APPRENTICESHIP SUMMARY

This glassblowing apprenticeship pairs mentor Linda Perrin with apprentice Erin Bobo for 100 hours of one-on-one training at Atlantic Art Glass in Ellsworth, Maine. Erin’s goals include developing a personal style by exploring natural influences in form and color through weekly critiques, sketching, and hands-on work in the hot shop. She also seeks to connect with Maine’s vibrant arts community, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and her background in horticulture. Lastly, Erin aims to build a cohesive portfolio for teaching and residency opportunities while refining her technical processes to advance both her artistry and ability to share her craft with others.

MENTOR

Linda Perrin (Ellsworth, ME)

After working with glass artists from coast to coast, Linda Perrin built a glassblowing studio in Maine, in the early 90s. She has created work of all types over the years. She is best known for her regionally inspired decorative blown glass, her architectural installations, and for developing a unique artistic line of jewelry, in which she taught herself a spin on Venetian blown glass bead making techniques. The studio is located in a large brick warehouse in downtown Ellsworth at 25 Pine Street. She has been a glass blowing instructor at the College of the Atlantic, and Haystack Mountain school of Craft. Her work is collected the world over and is in the permanent collection of the Corning Museum of Glass, in New York, and the Venice Glass Museum in Murano Italy.

“I look forward to working with Erin Bobo because she displays a clear passion for glassblowing. Erin’s positive attitude, intermediate skill level along with her willingness to take on challenges makes me excited to help her through this valuable glassblowing apprenticeship opportunity.” – Linda Perrin

APPRENTICE

Erin Bobo (Ellsworth, ME)

Erin grew up outside Acadia National Park finding any chance to explore the outdoors and work with her hands. She studied horticulture and craft arts in Philadelphia, drawing inspiration from the natural landscape and her memories of Maine. Erin’s craft is influenced by her work and love for plants and her experience as a woman navigating a complicated relationship with nature and society. She is interested in combining skills and materials such as wood and metal with glass work, and is excited to continue to expand her skillset. After an enriching experience working with many artists and students in the city setting of Philadelphia, Erin looks forward to connecting more with the unique and rich local arts community of Maine.

“When I wrote to Linda, she was excited to have me join the local glass community. I noticed we share some similar interests and aesthetic goals in glass. I appreciate her small studio style, I notice differences in her technique compared to what I learned at Tyler in a city setting. Her approach allows her to work more independently when necessary, and strategically with an assistant. I hope to learn more about Linda’s technique, specifically in tool use and color application/combination.” – Erin Bobo