Up Close and Personal with Glass Artist Josh Simpson

It was standing room only for the Josh Simpson event at the Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, located on Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus on July 16. A coffee reception preceded the event, where guests gathered to hear the internationally renowned glass artist discuss his work and artistic process. Simpson has created glass art for more than four decades and for more than 25 years has been an exhibitor at The American Craft Exposition benefiting The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem at Evanston and Glenbrook Hospitals. Luminous glass spheres encasing kaleidoscopic landscapes, underwater scenes and outer space vistas are one of Josh’s specialties, which he calls his ‘Planets.’

Josh spoke about his craft and the creative process behind it, while entertaining the audience with amusing stories of his experiences as an artist. He spoke in detail about his Infinity Project, which began in 1976 when Josh began leaving his glass globes in sporadic locations across the world for people to find. The project eventually took a more interactive turn, with Josh choosing a different participant each month to receive one of these glass ‘planets,’ and having them hide the objects in a location they saw fit. Since 2000, over 1,700 participants have hidden these globes around the world. Josh also shared stories about some of the craziest locations his planets have been; one traveled inside of a space shuttle, where it was placed by his wife, astronaut Cady Coleman.

Josh Simpson will once again exhibit his work at the upcoming 27th Annual American Craft Exhibition (ACE), taking place from August 26 to 28 at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (2311 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208). ACE is a nationally renowned exhibition and sale of fine craft where attendees can meet the artists behind the work. This show assembles 151 of the country’s finest artists and 10 emerging artists showcasing new achievements in metal, glass, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, fiber decorative, fiber wearable, leather, wood, mixed media and baskets. Presented by The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) at Evanston & Glenbrook Hospitals, ACE is the only volunteer-produced Exposition of its caliber in the country with more than 100 volunteers working year-round to present this amazing show.

ACE returns to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus, Thursday, August 25 with a Collectors’ Hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a Benefit Preview Party from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Funds raised at ACE benefit Ovarian Cancer Research at NorthShore University HealthSystem.

The Show runs throughout the weekend: Friday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, August 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 for a three-day pass. For more information or to make a donation, please visit americancraftexpo.org or call (847) 570-5095.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem:

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 9,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 700+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 75 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity, pediatrics and neurosciences. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the only one in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.