesy Contemporary Southwest Galleries, 123 W. Palace.

Randi Wagner

Contemporary abstract artist Randi Wagner is right on the cutting edge-or shall we say the molten edge-in an exciting new enterprise that translates her bold, fearless paintings into the vivid new language of art glass.

A longtime collector of sculptural glass herself, Wagner is well versed in the exquisite translucence and depth of color made possible in this medium. And two years ago, her bright colors and abstract designs won her the singular opportunity to submit her designs to one of the leading enterprises in Murano art glass, Marco Polo Glass Gallery and Studio near Venice.

Initially,Wagner composed colored "paintings" which then were captured in crystal by the gallery's maestros-among them Walter Furlan, who also worked directly with Picasso in translating many of his designs into glass. Wagner's prototypes were an instant success. She began spending months at a time in Venice, working directly with the studio's masters to produce the unique, limited-edition glass sculptures that so wondrously complement her paintings.

Since she started producing her designs in glass, Wagner's paintings seem to reflect the excitement she has found in the new process. The glass work's intense colors and energy seems to permeate the canvas. Wagner's stunningly complementary paintings and glass sculptures are now displayed at the Marco Polo galleries on Murano and at the Hotel Excelsior on Lido. Her first showing in the U.S., this month in Santa Fe, promises to thrill and captivate.

Contemporary Southwest Galleries. Randi Wagner: Through a Glass Brightly, From Murano to Santa Fe. Jul 8-25; reception Jul 8 5-7. Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30, Sun 11-5. 123 W. Palace. 986-0440.-Jeanette Alt