Glass Art Gallery Teams with Beads at The Genuine Article
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2010
By Sherry Nelson
Betty James Hoppensteadt, Owner, The Genuine Article
Artists enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things. Glass artist Betty James Hoppensteadt, owner of The Genuine Article in downtown Wheaton, is no exception. Her bead studio and workshop consume about half the floor space–with the balance devoted to the display and sale of fine art by prestigious, international artists.
“When I outgrew my home studio, I wanted to make sure I was surrounded by beautiful things,” says Hoppensteadt. Including exceptional glass art and unique sculptures in a gallery atmosphere was a natural step, she says.
One of the most recognizable artists featured is Tim Cotterwill, often called “The Frogman.” Cotterwill, a California artist, specializes in cast bronze, enameled, hand-painted frog sculptures from small pocket-sized creatures to large table-sized centerpieces. Prices range from a hundred dollars into the thousands.
Glass artists David and Jeremiah Lotton are also prominently represented in the gallery. The Lotton “Bride” sculpture (pictured) is designed to reflect ambient light glowing from a radiant bride, adorned with a veil.
Hoppensteadt has also included affordable art in the gallery. The Jean-Pierre Weill glass series of whimsical art is in the $60 range. The artist draws and paints on multiple layers of glass to simulate painting in three dimensions. Born in Paris in 1954, Weill was raised in New York, and now lives in Boston.
Besides running the gallery, Hoppensteadt designs, teaches and creates bead and jewelry art. Classes and workshops are plentiful. Custom designs and private jewelry-making parties are available and noted at the website: BettyJamesStudios.com.
The Genuine Article is at 201 W. Front St., Wheaton. (630) 690-2323
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