Save the glass blower

Dear Editor:

All of us should and need to be deeply troubled by the impending events outlined in last Saturday's article, “Glass blowing:  a dying art?”  The corporate greed that has invaded and taken over our national economic scene is raising its ugly head here in Claremont.  The city should bring all the weight it has to bear upon those responsible for the restructuring of the Old School House site to enable Rhys Williams to continue his work at Cactus Glass Works.

Mr. Williams is a local and national treasure—a dedicated artist who is keeping the unique art of hand blown glass alive and vital.  Not only is Mr. Williams an artist in the truest sense of the word, but he is an individual dedicated to his art and craft and sharing his passion for his work with others.  He has spent countless hours sharing his work and processes with so many of us in Claremont during the past 35 years. 

While we have numerous art-viewing opportunities in Claremont, there are no real opportunities to watch a true artist at work.  By separating the studio of Mr. Williams from his gallery space, we are witnessing true disregard for the opportunity to honor greatness amongst us.  The April 19th article quotes the developer, Mr. Wu, as saying that the decision to move Mr. Williams's studio  “. . . was consensual between the two parties.”  Are we actually supposed to believe that Mr. Williams would be moving his beloved work space after 35 years if not forced to do so?  I don’t think that I overstate things when I say to Mr. Wu that this decision does not bode well for your success at this historical Claremont site.  Your blatant disregard for the culture of this community will not serve you well. 

I implore you to rethink this misguided decision and seek a solution that serves your business interests, the needs of our beloved artist and friend Mr. Williams, and our larger community.  I also implore all of us concerned about this situation to make your voices heard before it is too late.

Kenneth Johnson
Claremont