Molly Stone in the Cohn-Stone pumpkin patch

A guest post from Artful Home CEO Lisa Bayne

It has been interesting and exciting to watch the “Slow Food” movement growing within the United States. The desire for consumers to know the source of their food – where it was grown, and who produced it – is gaining ground. With this awareness in mind, I think it is exciting to get to know the origin of the artwork I am attracted to – who are the artists, where do they live, what inspires them. For the next two weekends, there is an event in Richmond, CA which offers an interesting blend of what I like to think of as “Slow Design,” that is, the chance to meet glass artists who are engaging in the creation of their work and inviting the public in to share their enthusiasm, learn about the work, and have a good time. Specifically, Artful Home artists Michael Cohn and Molly Stone, who were the first artists to create art glass pumpkins, have turned the garden outside their studio into a “pumpkin patch” setting out hundreds of blown-glass pumpkins, squash, fruits, leaves, and other works of glass art in all shapes and sizes for visitors to come and “pick.” Their family-friendly event also features glass-blowing demonstrations, hot apple cider and cookies. If you can’t make it to the West Coast, Molly and Michael also have an installation at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, through Nov. 23. You can also meet the artists through a virtual “Studio Visit” on the Artful Home website where Molly gives the details about how the glass pumpkin patch tradition began.