Skip to main content

Master glass blower holds exhibition at the Timmins Museum

Angelo Rossi is a world-renowned master glass blower. He was born in Murano, Italy, where he learned the art form.

He now lives in Smooth Rock Falls after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of his studio in Niagara Falls.

But he's not letting that stop him from sharing his work and love of glass-blowing with northerners.

A collection of some of his art is now on exhibition at the Timmins Museum.

“He has a million stories about all kinds of people who’ve purchased his glass -- Elton John to Ringo to Al Gore," said Karen Bachmann, curator of the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre.

“His work has been all over the world so for us to be able to host him at the museum is a real treat.”

The opening show Saturday included a rare opportunity for people to learn about him and about the process of making one-of-a-kind pieces from Rossi himself.

“I’ve always been interested in glass blowing. It just seems beautiful and magical and to actually see it upfront … actually something tangible to look at, it’s amazing," said Sue Mason, a Timmins resident who admires glass-blown art.

Rossi is in his late seventies but he said he's not ready to quit sharing his art with others just yet.

“I’ve been working since I was 11 and I’m still good and there’s nobody left," said Rossi.

"There was two more like me but they’re dead so if I can help somebody and make new stuff, you know, I like that.”

Rossi's works are not only for show but are also for sale.

"He brought along a number of pieces that are quite exceptional but are also very affordable for those of us who don’t have Ringo Star’s salary," said Bachmann.

Rossi also donated a replica of a vase to the museum that he made for former U.S. vice-president Al Gore. The museum is selling tickets for $2 each and everyone's name will go in a draw to win the item at the end of the exhibition.

Rossi's glass art will be on display at the museum until June 18. It's free to attend the exhibition. 

o    Download our app to get local alerts on your device

o    Get the latest local updates right to your inbox

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

DEVELOPING

DEVELOPING All sides calling for Speaker Rota to resign, what happens if he does?

Pressure is ramping up for House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota to resign, with all parties now publicly calling for him to 'do the honourable thing,' and vacate the Speaker's chair over his invitation to and the House's subsequent recognition of a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

Ontario businessman loses $38K in cheque-cashing scam

An Ontario businessman says he has to pay about $38,000 after he was the victim of a cheque-cashing scam and failed to immediately report the fraudulent activity to his bank. The businessman says that the reason for the delay is because he doesn't use online banking.

Stay Connected